Murdered & Missing Indigenous Persons Awareness & Waterbury Mayor Honored

May 8, 2024
We are raising awareness about the disproportionate amount of missing and murdered Native Americans in the U.S. Keep scrolling to learn how new proposed legislation would recognize this unfathomable loss.
 
The state honored Waterbury's mayor on Polish Day at the Capitol. Please read below to find out why he was recognized at a touching ceremony.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day 
  • Christian Flag Raising in Waterbury 
  • Polish Day at the Capitol
  • A Call to Action for Haiti
 
Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
Lawmakers and tribes are raising awareness about the alarming amount of missing and murdered indigenous people in our country. Connecticut’s tribal nations gathered at the Capitol to discuss and share the disturbing rates of violence against Native Americans.
We are advocating for a bipartisan bill to designate May 5 as “Red Dress Day” in Connecticut to commemorate missing or murdered indigenous people. Organizers displayed red dresses in the Capitol to represent the hundreds of indigenous women who are murdered or go missing every year in the U.S.
The bill passed the House, and the Senate has until midnight on Wednesday, May 8 to act on the measure.
 
Christian Flag Raising in Waterbury

Waterbury celebrated a National Day of Prayer by raising the Christian flag outside City Hall for the first time. Organizers said the event is designed to bring different communities of faith together.

A board of pastors recognized Bishop Irvinson Medina as Waterbury’s honorary mayor of the day. He is a pastor at the Church of God on Cherry Street and has been a pillar of the community for many years.
 
Polish Day at the Capitol

The state celebrated the 223rd anniversary of the Polish Constitution and the 33rd anniversary of Polish Day at the Capitol. It is still an important day to a community that is willing to come together and remember our heritage.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz recognized Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski for the work he has done for the people of Waterbury and the state.

The official General Assembly Citation reads, "Your devotion to the community has been second to none, and you have been a role model through your integrity and leadership. We thank you for all you do and congratulate you today. May you have many more years of health and success."

Congratulations Mayor Pernerewski!
 
A Call to Action for Haiti
I was pleased to stand with several of my colleagues, in support of the Haitian community, who visited the State Capitol seeking greater visibility and representation. Their perspectives, experiences, and contributions enrich our collective dialogue and strengthen the fabric of our democracy.

The local Haitian community is hoping Connecticut can be a leader in fighting for equitable funding from the federal government. The group is calling for $600 million, which would be crucial in providing immediate relief and long-term solutions to address the root causes of Haiti's challenges.

The funding would support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development in Haiti. By investing in these areas, it can create a foundation for lasting change and help break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability that has plagued the nation for far too long.