State Capitol Update from Rep. Figueroa

May 12, 2023

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Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are well.

Another week of work in the legislature is complete, and we are one step closer to the end of the legislative session.

Below I have provided a legislative update.

If you have any questions or comments about any policy or the legislative process you can email me.

Have a great weekend!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.

If you or someone you know is mentally struggling, please know that you are not alone and no-cost help is available by phone, when and if it's needed.

Crisis Hotlines Save Lives

Maternal Mental Health Hotline - 1-833-943-5746
Native Crisis Text Line (American Indians and Alaska Natives) - Text "Native" to 741741
LGBTQI+ Youth Support - 9-8-8, then press 3 when prompted
Specialized Crisis Support for Spanish Speakers - 9-8-8, then press 2 when prompted
You can also call 2-1-1 for assistance

Mental Health America (and its state branch Mental Health Connecticut) invites you to "Look Around, Look Within." Your surroundings say a lot about your mental health. From neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health conditions.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being and those around you. To learn more, visit

mhanational.org/may.

In 2022, the Connecticut legislature passed three transformative mental health measures.

The three laws – HB 5001, SB 1, and SB 2 – strengthen Connecticut's mental and behavioral health system, which experienced unprecedented strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. These laws:

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 that we continue to invest in mental health. As state legislatures across the country cut funding for these vital services, in Connecticut, we chose to make critical investments in mental health for our state’s future.

House Passes Resolution Approving Constitutional Amendment to
Allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting

The House of Representatives passed HJ 1 on Wednesday, which means you will get to decide if we amend the state constitution to allow no-excuse absentee voting.

Connecticut's rules for absentee voting are among the most restrictive in the U.S. and are enshrined in its constitution. A constitutional amendment is required to remove restrictions on absentee voting.

Absentee voting works, which we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effective and safe manner.

Voting is a fundamental American right. Eligible voters in Connecticut should have the freedom to choose how they vote whether it’s in-person on Election Day, in-person for two weeks prior to Election Day, which just passed the House last week, or by absentee ballot without needing to provide an excuse.

Legislation Passed in The House

The House approved pro-consumer legislation in HB 6614…Gas stations that offer cash discounts should offer the same discount if you pay with a debit card.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06614&which_year=2023

HB6590 makes it easier for families to get access to the childcare they need.

http://cgalites/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2023&bill_num=6590

Endometriosis is an under-studied disease impacting 1-in-10 women in CT. The House passed HB6672 to create the Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program and associated endometriosis research lab. I was proud to be part of the Endometriosis Working Group, which began in September of 2021, and overjoyed to see this important legislation pass.

I want to say to the sufferers of this horrible disease who shared their stories and their pain with us, we heard you. Your willingness to share your experiences shaped this bill, and will change many lives for the better. Thank you.

http://cgalites/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2023&bill_num=6672

Putting elections in the hands of the Constitutional office that manages elections makes sense. This bill designates the Secretary of the State as the state official responsible for certifying presidential electors.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06823&which_year=2023