As part of the 25th Annual ABA Days during the week of April 4-8, 2022, a delegation from the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and American Bar Association (ABA) met with Connecticut’s federal legislators to advocate for issues important to members and encourage efforts to narrow the access to justice gap in Connecticut. Whether it was a discussion with Senator Richard Blumenthal examining the growing eviction crisis in Connecticut or brainstorming about student debt relief with Representative Jim Himes, the legislators and attendees participated in a productive exchange of information and ideas. This year’s primary advocacy issues at the ABA Days included increasing funding for the Legal Services Corporation, promoting the Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act, and addressing student debt relief.
Dana M. Hrelic served as the Connecticut State Captain for the team; she spearheaded the efforts, led the discussions, and provided helpful information and resources for the team about the advocacy issues. Additionally, other members of the CBA delegation that met with legislators were President Cecil J. Thomas, Immediate Past President Amy Lin Meyerson, Treasurer David M. Moore, Secretary Sharad A. Samy, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Cindy M. Cieslak, and Connecticut State Delegate Daniel A. Schwartz. Additionally, President-Elect Daniel J. Horgan, Vice President Margaret I. Castinado, and Past President Jonathan Shapiro helped the Connecticut delegation prepare for the meetings with legislators.