by State Representative Philip L. Young III
Assistant Majority Whip
A major bill that I am championing, (HB 5570) will affect change in how we look at, diagnose and find cures for diseases in the U.S. This is likely to be a major focus for me for the next few years. Proposed H.B. No. 5570, Session Year 2021
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE STATE TO ENTER INTO A MULTISTATE COMPACT TO WORK TOWARD DEVELOPING CURES FOR MAJOR DISEASES.
Purpose: To incentivize investment in medical research toward cures for disease rather than treatment of disease and to share taxpayer savings in money and bodily treasure. Bill was referred to Joint Committee on Public Health on January 26 th , 2021. Next step for the bill is to schedule for public hearings. I am also a co-sponsor of Proposed S.B. No. 55, Session Year 2021.
DESIGNATING RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN THE STATE AND ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL RACISM ON PUBLIC HEALTH.
Purpose is to designate racism as a public health crisis in the state and establish a commission to study the impact of institutional racism on public health. Bill was referred to Joint Committee on Public Health on January 8th , 2021.
February 1, 2021
Dear Governor Lamont,
I write to ask for your support in helping to rebuild one of our cherished institutions in Stratford, the Sterling House Community Center, that has provided support services to our community for generations. Without the support of the Bond Commission, I worry that this landmark will no longer be able to maintain its food pantry and other services like after school care for the community. This is the first time in your governorship that I have made such a request, showing my great concern for the physical health for the “Heart” of my community.
The Sterling House building was constructed in 1886, when it was built by one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Stratford. In 1931, the building was gifted to the town and the Sterling House Community Center was founded a year later. Since then, Sterling House has touched thousands of lives providing a preschool, after school, summer camp, food pantry, and adult programs. During the pandemic, the organization stepped up to deliver food to seniors, provide 10 weeks of youth summer camp, organize leaf raking and snow shoveling, as well as many other services.
However, the physical structure is in dire need of repair. Many parts of the original structure have never been replaced or updated since the original construction. The roof, chimney, gutters, windows and doors need refurbishment and restoration. In addition, extensive work is needed to repair interior rooms that have been water damaged. Without these repairs, Sterling House will be forced to cut back on community services for lack of having a safe space to host activities.
Total cost for the repairs should be less than $3 million. Sterling House expects to raise about a third of the funds necessary from foundations and philanthropic donors. We are asking for $2 million in bond funds to support the project.
Thank you for your consideration of this project. If you or your team have any questions, or concerns, I am happy to get you over all of the information you need.
Sincerely,
Philip L. Young
State Representative 120th
cc: Matthew Ritter, Speaker of the House
Jason Rojas, House Majority Leader
Sean Scanlon, House Co-Chair Finance Revenue and Bonding
Pat Billie Miller, House Co-Chair Bonding Subcommittee
Paul Mounds, Chief of Staff Governor Lamont
Melisa McCaw, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Budget
