Your Views Matter

January 24, 2020

I do my job best when I have feedback from you. Your views matter, and our political process is stronger, when you share them with your Representative so I can carry your ideas to the capitol.I encourage residents to attend or to reach out to schedule a phone call or alternate time to meet if you wish to connect personally on any legislative or community matter.

These events are part of my legislative open hours for the public hosted twice each month.

IN THE NEWS: WATERBURY TRAIN LINE

The Waterbury Train Line is critical to the economic development of Ansonia, Derby, and cities and towns up and down the valley.

In my year in office I have formally met with the DOT commissioner twice, testified before the Transportation Committee in the legislature, coordinated testimony from other key officials, participated in numerous additional meetings and forums advocating for increased Waterbury Line rail service, and worked to coordinate efforts amongst legislators representing communities all along the Waterbury Line. This article is worth a full read.

While the passing sidings and positive train control are scheduled to be completed by mid-2021 (they are currently being built) and federal testing of the signal system is scheduled to be completed by mid-2022, we need a firm commitment and timeline on train procurement and supplemental leasing of trains for our line in the interim.

(Photo credit Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media)

HEALTH CARE REFORM AGENDA

Democratic leaders have unveiled their health care reform agenda for the upcoming state legislative session. It includes capping insulin prices, limiting the cost of other prescription drugs, extending certain insurance coverage to people aged 26 and reviving the public option bill.

OLR MAJOR ISSUES REPORT

Every year, the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) identifies and provides brief descriptions of important issues the General Assembly may face in the upcoming session. This report does not represent staff suggestions or recommendations. The office identifies issues based on interim studies; research requests; non-confidential discussions with legislators, other legislative participants, and executive branch agencies; as well as our general subject matter knowledge.

We also consult with the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) and the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (LCO) when selecting issues. The report is organized according to the committee that has primary jurisdiction over an issue. Because more than one committee may consider aspects of the same issue, descriptions may overlap. Where appropriate, we provide links to OLR reports and other documents that contain additional information.

COMMUNITY TIME WELL SPENT

It was a pleasure to attend a truly meaningful, potent community gathering Monday to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Macedonia Baptist Church.

I want to thank the members of the community who came together on this important day. I also want to thank the faith leaders for truly stirring speeches regarding Dr. King’s work and the role each of us must play, every day, in keeping the movement and way he taught us alive.

ON THE MOVE

Community leaders from across the Valley, affordable housing experts, and leaders from across the state came together for TEAM, Inc.’s Housing Forum last week. I was happy to be there.

A special thank you to the staff at Team and the presenters for fostering a productive morning of discussion about housing, solutions that work, and resources available to address this pressing issue.​

Helping Hospitals, Patients and Taxpayers

I also joined representatives of the Connecticut Hospital Association, elected officials, and members of Governor Lamont's administration at the bill signing of the settlement agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Connecticut Hospital Association. This bipartisan legislation, which I enthusiastically supported, creates a positive resolution to litigation that could have cost hospitals, patients, the state, and taxpayers far too much money. This settlement helps our hospitals, helps patients, and helps our state.