The 2025 Legislative Session in Underway!

January 15, 2025
 

Opening day of the legislative session is always special, but it was a little extra special this year as my daughter Maddie joined me.  

 
It's now time to get to business and we hit the ground running with committee meetings!!  

There is plenty to get to in the email below, keep scrolling for more on: 
  • Important Issues this session
  • Homelessness and Education Committee Meetings
  • Community Events
 
Opening Day at the Capitol symbolizes our dedication and commitment to serving our community.  I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to address the challenges ahead and create meaningful progress for the people of Connecticut. We have plenty of work to do, and the Office of Legislative Research just released its report of important issues the General Assembly may face this year.

                        Click here to learn more about the major issues

Here are 3 easy and accessible ways on how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
 
Envisioning a future where everyone has access to housing and services was the goal of the CT CAN End Homelessness 2025 Legislative Agenda Press Conference last week.

I am supporting a state investment of $33.5 million to create a strategic path for homelessness prevention.  We need diversion hub services and permanent supportive housing.

Here are some numbers:
  • 21,000 calls in the last year
  • 13% increase over ‘23 to ‘24 with 44% of those being children and seniors over the age of 55
  • 25% increase in request for housing and shelter through our 211 system, more than any other type of assistance
 
As a member of the Education Committee we will be addressing teacher shortages and retention and looking into more educational grants amongst other issues.
 
 
Community Events
Here in Branford, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a few of Branford Public School’s paraprofessionals. We discussed the challenges they see in the classroom and the impact of past legislation requiring additional professional development. I appreciated the advocacy and feedback they provided and look forward to having them engaged in the new session.
 
 
The Connecticut Hospice in Branford is a gem for our community and state. This weekend Sen. Christine Cohen and I had the opportunity to say thank you and congratulations to Barbara Pearce on her retirement. 
 
Barbara came on board with the organization at a financially tumultuous time, slowly and systemically she righted the ship. CT Hospice is now on a more solid fiscal ground thanks to Barbara’s leadership. She’s kept both Sen. Cohen and I, as well as congressional leaders informed throughout her tenure.