Legislative Session Updates

February 28, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this message finds you and your family well.

I had an eventful week at the Capitol! On Monday the House went into Session at 5 pm. We held a vote on two bills that addressed issues including Special Education Funding, Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans, and Community Funding Grants. Further down in this email you will find more information on what was passed as a part of these bills.

On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

Since then, the governor has expressed concerns regarding this budget allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto. However, I remain optimistic that a workable agreement can be reached as we address this critical issue.
My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets. Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.

Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.

The House also voted in support of veterans by passing legislation that provides tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service. This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income for essential needs. I am proud to support this bill and provide our veterans with the resources and assistance they are in need of.

House Democrats sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and their targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity and we legislate that way, too. We provided funding to Planned Parenthood for sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as sex education. We helped organizations that assist immigrants, refugees and other displaced people through a range of services including support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities.

The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.

Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID?

Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

How do I get a REAL ID?

You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
- a Social Security card; and
- two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?

Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?