Around New England

Connecticut’s General Assembly Forms Council To Keep Eye On Threats To Abortion Rights, “Women’s Health”

Bill Gnade

The Hartford Courant is reporting that the Connecticut General Assembly, in light of recent legislative restrictions on abortion services in others states, has created a 20-member council to ensure "the federal government does not impede the provision of health care to women in Connecticut." 

The General Assembly was also responding to "possible changes to the Affordable Care Act" that may limit access to abortion, or funding for abortion.

The "Council on Protecting Women's Health," the Courant reports, is to "advise the (CT) legislature's public health and insurance committees on strategies" to protect access to abortion services.

The General Assembly, at least in the Courant report, did not explain whether the council would focus on women's health in general, or merely would protect access to, and funding of, abortion services.

The Courant reports that the formation of the council was "championed" by Senate Democrats and largely supported by Republicans, though "eight members of the Conservative Caucus" opposed the council's foundation.

The Democratic Caucus, according to the Courant, wrote in support of the council, saying that "[w]ith women's healthcare under fire on the federal level, this council can review a legal threat and report to the General Assembly as to what, if any, actions we need to take so we can respond quickly and efficiently to preserve quality care for women here in Connecticut."

The Courant reports that on Wednesday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed the bill legalizing the new council.

Around New England

Maine Court: No Public Funding For Religious Schools. Maybe.

Bill Gnade

 Three families living in Maine school districts that do not provide any in-district secondary education have so far lost their battle to have the state pay for their children's education at private religious schools. But the battle might not be over, or so suggested the judge adjudicating the case this week.

The three families sued the state – which is mandated to provide an equal education for its student-age population – for failing to reimburse them for tuition paid at Bangor Christian School in Bangor and Temple Academy in Waterville, the Portland Press Herald (PPH) reports. Maine families living in districts without high schools who send their children to private, non-religious schools are entitled to state subsidies and reimbursements. Maine state law excludes religious schools from receiving state aid.

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