On Wednesday State Rep. Themis Klarides (R-114) voted in favor of legislation granting $1.7 million in state funding to four Orange elementary schools.

The bill authorizes state reimbursements for construction projects at the following schools:

• Mary L. Tracy School, $93,702
• Peck Place School, $322,406
• Race Brook School, $827,459
• Turkey Hill School, $531,995

“Orange Public Schools are home to some of the most hard working and talented students and teachers in Connecticut,” said Rep. Klarides, who has been named a “Children’s Champion” by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. “Their continued success, however, relies upon high quality and up-to-date school infrastructure and grounds. I’m proud to have played a role in securing these state grants, which will go a long way in enhancing our outstanding elementary schools.”

According to the bill, for which Rep. Klarides strongly advocated, local school districts will be reimbursed by the state’s Department of Construction Services for certain percentages of the total cost of the construction projects.

Reimbursement rates are determined by the school district’s individual ranking of wealth compared to other districts statewide.

The bill also authorizes state grants for 26 other Connecticut schools, totaling $501.1 million.

Senate Bill 876 passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, and now awaits approval by the Governor.

State Rep. Themis Klarides (R-114) championed legislation on Wednesday that requires screening of newborn babies for a life-threatening genetic disease of the central nervous system called adrenoluekodystrophy (ALD).

The screenings cost $1.50 – $2.00 per test and make it easier for physicians to identify and treat the disease, which can suddenly affect boys from birth to one year old. If untreated, ALD causes loss of speech, muscle function, sight and the ability to consume food and liquids by mouth.

“ALD is an agonizingly painful disease that can end lives and devastate families,” said Rep. Klarides, a member of the Public Health Committee. “This is a rare opportunity to spend a few dollars that will truly make the difference between life and death.”

State Reps. Themis Klarides (R-114) and Antonio Guerrera (D-29) discuss ALD legislation in the House on June 5, the final day of the 2013 legislative session.

The legislation was prompted by 24-year-old Bryan Kelley of Branford who, with the help of his parents Jack and Jean, has fought the rare disorder for years.

Brian’s mother, Jean Kelley, had this to say about the bill, “It’s a way to save lives. We’re talking about lives, lives that won’t happen without the test.”

Screening of newborns has saved or improved the lives or more than 12,000 children to date.

ALD affects the tissue lining around the adrenal glands and nerve cells. The disorder comes with different levels of severity, with the most severe form causing very rapid degeneration of the nervous system in young boys.

Earlier this year Rep. Klarides played an instrumental role in generating awareness and support for the measure, and spoke out at a press conference alongside the Kelley’s in favor of this bill.

Senate Bill 465 passed unanimously in the House and Senate, and now moves to the Governor for further consideration.

With only 32 hours remaining in the 2013 Session, Rep. Klarides joined David Smith to tape an end-of-session segment for Cablevision’s Meet the Leaders. She discussed the major issues that unfolded this year, including the state budget which passed the House at 5:15am Sunday morning.

Rep. Klarides taped Meet the Leaders in the south lobby of the Capitol on June 4, 2013.

Rep. Klarides and host David Smith.