Lamont, Fazio release dueling campaign proposals
Connecticut
Opinion: Abortion providers need appreciation, protection, support
In this post-Dobbs era, those dedicated to reproductive freedom face mounting threats to their safety, livelihood, and ability to provide care. Thanks to an ever-shifting legal landscape and an anti-abortion federal administration, providers across the country are not only left to navigate legal chaos, but they are also becoming direct targets of political and personal attacks.
On March 10 we recognized Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, a day to celebrate the bravery, compassion, and resilience of those who provide abortion care. While recognition is important, it is not enough. If we truly value these essential health care providers, we must fight to protect them.
Liz Gustafson and Cassie LehrHere in Connecticut, our legislature is presented with a critical opportunity to take bold, decisive action to safeguard abortion providers and expand access to care.
In anticipation of Roe v. Wade being overturned, Connecticut led the way in 2022, becoming the first state to pass a shield law to protect providers and patients from legal threats posed by anti-abortion extremists in other states. This law ensures that providers in Connecticut can care for out-of-state patients seeking safe, legal abortion services —without fear of prosecution from their patients’ home states.
Today, 19 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, leaving more than 25 million reproductive-age Americans without access to care. In 2023, the total number of patients who traveled to Connecticut for abortion care is estimated at 840, but countless others could not—barred by financial, logistical, or legal obstacles.
For those who cannot travel, medication abortion is a lifeline. It is safe, effective, and accessible, accounting for 63% of all U.S. abortions in 2023. Many patients receive medication abortion via telehealth, making it a crucial alternative for those who face travel barriers.
Yet, Connecticut’s shield law does not explicitly protect telehealth providers—leaving doctors who may want to help out-of-state patients unable to do so.
The solution? H.B. 7135, a bill that would strengthen Connecticut’s shield provisions law to ensure telemedicine abortion providers are protected. This provision is already included in the strongest shield laws nationwide, including those in California, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Colorado, and Maine. Connecticut must follow suit.
Beyond legal protections, Connecticut must also invest in the ecosystem of sexual and reproductive health care. ‘Safety-net providers,’ such as Hartford GYN Center and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, serve a patient population where the majority rely on Medicaid or are underinsured. These providers are an essential lifeline, ensuring access to care regardless of a patient’s income, insurance status, or background. However, they face unsustainable financial burdens due to insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates, all while the cost of delivering care continues to rise.
Even though family planning clinics received a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase in the 2023 budget, abortion services were excluded. This means that abortion providers in Connecticut are operating under unsustainable financial conditions—on top of enduring relentless political and legal attacks.
Organizations like The REACH Fund, Connecticut’s only abortion fund, directly support clinics because they trust providers to deliver the best care possible. Connecticut’s state government should do the same by increasing Medicaid reimbursements and fully funding abortion services.
Abortion providers deliver critical, life-saving care —but they can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can support abortion providers in Connecticut:
- Call your legislators. Urge them to support H.B. 7135 and ensure abortion providers have the legal and financial support they need. Reproductive Equity Now can guide you—sign up for updates here.
- Donate. Support abortion clinics, funds, and advocacy organizations that are fighting to expand access.
- Know your local providers. Learn about clinics in your community so you can help others find safe, trusted care.
- Express gratitude. Thank a provider, a front desk staffer, a clinic escort, or a friend who supported someone through their abortion journey.
Remember, abortion care is community care. Be part of that community. Support those who make reproductive freedom possible—today and every day.
Liz Gustafson is Connecticut State Director with Reproductive Equity Now and Cassie Lehr is a Board Member of The REACH Fund of Connecticut.
Connecticut
5 Connecticut towns to receive $2M each for infrastructure upgrades
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Five Connecticut towns will collectively receive $10 million in grants for infrastructure upgrades, according to a Monday announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is awarding $10.7 million to Coventry, Guilford, Ledyard, Mansfield and Thomaston to modernize and rehabilitate housing for low- and moderate-income residents, the announcement said.
The funds are being released through the DOH’s Community Development Block Grant’s small cities program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible, a municipality must have fewer than 50,000 residents.
Cost Breakdown
Coventry: $2 million
Town of Coventry plans to use funds to upgrade, with a focus on making Orchard Hill Estates compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Guilford: $2 million
The Town of Guilford plans to use funds to design and build future affordable housing projects, consisting of up to 16 rental units and 8 homes.
Ledyard: $2 million
The Town of Canton requested funding for the first phase of affordable housing for people in Ledyard and the surrounding area. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is in the pre-development phase of the Colby Drive and plans to create 38 units.
Mansfield: $2.2 million
Funding will be used for upgrades to Wright’s Village, including roof replacements and sidewalk repairs.
Thomaston: $2.5 million
Funds will be used to make Green Manor ADA-compliant, including the installation of a new emergency call aid system.
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Connecticut
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Connecticut
Florida High School State Bronze Medalist Dajah German Verbals To Connecticut For Fall 2027
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Florida high school state bronze medalist Dajah German has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Connecticut! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to be my best throughout the years. And a very special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Nicole for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. GO HUSKIES!
A rising senior at Fort Lauderdale High School in Florida, German trains year-round with Swim Fort Lauderdale and primarily specializes in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events.
German has improved each year of her high school career, most recently dropping from 23.78, 51.39, and 1:50.56 in the 50/100/200 free to 23.54, 51.35, and 1:49.69 during the 2025-26 short course season.
German’s top meet of the season was the Florida Senior Championships in March, where she recorded her current PBs in both the 50 and 200 free. She finished second in the 500 free (4:55.94) and 1650 free (17:02.78), third in both the 50 free and 200 free, and fifth in the 100 free (51.43). She set her current 100 free PB at a smaller holiday meet in December. In the 500 free, she clocked a season-best 4:55.21 at the Speedo Cup in January, with her lifetime best of 4:53.19 coming at the 2025 Florida Senior Championships.
German has qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for the past three years, with her top performance coming at the 2025 iteration in November. She placed third in the 50 free (23.96), fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12), and helped Fort Lauderdale to fourth place in both the 200 free relay (24.64 leadoff) and 400 free relay (53.08 anchor).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 23.54
- 100 Freestyle: 51.35
- 200 Freestyle: 1:49.69
- 500 Freestyle: 4:53.19
A Division I Mid-Major program, Connecticut competes in the Big East, with the women’s team placing second out of seven teams at this past season’s conference championships. German’s current lifetime bests would have placed third in the 200 free, fourth in the 500 free, eighth in the 50 free, and ninth in the 100 free, setting her up as an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead before her first conference meet.
German joins Anna Mumford, Lyla Devlin, Lena Brown, and Louisa Holda in committing to the Huskies’ class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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