State Capitol Update For The Week of May 22

May 22, 2025



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Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of May 22. 

Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events.
 

The House was in session four days this week. We passed several great bills that will benefit residents throughout the state - I will highlight a few below.

Monday is Memorial Day. On this day, we remember and honor those who sacrificed everything. Click here to find a Memorial Day parade in your community. 

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

  • Session Wrap Up. Click here.
  • Medical Debt Relief for CT Residents. Click here.
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Click here.
  • Upcoming Session Days. Click here.
  • Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

Session Wrap Up

On Monday, House Democrats passed legislation on Monday that saves money for EVERY EMPLOYER in the state since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling.

This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saves them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.

Last week, the House passed a novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries that are struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks. SB 1234 bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers.
 
The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

National Emergency Medical Services Week

This week is National Emergency Medical Services Week. 

In Connecticut we have 20,000+ certified EMS personnel that handle 450,000 emergency calls annually. Join me in honoring the dedication, courage, and lifesaving care of Connecticut’s EMS professionals. Thank you to every EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, and first responder who make the difference between life and death.

Medical Debt Relief for CT Residents

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!
 
I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way  — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.
 
What to expect:
Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Deb. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.
 
Who qualifies?

  • Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
  • Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. You can view a sample of what this letter looks like by clicking here.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learning to identify the signs is an important step when seeking help or when trying to help others. Here are some common signs to be aware of:

  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • You think about hurting yourself or feel like life isn't worth living

Taking small steps to support your mental health can make a big difference:

  • Take breaks from social media
  • Go outside and relax or be active
  • Connect with others
  • Take care of your body by getting at least 7 hours of sleep, staying physically active, and eating healthy
  • Reduce your alcohol intake and avoid smoking

Click here for local resources for mental health assistance.

Upcoming Session Days

Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
 
Here are some great ways to stay informed:

  •  The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
  • Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp.
  • Follow Connecticut House Democrats on social media for legislative updates and policy priorities.

Northwest Corner Events

ICYMI 

Upcoming Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy Events 

Click the corresponding graphic below for more information. 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day

The 30th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival will be held on July 25-27 at the Thomas Perakos Performing Arts Center in Washington, Connecticut. Click here to purchase tickets. 
 

It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

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Sincerely,


Maria Horn
State Representative

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