What happened, the murder of my youngest son, was not something I could control. What happened after? That was my choice. Instead of succumbing to my grief, I chose to channel my sadness, anger, and love into preventing others from sharing my experience. My life’s mission became about creating a safer, better future for young people.

Throughout my 31 years with the New London Fire Department, I saw numerous brother firefighters diagnosed with cancer. For all of them, it was a death sentence. Connecticut is one of only two states without presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters.

I loved regaling my students with stories about abolitionists such as John Brown, who was born in Torrington, Connecticut, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who lived in Guilford. There were many other stories waiting to be told and shared.

The  pediatric behavioral health system has been under-resourced for many years and more work is  needed to ensure that children and families are able to access behavioral health services when  and where they need it.

Legislation now being considered at the State Capitol recognizes the need to address the educator shortage in Connecticut and to ensure that we are striving to recruit and retain excellent educators. In doing so, it will generate momentum that will enhance the teaching profession in our state.

One of the best ways to promote voting and to ensure equal access to the ballot is to declare voting a universal and fundamental civic duty. The state legislature is considering doing so.

Connecticut was the first state in the country to develop a wealth equity policy that has the potential to break generational cycles of poverty as well as promote long-term economic growth in our state. Now, it needs to be funded.

Our hearts are with the families of the victims and the Michigan State University community, shattered by another deadly preventable mass shooting incident. Urgent action is required of elected officials.

A robust public information program to fulfill one of the core missions of the Office of the Secretary of the State, and the resources to take on that effort and others, is being sought by the newly elected state constitutional officer. The legislature is considering where state dollars should be allocated.

The impact of a summer in Connecticut on Martin Luther King Jr. was largely unknown and quite significant. Some Simsbury students journey of discovery decades later filled some important historical gaps, and our understanding of some of the influences on one of the nation’s most inspiring figures.