By Charles Ferraro
State Rep., R-117
Charles Ferraro
December is a month that marks the holiday season, a time in which people gather with friends, family and loved ones to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new year. I believe that just as we do this for ourselves, it is important to reflect on how the past year has impacted our community, and perhaps how we can build for a better 2022.
This year was the first fully virtual legislative session, which brought a unique set of challenges. At this point none of us is a stranger to adopting new habits and rethinking how our institutions operate. We are hoping that the upcoming session in 2022 can return to its normal in-person status, but we must realize that this year’s new-look session was unproductive.
My colleagues and I were fortunate to make triumphs in our communities, serving our constituents with necessary relief through various legislative initiatives.
As we entered into the second calendar year of the pandemic, we knew that health care was as important as it’s ever been for our constituents. I was proud to sponsor legislation providing health care, including mental health care, for COVID patients, veterans, homeless residents and residents with disabilities. We also passed special initiatives to ensure and protect health care and necessary services for victims of domestic violence. In a year where government accountability was of highest concern, I supported legislation to ensure legislative oversight on COVID funds. And when so much of our lives was made virtual, we replenished United Illuminating, expanded broadband, and made the internet more accessible for members of the 117th District.
While our community has accomplished and overcome so much together throughout the past year, we must remember that there are still issues that face us which require dedication and vigilance from elected officials in Hartford. My colleagues and I have spent the year reaching out to constituents in new ways to discuss important issues in our communities.
The House Republican Caucus has launched a series of juvenile justice forums, which began earlier this year and will continue into 2022. These forums are essential to create a public discussion on one of our most crucial problems in Connecticut. Youth crime is on the rise, and lawmakers are making it harder than ever to hold young criminals accountable.
Our juvenile justice forums are a great way to stay informed on the issue, learn about the laws in place, and my and my colleagues’ plan to fix it. But it is also important that our community stresses the importance of safe and healthy lifestyles to our youth. This is essential to protect our future. We must emphasize the benefit of youth programs that encourage positive outcomes and reward good conduct. This is something of great personal priority to me, and something I employ in my own life as a karate and mixed martial arts instructor.
This year showed the resolve of our community in the 117th District, and I am proud to serve it in Hartford. Through my work there, I will continue to challenge myself to represent the best interests of the people of West Haven, Orange and Milford and make our community safe and prosperous in 2022.
From my family to yours, I want to wish you all the best in the holiday season. Please continue to reach out to me at Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov with your questions and concerns regarding state issues.