For the last four years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as your readers’ state senator in the Connecticut General Assembly. I am extraordinarily grateful to the citizens of Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford, Durham, and Killingworth for entrusting me to represent them.

Last February, I decided that I would not seek re-election in order to focus my attention on my longstanding work as a disability rights lawyer and advocate for inclusion and justice for people with disabilities, a cause that I have championed since losing my leg to bone cancer when I was 12 years old. Unfortunately, many of the rights gained by people with disabilities are now under imminent threat. As the board chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), one of the nation’s foremost disability civil rights organizations, I need to resist these alarming and harmful cutbacks in special education funding, home care services, and protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The decision not to seek re-election was difficult because I loved my job as state senator. I worked hard to author and pass more than 70 laws that will protect Long Island Sound and our natural environment, prevent exposure to toxic pesticides, strengthen access to home care, and make our state government more responsive, affordable and business-friendly. The vast majority of this legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. I am also proud to have resolved hundreds of individual constituent cases.

While my time in elective office may be coming to an end, I plan to remain active in the civic and cultural life of the shoreline community and will continue to work hard to improve the quality of life in Connecticut. I thank voters for honoring me with their support. It has been a privilege to represent them.

State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-12)

Branford