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We are speeding our way through this session, with deadlines coming up for some committees as early as next week. Public hearings and committee meetings continue, as well as opportunities to meet with constituents. Please know that if I can be of help to you, feel free to reach out to my office.
This newsletter includes:
- Public Hearings the Week of March 11
- Child Nutrition - A Legislative Priority
- Around the LOB
- Food Insecurity Day 2024
- March is Women's History Month
- Spring Ahead This Weekend
- Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce/DOL/NW Regional Workforce Investment Board Hiring Event
- Empty Bowls 2024
- Torrington Historical Society, Town of Torrington to Host Community Forum on New History Education Center
- S.M.A.R.T. Presentation for Parents
- Torrington Police Department Sets Entry-Level Exam Date
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| Public Hearings the Week of March 11 |
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| Here's the schedule of public hearings being held the week of March 11. Please remember that you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
You can register to testify and find more details on public hearings, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. Access the Bulletin HERE. |
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| Child Nutrition is a Top Priority This Session |
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| I am thrilled to share exciting news about my commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our community’s families and children. In response to the vital need for improved childhood nutrition, we are working on crafting comprehensive legislation that ensures mothers and children who are eligible for federal benefits are enrolled in these programs with ease and confidence.
WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children) enrollment in Connecticut is among the lowest in the country at 46%. Not maximizing participation in this program is resulting in worse outcomes for the health and nutrition of young children.
Child nutrition is important for many reasons including:
- Strengthening the child's immune system
- Providing essential vitamins and minerals
- Enhancing brain development
- Encouraging physical growth
- Setting the stage for healthy eating habits for a lifetime
Healthy nutrition is also tied to preventing chronic disease, improving mental health, and helping build strong bones and teeth.
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| As this priority bill moves through the legislative process, I urge you to show your support as we move forward. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youngest community members. |
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| I was happy to work alongside former Michigan legislator Kate Segal on public health bills that would benefit us here in Connecticut. |
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On Wednesday, my schedule included:
- 1 committee meeting (Education Committee)
- 2 public hearings (Public Health and Education committees)
- Seeing 2 of Torrington’s firefighters testifying in another hearing
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| As you know, I'm a member of the Human Services Committee (and I'm on the Advisory Board for the Blind-Deaf-and Hard of Hearing). Human Services held a public hearing on Thursday. We started at 11 a.m. and had 99 people signed up to testify. Harvey and John both testified on HB 5241 "An Act Establishing a Bureau Coordinating Services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind Persons."
A huge shout-out to the interpreters who were with us and all those who shared their stories with us. |
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| On Thursday, I stood with fellow legislators and Speaker Matthew Ritter for a press conference on a comprehensive bill on aging. It's one of the top priorities for the House Democratic Caucus. |
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| Food Insecurity Day in Hartford |
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| And speaking of Friendly Hands Food Bank, I'm proud to be a member of FHFB's Board of Directors. Here we are at a recent board meeting. |
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| March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the vital role women have played in American history. It’s also a time to celebrate their achievements and learn more about their contributions. This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which recognizes women throughout the country who believe a positive future can only be achieved by eliminating bias and discrimination from our society. |
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Connecticut has a long history of female pioneers who brought progress to our state and the rest of the country. Women in our state have consistently risen to positions of leadership within the political landscape, showcasing their outstanding abilities and commitment to public service.
- We are home to the first boarding school for women of color, which opened in 1831 in Canterbury.
- Helen Keller was one of Connecticut’s most influential women for her fierce support and advocacy of women’s suffrage, legalization of birth control, and benefits for people with disabilities.
- Ella T. Grasso was the first woman elected Floor Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly, the first woman to chair the Democratic State Platform Committee, and the first woman in the U.S. to be elected governor.
- Antonia “Ann” Uccello was the first woman in Connecticut to be elected mayor of a municipality, and she was the only woman to head a major U.S. city during the Civil Rights era.
- Today, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro continues to break barriers.
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| Our tireless advocacy is far from complete. We have several priorities in the 2024 legislative session that directly impact women daily.
Let's celebrate Women's History and the remarkable women in our own lives each and every day! |
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| Spring Ahead This Weekend |
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| Before you go to bed on Saturday night, make sure you move your clocks ahead one hour (your cell phone should take care of itself, but don't forget those pesky kitchen clocks, car stereo clocks, etc.) We'll lose an hour of sleep but gain more light later in the evening to enjoy outdoor activities. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. |
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| American Job Centers Hiring Event |
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| Come dressed for success with your resume and join the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce for this great opportunity in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Labor and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board.
It happens March 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce at 59 Field Street, Suite 120. |
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| Torrington Community Forum for the New History Education Center |
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| The Torrington Historical Society, in conjunction with the Town of Torrington, is pleased to announce that the highly regarded architectural firm Mark Cavagnero Associates has been selected to design the forthcoming History Education Center at the Torrington Historical Society. Mark Cavagnero is a renowned architect who was born and raised in Torrington. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1975 and established Mark Cavagnero Associates, an architecture firm in San Francisco, California, in 1988. He has gained recognition for his exceptional work in architecture.
The History Education Center will solve a critical need for a climate-controlled museum and archival storage. It will create an accessible research library and new spaces for expanded programs, exhibits, and events. The center will enhance the Torrington Cultural District and make Torrington proud of its heritage! Torrington residents are invited to attend a community forum where we can discuss the project details and gather public interest.
The project will include a state-of-the-art addition to the Hotchkiss-Flyer Carriage House and a complete interior renovation of the historic Carriage House. |
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| S.M.A.R.T. Presentation for Parents |
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| Torrington parents, mark you calendars. Internet Safety Concepts will hold a parent presentation on "S.M.A.R.T." (Social Media and Responsible Technology) on April 8, 6 p.m., at Torrington High School. |
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| Torrington Police Department Entry-Level Exam Date Set |
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| Torrington Police Department is looking to hire entry-level police officers. The exam date has been set for April 27. Applications can be emailed to HR@torringtonct.org OR can be dropped off at the Personnel Department. A $25 bank check or money order made out to 'The City of Torrington' must be submitted to the Personnel Department located at 140 Main Street on the 2nd floor.
The application can be found HERE. Click HERE to register for a CHIP agility/physical fitness test.
Any questions can be directed to Officer Nicole Santiago, nsantiago@torringtonpd.org |
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