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Dear Neighbor,
I joined Lt. Gov. Susan Bysciewicz, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, and Reps. Eleni Kavros DeGraw and Kate Farrar, among others on the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, for LiveGirl Day at the Capitol on Tuesday.
LiveGirl is a Connecticut-based, leadership nonprofit that works to have more young women engage in career readiness training, mental health support and empowerment, and develop skills to run for public office. |
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Increased participation from women is crucial, as it leads to a more diverse focus on important issues such as child care, and reducing the gender pay gap.
I was thrilled to join my sisters this week and look forward to working with the next generation of women leaders. |
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The Progressive Caucus met Wednesday with former presidential candidate/former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and Gov. Ned Lamont, about the Progressive Caucus’ priorities, which include the following:
- fare-free transit for students and veterans;
- a permanent refundable child tax credit per child for 75% of Connecticut families with children;
- universal school meals to support Connecticut families as the economy is deliberately tanking under the president’s nonsensical tariff war with our trade partners;
- raising rates for nonprofit service providers;
- raising rates for Medicaid providers, which haven't been raised since 2008;
- and protecting our most vulnerable community members from the harm threatened by these reckless federal policies.
These are all reasonable and attainable policies. I hope they make their way through the full legislature as the session progresses.
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I joined members of SEIU 1199 at a press conference calling for safe staff ratios at hospitals, adequate funding for health care in the budget, increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates, nonprofit services funding hikes, and raises for direct care workers.
We refuse to pit one workforce sector against another. Instead, it's time to recognize that we've consistently underfunded ALL of those services. It's now time to take bold steps to protect the state's most vulnerable residents and the workforce that cares for them. This is why we need to implement tax fairness, like a permanent, refundable child tax credit, -- not tax cuts -- for corporations and the wealthiest people in the country.
I am proud to support the Finance, Revenue and Bonding proposal that does just that, voted favorably out of committee yesterday. |
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| Following a legislative panel discussion, I had a listening session with those most impacted by underfunding in the nonprofit services sector at the Stratford Library last week. |
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I joined more than 50 high school students at the State Capitol on Earth Day, April 22, for a day of hope, advocacy training, and climate action. Organized by Sunrise Movement Connecticut and Save the Sound, the event gave young people a platform to have their voices heard in the legislative process. The event included a press conference, advocacy training, and time for participants to meet with legislators.
The urgency of these young climate ambassadors demonstrates that they keenly understand what’s up, and what’s at stake. I welcome their leadership with enthusiasm.
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| Easton Watershed Cleanup Rescheduled |
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Due to the inclement weather forecast for this Saturday, Connecticut Clean Communities has rescheduled the watershed cleanup from April 26 to Sunday, April 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Easton Public Library.
Supplies and materials will be provided.
Register on CT Clean Communities website at www.ctclean.org. |
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Easton Pride is hosting an art contest to celebrate and amplify LGBTQ+ voices. The theme is to show your pride, belonging, and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Easton.
The winning design will be featured on T-shirts or lawn signs throughout Easton. The winner will also receive a $100 cash prize and a free shirt with their design.
All ages and art forms are welcome; the deadline for submissions is April 30. Details can be found here. |
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| Easton Safe Driving Classes |
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The Easton Senior Center has partnered with the AARP in scheduling four safe driving classes: Friday, April 25; Friday, July 18; Friday, Sept. 12; and Friday, Nov. 7.
All classes are from 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The cost is $24 for members and $25 for non-members. Sign up for the class you are interested in.
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| Easton Troop 66 to Celebrate a Century |
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Easton Boy Scout Troop 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Jesse Lee Church, 25 Flat Rock Road.
Dinner will be served after the ceremony. All members of the public are welcome.
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| Redding Annual Cleanup Day |
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Redding’s Annual Cleanup Day is May 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the Town Green to clear away the litter and winter debris from town roads and historic cemeteries.
Details below. |
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| Easton Police Chief to Retire |
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Chief Richard Doyle, who has served nearly 40 years with the Easton Police Department, including five as chief, is retiring on June 25. He will be replaced by current Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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