Supporting Women’s Rights and Health Care at the CT Capitol

Sen. John Kissel (R – 7th)

Hopefully you and your families had a happy, fun and safe Fourth of July. The celebration in Enfield was amazing and inspiring. I know I speak for many when I say we thank the many community volunteers who take the time out of their busy lives to make the Enfield Celebration such a special and patriotic event. Now, back to your regularly scheduled State Capitol update.

I will continue to make you aware of bills which were passed by the Connecticut General Assembly.  These are bills which may not have received a lot of attention but they do have a positive impact on our quality of life.  Recently, I told you about some innovative bipartisan workforce development bills which I supported and we passed by the Connecticut General Assembly.  These future laws all seek to create and sustain jobs right here in Connecticut.  I am confident they will do just that.

Today, we focus on bipartisan bills which impact women in our state.  With the following bills, all of which I voted “yes” on, Connecticut  is taking big steps forward to support women’s rights and increase women’s access to quality health care.

House Bill 7396: As Act Concerning Parity Between Sexual Assault in the Case of a Spousal Cohabitating Relationship and Other Crimes of Sexual Assault and Concerning the Investigation of a Family Violence Crime.  This bill ensures all victims of sexual assault, no matter their relationship with the abuser, have access to the same legal protections.

House Bill 6522: As Act Concerning Continuing Medical Education in Screening for Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Gastrointestinal Cancers.  This bill improves access to women’s health care by heightening awareness and education about certain rare cancers to increase the chances of early diagnosis.  Remember, early detection is key!

House Bill 5521: An Act Expanding Required Health Insurance Coverage for Preexisting Conditions.  I co-sponsored this legislation to require short-term insurance to provide coverage for preexisting conditions.  This will benefit all consumers, including women who have a higher rate of preexisting conditions than men.

If you have questions about these bills or others, if you have ideas on how we can continue to strengthen state laws in these areas or if you want to receive a future update on a specific policy area, please always feel free to contact me with your concerns, questions and ideas.  You can email me at John.A.Kissel@cga.ct.gov or call me at 860-240-0531.  You can also find me on Facebook.  Make your voice heard!

John A. Kissel
State Senator (R – 7th District)
Previously published in the Enfield Press
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