Opening Day/Useful Resources

January 8, 2021

The 2021 Legislative Session has officially started, and I am honored to have been sworn in to serve my first legislative term as the State Representative for the 132nd House District, serving Fairfield and Southport.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our official "Opening Day" was a little different this year and we held the swearing-in ceremonies outside the State Capitol. 

In contrast with Wednesday's horrific events by domestic terrorists that assaulted and endangered the safety of Capitol Hill's lawmakers, staff, civilians, and law enforcement, our opening day was held without incident, as local peaceful protestors voiced their concerns and opinions. What we watched in disbelief along with the entire world is heartbreaking, despicable, and unamerican.

For this term, I have been appointed to serve on the Aging, Commerce and Education Committees. I am eager to get to work with my colleagues to find solutions to the many challenges we face - both related to the urgency of COVID and beyond, to move our state forward.

I look forward to utilizing my professional experience working on education policy, school administration, and special education on the Education Committee as we work to address the priorities for all students in the state.
 
In addition to my education focus, some of my immediate legislative priorities include strengthening the local and state's economy by both attracting new business and helping our existing businesses prosper as well as ensuring our state is an affordable and safe place for seniors.

I would also like to share a few useful resources that will help constituents keep track of bills, debates and general information about meetings, public hearings and opportunities to testify on issues and everything happening at the State Capitol:

 
  • The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research recently published the 2021 Major Issues report, which summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session.
  • Go to the CGA website to view the General Assembly's schedule of events.
  • Follow CTN for live coverage of committee meetings and House and Senate floor debates.
  • Visit this website to register as a bill tracking user to track any bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.  Once you are logged in, you will be able to enter the bill number into the system. Whenever the bill's status changes, you will receive an email informing you of this change.
  • OpenConnecticut allows residents to track state government’s spending in real time and is operated by the Comptroller's office.

And lastly, today is a new day with a new hope and a perfect opportunity to begin the work to rebuild and unite. I want to challenge us all to take action and take part in the National Day of Service on January 18th in honor of Dr. MLK.

Let's work together as a community in service to the Covid-19 relief efforts in our community and address challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, such as poverty, hunger, racial injustice, homelessness, and educational disparities.