Author: Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox voted to pass Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation is a top priority of the Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut, excluding community colleges, functions as intended.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

The program’s funding was supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars which have expired, and the Appropriations Committee budget included an additional $16.5 million to replenish expiring funds so that no students will lose funding.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by November 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“I am here as a state senator, a lawyer and a professor because my father gained access to higher education. He was the first person in his family to get a college education, and that access point has made a difference to our family across continents and generations, and that story rings true for so many American families,” said Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox. “Higher education trains our future leaders and our society benefits most when we lift up the voices of those who historically have not had a seat at the table. This legislation creates that opportunity and I am proud to vote in favor today.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Senator Maroney Leads Senate Passage of Data Privacy and Online Safety Bill

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Leads Senate Passage of Data Privacy and Online Safety Bill

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, led Senate Passage of a bill that will amend laws related to consumer data privacy, social media, and youth online monitoring. The bill also seeks to introduce registration and regulation requirements for data brokers.

Senate Bill 1356, ‘An Act Concerning Data Privacy, Online Monitoring, Social Media, Data Brokers And Connected Vehicle Services,

“There is an increasing need for websites to take greater responsibility in implementing robust data security measures,” said Sen. Maroney. “As online platforms continue to collect and process vast amounts of personal information, ensuring the protection of user data should be a top priority. As we have seen from recent chatbox’s engaging children in sexualized conversations, we need to do more to protect children from harm online.”

Senate Bill 1356 builds on our state’s landmark Connecticut Data Privacy Act (PA 22-15). It covers more consumers under the act by widening the threshold for its applicability. It gives consumers more information and options regarding how their data is used. It increases platform responsibility to protect children.

In further efforts to protect consumers, it requires data brokers to be registered with DCP. And lastly, the bill protects victims of domestic violence and similar crimes by protecting their car’s data from the person who has abused them.

This bill will:

-require websites aimed toward children to have a cyberbullying and mental health resources page. The measure aims to provide young users with immediate access to support and guidance, promoting safer and more supportive online environments.

-establish the right for individuals to know if they are being digitally profiled, empowering them with greater transparency. This provision ensures users can make informed choices and exercise their right to opt out of data profiling practices.

-strengthen protections for children in Connecticut by prohibiting targeted advertising aimed at them. This move aims to safeguard young users’ privacy and reduce the influence of manipulative marketing tactics online.

-mandate data protection assessments to evaluate potential risks associated with data collection and processing. These assessments must specifically test for heightened risks of harm, ensuring that companies proactively identify and address threats to users’ privacy and safety.

-prohibit the use of addictive features designed to engage children, aiming to promote healthier online habits. It requires tools to prevent adults from directly communicating with children without proper safeguards, and gives children the ability to consent to their own data profiling and employment-related activities, ensuring greater control over their digital lives.

In 2024, there were 1900 data breaches in Connecticut. With this legislation, more websites will be held responsible for ensuring there is data security on their sites. Prioritizing data security, websites can enhance user trust, prevent breaches, and comply with evolving privacy regulations, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment.

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, led passage of Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation is a top priority of the Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut, excluding community colleges, functions as intended. The legislation passed unanimously and now heads to the House.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

The program’s funding was supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars which have expired, and the Appropriations Committee budget included an additional $16.5 million to replenish expiring funds so that no students will lose funding.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by November 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“The cost of higher education continues to grow, and our underfunded state scholarship program encourages students to seek education elsewhere,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “By investing in our students and giving them timely notice of the amount of their Roberta Willis grants, we are allowing Connecticut students to stay in this state to receive their education, enter the workforce, grow our economy and enjoy the high quality life we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Today we are taking a big step to make higher education more affordable for families,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “In Connecticut, we know that a highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of a strong economy. This legislation ensures not only that we are retaining talent, but that we are providing some relief to hardworking students and their families when it comes to the rising cost of higher education.”

“It is critical that we increase state support for the scholarship program and ensure high school seniors are notified of their award before they decide where to attend college,” said Sen. Derek Slap. “By passing this bill we increase the likelihood students can afford college – and can stay in Connecticut for their education.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, led passage of Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation is a top priority of the Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut, excluding community colleges, functions as intended. The legislation passed unanimously and now heads to the House.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

The program’s funding was supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars which have expired, and the Appropriations Committee budget included an additional $16.5 million to replenish expiring funds so that no students will lose funding.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by November 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“The cost of higher education continues to grow, and our underfunded state scholarship program encourages students to seek education elsewhere,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “By investing in our students and giving them timely notice of the amount of their Roberta Willis grants, we are allowing Connecticut students to stay in this state to receive their education, enter the workforce, grow our economy and enjoy the high quality life we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Today we are taking a big step to make higher education more affordable for families,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “In Connecticut, we know that a highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of a strong economy. This legislation ensures not only that we are retaining talent, but that we are providing some relief to hardworking students and their families when it comes to the rising cost of higher education.”

