Rep. McCarty Endorses Education and Mental Health Bills

HARTFORD — This week the House of Representatives convened Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss bills that were referred to them by legislative committees. State Rep. Kathleen McCarty (Waterford & Montville) co-sponsored four of these bills that aim to support education and improvements to mental health services. All four co-sponsored bills were passed with bi-partisan support.

With opioid addiction fueling an ever-increasing crisis across Connecticut, legislators are making it a priority to put mental health services and addiction prevention/resolution efforts at the forefront. H.B. 5456 contributes to these efforts by changing references to addiction as “substance abuse” in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction statutes to “conditions” and “disorders.”

“Erasing the stigma that is associated with mental illness was an important topic of discussion at the mental health forum I recently held in Montville,” said Rep. McCarty. “I really believe that changing the language of how we address addiction is an appropriate way to help reduce the stigma attached to this illness. Language matters and can help erase discrimination over time.”

H.B. 5459 is a bill to require dental hygienists applying for license renewals on or after October 1, 2016 to complete at least 50 minutes of training in cultural competency. This will be considered as part of the existing 16-hour continued education requirement that must be completed within a two year time frame prior to receiving a renewed license.

A third bill, H.B. 5308 will require the Department of Education to update its plan for scientific research-based interventions that will improve education for all students. The revisions will include recommendations on curriculum, instruction, creating a positive school climate and supporting children that require supplemental or intensive assistance.

Lastly, H.B. 5423 proposes legislation to encourage middle and high school students to consider careers in manufacturing by establishing a committee to develop a program catalog for manufacturing introduction courses, and form a partnership between the Commissioner of Education and the manufacturing industry that will work towards educating students on the prospects of manufacturing careers. Rep. McCarty was one of 48 legislators to co-sponsor this bill on April 13.

“I was pleased to see these pieces of legislation pass through the House of Representatives. Education and mental health services are being hit the hardest in the governor’s latest budget proposal. This legislation will support education and mental health initiatives without acquiring additional funds,” said Rep. McCarty. “I look forward to supporting similar measures in the short remaining weeks of session.”

All four pieces of legislation are now awaiting action in the Senate and must be acted upon before May 4th in order to become law.

Rep. McCarty represents the 38th district of Waterford and Montville.