Legislative Update
On Tuesday, a number of members of the CT Early Childhood Alliance will testify before the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in favor of H.B. 7314, "An Act Concerning a Tax on Certain Sweetened Beverages." This bill would impose a tax of one cent per ounce on certain carbonated and non-carbonated nonalcoholic beverages that contain added caloric sweetener (sodas, sports drinks). The money raised would be use to fund early care and education (Care4Kids) and obesity-prevention programs. Lottery numbers will be drawn from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the First Floor Atrium of the LOB. Speakers arriving after the completion of the lottery will have their names placed at the end of the speaker list. Please submit 35 copies of written testimony to the Committee staff at 10 a.m. in the First Floor Atrium of the LOB. Testimony received after the designated time may not be distributed until after the hearing. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to [email protected]. (Subject Matter: Miscellaneous Bills.") The public hearing starts at 12 p.m. in Room 2E of the LOB. Oral testimony is limited to three minutes.
Bridging Research and Practice: A Presentation at Wesleyan
An early childhood forum, "Bridging Research and Practice," will take place on Tuesday, April 18, 7-9 p.m., at the Daniel Family Commons on the Wesleyan Campus, 45 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, CT. The event is sponsored by Allbriton Center for the Study of Public Life. The event is free and open to the public. Ellen Galinsky, creator of "Mind in the Making" and Roberta Golinkoff, author of "Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children," will present and discuss.
Advocacy Day 2017 is Fast Approaching!
In a tough budget year and fast-changing policy climate, your attendance at the 2017 Early Childhood Advocacy Day is important! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 20. Arrival time is 9:30 a.m., with the program running from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the Capitol's Old Judiciary Room, followed by legislator meetings. Please contact your legislators to set up meetings with them. If you need assistance, please contact Samantha Dynowski at [email protected]. Also, we are asking that attendees wear the color RED for solidarity. Thank you!
"Resilience" Screening Coming to Colchester
UCFS, Healthcare, Collaborative for Colchester's Children, and Colchester Youth and Social Services will host a free screening of "Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope" on Thursday, April 20, at the Bacon Academy Auditorium, from 6 p.m. to to 8 p.m. (pizza served at 5:45 p.m.) This powerful documentary reveals the most important public health research findings of a generation. Toxic stress endured in childhood is now understood to be among the leading causes of everything from cancer and heart disease to substance abuse and depression. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Please RSVP to Colchester Youth Services at 860-537-7255 or [email protected]. To view a preview of the documentary, click HERE.
Supporting Young Children in Immigrant Families - What Stakeholders Need to Know
CLASP is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., to discuss recent executive orders and their implications for young children in immigrant families. Harsh immigration enforcement policies, like those recently introduced, compromise the safety, health, and long-term development of children. Currently at risk are more than five million children in the U.S. living with at least one unauthorized parent, nearly 80% of whom are U.S. citizens and more than one-third of whom are under the age of five. The webinar will provide an overview of current early childhood policies and eligibility rules as well as recent immigration enforcement policy changes that directly impact children living in mixed-status immigrant families. Speakers will share strategies and new resources to help child care and early education providers support children and families at risk of immigration enforcement, including how to keep their programs safe from enforcement actions and help families cope and prepare for possible deportation. Click HERE to register.
Poll: No Dental Insurance, Less Likely to Receive Care
The survey results might seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to keep that fact in mind as federal lawmakers discuss major changes to Medicaid and other programs that provide dental insurance to families and children. Click HERE for the full story.
Support for the Alliance comes from of our members and our funders: The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Connecticut Health Foundation, Children's Fund of Connecticut, Connecticut Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, The Fund for Greater Hartford, and The Eder Family Foundation