House bills passed and New e-Apprenticeship System

May 2, 2025


 


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 7102An 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.

 

House Democrats Blue Collar Caucus

On Wednesday, I joined fellow members of the newly formed House Democrats Blue Collar Caucus.  We are focused on the issues affecting Connecticut’s middle- and working-class. We are prioritizing:

  • Job training opportunities that help people climb the economic ladder
  • Policies that protect people in the workplace
  • Tax policies that reward hard workers

We are against corporate greed, monopolies, and price gouging from housing & rental costs to prices at the grocery store, medical costs, and much more.

We support unions and stand in solidarity with nurses, hospital staff, teachers, school staff, first responders, and many others who are working hard to make ends meet and put food on the table.
 
Together, we recognize their essential contributions and reaffirm our commitment to fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves.

 

Thank You!

As a former intern, I am proud to participate in the CGA Internship Program as a legislator. I’d like to thank my intern Anthony for his invaluable service to the 56th District! As the internship comes to a close, I wish you all the best in your bright future!
 

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

Adult Nutrition Workshop Series starts Thursday, May 1st at 4:00 P.M. in the Community Room of the Rockville Public Library (52 Union Street, Rockville).

Kristin Anderson of UConn SNAP-ED will teach you about nutrition facts labels, increasing fiber, decreasing sugars, heart healthy fats, and more!  Each session includes a tasty sample from a live cooking demo! 
Separate registration is required for each class you'd like to attend.  Click the image below to register for the May 1st class.  

 

The Spring Bird Walk is the first nature walk of 2025 and will be Sunday, May 4th at 7:30 A.M. Meet at Valley Falls Park (300 Valley Falls Road, Vernon).

Bring binoculars if you have them!
 

The Rockville High School Theater Company will be performing CLUE.  Performances are taking place from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10th. 

Only 250 tickets will be sold per show.  Click here to get your tickets NOW!
 

The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together for its 4th annual kickball tournament to support Connecticut Foodshare at Dunkin Park on May 12th at 4:30 P.M.  

Tickets are $10, click here to purchase.