Learn how to lower electric bill at Ansonia Senior Center presentation

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Learn how to lower electric bill at Seymour Community Center program

 

This is shared from the Seymour Community Center Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, shares resources

Please join me in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic violence is a serious violent crime that can include both physical and emotional abuse.  It is frequently hidden from public view and many victims suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn.  The traumatic effects of domestic violence may also extend beyond the victim and may impact family members and communities.  Stalking is a common and dangerous tactic sometimes used by perpetrators of domestic violence that can pose challenges for victims trying to seek help. If you or someone you know needs assistance, the State of Connecticut offers resources for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. If you need an advocate or just someone to talk to, free, safe online or over-the-phone information is available 24 hours a day at www.CTSafeConnect.com or by calling/texting (888) 774-2900. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also provides resources on their website at: https://ncadv.org/2021DVAM No one should ever be subjected to the fear, shame, and humiliation of an abusive relationship.  During this time of awareness, I hope everyone can take the time to learn how to best support a friend or family member looking to free themselves from abuse and help give a voice to those who suffer in silence. Last year, the House Republican Caucus proposed a bill (HB 5306) giving temporary assistance to victims of domestic violence. It had broad support among domestic abuse support non-profit organizations, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO), and multiple Democratic legislators. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was not brought to the floor of the House. This year, with the same broad support, it was able to finally make its debut onto the House floor and passed unanimously. Ultimately, democrats supported the concept and adopted the language in SB 1091 which I proudly supported; click here to read more. The bill provides temporary assistance to domestic violence victims by waiving the benefits income thresholds for 90 days.  It does this by not counting the income of a spouse, domestic partner, or other household member credibly accused of domestic violence. The bill allows allegations of domestic violence to be substantiated in accordance with existing law. It requires the funds to be taken solely out of the state-funded Temporary Family Assistance Diversion Program instead of from federally-funded programs.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Education committee hearing to focus on virtual learning bill

HARTFORD - On Monday, March 8, the Education Committee is holding a public hearing regarding S.B. 977, An Act Concerning Virtual Learning. 

The stated purpose of this committee bill is “to require the Department of Education to develop uniform standards for the provision of virtual learning in public schools, conduct a comprehensive audit of virtual learning programs in the state and develop guidelines for training educators in the provision of virtual learning.” 

There's little doubt that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the educational experiences of our children, the full effects of which might not be fully realized for some time. 

To deliver to students a desperately-needed sense of normalcy, House Republicans believe school districts throughout the state should fully reopen as soon as possible, provided appropriate safety measures are in place. 

Still, given the continuing uncertainty about COVID-19, it's possible that distance learning will continue to be used by school districts. This is your opportunity to share your experiences with virtual learning and ideas on how it can be improved. If this topic does not interest you, please feel free to share this information with anyone you think might benefit from it. 

Click here if you'd like to testify virtually (via Zoom.) The deadline to register is Friday, March 5, at 3 p.m.  

Click here for additional details, including how to testify via email. 

At the start of the 2021 legislative session, my colleagues and I announced our intention to push for standards and metrics for virtual learning. 

Read more about that announcement here.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria proposes 'medical amnesty' legislation for minors

HARTFORD - In an effort to prevent injury and save lives by encouraging minors to seek medical assistance for alcohol poisoning, state Rep.  Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour has introduced “medical amnesty” legislation.

The bill would eliminate the criminal penalty for a minor in possession of alcohol under certain circumstances.

Medical amnesty is similar to the Good Samaritan laws already in place across the country, including Connecticut. 

However, this legislation creates a specific limited exemption from prosecution for minors who report people in need of immediate medical attention.

“It’s important to make sure everyone gets the medical attention they need as quickly as possible, and this legislation prioritizes the safety of our residents by removing the fear of being fined for doing the right thing and seeking help,” Klarides-Ditria said. “Eliminating a minor criminal penalty if specific criteria are met, including being the first to call for help and cooperating with authorities, sends a message to our youth that their health is our top priority, not punishment.” 

HB 5023 - An Act Concerning Immunity from Arrest for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor When a Person Under Twenty-One Years of Age Seeks Assistance for Possible Alcohol Poisoning - would provide immunity from arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor when a person under 21 years of age seeks medical assistance for possible alcohol poisoning, provided such person is the first to call for assistance, remains at the scene of the incident, and cooperates with law enforcement and medical personnel.

Connecticut is one of a handful of states without some form of medical amnesty policy. The Medical Amnesty Initiative reports that “a Cornell University study concluded that while 19 percent of college students reported that help probably should have been called for a highly intoxicated individual they were with, only 4 percent actually made the call.”

“As parents we tell our children that it’s best to tell the truth and ask for help, and this change underscores the state’s commitment to keeping our children safe,” Klarides-Ditria said. 

The bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee and awaits action.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office. 

Klarides-Ditria supports bill to enhance school safety

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, submitted testimony last week in support of legislation that seeks to enhance classroom safety and school climate.

Klarides-Ditria

Under the bill, H.B. 7110, boards of education would be required to revise their safe school climate plans to include provisions relating to disruptive or injurious incidents that occur in classrooms, to develop and implement a state-wide school climate survey, and to require the Department of Education to provide assistance to school districts relating to school climate.

Klarides-Ditria said, “It is crucial that we highly prioritize the safety of students and teachers. Giving teachers the ability to remove dangerous students for a short time with the requirement that they follow designated protocols will protect the rights and safety of the child in question, the teacher, and fellow students."

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last session but was vetoed by Gov. Dan Malloy. 

For more information about the people or to track legislation visit, cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's press secretary Spencer Rubin.