Juan R. Candelaria

The 2019 legislative session was demanding as ever and I’m grateful my colleagues and I were able to pass a balanced state budget that helps workers and people on fixed incomes, encourages economic growth and makes critical investments for our state – and all without raising our income tax.

President Trump’s latest attack on working families could result in over 11,000 Connecticut residents losing access to food assistance.

We’re just a few days away from a new law taking effect that will help contribute to a better environment. Our statewide efforts to curb the use of single-use plastic bags goes into effect on Aug. 1.

The law requires that insurance companies treat mental health and substance use disorders the same as other medical treatments.

A number of new laws took effect this month that address various issues.

The General Assembly’s regular session ended June 5th with a balanced budget and other significant legislation. I’d like to highlight some of the issues we addressed in the new state budget and other impactful legislation.

I am pleased to report the House passed legislation that will facilitate minority teacher recruitment and retention across the state.

Connecticut has the third-highest accumulated student loan debt in the country and the financial burden that our college graduates must shoulder after growing up here is driving many of them to other states where housing and the cost of living is cheaper.