Juan R. Candelaria

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South, but was unknown to others from the rest of the country. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

The legislative session officially concluded last Wednesday, and we got a lot done for the people of Connecticut. I can't wait to tell you about some of the amazing bills we passed, starting with our two-year budget.

For too long, Connecticut's special education model has faced fundamental flaws that prevented all students from receiving the proper education they deserve. With our recent passage of HB 5001: An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut, we are taking important steps to reform this system.

This bill, which passed 148-0 in the House on a bipartisan basis, makes historic investments for students in special education, delivers better access to services, and provides cost controls and greater transparency.

Monday is Memorial Day - a day of remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope you'll take the opportunity this long weekend to reflect on the bravery of those who gave their lives so we can live and prosper in our great nation, and to spend time connecting with your loved ones.

It is also worth reminding yourself to live a life that is meaningful and worthy of the sacrifices so many have made.

I hope you and your friends and family have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.

HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

House Democrats voted this week to make important changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, including among other things expanding the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer and authorizing workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits.

Taking care of our first responders is always a legislative priority.

This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is DEA National RX Take Back Day. If you have unused, unwanted, and/or expired OTC and/or prescription medicine in your cabinets, now is a great time to safely dispose of them. Many police departments already have permanent medication drop boxes in their building, but DEA Take Back Day is a great day to dispose of these meds, too.