Fight To Ban Ivory Sales, Ending Childhood Hunger, and New CT Job Portal

January 26, 2024


A new, undercover investigation proves that Connecticut is a fertile ground for smuggled ivory. Please keep scrolling to learn more about what investigators uncovered and why it's imperative to ban ivory sales immediately.

Right now, children in many public schools have access to free meals in the cafeteria. That funding will run out at the end of this academic year. I'll explain why it's so important to extend the program.

The state just made it easier for anyone looking for a job in Connecticut. Please keep reading to learn about the new jobs portal and how it works! 

Here are the sections in today's email:

    • Calling For a Ban On Intrastate Ivory Sales
    • Pushing For Continued Free School Meals
    • Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers
     
    Calling For a Ban On Intrastate Ivory Sales
    I pledge to work with the Animal Advocacy Caucus to introduce and advocate for a bill banning the trade of ivory sourced from elephants and other wildlife following the results of a disturbing undercover investigation in the state.

    The Humane Society of the United States uncovered that ivory from elephants, that may have been recently poached, was found for sale across the state without the documentation required under federal law. Investigators found more than 160 items suspected to be carved from ivory for sale at 19 stores in Connecticut.
    According to federal law, it is illegal to import, export, or sell ivory across state lines but not within states. We want to eliminate that loophole by banning the sale of ivory, rhino horns, and other animals. New legislation would make it easier for police to investigate the origins of items for sale and ensure that Connecticut is not a safe haven for the illegal ivory trade and other wildlife trafficking.
     
    Elephant populations continue to dwindle due to poaching, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade. This despicable activity is causing the unnecessary and inhumane death of magnificent creatures in the wild. Some elephant species are endangered, and extinction is not worth a trinket from your local store.
     
    I commend the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International for their work to uncover this issue in our neighborhoods. It is now up to lawmakers to take action to protect these animals, consumers, and vendors.
     
    Click on the image below to watch Wednesday’s press conference and hear from our passionate animal advocates.
     
    Pushing For Continued Free School Meals

    I am joining many elected officials in proposing an extension of free school meals after this school year. Last session, the legislature and Governor appropriated $16 million for schools to serve free breakfast to their students and free lunches to students who qualify for reduced-priced meals. 84 organizations signed a letter to Governor Lamont requesting his continued support for the program in the next budget.

    Children cannot learn when they are hungry. According to “No Kid Hungry,” a national campaign working to solve problem of hunger and poverty, teachers notice the effects of hunger in the classroom.

    • 80% observed the negative impact of hunger on concentration 
    • 76% saw decreased academic performance
    • 62% saw behavioral issues increased
    • 47% noticed children getting sick more often

    My colleagues are gathering sponsors on a bill to continue funding this program. I look forward to continuing these efforts this legislative session to benefit every child in Connecticut.
     
    Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers

    Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.

    Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources. Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:

    • Powerful job search tools
    • Job search tips and personal help
    • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
    • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

    All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with the variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.
    The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.