Autism Awareness Month, Community Discussion and events at the Capitol

April 16, 2025


 


April is Autism Awareness Month, on Tuesday, I joined fellow lawmakers as the Lieutenant Governor issued a proclamation recognizing Profound Autism Day at the Capitol.  

According to the CDC in 2023 approximately 26% of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder are affected by Profound Autism which is the most severe form of the condition.

Last month, family members testified at our Human Services Committee into the late hours of the night. The stories they shared were incredibly impactful and heartbreaking, revealing just some of the barriers individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including those with profound autism, face every day. 
 
We must do better. I am a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 7018, which are only first steps to help understand the needs of this population. It will:

  • Help the legislature obtain real data from DDS on the individuals they serve who have profound autism
  • Require greater transparency regarding abuse, neglect and death investigations.

To learn more about The Profound Autism Alliance and its efforts to move legislation and provide support for CT residents visit their website. 
https://www.profoundautism.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/connecticut/
 

Early Childhood Care and Education Community Discussion

Thank you to everyone who came out on Thursday evening to join the local early childhood discussion I hosted. These statewide investments that we have put forward in the legislature prioritize our youngest residents and their families. I am co-sponsor of House Priority Bill 5003 that aims to help families with affordable childcare and HB 5986 that will provide a refundable child tax credit to struggling families.  Each play a critical role in building better systems of support for Connecticut families. 
 
It was great to have so many people from across the shoreline join us and give us feedback on the childcare bills.  Thank you to Ariana and Cat from Branford Early Learning Center for hosting us! And to Selectman Jamie Cosgrove for coming and being engaged in the conversation.
 

Nepali New Year Celebration

I joined our Nepali community for their New Year celebration. Their calendar marks the year 2082.  I felt the Nepali energy, culture, and community spirit at this heartwarming celebration. We have several local members of the community serving as elected officials in Branford. Pictured are (L to R) Neupane Chirin, Gyanu Shrestha, Ram Shrestha, Robin Comey. Photo credit Subash Aryal.
 

Events at the Capitol

Connecticut’s pediatricians have reached a consensus and they are in full support of a Child Tax Credit. This initiative would provide a permanent tax credit of $600 per child, for up to three children, $1,800 annually. This is a meaningful step toward easing the financial burden on our working families.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with a group of students who were a part of CT Students for a Dream, an organization working to empower immigrant youth and immigrant families. They were here in Hartford for Youth Day of Action which brought dozens of high school students from all over the state. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to listen to their stories and discuss what Husky Medicaid access would mean to them. I also heard from the kids about strengthening the TRUST Act which would prevent Connecticut from being drawn into the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts unless required by law or in cases involving serious crimes.
 

Free Cancer Screenings for Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe. The last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

Effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's important to note that legislation is a powerful tool for change, turning hope into action and justice into reality for survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for change. Through the power of legislation, we’re making progress, closing legal gaps, expanding protections, and ensuring survivors have access to resources and support.
 

Community Events
 

Toiletries Drive at the Blackstone Library through Monday, May 12th. Donations can be dropped off in the lower level lobby.  
 

The Short Beach Earth Day clean-up will start at Pardee Park at 8:30 A.M. on April 26th. Bags gloves and trash pickers will be available.  Pardee Park will act as a starting and ending point and the clean up can happen anywhere within the Short Beach area.  Let's protect our waterways habitats and wildlife and keep our land healthy by coming together to clean up Short Beach!