House bills passed and New e-Apprenticeship System

May 2, 2025


 



We gathered at the State Capitol for May Day to rally in support of International Workers' Day and march in solidarity for social and economic justice. We will continue to protect workers’ rights by honoring the sacrifices that so many of us have made.

This week was very busy in the House, my colleagues and I worked hard and passed several bills including:

  • House Bill 7081: An Act Concerning Licensure Portability for Marriage and Family Therapists to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
  • House Bill 7102:  An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
  • House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act which acts to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue
  • House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act, legislation that helps, empowers, and recognizes our Veterans
  • House Bill 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors, is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy
 

Hero Act

Wednesday marked the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed what we call the HERO Act.

The HERO Act (HB 6442) is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
 

New e-Apprenticeship System

The Connecticut Department of Labor officially launched its new e-Apprenticeship Program, proving a streamlined, digital solution to the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program, which is already utilized by many Connecticut state agencies.

The system can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing apprentice records. Registered apprentices will be able to track their training progress, both on the job and in the classroom, all within the system.

By connecting employers and apprentices more efficiently, this system supports the “earn while you learn” model—helping individuals master a skilled trade while receiving paid, hands-on training.
 
Read the full announcement here.
 

Community Events

The Keefe Community Center (11 Pine Street, Hamden) will host its 2nd Annual Wellness Cafe on Friday, May 2nd from 5:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.  There will be free massage therapy, nutrition supplements, grief counseling, life coaches, financial & spiritual wellness help, line dancing, gardening, and more!

Click the image below to register for the event.
 

Sleeping Giant State Park (200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden) will host an Early Bird Watchers' Hike on Sunday, May 4th from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.. Participants will learn about some of the early migrant bird species making their way through the region, with a focus on those that use the Giant as a stopover area.  This hike will be led by friend of SGPA, Jim Sirch.

It will be an easy to moderate hike, two hours or so, with stops for discussion. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with binoculars, snacks, water, sunscreen, and any other essentials is recommended.

For more information and to register click here.  Advanced registration is required.  

Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted. Children must be at least eight years old. This hike leaves from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance at 8 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
 

The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together for its 4th annual kickball tournament to support Connecticut Foodshare. I hope you'll join me at Dunkin Park on May 12th at 4:30 P.M.  I look forward to not only playing but cheering on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Tickets are $10, click here to purchase.