Post-Session Reflection

Posted on June 7, 2016

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It is no secret that mismanagement of state revenues has resulted in economic instability for the citizens of Connecticut. But, it is just as important to recognize that despite great financial strain, the General Assembly worked as a cohesive body this session to draft positive legislation that will have an immediate impact on our community. We addressed a number of issues, often in a bipartisan manner, which concerned the public health and safety of our families.

To combat the rising level of opioid-related addiction and deaths I met with the medical community, first responders and people in recovery. I worked on a bill that will increase access to overdose reversal medication which will save lives immediately. The bill will also reduce the number of unnecessary opioids available for misuse by putting greater oversight on prescriptions.

Connecticut’s firefighters subjected themselves to dangerous conditions on a daily basis in order to protect us. I supported legislation to establish the Firefighter Cancer Relief Account in order to provide wage replacement benefits to fire personnel affected by certain cancer conditions. The funds in this account are to be used solely for the purposes of providing benefits to firefighters.

Providing services to the intellectually and developmentally disabled community is an essential function of state government. There have been well documented issues in regard to the wait list and eligibility of services administered through the Department of Development Services (DDS). The legislation we passed calls for DDS to develop a plan for each DDS client and provide them with information to better plan for their futures.

Opioid related tragedies, providing for the men and women that answer the call when we dial 911, and protecting the most fragile members of our society are real concerns. Times are tough in Hartford, but I’m proud to say that we created good solutions to address these issues.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe.

 

Always,

Christie M. Carpino
State Representative, Cromwell & Portland

 

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