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Celebrating Avon Director of Police Jim Rio
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Yesterday I was pleased to join the Avon Police Department to celebrate Director of Police Jim Rio, who is retiring. Jim has served our community with dedication and integrity, especially during a time of significant challenges over the last 2.5 years. It was lovely to see so many officers turn out to celebrate him. When you have the respect of the people you lead, it says a lot about the kind of leader you are.
Congratulations to a truly public service-minded gentleman and I hope you get a much-deserved rest. |
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Recognizing Avon's Newest Eagle Scouts
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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of celebrating 7 new Eagle Scouts with Boy Scout Troop 274 in Avon! Each of these ceremonies is special and this one was incredibly moving (I don’t think it left a dry eye in the church). These young men and their stories of perseverance through adversity are truly inspiring.
Congratulations to Ian Paul Anderson, Seth Robert Donlin, Sean Rylan Conner Frost, Nils Padraig Jerger, Thomas Robert McCue, Jack Manuel O’Donnell, and Andrew James Rock. Wherever they go, I hope they continue to inspire others and find ways to help their community. |
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Children's Mental Health Bills Signed Into Law
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In February, at the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, I stood beside my legislative colleagues and committed to addressing our children's mental and behavioral health needs.
I'm pleased to share that we delivered on our commitment. Last week, three transformative pieces of legislation were signed into law so that our children can access the care they need to be their best, authentic selves. |
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The three laws, which include SB 1, SB 2, and HB 5001, take critical steps to strengthen our state's mental and behavioral health system, which experienced unprecedented strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. These laws, in combination with the historic budget adjustment bill, will:
- Expand 24/7 emergency mental health response and create walk-ins for mental health emergencies
- Address shortages of mental health staff in our schools by offering grants to local schools to hire social workers, counselors, and psychologists
- Provide mental health training to parents, students, and pediatricians
- Expand school-based health centers to develop mental health programming
- Create a state oversight and coordination of a state response to kids' mental health needs
It is more important than ever for us to invest in mental health. As state legislatures across the country cut funding for these vital services, in Connecticut, we're choosing to make critical investments in the health of our children and our state's future.
If you would like to learn more about these bills, Connecticut Children's will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. During this virtual event, you will learn more about the legislation we passed this session to address children's behavioral health and what it means for kids and families. You can learn more about this event and register here. |
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June is Immigrant Heritage Month |
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June is Immigrant Heritage Month, which celebrates the rich diversity and heritage of our communities, state, and country. Immigrant Heritage Month has been recognized since June 2014 and gives us all the opportunity to explore and reflect on our heritage and how each and every one of us contributes to the rich tapestry that is America. Our country is a nation of immigrants whose contributions and sacrifices have fueled our economy and advancements in every profession. This month, and every month, let's celebrate the immigrant experience and how diversity makes our communities stronger. |
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Scenic boat rides, farm animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours are just a few of the great activities Connecticut residents and families can enjoy this Saturday as part of Connecticut Open House Day. More than 200 tourism attractions across our state are participating in Open House Day, which celebrates Connecticut's vast array of history, art, culture, nature, and adventure experiences. In our neck of Hartford County, you'll find free admission to the Canton Historical Museum and 10% off for certain on-site rentals at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak. You can learn more about Open House Day and find all the participating organizations here. |
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Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative |
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