Connecticut legislators were sworn in this morning on the grounds of the State Capitol and will conduct public hearings, committee meetings, and votes online. Because of the unusual nature of this year’s session, lawmakers will likely take up fewer issues than usual, but CEA leaders, staff, and members are committed to making their voices heard.
Teachers haven’t waited for the start of the session to let legislators know that they need help from state government. Many teachers have sent CEA postcards to legislators asking them to urge Governor Lamont to extend remote teaching opportunities to educators who need to quarantine and offer paid leave for school employees who have to take time to care for a child due to the pandemic.
During his State of the State Address today Governor Lamont said, “After ten months of COVID, the entire state should rise to its feet and applaud the dedication of our teachers.”
CEA will continue to work during the legislative session to ensure safe learning environments for all students and safe working environments for all teachers. Read additional CEA priorities for this legislative session here.
Online hearings may make it easier for teachers to make sure legislators hear their testimony. Most lawmakers have little firsthand knowledge about the challenges teachers face; hearing directly from you can influence the conversation lawmakers have with fellow legislators and how they vote.
As the legislative session progresses, CEA will closely monitor the activities of the General Assembly. Stay tuned to BlogCEA for all the news that impacts you, your students, and your profession.
