Human Trafficking Event summary

January 30, 2025

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Dear Neighbor,

 

It has been a very busy week not only at the Capitol but in our community.  The legislature is in session and committee meetings are in full swing.  

There is plenty to get to in the email below, keep scrolling for more on: 
  • Human Trafficking Prevention Month
  • BIOCT 2025
  • Session in Full Swing
  • Association of Retired Teachers of CT
  • Committee Hearings
  • Happy Year of the Snake!
  • Office Hours Coming
 
Human Trafficking Prevention Month
I’m grateful to have joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Rep. Moira Rader to raise awareness of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which is in January.  

Child trafficking is of grave concern, and our kids are especially vulnerable online. I urge you to reconsider any of your common myths and stereotypes about sex trafficking. It’s not just children in danger, either. Adults and labor trafficking is also present in every corner of our state. 
 
I joined a team that included Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin,  State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford Sharmese Walcott, FBI Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joe Altimari, Beth Hamilton (CT Alliance to End Sexual Violence), Krystal Rich (CT Children’s Alliance), and Erin Williamson (Love 146) for a press conference.


 
Additionally, I hosted a Roundtable on Human Trafficking at the Blackstone Library last weekend. I invited John “Jack” Doyle, New Haven State’s Attorney, Ken Mysogland from the Department of Children and Families, Tamarra Clark of Love146, and Lori Blackburn and Amy Hayashida from the Underground New England to raise more awareness on this topic.

All of these organizations provide training to anyone from schools to church groups to organizations. We spoke in depth about the persistent dangers and manipulation that occurs in online forums and gaming platforms.
 
Together we can put an end to this exploitation. To read more about the Human Trafficking-Related Legislation over the past five sessions visit here. You can also visit the state’s website , which provides helpful information on red flags and prevention tools.  Thank you to all who came out for this enlightening and frightening conversation.


 
 
BioCT 2025
As part of the Bio-Science Caucus, I joined my colleagues and the governor at Alexion Pharmaceuticals for BioCT’s flagship annual event. Their goal is to bring together life science executives with key legislators. This industry moves very fast and Branford is home to a dozen or more mid-size and start-up life science companies. They are investing in cutting edge research and bringing many advanced healthcare treatments for patients.

Rep. Laurie Sweet of Hamden’s 91st District and I learned more about the companies working in the region.


 
 
In Session!
On Wednesday we were in the house chamber, voting on judges. It was exciting to get back to work on behalf of Branford. In addition to these important votes, I’ve attended a couple of events highlighting our priorities this session. We are focused on special education, childcare, and investing in the CT Nutrition Assistance Program, proposed bill HB 5831 which would provide funding for CT Foodshare to purchase food at discounted rates for our local food pantries.
 
 
ARTCT
 
I also spoke with members from the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTCT) about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). This federal loophole reduced Social Security benefits for retired teachers and other public sector workers in Connecticut.
The good news is the Social Security Fairness Act eliminated the WEP on January 5, 2025. This change in Social Security benefits applies to certain types of workers, including teachers. If you fall under this qualification, or have a deceased spouse that participated in Social Security and had previously been excluded from these benefits, please contact Social Security here.
 
 
Education Committee
Finally, the Education Committee held an informational meeting on the Regional Educational Service Centers (RESC). They support CT public schools by delivering a variety of educational resources and services that our communities couldn’t otherwise afford. I connected with them about paraprofessional training, early childhood education and transportation support, all issues of importance to Branford Public Schools.
 
 
Happy Year of the Snake!
 
It's Lunarfest 2025, Year of the Snake.

Join us Saturday, February 1st at 10:00A.M. on Whitney Avenue to ring in the Lunar New Year with a lion dance parade. It will be followed by workshops, performances, and more!

Lunarfest is Connecticut’s largest annual Lunar New Year celebration. Featuring a traditional lion dance troupe, local artists, and local organizations, the annual festivities are full of learning, culture, arts, and fun.

Click Here for a full schedule of events.


 
 
Office Hours Coming
I want to hear from you on the issues that matter most to Branford. I will schedule Saturday office hours soon, and I hope you will come out for them. I do my best work when I have in-person conversation with the community. I vow to be your voice at the State Capitol.