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Dear Neighbors,
Over 3,000 bills were introduced this legislative session! These bills are making their way through the public hearing process. I’ve spent the past several weeks testifying.
The bills I championed directly address concerns my constituents raised when I served as state representative, such as:
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Addressing the high cost of prescription drugs - I joined the Insurance Committee to testify in favor of HB6870, the Governor’s bill to address patients’ prescription drug costs. Right now in Connecticut, the number one driver of rising healthcare costs is retail pharmacy prices. Too many people are forced to make impossible choices – like skipping doses, cutting pills in half, or not filling a prescription at all.
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Making early childhood education and care more affordable and available to families - The lack of affordable and available early childhood education and care in our state remains a major concern. I testified in favor of HB5003 and HB6867. These bills would help address the urgent need for care for preschool-aged children as well as for infants and toddlers. This issue impacts our children and families, and is also hampering our state’s economic growth.
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Providing school meals for our students - I advocated in favor of SB1217, a bill that would help to ensure that no child in our state goes hungry at school. As a trained chef and cookbook author, I know firsthand the importance of food and nutrition for a person’s overall well being. This is especially true for children. Providing free school meals to all students isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart policy. A well-nourished child is a better learner and much more likely to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
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Protecting our environment - I testified in favor of HB6915 and HB6916. These bills address the use of neonicotinoids and rodenticides, poisons which are commonly used to control insect and rodent infestations. Unfortunately, these agents can severely harm birds, animals, insects––particularly pollinators––and people. Limiting their use is critical to safeguarding our environment, and the health of our residents.
If you'd like to submit testimony in favor of any of these bills, you can do so through the CT General Assembly’s website or by contacting your state representative or state senator.
My best regards,
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