Legislative Update

   February was a very busy month at the state Capitol as committees created legislation and held public hearings on a variety of issues. More of the same is expected for March. In an unusual move, the Democratic leadership ran two pieces of emergency legislation. One of the bills provided one time funding of $40 million for special education services. The legislature is expected to raise special education funding to school districts in the state budget currently being crafted.

   The second bill allocated $2.88 million to primarily LGBTQ+ organizations, immigrant service organizations, and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. The argument for the emergency funding was a fear that the Trump Administration would be cutting federal funds to these type of organizations. Planned Parenthood received the largest grant at $800,000. 

  Click here to review testimony the Conference provided on a variety of issues.

House Democrats Vote Down an Amendment to Ban Biological Boys from Playing on Girls Teams - This vote was not reported in the press

See how your Representative Voted

  When voting on one of the emergency pieces of legislation in the last week the Republicans proposed an amendment that would ban biological boys from playing on girls teams, in line with new federal directives and the requirements of Title IX. This amendment was presented after several pieces of proposed legislation addressing this issue were blocked by democratic committee chairs from having public hearings. The amendment was voted down basically on a party line vote. A "Yes" vote was a vote to protect girls sports. A "No" vote was to allow biological boys to continue to play on girls sports teams.

 If you are not sure who your state representative is Click here

Click here to see how your state representative voted on the amendment. 

House Democrats Give Emergency Funds to Planned Parenthood and LQBTQ+ Groups While Some Community Health Centers Cut Dental Services 

   In the last week of February, some community health centers announced they would no longer be able to provide dental care because of the low reimbursement rates under Medicaid (HUSKY). The patients currently seeking care will have to go elsewhere. A big impact on low-income residents.  Maintaining dental healthcare should take priority over funding LQBTQ+ advocacy groups and the stockpiling (using state funds) of the abortion pill.  

Here is a summary of where the emergency funds went:

  LGBTQ+ Advocacy/Care           $1,362,500 

Services to Immigrants                $662,500

Planned Parenthood                    $800,000

Outreach to Troubled Youth         $62,500

   The $800,000 provided to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is in addition to an increase in a block grant of $500,000 in January and $3 million in additional funding provided at the end of the 2024 session. In less then twelve months, the legislature increased unrestricted funding to PPSNE by a total of $4.3 million. Part of the $800,000 grant will be used to buy and stockpile abortion pills. Is that more important then providing people with immediate and  necessary dental care?.  

   The democratic leadership should be asked about their priorities and why they gave PPSNE $4.3 million when federal IRS reports show they have $47 million in financial reserves.

For more information click here.