A4 Friday, July 21, 2023
Town Times | towntimes.com
Half-measures in Hartford: Why change is needed While summer is in full swing, topics like the mechanics of the legislative session, or what laws your elected leaders supported, are unlikely to be front and center at your next cookout or family vacation. It is still important keep in mind that what happens during the
legislative session has a direct effect on you and your family. My approach as your state senator continues to be to listen, learn, and make decisions that best serve the families in the 34th District. This approach guides me in every decision that I make under the Gold Dome.
Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle has been critical to positive measures that we advanced in 2023. I am proud of the work that we did and the laws we passed that benefit families in our district and state. A prime example of this collaborative spirit is my efforts to bolster our state’s workforce—in particular, our emerging workforce. The core of workforce readiness is financial literacy. I introduced this concept to
provide an opportunity for all high school students receive financial literacy education before graduation. I was also pleased to work across the aisle to co-sponsor a commonsense law that strengthens protections of our personal information. It also bolsters protection for children in this age of social media. Unfortunately, when bipartisanship is missing from the process, problems often arise.
It should be incumbent on the majority to recognize the importance of collaboration. With the great power Cicarella that it holds through its large numbers in the Senate and House, comes great responsibility to do right by all families in Connecticut. See Cicarella, A9
Talks on tap at the Giving Garden From the Durham-Middlefield Giving Garden:
Giving Garden volunteers were thrilled with the early harvest, which arrived in June.
On Saturday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to noon, Allan and Nancy Poole will share information about honey and bees with a tour of the three hives Allan manages on the hill above the Giving Garden. Come and be amazed by some of nature's busiest workers. Kids are welcome.
Durham will demonstrate and help attendees create a pounded flower/herb/leaf craft. Joy will provide all materials but asks that you bring a small hammer if you have one.
These talks are free and open to everyone. Please bring your own chair and join us in a beautiful place tended entirely by volunteers and dedicated to advancing organic garOn Saturday, Aug. 5, also from dening and feeding local hungry families. Drinks provided. 11 to noon, Joy Starratt of Hard rain or thunderstorms cancel. Call Sue at 860-8361768 with any questions.
SUDOKU
GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise with us. 203-317-2312
R256884 v3
R256885 v3
By State Sen. Paul Cicarella