David Michel

In Connecticut, we are on the traditional lands of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegans, the Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Niantic peoples.

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples.

Today, I had the honor of standing against domestic violence alongside local leaders and some members of the Stamford legislative delegation. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I'm proud to see Stamford and Connecticut leaders take action to disrupt the cycle of violence. 

An additional $1 billion boost in federal funding to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), allowing for more households to receive the benefit in the state, has been allocated as part of an emergency supplemental aid package recently approved by Congress.

Did you know that an estimated 3,550 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? While anyone is at risk of developing breast cancer, it is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American women, except for skin cancers. In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

As too many families know, the overdose epidemic has had a devastating impact on this nation – reaching large cities, small towns, tribal lands, and every community in between. Yesterday, The White House announced that the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), awarded nearly $1.5 billion to support states, tribal lands, and territories’ efforts to address the opioid crisis and support individuals in recovery.

This week, the annual crime statistics report that compiles data on crimes reported to state law enforcement agencies was released, and it shows violent and property crimes are down from the previous year, which preserves Connecticut's status as one of the safest states in the country.

This weekend, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect on October 1. These laws are a result of my colleagues' hard work during the 2022 session.

This is reminder that if you or someone you know is elderly or disabled and currently renting housing, the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program deadline to apply is fast approaching.