I introduced a measure, HB 5119 to make feminine hygiene products exempt from the state sales tax. Taxing tampons and menstrual pads is not only a gender biased injustice, but doesn’t make sense. How is it that these essential items, purchased by half of the population, are not considered a necessity? We have to stop penalizing females. I am adding my voice to the many women who have decried this disparity, particularly women with limited means who are disproportionately impacted by this tax!

Joe Gresko, the newly elected state representative for the 121^st District of Stratford, outlined his plans and goals for the 2016 legislative session in an interview with The Courant.

The plan to tear down and rebuild Q House today received a shot in the arm – state funding...the State Bond Commission has approved $14.5 million in state funding for the project. Q House is an important community institution. There has been a hole in the Dixwell neighborhood since Q House closed more than 10 years ago.

I wanted to make sure you were aware of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert this weekend at Davis Street School. This extraordinary, kid-friendly, performance is free!

Mountain Dairy Farms, which has been run by ten generations of the Stearns family, conveyed the farm’s development rights to the state. More than 82 acres of the 243-year-old farm will be permanently protected and will be forever available for agricultural production under the state’s Farmland Preservation Program.

Late last week, Sen. Mae Flexer, Rep. Susan Johnson and I held a press conference outside Windham Hospital alongside current and former hospital employees protesting Hartford Healthcare’s proposed service and position cuts at our own Windham Hospital.