Hilda E. Santiago

Minimum wage workers are moving closer to a living wage. The House approved House Bill 5004 to increase the minimum wage incrementally over the next few years to $15 in 2023.

I want to thank CALAS for honoring me with their Policy Change Award. It is a true honor to share this special night with so many inspirational leaders in our community.

Protecting the residents of our state from discrimination in the health insurance market is one of my top priorities and I’m very happy to report that we are continuing to make progress on that issue this legislative session.

Our electoral rights are the foundation of our democracy, but as personal schedules become more and more rigid, voters are less able to make it to the polls. Or when they do, they get discouraged by the long lines on Election Day.

The House of Representatives held a Memorial for the late Representative Ezequiel Santiago. We offered his family and each other, words of comfort and remembered him in a very special way. Although there was sadness, there were also happy memories of the impact he made in his community and the impression he left with his Legislative family. Ezequiel was my not only my colleague, but I considered him my friend. His legacy will forever live with us.

The April 15th deadline to file your state and federal income taxes is fast approaching.

This week, the State Capitol welcomed dozens of Latino organizations from across the state to celebrate the 6th Annual Latino Advocacy Day. I am proud to see the mobilization of the Latino community as they continue raising awareness on issues they are passionate about. Indisputably, advocacy plays a key role in our government and it is encouraging to see how committed our communities are to have their voices heard.

I am pleased to have joined with my Meriden legislative delegation, our Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, our Mayor Kevin Scarpati, local officials, partners, advocates and community organizations to launch our local 2020 Census outreach efforts.