Celebrating a New Law Protecting Our Children

New law will penalize online predators.
June 26, 2023


 
Summer is officially underway, and I hope you're looking forward to the warmer weather and spending more time with family and friends.
Please read below to learn more about the new law protecting children, graduation season, the Families in the Park Program, community events, and so much more.

You can click on any of the links above to jump to that section of the email. I hope that you find these resources helpful.
 
New Law Protecting Children
This week, I am thrilled to share an update on House Bill 6737, An Act Establishing the Crime of Harmful Communication with a Minor. On June 15th, 2023 this legislation was signed into law by Governor Lamont. This created a Class A Misdemeanor for any adult over the age of 25 who intentionally targets a minor through online communication for the purpose of exploiting or abusing that child.

I wrote this bill last year with the goal of protecting kids in our state as much as possible, and to give law enforcement a stronger tool to prosecute these predators; to see it actually become an enforceable law is a major victory.
We need to address the dangers our children are facing daily in a modern way. 
Learn About HB 6737 and How It Changed From Original Proposal
 
Safer Communities Summit
A little over a week ago I had the opportunity to attend Senator Chris Murphy’s Safer Communities Summit and hear about the impact of the landmark gun violence prevention legislation that was passed a year ago in Congress.
After partnering with Sandy Hook Promise for almost nine years as a Promise Leader and the first Connecticut Promise Leader Ambassador, I am familiar with the weight this work carries. Hearing from people all day whose lives have been upended by gun violence was still so difficult.
I am so grateful to all of the advocates who were there that day and who continue this important work. It was also an honor to hear President Joe Biden speak to the necessity of this legislation and his promise to continue to try and make our country safer from preventable gun violence.
 
Graduation Season!
I was on hand at the Derby High School (DHS) graduation to celebrate the recent grads’ hard work. Class President Logan Burke’s speech stood out as he was remarking on the time spent at DHS. He said, “It only takes a second to quit on yourself.”
I also want to recognize all the graduates from Hamden and Amity Regional High Schools. Congratulations to all of you who kept pushing to achieve your academic goals. You’ve made your families and community very proud!
 
Woodbridge Center Grand Opening
On Wednesday June 21st, I attended the Grand Opening of The Woodbridge Center! Two years ago, I stood outside with the Woodbridge delegation after I lead the successful efforts to secure $300,000 in state bonding toward the much needed repairs and renovations.
It was absolutely wonderful to celebrate the completion of the project and see the bright, updated, welcoming, and most importantly, safe space for the seniors of Woodbridge. 
 
Orange Living Treasure Awards
I was pleased to attend The Orange Living Treasure Awards where my good friend Betty Hadlock was among those being honored for their extraordinary community service, along with Rowland Hine and Maureen White.
 
In The News
CT Examiner: "Bill Makes It Illegal To Request Sexually-Charged Images From Minors"
 
Families in the Park Program
Do you know about the Families In The Parks Program? Enjoy time together and reconnect with the outdoors, nature and each other with FREE & FUN activities like:

Fishing
Boating
🦅 Birding/Wildlife
🥾 Hiking
Nature Centers
🏛️ Historic Building and Museums
Family Day in the Park

Learn more about the Families In The Park and No Child Left Inside programs by clicking here.
 
Digital Equity Survey
The Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology wants to hear about your access to the internet, devices, and technical support, as well as your comfort when using technology. This research will help the State of Connecticut better understand barriers to internet and technology access. Scan the code or click the button below to take the Digital Equity Survey.
Take the Digital Equity Survey
 
Derby Events Calendar
To see what's going on in Derby, please look at the flier below and click the button to access the community calendar.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the events that are coming up in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below in Woodbridge, and click the button below to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Community Calendar