As many of you know by now, I am retiring from the State Senate at the end of my term. When announcing this on the floor of the Senate, I told my colleagues how much I will miss them. And, it is true.  But what I will miss most is the incredible honor of serving the people of the 18th Senatorial District. For that honor and privilege, I can never thank all of you enough.

The 14 years I have spent as your State Senator have been among the best years of my life. Other than raising my three beautiful children, representing you is the best, most rewarding, job I have ever had. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it especially the time I spent talking personally to so many of you. 

My life in public service started with the belief that my son, Caleb and people like him, deserve every opportunity.  So from the school board to the State Capitol, I have worked tirelessly to champion the message that people with disabilities belong in our communities and not in institutions.  And while the work is not done and the State still has a waiting list, I have seen great changes and advances for people with disabilities in Connecticut.  In my own way, I hope that Caleb’s story has made a lasting difference in the way the General Assembly crafts policy for people with disabilities.

I must admit, when I started fourteen years ago I could never have imagined the breadth of topics that I would need to learn about to serve you well.  Over the years, I have worked on legislation about job training, environmental permitting, probate courts, our tax structure, revamping the state tourism agency, expanding the bio-tech industry, increasing benefits for our military population, expanding the film industry in Connecticut, and above all, the state budget.  After fourteen budgets, I am more devoted than ever to the idea of a balanced state budget, living within our means and prioritizing state spending.

I would be terribly remiss if I did not thank my wonderful family for their support. My three adult children, – Adam, Caleb and Betsy – were far from grown-up when I was first elected. Without their love and understanding, and the unwavering support of my parents, I could never have done it. Thank you.

I want to thank Shore Publishing for providing me with this wonderful forum to communicate with you. I hope that you have enjoyed reading this weekly column as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

So as I start my final months as your State Senator, I want to thank the people of the 18th Senatorial District for giving me the incredible privilege and honor of representing you in the Senate. I have tried to make a positive difference. Your support, that of my colleagues in the legislature and, in these past two years, Governor Rell, have made the weight of my responsibility a pleasure. Thank you.

I will remain your Senator until January and the office will remain open to assist you.  As always, I am interested in your thoughts and concerns.  I can be reached at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1421 or you can send me an e-mail at Catherine.Cook@cga.ct.gov.  I look forward to hearing from you.