Stand Up for Science Rally, Read Across America and Happy Holi

March 13, 2025


 
 
There have been a lot of important events going on in the last week.  It was so much fun taking part in Read Across America where I read to local elementary students.  I also attended a frank discussion on the Future of Democracy with the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden and I spoke at the Stand Up For Science Rally at the Capitol, scroll below to listen to what I had to say.  
 
I’ve been working on a law, HB 7219, that codifies Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 into our state statutes. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and ensures any program that receives federal dollars to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations. 
 
 
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), is one of the federal government’s largest enforcers of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, investigating thousands of allegations of discrimination each year in educational settings. Seven out of twelve offices in the country have been closed, including the one in Boston that Connecticut families would file with.
 
I’m working hard to protect your rights. 
 
There will be a public hearing on this bill and others on Wednesday, March 19th at 10:00 A.M. Please consider testifying online, in person or in writing https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/eddata/pha/pdf/2025pha00319-r001000ed-pha.pdf.
 
 
The Future of Democracy with the U.S. Ambassador of Sweden
On Tuesday evening I attended an extremely thought provoking event held by the World Affairs Council Connecticut.  “The Future of Democracy with the Ambassador of Sweden to the United States” delivered a global perspective on Europe - US - Asia relations. The message was clear. Russia is a danger to peace and prosperity for all.  
 
 
Stand Up For Science Rally
 
 
Friday I spoke at the Stand Up for Science Rally because I am deeply concerned about the assault on innovation in this country. We are seeing the reckless dismantling of research that our country’s history is built on. There is a complete disregard for the role science plays in discovering groundbreaking and lifesaving advancements that make our lives better.
 
Their goal is to undermine public trust in our institutions, attacking the very foundations of democracy.
 
Very simply Trump and his administration have turned their backs on facts.
 
 
Read Across America at the Sliney School
Last week’s visit to Sliney Elementary School for Read Across America was a blast!  I read We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins to Mrs. Spaar’s Kindergarten classroom. Both my kids had Mrs. Spaar so it was special to visit the classroom and wear the Royal Reader crown. Little has changed in the 15 years since I’ve been in that seat and I’m still as committed to early literacy today, as I was back then.
 
 
Community Listening Session
On March 22nd from 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. I invite you to join me at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main Street, Branford for a Community Listening Session.  

This is a great opportunity to share your concerns and learn more about the work I am doing to address the issues that matter most to our community and state. 

Your voice is important and I want to hear from you!


 
 
Community Events
 
I’m looking forward to joining the Society of Nepalese in America for Holi, the Spring Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. Holi signifies the the triumph of good over evil and it celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. 
 
 
St. Patricks's Day 2024
 
Hope to see you at the 2025 New Haven St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 16th at 1:30 P.M. This 183 year tradition draws over 300,000 attendees and has been recognized by the Library of Congress as an outstanding example of American folklife. 
 
 
 
Click here for ticket information.  
 
 
Join Reading and Dyslexia Specialist Elise Bohner on Saturday, March 15th at 2:00 P.M. at the Blackstone Library for a workshop about how the young brain learns how to read.

Learn how to integrate games and activities that will strengthen foundational reading skills necessary for reading success with young learners.