“It is critical that we increase state support for the scholarship program and ensure high school seniors are notified of their award before they decide where to attend college,” said Sen. Derek Slap. “By passing this bill we increase the likelihood students can afford college – and can stay in Connecticut for their education.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Legislation Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, led passage of Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation is a top priority of the Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by ensuring that the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut, excluding community colleges, functions as intended. The legislation passed unanimously and now heads to the House.

Currently, Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. These scholarships are intended to help incentivize Connecticut’s students to stay in-state in their pursuit of higher education.

The program’s funding was supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars which have expired, and the Appropriations Committee budget included an additional $16.5 million to replenish expiring funds so that no students will lose funding.

A hallmark of the bill is the requirement for the Office of Higher Education to notify institutions by November 1 of each year of the amount of funds allocated to each institution for need-based grants for the following fiscal year. This means that institutions can notify students of their full aid package at the time of admission, which will help students weigh the benefits of enrolling in-state accurately.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Currently, Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“The cost of higher education continues to grow, and our underfunded state scholarship program encourages students to seek education elsewhere,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “By investing in our students and giving them timely notice of the amount of their Roberta Willis grants, we are allowing Connecticut students to stay in this state to receive their education, enter the workforce, grow our economy and enjoy the high quality life we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Today we are taking a big step to make higher education more affordable for families,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “In Connecticut, we know that a highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of a strong economy. This legislation ensures not only that we are retaining talent, but that we are providing some relief to hardworking students and their families when it comes to the rising cost of higher education.”

“It is critical that we increase state support for the scholarship program and ensure high school seniors are notified of their award before they decide where to attend college,” said Sen. Derek Slap. “By passing this bill we increase the likelihood students can afford college – and can stay in Connecticut for their education.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

SEN. CABRERA, BETHANY MOM WELCOME BILL TO LICENSE MUNICIPAL YOUTH CAMPS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. CABRERA, BETHANY MOM WELCOME BILL TO LICENSE MUNICIPAL YOUTH CAMPS

State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and Bethany resident Amy Lestinsky at the State Capitol in Hartford on the day Senate Bill 6 was passed in the Senate.

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and Bethany mother Amy Lestinsky today welcomed the Senate passage of a bill that – among its many other resources for infants, toddlers, and disconnected youth – also subjects town-run youth camps to stricter state oversight, such as inspections, immunizations, and criminal background checks for employees.

Senate Bill 6, “AN ACT CONCERNING RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND DISCONNECTED YOUTHS,” passed the Senate today on a 22-12 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The section of the bill addressing town-run youth camps was proposed by Sen. Cabrera at the urging of Bethany parents like Ms. Lestinsky and others after the arrest last year of a Bethany Parks and Recreation Department employee who has since been charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault, four counts of illegal sexual contact, five counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and one count of risk of injury to a minor for incidents involving several Bethany youth.

Parents believe that if local town-run summer camps like the one in Bethany faced stricter state oversight, such as criminal backgrounds checks and mandatory reporting requirements, the accused employee would have been caught earlier and fewer children would have been harmed.

“This was a horrible situation which never should have occurred in the first place for a variety of reasons. Now, with this bill which hopefully will pass in the House and be signed into law by the governor, we can help reduce the chances of this ever happening again,” Sen. Cabrera said. ” I want to thank the parents of Bethany for bringing this to my attention and for being such valuable and courageous partners in creating this legislation and in raising public awareness of this issue.”

“We need municipalities to have licensed programs. Rules and guidelines must be followed by all the people responsible for our children,” said Lestinsky, whose daughter was sexually assaulted by the Bethany town employee. “We cannot let something like this happen again.”

Connecticut state law currently allows town and city youth camps to operate with no state oversight; programs run by private companies and nonprofits must be licensed by the state and are subject to a variety of requirements, including requirements related to immunizations, medication administration, inspections and investigations, criminal background checks, and

reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

Senate Bill 6 subjects those municipal camps to the same regulations as private and non-profit camps.

SENATOR ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL STRENGTHENING LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL STRENGTHENING LACTATION SUPPORT SERVICES

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, proudly led the Senate’s approval of legislation establishing a new licensing program for lactation consultants through the state Department of Public Health. This initiative will ensure families across the state have access to qualified, trained professionals during one of the most important stages of their child’s development.

