Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children, Help for Homelessness, Bills Passed

May 14, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

The speed of session is picking up as most days we are staying later and getting more legislation passed each day. You’ll see a lot of that work listed below in individual sections, but I am also including a section on all the bills passed this year for you to check out.

As you may have seen this week, the Democrats overcame a three-year losing streak to beat the Republicans in the annual CGA Kickball Classic. More details below, but I love this event each year because it gets us away from political arguing and gives us a chance to spend time together on the field and after the fact.

Be sure to check out the information on the statewide job fair for you or someone you know as well as the big Greek festival coming up in Hartford at the end of the month.

Have a great week,

Eleni

Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.

HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.

Another key portion of the bill reforms school crisis response drills.

The tragic reality is that children need to be prepared in case of emergencies. But research has shown that some crisis response drills are ineffective and leave children with lasting anxiety.

HB 7009 establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.

While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:

Limiting the use of smart devices in school
Addressing antisemitism in schools
Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

HB 7009 is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I am proud to cast my vote in support.

Help for Homelessness

House Democrats voted to improve interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness.

This council will bring together representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to ensure that our state agencies are coordinating and developing long-term solutions.

We are always looking at ways to improve government efficiency and address homelessness head-on.

Protections for Survivors of Domestic, Sexual Assault

House Democrats took action on Tuesday to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings.

Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors

Bills Passed in the House So far

For a look at bills passed in the House during the 2025 legislative session so far, please click on the image below.

Wait, Democrats Won?

I know, I know, after three straight losses, the headline that Democrats won the CGA Kickball Classic sounds like fake news. But, we elected so many younger, athletic legislators last year that the Majority Rules team triumphed over the Stampede, 4-1.

But, the most important thing is that we came together to raise money for Connecticut Foodshare, our state’s food bank. If you’d like to support our food insecure neighbors, you can do so by clicking on the photo below.

Road Construction Project Update

Work at the intersection of Old Farms and Thompson Road is ongoing. Please click on the image below for an update from Patch and please be careful in this area.

Puppy Day @ The Capitol

Puppy Day is the best day at the Capitol. Thanks to the Connecticut Humane Society for always reminding us there are pups that are looking for their forever home.

Welcome to the Capitol, Rian!

It was fun to see Rian from the Ben and Jerry’s in Canton as part of our Non-Profit Alliance Day at the Capitol.

AANHPI Heritage Month Highlight

Celebrating the Honorable Nina F. Elgo, a trailblazer in Connecticut's judiciary.

As the first Asian Pacific American appointed to both the Connecticut Superior Court and Appellate Court, Judge Elgo has paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the legal field.

Her dedication to justice and commitment to public service inspire us all.