Rallies to fund Health Care and Education for All Fill the Capitol

The message to the State Legislature is clear: the time is now to enact an equity agenda and fund the rights of everyone to health care, education, housing and all human needs.

This week the focus at two hearings was on expanding healthcare for immigrants and increased funding for higher education with no tuition increases.

Over 200 people packed a nine hourValentine's Day public hearing before the Human Services Committee at the Capitol and on zoom to testify in favor of HB 6616 “To Expand Husky Health Benefits to Those Ineligible Due to Immigration Status.” The legislature expanded HUSKY health coverage to children up to age 12 last year. The demand is for full expansion to age 26.

Dozens of immigrant youth shared horrifying stories of serious illness due to denial of care, many translated from Spanish. Testimony also came from health professionals and advocates. “Together we will achieve justice for our communities,” Husky 4 All tweeted after the hearing.

The struggle continues for health care coverage that includes immigrant parents and adults of all ages who would otherwise qualify.

“Equity Means Access to Higher Education for All” was the demand as students, faculty and staff rallied on the north steps of the Capitol protesting Governor Lamont's proposed budget cuts to higher public education prior to an appropriations committee hearing.

A student walkout at the University of Connecticut the same day protested tuition increases. Connecticut has the fifth highest student loan debt in the country. Many students work more than one job to afford their education. Among the demands was a call for free higher public education.

“Our colleges and state universities serve poor and working-class families who are barely struggling to survive in this economy,” said the Recovery for All Coalition calling for “more funding on our equity agenda investments.”

A huge turnout is expected at the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee hearing on February 27. At the Recovery for All press conference last month, State Sen Gary Winfield declared “equity requires revenue.” While Governor Lamont continues to oppose raising taxes on the wealthiest who pay less than everyone else, the demand for a fair tax system and to tax the rich is taking hold as thousands of essential workers, families, women and people of color struggle to make ends meet.