The bill sets clear standards for the use of the title “lactation consultant,” ensuring that those offering specialized breastfeeding support have the appropriate training and credentials. At the same time, it preserves the ability of certified lactation counselors, doulas, peer counselors and others working in maternal and child health support programs to continue offering services, as long as they do not identify themselves as licensed lactation consultants.

“This legislation is about supporting families,” said Sen. Anwar. “It helps ensure that care provided to new parents is both accessible and high-quality. With licensed professionals guiding breastfeeding support, we’re giving every child a healthier start and every family the confidence they deserve during those early, previous days.”

“SB 1373 aims to provide the full range of breastfeeding support to all nursing mothers, regardless of income status,” State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield), the House Chair of the Public Health Committee, said. “This bill will help both at-risk infants and mothers across the state successfully breastfeed. I am grateful to the bill’s champion, Rep. Leeper, and Public Health Committee Co-Chair Sen. Anwar for their advocacy on this bill.”

“I’m so happy to see SB 1373 pass in the Senate,” State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), a cosponsor of the bill, said. “I’ve been working on this bill for 3 years because the data is unambiguous that access to clinical lactation support, for all women who want it, will result in better health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Passage of this bill will help narrow the alarming racial gap in maternal and infant health outcomes and will improve longterm health.”

“Ensuring access to licensed lactation consultants is a critical step toward closing racial and economic disparities in maternal and infant health,” said State Representative Kai Belton (D-Middletown), a cosponsor of the bill. “Too many families in underserved communities face unnecessary barriers to breastfeeding support. This legislation is a huge step in helping parents, regardless of income, access the care they need to give their babies a strong, healthy start.”

Senate Bill 1373, “An Act Requiring The Licensure Of Lactation Consultants,” would establish a licensing program through the Department of Public Health in July 2026, restricting unlicensed people from generally presenting themselves as lactation consultants. However, people licensed or certified as another type of provider providing consulting under the scope of a license or certification, those in educational programs for licensure and doulas and midwives would be among those who could continue practicing.

The bill passed by a 24-11 tally with one abstention after previously passing the Public Health Committee by a 22-10 count. It next moves to the House for further consideration.

Senator Honig Highlights Federal Cuts to Student Mental Health Services in Litchfield County

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Honig Highlights Federal Cuts to Student Mental Health Services in Litchfield County

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, and mental health professionals with EdAdvance called Tuesday on the U.S. Department of Education to reverse its decision to cut a grant that provides mental health services to roughly 7,000 students at 32 mostly rural schools in Litchfield County.

Senator Honig joined nonprofit leaders, student counselors, and school administrators for a press conference at EdAdvance’s offices in Litchfield, where they called attention to the impact of a cut to grant funding approved by Congress to support the mental health needs of students.

EdAdvance learned on April 29 that its five-year, $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education would be canceled well before its planned end date in December 2027. Congress awarded the funds in 2022 and the nonprofit has used the money to hire 17 social workers to provide mental health services in schools across Litchfield County.

“These cuts would be bad under any circumstances, but they’re far worse when you consider what our students have been through since the pandemic, the unprecedented disruption of student development,” said Senator Honig. “It’s no exaggeration to say that young people are in the midst of a mental health crisis. School psychologists are overwhelmed and there aren’t enough social workers to go around. Now more than ever, we need exactly the kinds of services that EdAdvance has been providing. It’s time for the federal administration to restore this funding for Litchfield County kids.”

Senator Honig’s district includes five towns served by EdAdvance professionals: Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, and Norfolk. Additionally, the nonprofit provides services to students in the following towns: Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, North Canaan, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Warren, Washington, Winsted, and Woodbury.

The cut will impact municipalities on both sides of the political aisle. During the 2024 election, President Donald Trump, whose Department of Education cancelled the mental health grant, won roughly half of the towns served by the grant, while former Vice President Kamala Harris won the other half.

“This is not about politics. It’s about policy,” Executive Director of EdAdvance Jonathan Costa said. “We believe that helping young students be better self-regulated and improve their mental health outcomes is good policy. We are here to advocate for those outcomes and to reverse this cancellation decision.”

The services provided to students by EdAdvance include classroom sessions on topics like decision-making, character development, and social media awareness. The nonprofit’s counselors also provided immediate intervention to 100 students in crisis, helping them overcome their difficulties and return to classrooms.

“Our counselors provide valuable one-on-one support and crisis intervention, collaborating with parents and district staff to ensure that each student receives the assistance they need,” Judy Palmer, director of school climate and mental health services for EdAdvance, said. “The relationships our providers build with families extend beyond the school, often connecting them to additional outside mental health resources when needed.”

