Join Me For Psilocybin Forum & Minimum Wage Increase

January 8, 2024


Please join me, medical experts, and advocates on Wednesday as we discuss our latest push to decriminalize psilocybin as well as authorize its use for medical and therapeutic treatment. The panelists will share why we need new legislation, and you are encouraged to take part in that conversation at the Capitol or remotely. Please read below to see how you can register online.

New year, new wage! The state's minimum wage of $15 increased once the new year started last week. Keep scrolling to find out how much the rate went up and how it was calculated.

I am working with the city to help our homeless population get off the street and back into society. We took a big step when a local shelter recently changed its rules to welcome a man and his cat. To learn more about their story, please check out the third section of the email.

Here are the sections in today's email:

    • Join Me for Psilocybin Bill Forum
    • Minimum Wage Increase
    • Shining a Light on Homelessness in Stamford
     
    Join Me For Psilocybin Bill Forum
    I encourage you to register for Wednesday's forum on a bill that would decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms in certain situations. The proposal would also allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal and therapeutic purposes as well for physical, mental, or behavior health care in Connecticut. Psilocybin is a substance found in psychedelic mushrooms. The drug can be used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.
    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

    The forum will be held on Wednesday, January 10 at 10:00 A.M. in room 1D of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. I introduced this bill last year, and my hope is my colleagues in the House and Senate can push this proposal passed the finish line in 2024.

    It is time for our state to catch up and potentially lead in working with alternative therapy especially at a time when demand for mental health options are at an all time high and our current systems are not able to keep up. This is a conversation happening across the country, and I'm thrilled to be having it right here in Connecticut.
     
    Minimum Wage Increase

    New year, new wage! The state's minimum wage of $15 increased to $15.69 on January 1, 2024, as part of Connecticut’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment. 

    This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

    Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1.

    Providing livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help them make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills. Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the Current Population Survey, calculated by the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Everyone deserves the opportunity to support themselves by earning a livable wage through their work, but too many are not able to do so. This change won't eliminate that problem, but it is a small step in the right direction.  
     
    Shining a Light on Homelessness in Stamford

    Homelessness is a crisis in our state, and I am dedicated to helping anyone find a home through advocacy and legislation. I would like to share the heartwarming story of Fabrice Dube and his cat Cali.

    Fabrice and Cali have been living in a tent in the woods near I-95 since the fall of 2022. He would not go to a shelter unless his service companion animal would be welcome. I recently worked with Pacific House to alter its rules so that Cali could stay, paving the way for Fabrice and Cali to spend the night in a warm place. 

    This give me hope that our city will continue to provide support for those who need it most especially considering that many of our Stamford homeless have companion animals.

    Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Fabrice and Cali's story.
    We can reduce homeless in Stamford, the state, and all over the country by adopting legislation making housing a basic human right. We can do this by prioritizing public and affordable housing, coordinating with social services, and so much more.