In our modern age of polarization and instant information, it seems we’ve entered an era of where hyperbole, misinformation and accusation rule the day.

Two minutes of social media seems designed to enrage, as social media giants know anger and disagreement are what bring users back again and again, while the news you hear depends on the station you turn to. The two-party system seems to have collapsed into a war of words, rather than focus on policies that benefit our communities, the tenets of leadership that have long defined our elected leaders.

Yet, while this moment feels fragile, we must remember our nation has faced, and survived, similar periods of challenge and struggle. The Civil War pitted neighbors against neighbors, the fight for the Civil Rights Act met opposition and unrest, and time and again, our nation has pulled itself apart – only to reach periods of relative unity. It’s happened before and it can, and I know will, happen again.

Polarized thinking, on both sides of the aisle, pulls us apart, but we do not have to give in to it. In my eight years as one of 36 state senators, working alongside 151 state representatives, some of the best successes we’ve accomplished were when we were committed to something that would work for all of us, goals that unite our communities and have us seek a better tomorrow.

For instance, look at our state budget, which delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to towns and cities statewide to support educational and municipal budgets. While the votes were not universal, six of 11 Senate Republicans and 27 of 49 House Republicans joined all Democrats in support, indicative of their desire to bring home key aid for their constituents that will reduce property taxes and bolster offered services.

The same principles held true when it came to improving consumer protections. Senate Bill 4, the result of the hard work of the General Law Committee, provides better protections for Connecticut residents, including allowing consumers to have their personal data deleted and disclosure when consumer data is used to set prices of goods and services. It also included common-sense protocols, like preventing streaming commercials from being louder than the videos they accompany. That bill drew support from seven Senate Republicans and all but six House Republicans.

Or look at Senate Bill 5, seeking to place additional protections on artificial intelligence, a technology with as many concerns as advantages. The bill requires companies providing AI “companion” services to include a protocol to identify potential self-harm from users and provide information on mental health services if needed; develops a regulatory sandbox and AI Academy to allow for further training and innovation in the state; and requires the disclosure of any significant layoffs related to the use of AI. It won yes votes from all but 17 House Republicans and four Senate Republicans.

Elected officials have a party designation, but they don’t have an obligation to stick with their party 100% of the time; lawmakers will take actions they feel are necessary to support their communities. That’s what matters at the end of the day in politics – doing what’s right and what’s best for constituents.

When we leave Hartford after long nights of debating and voting, we head back to our communities, surrounded by the people who sent us there – and aware they’re the people who put their trust in us. That’s what’s most important, and what we must remember – the greater good.

Saud Anwar MD represents East Windsor, East Hartford, Ellington and South Windsor in the Connecticut State Senate.