The grant has enabled EdAdvance to provide youth mental health services throughout a region, where young people seeking help often face provider waiting lists. Meanwhile, the timing of the grant’s cancellation left many school districts unable to arrange for replacement funding. Budgets for most school districts were due in the spring.

“Due to the late notice of this situation, we were not allowed the opportunity to be able to advocate for grants or budgetary funds at our local levels to support the continued services that this grant provides,” Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent of Schools for Region 1, said. “So what I’m asking today is that you please reinstate this grant in its full capacity so that the children and staff and families of our Litchfield County Schools can continue to benefit from this great opportunity.”

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE APPROVAL TO IMPROVE EARLY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION, ENHANCE CAMP OVERSIGHT, BETTER SUPPORT DISCONNECTED YOUTH

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE APPROVAL TO IMPROVE EARLY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION, ENHANCE CAMP OVERSIGHT, BETTER SUPPORT DISCONNECTED YOUTH

Senator Maher speaks Tuesday on the Senate floor.

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, led the Senate in its passage of flagship legislation seeking to improve early childhood nutrition through increased access to food, provide better oversight over summer camps and improve the state’s support for disconnected youth – those ages 16-24 who are not employed or pursuing education – through increasing oversight and improving data sharing.

Senate Bill 6, “An Act Concerning Resources and Supports for Infants, Toddlers and Disconnected Youths,” Senate Democrats’ leading legislation supporting youth in Connecticut in 2025, seeks to ensure early childhood education programs are able to offer nutritious food to participants and disconnected youth are reconnected to schools and workplaces. It will further take steps to support kindergarten preparatory academies in the state and better protect youth attending summer camps by closing a key loophole impacting them.

“The last half-decade exposed and worsened disparities throughout our state, and addressing those disparities now is crucial if we are going to start turning the tide,” said Sen. Maher. “This bill will help reduce youth hunger by utilizing new connections between early childhood care programs and state offerings. It will help bring disconnected youth back into education and employment by increasing frequency and depth of communications. We’re looking to provide the early-life resources that lead to better overall outcomes for children and I’m excited to see the results once this bill becomes law.”

Senate Bill 6 has a variety of provisions in its language, most prominently encouraging more use of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program in early child care centers, group homes and family care homes. Figures from 2019 show that these organizations being unaware of ability to participate in these programs can cost Connecticut up to $30 million in aid each year, with more than 20,000 children in low-income areas potentially benefitting.

It further seeks to expand state oversight of state reports on disconnected youth by increasing the groups reviewing them and incorporating additional data from a variety of state departments and programs, including the impact of child care subsidies and early childhood family support programs.

Additionally, the legislation requires municipal youth camps to obtain or maintain licensing through the Office of Early Childhood. This measure comes after serious abuse happened at a municipal camp in Bethany and seeks to ensure camp staff and leadership undergo background checks.

It further expands the Early Childhood Cabinet and better updates public information about children’s development including the Help Me Grow program, which connects families with information and education to maximize their children’s early success. It will also analyze the use of a mobile application, Sparkler, which provides young families development screenings and access to support programs to improve its efficiency and usage.

The bill, co-sponsored by more than two dozen legislators, received support in public testimony from prominent Connecticut health institutions. Paul Dworkin, Executive Vice President for Community Child Health at Connecticut Children’s, said the bill raises issues of critical importance to the optimal health and wellbeing of children and youth. The founder of Help Me Grow, Dworkin said the bill’s connection points to the critical resource will directly benefit families statewide.

The American Heart Association lauded SB6’s intentions, applauding all efforts to support early childhood education, noting a child’s development relies directly upon access to resources and that birth-to-five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver 13% return on investment.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving praised the legislation’s approach toward support for young children and families, noting expansion of youth nutrition access and supports for teenage parents will directly benefit communities in years to come.

The bill previously passed the Committee on Children by a 12-5 vote on March 6 and the Appropriations Committee by a 38-12 tally on May 5. It next heads to the House for further consideration.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT FEDERAL MEDICAID CUT PROPOSAL

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT FEDERAL MEDICAID CUT PROPOSAL

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, released the following statement in response to federal House Republicans proposing at least $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid to support tax breaks, a proposal that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said could reduce health insurance rolls by as many as 8.6 million people in the next decade:

“This proposal is not just misguided – it is dangerous, deadly and immoral. It would rip health care away from millions of our most vulnerable neighbors to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. The human cost is staggering: more families forced into crisis, more emergency rooms overwhelmed, more preventable deaths.

We cannot let this happen. As a physician, I know what happens when people lose access to care – diseases go untreated, suffering multiplies, lives are lost. This is not a policy debate. This is a matter of life and death.

The time to act is now. We must speak out and stand up to protect the health and dignity of every person in our country.”