Basic Needs Drop Off in Canton Through Friday, Hearing Deivone Out in Approps

March 18, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

To give you a sense of where we are in the session, many committees are completing their final work due to their final deadlines. Our money committees are the last to finish, so there is still time to testify over the next couple of weeks.

Today, I’ve included some recent testimony in appropriations to check out. Our intern, Ellie, is out for Spring Break, but she left behind a “day in the life " video of me for you to enjoy.

Finally, heads up on a drive for basic needs for Hands on Hartford, supported by the Canton Library.

Have a great week,

Eleni

Basic Needs Drop off Through Friday

Hearing Deivone Out in Approps

Sometimes you hear incredibly compelling and impactful testimony in a hearing, and that was certainly the case last week in Appropriations.

Check out my exchange with Deivone Tanksley, Sr. of New Britain Legacies, Corp.

Addressing Sham Weddings

You may recall that for a couple of years now, I have been working on a Justice of the Peace bill with the Secretary of State, Stephanie Thomas.

One reason for the bill is to create a working group to ascertain what changes might need to be made to make JOPs more effective.

Another aspect is to prevent fraudulent marriages by creating a waiting period between when a marriage license is issued and when you can get married (48 hours).

Learn more below in the article. Click on the image.

Image credit: Hearst CT Media

Warehouse Workers Protections

This legislation, signed this week by the Governor, as part of SB298, provides greater protections for workers in warehouses and fulfillment centers. This bill ensures quotas do not interfere with employees’ legally mandated meal and bathroom breaks and ensures that workers are presently aware of what quotas they may be subjected to while on the job. Employees experiencing violations of such rights can now recover any costs they may have incurred.

Connecticut becomes the first state in New England to pass Warehouse Worker Protection legislation, and just the sixth nationwide, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon.

For The High School Artists

Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase.

Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.

The top-selected artists will be featured and presented with notable recognition and awards at the opening reception.

The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.

A Day in the Life With...Me!

I’m on Spring Break this week, so please enjoy a video I created last week of what an average day for Representative Kavros DeGraw is like. Please click on the image below.

Reminder: Public Safety Info Forum

The Public Safety Informational Forum "Understanding Violent Extremism and Its Impact on Our Community" has been rescheduled to Monday, June 1, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Avon High School.