Susan Johnson

Connecticut's general obligation bond outlook was just raised from stable to positive by the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P). This pivotal economic news is due to our historic payments toward our unfunded liabilities, a record rainy day fund and smart investments in the future of our state.

In almost half a year, more than 200 mass shootings have occurred in the United States. It is unthinkable that our country and communities continue to mourn the loss of innocent lives - children, elderly, worshippers, shoppers at supermarkets and malls - to senseless mass shootings.

Applications for the Child Tax Payments that was included as part of a historic $600 million in tax cuts in our 2022 state budget will open June 1, 2022.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is utilizing numerous options to assist families across the state access baby formula during the nationwide shortage. The formula shortage started last fall due to supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was exacerbated in February when Abbott recalled powdered formula manufactured in its Michigan plant and temporarily shuttered it. 

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed SB 350, recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.

We have long championed measures that promote a healthier environment and I am pleased to share that finally, S.B. 4 – a measure that now heads to the governor's desk for signing, is an important step forward in that direction.

Whitewater Partnership Director Jana Butts Roberson joins us for this episode of "Let's Talk About It" to highlight the Partnership's community-minded work. The Whitewater Partnership has inspired community groups from all over our region to donate their time and money to create and clean up this unique downtown whitewater park. This year, Senator Flexer, and Representatives Johnson and Smith secured $500,000 in state bonding to the Whitewater Park to so they continue to improve this beautiful area.

Today, in the House, we passed a historic bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the immediate, intermediate, and long-term needs of the children's mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut, a priority during the 2022 legislative session.