Legislation Helps Families of State Workers Killed in Line of Duty & Know Your Immigration Rights

January 31, 2025


The Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who were killed in the line of duty. I'll break down how this law will make a big difference.

I understand there is a lot of uncertainty and concern over the ramping up of arrests of immigrants in our communities. Scroll down to learn more about your rights if you encounter immigration enforcement agents at home, work, or school.

Do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel is taking applications for emergency energy and utility assistance to those in need. Please read below to learn if you're eligible. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Line-of-Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
  • Know Your Rights Under the Constitution
  • Help With Your Energy Bill
 
Line-of-Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
My colleagues and I gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to vote in favor of legislation to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty.
This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024. 
Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. 

Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers.
 
Know Your Rights Under the Constitution
Some communities, including Windham, are on edge after reports of immigration enforcement have surfaced around Connecticut. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. 

The Connecticut State Department of Education issued guidance to every public school district in response to questions regarding immigration enforcement activities. Some parents may have questions about how this policy change could affect school operations, student privacy, and the safeguarding of students while in school. Please read below for more details.
The ACLU of Connecticut has prepared a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide below. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approach you.
 
Help With Your Energy Bill
Operation Fuel's Energy Assistance Program opened this week, which means eligible Connecticut residents will be able to apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels. 
This program offers Connecticut households one-time energy assistance grants up to $500 toward a utility bill or one-time fuel delivery.
Click here for eligibility requirements & application materials