Healthcare Worker Rally & Affordable Childcare Bill

March 13, 2025


Healthcare workers rallied in Hartford this week for fair wages and better staffing. I'll dig deeper into why these frontline heroes deserve a raise and more resources after all they did for our communities during the pandemic.

I proudly support a House priority bill that would invest in early childhood care and education. I'll break down how this legislation would support our kids, parents, and the economy.

The coaching staff of the Windham High School Girls basketball team joined my radio show to talk about their quest to win a state title. You can listen to the entire show below.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Rally for Healthcare Workers
  • Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bill
  • Let's Talk About It: Windham Girls Basketball
  • Concert Raises Money for Windham Inn
 
Rally for Healthcare Workers
I was proud to stand alongside healthcare workers as we rallied outside the Legislative Office Building to mark five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These heroes provided incredible care on the front lines, worked tirelessly, and selflessly risked their own health to protect our communities during one of the most challenging times in modern history.
We gathered on Tuesday not only to honor the caregivers we lost during the pandemic but also to amplify the ongoing fight for fair wages, safe staffing levels, and the respect that frontline workers and their patients deserve. One healthcare worker explained how he and his colleagues are spending their own money on soap for their patients.
The pandemic underscored the critical role that healthcare professionals play in our society, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the support and resources needed to continue their life-saving work. Their dedication and sacrifice saved countless lives, and we owe them.
 
Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bill

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. House Bill 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, would expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year and signed by the governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.

Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, House Bill 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in our children and the prosperity of our state.
 
Let's Talk About It: Windham Girls Basketball

My co-host Dennis O’Brien had an amazing conversation with the coaching staff of the Windham High School Girl's basketball team on my radio show “Let's Talk About It.” Windham has had an incredible season, capped off on Monday with a dramatic overtime win against Stonington, earning a spot in the state championship game on Saturday against Bacon Academy at Mohegan Sun!

All this success comes just one year after Windham came up just one win shy of the state championship last year. Dennis and I had attended a game earlier this month, and it was a great atmosphere. The entire community is so proud of the players, coaches, and staff who are responsible for cultivating such an amazing local team.
Assistant Head Coach Shania Slyman, Assistant Head Coach Derrick McBride, Dennis O'Brien, and Head Coach Robert Mangual

During the interview, the coaching staff highlighted some key players on the team, shared their motivation for success after losing in last year’s championship game, and explained the preparation for their game against Stonington earlier this week. The coaching staff also gave us some details on what's next for some of the players on the team – including college basketball for some!

Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Windham High School's Girls basketball team is on a quest for a state title!
 
Concert Raises Money for Windham Inn

Thank you to everyone who attended and bought tickets to a benefit concert for the historic Windham Inn. Award-winning Celtic harpist, singer, and composer, Áine Minogue, gave an incredible performance at St. Paul Episcopal Church on Saturday. Organizers say they raised more than $2,000 in hopes of restoring the Windham Inn.

Please click on the image below to get a glimpse of Minogue's skill as she played the harp at the concert.
Minogue has entertained presidents and prime ministers, as well as traveled extensively to perform at concerts across the United States and around the world. She has completed extensive soundtrack work for PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and MTV.