Lynn Hagerbrant advocates for $500K Parkinson's research fund at Connecticut legislative session

Connecticut's Appropriations Committee held a significant public hearing on March 28, 2025, where key discussions centered on funding for health initiatives and the importance of accurate information regarding state expenditures.

One of the most impactful testimonies came from Lynn Hagerbrant, a representative of the Parkinson's community, who urged the committee to support House Bill 7233. This bill proposes the establishment of a $500,000 Parkinson's disease research account managed by the Department of Health. Hagerbrant, who has lived with Parkinson's since 2010, emphasized the urgent need for funding to advance research and improve treatment options for the nearly one million Americans affected by the disease. She highlighted the potential of precision medicine and stem cell therapies, asserting that Connecticut could lead the way in finding a cure.

In addition to Hagerbrant's testimony, the committee addressed misinformation circulating about state funding for undocumented individuals. A committee member criticized an article from the Yankee Institute, claiming it misrepresented the financial implications of healthcare for undocumented children. The member clarified that the state already covers healthcare for these children, and the figures cited in the article were inflated due to misclassification in data collection.

The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations while ensuring that public discourse is grounded in factual information. As the committee moves forward, the proposed funding for Parkinson's research could pave the way for significant advancements in treatment and care for those living with the disease in Connecticut.