Friend, welcome to Health Equity Solutions' monthly newsletter!

On May 22, the Senate passed SB 7: An Act Concerning Protections for Access to Healthcare and Equitable Delivery of Healthcare Services in the State. Our legislative priority, SB 1192: An Act Concerning Hospital Financial Assistance,” is now Section 14 in SB 7. This important piece of legislation addresses the gap in access to financial assistance for patients in CT. The bill has been placed on the House calendar to be called within the next week. We will continue to exhaust all efforts to get the bill called and ultimately passed out of the House. 

Special thanks to all of our partners for their tireless efforts!

• SB 1506: AN ACT CONCERNING RACIAL AND ETHNIC IMPACT STATEMENTS passed the Senate on 5/1 and just passed the House on 5/22. HES is grateful for the work of the Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health on this important effort to embed equity in policymaking. 
• HB 7213: AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE passed the House on 5/1 and passed the Senate on 5/27. The bill protects access to reproductive health services. HES is thankful to our partners at Planned Parenthood, She Leads Justice and Reproductive Equity Now and so many other organizations for their relentless advocacy to protect access to reproductive care. 
• HB 7214: AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL HEALTH initially started with 3 sections (1) a task force to study perinatal mental health care, (2) establish a report card for birth centers and hospitals providing maternity care, and (3) require the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to study doula-friendly practices in hospitals. The bill was amended to remove section 2, passed the House on 5/20 and is on the Senate calendar. 
• SB 1470: AN ACT CONCERNING TWICE ANNUAL REPORTING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ON MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER SERVICES. The bill has been tabled for the Senate Calendar since 4/2/2025. 
• HB 5002: AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING AND THE NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS is a robust housing bill that aims at lowering housing costs in the state. It is currently being debated in the House. 
• HB 6937: AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY CHILDREN'S DIAPERS. This bill has not been evaluated by appropriations and is unlikely to be considered this legislative session. 

HES is hiring a Community Engagement Manager to help lead grassroots organizing and coalition-building efforts that advance health equity in Connecticut. This role will focus on community-driven policy advocacy, data-informed engagement, and inclusive facilitation to ensure that underserved voices shape public health solutions. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. Read the full job description and apply HERE. 

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Stay informed about the latest developments in health equity, social determinants of health, racial justice, and more! Every week, we feature relevant news articles and reports on our social media. Check out a few highlights below:

• From taxes to housing, how can Connecticut inequality be addressed? Here are some possible solutions: Connecticut grapples with deep economic disparities, prompting experts and community leaders to propose multifaceted solutions. Recommendations include implementing rent caps, mandating affordable housing in new developments, and reforming the tax system to be more progressive, particularly by increasing taxes on capital gains. Enhancing educational equity through early education initiatives and diverse learning pathways is also emphasized, alongside broader support measures like earned income tax credits and universal basic income, all aimed at fostering a more equitable and affordable state. Read the full story HERE.
• Judges warn Trump’s mass deportations could lay groundwork to ensnare Americans: Federal judges are raising alarms over the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies, warning that the erosion of due process protections for immigrants could set a dangerous precedent affecting all Americans. The administration's use of expedited removal and wartime powers has led to deportations without proper hearings, prompting bipartisan judicial concerns about potential overreach and constitutional violations. Read the full story HERE.
• Medicaid Cuts Would Reduce Access to Health Care for Entire Communities: Proposed Medicaid cuts would not only strip coverage from millions but also destabilize entire communities' health care systems. As providers face reduced funding, many may be forced to scale back services or shut down, leaving both Medicaid recipients and privately insured patients with diminished access to care. The ripple effects could be especially severe in rural and underserved areas, where Medicaid plays a critical role in sustaining clinics and hospitals. Read the full story HERE.
• Some new Connecticut mothers are going home with orange bracelets. Here’s why: Trinity Health of New England has introduced a program where new mothers receive orange bracelets reading “I gave birth” to help identify postpartum health risks after leaving the hospital. The bracelets alert medical personnel to potential maternity-related complications, such as high blood pressure or excessive bleeding, within the first 12 weeks post-birth. This initiative aims to ensure quicker, more informed care in emergencies. Read the full story HERE.

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