Senator Patricia Billie Miller, a Stamford native, has represented the city and parts of Darien in the state Senate since 2021. Prior to her election to the Senate, she served in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021, representing Stamford’s 145th Assembly District.
Since 2023, Senator Miller has chaired the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. She has been a key advocate for civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation, playing a pivotal part in securing funding for Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation Baby Bonds initiative. In 2024, Senator Miller led passage of a new law which requires hair stylists to receive training on caring for a diverse range of hair types, including textured hair. This historic move has made Connecticut the fourth state in the nation to prioritize/promote/champion inclusivity within the professional hair care industry.
Throughout her tenure in the legislature, Senator Miller has advocated for education reforms aimed at addressing Connecticut’s education opportunity gap. She has witnessed firsthand the disparities in student achievements and understands the critical importance of literacy. Senator Miller believes in equipping teachers with the right tools to address these disparities.
In 2021, Senator Miller championed a pivotal law requiring school districts to adopt a reading curriculum focused on the “science of reading.” This legislation aimed to improve literacy outcomes for students in grades K-3, established the Center for Literacy and Reading Success, and secured $12.8 million to hire reading coaches in struggling districts. The Center now oversees the reading curriculum for Connecticut students in grades PreK-3.
In addition to her work in education and civil rights, Senator Miller serves as the Senate chair of the legislature’s Banking Committee. Her leadership extends to various community initiatives, and in April 2024, she was honored with the Catherine A. Klie Award from the Saint Joseph Parenting Center for her efforts to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. This award, named for the parenting center’s original founder, is given to those who use their time, talent, or resources to make a significant impact on the community.
The Women’s Business Development Council presents the annual Patricia Billie Miller Award for Outstanding Community Service to a volunteer who inspires others and shows strong dedication to WBDC and the women it serves throughout Connecticut.
