State Sen. Gayle Slossberg is one of 29 legislators recognized by The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance as 2016 “Children’s Champions.”
“My career in public service began when I attended my first PTA meeting years ago to advocate for the education of my children and their classmates. The same priorities that I brought to that meeting guide my work in the State Senate today,” said Senator Slossberg, Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “Much has been done to ensure that children in Connecticut are afforded every opportunity to succeed. We couldn’t have done so much without our partners at the CT Early Childhood Alliance, and I’m thrilled to have their support as we continue making this state an even better place for children and families.”
Senator Slossberg supported the passage of numerous pieces of legislation endorsed by the CT Early Childhood Alliance this year, including bills to eliminate the tax on diapers, require criminal background checks for employees of a child care home or group child care home. Slossberg also supported efforts to prevent childhood obesity and increase access to early childhood programs.
Every year, the Alliance recognizes legislators for their leadership on issues that impact the well-being of Connecticut’s young children in the areas of healthy development, early care and education, nutrition, and safety.
“Although much of the focus during the session was on filling holes in the state budget, a number of early childhood issues received attention,” said Merrill Gay, Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance. “Some very important early childhood issues were raised, and some good legislation did pass.”
Among the items passed this year: Repeal of the sales tax on diapers, which was included in the budget implementer and is set to take effect July 1, 2018; and House Bill 5466, which requires background checks and notice of convictions for any household member in a family child care home or group child care home.
Important issues raised included paid family and medical leave, childhood obesity prevention, increased access to early childhood programs for homeless children, and recruitment and retention of the early childhood workforce.
Founded in 2002, the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide organization committed to improving outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety, and economic security for children ages birth to eight.
This year’s honorees are:
Legislator of the Year: Rep. Kelly Luxenberg
Representatives: Cathy Abercrombie (D), Tim Ackert (R), Juan Candelaria (D), Michelle Cook (D), Jeff Currey (D), Andrew Fleischmann (D), Noreen Kokoruda (R), Gail Lavielle (R), Matt Lesser (D), Kelly Luxenberg (D), Patricia Billie Miller (D), Gayle Mulligan (R), Robyn Porter (D) Christine Randall (D), Bobby Sanchez (D), Diana Urban (D), Toni Walker (D).
Senators: Dante Bartolomeo (D), Toni Boucher (R), Beth Bye (D), Len Fasano (R), Mae Flexer (D), Terry Gerratana (D) Ed Gomes (D), Art Linares (R), Martin Looney (D), Marilyn Moore (D), Slossberg (D), Gary Winfield (D).