I want to outline my experiences with Senator Heather Somers in the past legislative session. I am a respiratory therapist practicing in Connecticut and reside in Groton. Our professional society requested that our practice act be updated to reflect our education, training and the latest developments in the health care field. We contacted Senator Somers in her capacity as Senate co-chair of the Public Health Committee.

At the public hearing on March 20, Somers' experience and expertise showed through − she asked excellent questions and had several very good suggestions for making the needed legislation better. I spent much of the evening at the Legislative Office Building. Despite the late hour, Somers was present and very engaged as the committee heard testimony on more than a dozen bills.

She came out in the hallway after the bill was completed to say hello to me and talk. The final legislation passed overwhelmingly with a number of changes so that respiratory therapist can be included in more critical procedures in the hospital. I saw firsthand the attentiveness Heather brings to her work and dedication to serving the people of the 18th Senatorial District. I am proud Senator Somers is my senator.

Faith Smith

Groton