By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114
Mary Welander
A question I often get is about what happens in the “off time” when we aren’t in session, so I thought that I would share some of the other work I do as a legislator.
In my last column I provided information about the Early Childhood Education Endowment and the incredible investment the state is making to help reduce the costs of childcare for families. Another side of that initiative is my work as the chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, where I work to ensure that the voices of providers and small business owners are heard and incorporated into those plans so that this initiative can be successful for all parties involved. These are conversations and meetings that continue throughout the year, and I am always looking for more feedback.
As vice chair of the Children’s Committee, I’m currently co-chair of a working group implementing an online dashboard for the Department of Children and Families that was part of house priority bill 5004 this year (PA 26-26). The goal of this dashboard is to provide clear access to information (such as caseloads, case worker vacancies and reunification rates), ultimately creating greater transparency for policy makers, families and employees of DCF by identifying where additional support or changes are needed to provide better outcomes for the vulnerable children we are charged with protecting. I want to include as many different perspectives as possible, such as foster parent experiences; if there are data points that you would like to see included, please reach out to me as soon as possible as our preliminary report will be submitted in October.
I also currently co-chairing a subcommittee examining special education programs within our schools and by approved providers across the state, as well as the supports intended to help families with children who need specialized services. Too often the state provides resources to help, but the process is difficult and convoluted, which is a waste of time and money for everyone. This is one step in improving that.
In addition to serving on the Children’s and Education committees, I am also the House Democratic Leader for the Regulation Review Committee (or “Regs”), which meets regularly year-round, rather than just during session. Regs is unique in its calendar, scope and structure. A wonky committee that is split 50/50 in membership and leadership, it looks at the statutory details of how each policy that is passed is implemented in practice. It’s complicated in process and subject matter but incredibly important.
Alongside this work is constituent support, meeting with advocates, community leaders and members of industry. There are also opportunities like I had this past week during which I was a fellow at the Council of State Governments Eastern Leadership Academy. A week with 30 other public servants from the eastern states, Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico for an intensive leadership training with world-renowned instructors.
This work both in and out of session is invaluable in my efforts to better serve you and everyone in the district, but I can always learn more. Reach out at mary.welander@cga.ct.gov to share your thoughts.