The WTS Connecticut Legislative Affairs Committee supports informed engagement across the Chapter by
working with other committees and membership to foster awareness and understanding of transportation-
related policy. We are committed to creating an environment that promotes accessible, non-partisan education
on legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels. We believe that strengthening
policy literacy and encouraging thoughtful dialogue empowers our members to better navigate and contribute
to the evolving transportation landscape. By connecting members with timely information, professional
development opportunities, and insights from public sector leaders, we aim to support both individual growth
and the broader industry.

If you have ideas that could support this mission or are interested in participating in
the WTS CT Legislative Affairs Committee, please contact Belen Michelis at [email protected] or Ted
Stevens at [email protected].

Read our Newsletter Here!

Our Mission:

The Legislative Affairs Subcommittee advances WTS’s mission to attract, sustain, connect, and advance women
in transportation by:

• Enhancing policy literacy among members
• Providing opportunities for professional development through policy education
• Informing members about key legislative and regulatory developments
• Creating space for dialogue on how policy impacts transportation systems, funding, and communities
• Building connections with public sector leaders and decision-makers

What We Do:

Our work focuses on education, awareness, and connection—not advocacy or lobbying.
Key activities include:

• Monitoring federal, state, and local transportation legislation
• Translating complex policy issues into clear, digestible updates
• Hosting policy-focused events, panels, and roundtables
• Sharing timely legislative insights through newsletters and briefings
• Creating opportunities to engage with public officials in educational settings
• Highlighting public input opportunities for pending legislation

Collaboration and Engagement:

While WTS does not engage in lobbying, the Legislative Affairs Subcommittee builds educational partnerships
that promote shared understanding of transportation challenges and opportunities.

Examples include:

• Inviting legislators and public officials as guest speakers
• Facilitating panels that bring together public and private sector perspectives

Speaker Book Recommendations:

• Erik Costa, Middletown Police Chief
o Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families by Kevin M.
Gilmartin
• Elizabeth Keyes, CTDOT Office of State Traffic Administration (OSTA) & Office of Construction
o The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
• Ryan Pothering, CTDOT Office of State Traffic Administration (OSTA) & Office of Construction
o Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin