Travis Simms

Committee work has begun for the session at the State Capitol. I proudly serve on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Transportation committees. 

The Appropriations Committee oversees expenditures and the budgets of state agencies, as well as matters relating to state employees' salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers' retirement and veterans' pensions, and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees. 

The Joint Committee on Judiciary handles anything related to our court system and the laws that govern it.  That includes oversight of the Judicial Department, the Department of Correction, and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The committee works on matters involving our courts and judges, criminal law, and legal procedures. We also review issues related to probation, parole, divorce, adoption, wills and estates, and even how land records and important public documents are preserved.

The Transportation Committee oversees the Department of Transportation, including highways and bridges, navigation, aeronautics, mass transit and railroads; and to the State Traffic Commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I will provide updates on my committee work, as well as let you know when public hearings are taking place.

The schedule for my committee work next week is as follows:

Appropriations

• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard.