2021 Newsletter.pdf

State Representative Kevin Ryan reports on the 2021 legislative session, highlighting over 350 passed bills and resolutions addressing pandemic challenges, institutional inequities, and existing injustices. He advocated for equitable public health policies, increased access to mental health resources, and support for seniors, schools, and small businesses. A bipartisan budget was passed to strengthen the economy, invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and education, with increased funding for Norwich, Montville, and Bozrah in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. Legislative highlights include raised awareness of child sex abuse, strengthened laws on sex trafficking, improved sexual misconduct reporting, and expanded mental health services on college campuses. Additionally, the budget established a tourism trail, ensured funeral benefits for low-income veterans, and expanded state benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans. Responding to the mental health and substance abuse crises, the legislature limited overprescription of addictive drugs, established task forces on mental health, and approved more resources for community providers. The state also responded to COVID-19 by cutting unemployment insurance taxes, reforming nursing home staffing, and strengthening programs to keep people from losing their homes. Other notable actions include legalizing sports betting, creating a new online lottery, and ensuring new money for gambling addiction treatment and prevention services.