Start of New Legislative Session

February 9, 2024


It was a pleasure to return to the State Capitol with all my friends and colleagues for the start of the 2024 legislative session. We have plenty of work to do to help the people of Connecticut, and I'm looking forward to that entire process. Please read below to see our list of priorities and to listen to the governor's speech laying out his goals.

One of those shared priorities is addressing children's mental health with new legislation. Keep scrolling to see how we may tackle that issue head-on.

And, a student from the 114th district won a contest for best fire prevention poster! You have to look below to see her amazing work!

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • State of the Legislative Session
  • Community Forum in Hamden
  • Taking a Closer Look at Children's Mental Health
  • In The News
  • Local Student Wins Best Fire Prevention Poster
  • Hamden Is Looking For Lifeguards
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Start of the Legislative Session
Many of my colleagues wore pink on opening day to support female legislators
There was plenty of positive energy and optimism as the legislative session got underway at the State Capitol on Wednesday. My colleagues and I are working on drafting bills on a wide range of issues that are listed below.
Click on the picture of Governor Ned Lamont to listen to his State of the State Address where he unveiled his priorities for Connecticut.

The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented.
 
Community Forum in Hamden
It was a pleasure to speak at a forum with my legislative colleagues about several topics including taking steps to get more eligible voters to cast a ballot. Thank you to the League of Women Voters for hosted this fantastic event in Hamden. We had an awesome turnout which shows our community’s dedication to democracy.
The forum allowed all of us to openly discuss our priorities and share our vision for the legislative for this legislative session. I look forward to attending more of these events so that I can meet more constituents, hear your perspectives, and bring your voice to Hartford. It is an honor to represent you in our great state.
 
Taking a Closer Look at Children's Mental Health
As a member of the Committee on Children, I will be working with my colleagues to address children’s mental health, child care, foster care, and more issues. The pandemic has challenged our kids in ways we never thought possible. To learn more, please read Ginny Monk’s article in the CT Mirror.
CT children’s committee to look at mental health, summer camps
 
In The News
Milford Orange Times: "Let's Talk About It" 

Yale Daily News: "Connecticut Legislative Session Kicks Off With State of the State"

Orange Town News: "Consultant Presents Traffic Concepts for Part of Fred Wolfe Park"
 
Local Student Wins Best Fire Prevention Poster
Congratulations to Emma Parniawski of Orange who created the best fire prevention poster! She will represent New Haven County in a statewide contest. Great job, Emma and good luck! We are all pulling for you!
 
Hamden Is Looking For Lifeguards
Are you or your kids looking for a job? The Hamden Recreation Department is looking for lifeguards and water safety instructors. Candidates can pick up an application in the Recreation Department at the Hamden Government Center on Dixwell Avenue, Monday - Friday from 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 
CLICK HERE for more information or contact the Recreation Department at
(203) 287-2579 or by email at recreation@hamden.com.
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
The Naugatuck Valley Health District will hold a blood pressure screenings on Tuesday, February 13 from 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. at Derby Senior Center on Main Street. In addition to a blood pressure screening, attendees will receive information on heart health, including exercise and activities, heart healthy recipes, and other general information on heart health.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events. Make sure to check out the button at the bottom of this section to learn about other events.
The Louis Astorino Ice Rink continues to host public skate nights every Friday from 8:15PM to 10PM. Skating is $10, skate rentals are $10, and the snack bar will be open. Both cash and card will be accepted for admission and skate rentals, and only cash will be accepted for the snack bar.
Stop by Miller Memorial Library for a remote presentation on Fortune's Story, which is an exhibit at Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. Fortune was an African American man enslaved in a Connecticut farming community in the 18th century. This is the story of his life, the world he lived in, and what happened to his skeleton after he died. The presentation will take place Saturday February 10 from 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. in the Friends Room.
CLICK HERE to register.
The Town Clerk’s Office of Hamden is offering free marriage ceremonies on Valentine’s Day from 11:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. at Memorial Town Hall on Whitney Avenue. Availability will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage interested couples to contact the Town Clerk's office at (203) 287-7028, townclerk@hamden.com, or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. 
CLICK HERE to reserve your spot!
Miller Memorial Library invites students in grades 7-12 to make Valentine's or Anti-Valentine's Day cards! The free event will take a place from 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. If you have any questions, please call 203-230-3770 or email Teen Librarian Jenny Nicolelli at jnicolelli@hamdenlibrary.org. CLICK HERE to register.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.
Drop by the children’s room at Case Memorial Library to make valentines for someone special! This event will take place on Wednesday, February 14 from 2:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. No registration required, available while supplies last.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
Woodbridge Town Library is inviting children 3+ for crafts on Thursday, February 15 from 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. An adult must accompany any child taking part in this event.
Woodbridge Community Calendar