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Dear Neighbor,
There's a lot to talk about this week on the local, state and federal levels. Unfortunately, at the top of the list is more nonsensical, cruel and damaging cuts continuing to cascade from the federal government.
Gutting the Department of Education has only created chaos and harmed our mission to support all students with quality public education. Our schools, our students, and our communities rely on this funding. With the dismantling of the Dept. of Ed, families in every district will bear the cost of the impact. We need an education system that works for every child.
As reported by the CT Mirror, just days after cutting $155 million in public health aid to Connecticut, President Trump’s administration froze $14 million earmarked for 22 Connecticut school districts.
There's no good reason for such debilitating cuts to our schools.
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Furthermore, I received a message from Samantha Fargione, executive director of the Weston Historical Society, who said on Wednesday her organization received an email from the federal government notifying it that the $25,000 Public Impact Projects for Smaller Organizations it was awarded awarded from the National Endowment for the Humanities had been rescinded.
The grant would have supported Weston at Work: A New Permanent Exhibit Focusing on Industry and Marginalized Groups in Weston. The grant was to cover the printing, production and installation of the exhibit's text panels, banners and labels. The grant was also covering the cost of two object cases for the exhibit.
Again, there is no good reason for this cut other than to enrich President Trump's billionaire cronies through an unnecessary tax cut.
We have to stay engaged, stay active and stay informed. Together, we will weather this assault on our community, our state and our country. |
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| Voices of the Incarcerated |
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On Monday I, along with a number of my legislative colleagues and advocates, participated "Voices of the Incarcerated" at the LOB as part of the advocacy for SB1327, which I co-sponsored.
Earlier in the session, the Department of Corrections declined a request to allow incarcerated people to testify virtually on this legislation that impacts them, as other members of the public are encouraged to do in our legislative process. Monday’s event was organized to give those individuals a voice to their written words. Organizers collected more than 200 written testimonies from people who are incarcerated, with about 15 testimonies selected and read at the event. Please see the readings here.
For my reading, click on the link below. |
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SB1327 would amend the state's sentence modification statute by, among other things:
- Removing the requirement of the consent of the state's attorney for a hearing where there was a plea deal;
- Allow courts to modify sentences below mandatory minimums;
- Reduce the time for refiling applications to two years if a modification request has been denied.
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I was proud to address NASW social work students on Social Work Lobby Day on Monday with my social work caucus sisters.
Now, more than ever, we need people like these students empowered to advocate effectively for policy change for the people we serve, especially those most vulnerable trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, over-carceration, housing insecurity, and abuse. |
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Governor Ned Lamont on Thursday announced 37 Connecticut municipalities, including Easton and Redding, will each receive $8,000 grants to provide maintenance to neglected cemeteries.
Congratulations, Easton and Redding on receiving the grants to maintain our historic cemeteries! This is a big deal for our district! |
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| I joined Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas on Thursday to recognize the tremendous work the Redding poll workers do to keep our elections free and fair, particularly during these extremely troubling times. |
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| Sexual Assault Awareness Month |
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Legislation is a powerful tool for change, turning hope into action and justice into reality for survivors of sexual violence. ️
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 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.
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| Distracted Driving Awareness Month |
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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the CTDOT is taking a stand with the launch of a statewide Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to help keep Connecticut roads safe.
In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws for the month of April. |
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Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.
The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:
- If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone
- Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive
- Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life
- Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle
- If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive
Click here for more information on distracted driving prevention.
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The second annual Easton Litter Cleanup at the Easton Reservoir will take place on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 2 p.m. Join me and First Selectman David Bindelglass at the library parking lot, before we go to the reservoir, in honor of Earth Day!
I hope to see you there! |
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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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