Following their first public forum of the 2019 Legislative Session, State Representative Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) was named leader to represent the Democratic members and State Representative Rosa Rebimbas (R- Naugatuck) was elected to lead the Republican members as joint co-chairs in the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus.

“I’m incredibly thrilled and proud to be representing the women leaders and this caucus which is not the largest and most influential caucus at the Capitol,” said Rep. Borer. “Women’s issues are all encompassing; they are not strictly issues that involve women. They involve men, children, and every aspect of our day to day lives. We had great successes during the last legislative session and I look forward to growing those accomplishments as we enter the 2019 legislative session. We are 61 women strong and I’m so delighted to watch this caucus flourish as one of the largest in the General Assembly.”

“I am honored to be co-chairing the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus once again,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “This incredible group of legislators is dedicated to advancing bills that will enhance the lives of women and their families across the state. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us today and I look forward to working with my colleagues on these issues during session and throughout the year.”

In Connecticut, women make up of 52 percent of the population and women owned businesses employee an estimated 95,000. The bipartisan caucus met early Tuesday to kick off the legislative session and stress the importance of women’s issues in our state. This session, the caucus will include 20 freshman legislators.

Rep. Borer will be stepping into a role previously held by State Representative Kim Rose (D-Milford). “Representative Rose helped navigate the women’s caucus during a difficult budget year, but stayed focused on driving important initiatives for everyone. I hope to build upon the influential work she began,” said Rep. Borer. “I look forward to continuing the bipartisan partnership with Rep. Rebimbas to accomplish our shared goals.”

“This is a monumental year for women in the legislature,” said Rep. Rose. “During the election cycle, we cheered on 132 women running for a seat in the General Assembly. Now, at our first meeting on the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus we are pleased to welcome our 20 new members. This is a very exciting time to be a part of the caucus and I’m thrilled that Rep. Borer has been chosen as my successor. It was a pleasure working with Rep. Rebimbas for the last 4 years. We made significant strides and formed a friendship”

In attendance at the meeting was Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby, Orange, Woodbridge), Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford), CT NOW President Cindy Wolfe Boynton, Greenwich YMCA Chair and member of Governor Lamont’s Women’s Policy Committee Mary Lee Kiernan, Permeant Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut member Tina Courpas, and Arvia Walker of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

During the last legislative session, the women’s caucus supported several bills ranging from healthcare benefits and access to pay equity. As they enter the 2019 legislative session, the Women’s Caucus will be reviewing and discussing about the proposed bills.

NAUGATUCK – State Rep. Rosa Rebimbas and State Senator George S. Logan will be volunteering to raise money for local residents in need by collecting for the Salvation Army at the Walmart, 1100 New Haven Road on Friday, Dec. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

All proceeds collected during the bell ringing will be donated directly to the Salvation Army.

The legislators welcome all area residents to stop by the store and help make the fundraising event a success.

If you are unable to make it on December 21, you can donate on the Salvation Army’s website at www.salvationarmyusa.org, which also lists other ways to do good this holiday season; for example, by donating cars, clothing, household goods, airline miles, bonds and stocks, or volunteering for the community.

The Salvation Army responds to natural disasters such as wildfires and tornadoes, provides meals and toys to families in need, and conducts research and analyses regarding human needs around the country. They also provide adult rehabilitation, veteran services, elderly services, missing person searches, housing assistance, youth recreation, sponsorship, and support in the fight to end human trafficking.

For more information on the event, please contact Rep. Rebimbas at 800-842-1423 or Sen. Logan at 800-842-1421.

Rep. Rebimbas represents Naugatuck.

Sen. Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.

HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck) was renamed Ranking Member of the joint Judiciary Committee by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides. Rep. Rebimbas will also maintain her leadership position as a House Republican Whip as well as her role on the Legislative Management Committee. Additionally, she will now serve on the Public Health Committee.

In addition, Rep. Rebimbas will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, the Waterbury Line Caucus, and as a member of the School Safety Working Group.

“I am excited to continue my work on Judiciary and Legislative Management, and I look forward to starting a new role as a member of the Public Health Committee,” Rep. Rebimbas said, following the announcement of her positions at the Capitol. “I thank Republican Leader Klarides for appointing me to these leadership positions as we prepare for what will certainly be an eventful 2019 session. I enjoy bringing my passion for law into the committee room where we consider several important bills each year as well as critical judicial appointments. We have a challenging five months ahead, but I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve the state of affairs in Connecticut.”

The Judiciary Committee handles all matters relating to courts, judicial procedures, civil, criminal and corporate law, and probate courts, among other legal matters. Additionally, the committee oversees all judicial nominations, and all matters relating to the Judicial Department, the Department of Correction and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

The Legislative Management Committee oversees the operations, personnel, committee work and business affairs of the General Assembly.

The Public Health Committee oversees the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Developmental Services, the Office of Health Care Access, and all other matters relating to health, including emergency medical services, all licensing boards within the Department of Public Health, nursing homes, pure food and drugs, and controlled substances, including the treatment of substance abuse.

The General Assembly will convene on January 9^th, 2019 for a five-month session that will end at midnight on June 5^th. In the odd years, the legislature must vote on a biennial state budget, which must pass before they adjourn.