Patience, Strategy, and Communication in 2021

As featured in the CT Examiner:

We are arriving in 2021 having overcome each challenge this year brought. Let us take that solutions mindset into the new year. Let us also remember the lives taken and impacted by this pandemic.

While there were tremendous difficulties that muddied this year, the hardships also enabled many businesses and people from Southeastern CT to shine. Pfizer and BioNTech led the nation in successfully developing a vaccine for Covid-19. The Gilman Brothers of Bozrah pioneered the technology behind the packaging to preserve and ship the vaccine across the state and country. Ledyard’s own Rev. Maze Stephan organized over 100 volunteers, or “Masketeers” to create and distribute over 62,500 masks and 1,200 pieces of PPE. And of course there were incredible sacrifices made by healthcare professionals, first responders, educators and front line workers.

The theme for 2021 must be recovery. It is my hope that the state will continue to reopen safely and with confidence as people receive the vaccine and continue taking proper precautions.

As health and safety are better managed, the state government must turn its focus to supporting a state economic recovery. The next budget must be crafted in a way that can realistically provide all the necessary services without calling for more fees and taxes on residents and businesses.

There are several industries who are in need. We must find ways to help these businesses without also overpromising state funds.

The keys to working through the remainder of this pandemic are going to be patience, strategy, and communication. I am eager to get back to work with my fellow legislators to find solutions, whether it be by webinar or in person. I promise to hold these priorities in the forefront of my mind as I continue this great privilege serving as your State Senator.

May 2021 be a happy and healthy new year for everyone in and around our communities.