Purple Alert, Democrats Vs. Republicans in Kickball Classic @ Dunkin Park on Monday

May 8, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

While we only had two session days this week (yesterday and today), we continue to be busy from sun up to sunset (and sometimes beyond). Monday, we had 132 items on our Appropriations Committee agenda and while many of the referred bills didn’t make it out of the committee, we still had ample time to debate and move forward important legislative concepts.
 
I am proud to share that the Purple Alert has finally gone into effect. You may recall, I wrote this bill in 2023 and it was eventually part of that year’s priority bill HB5001 which focused on the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community. The Purple Alert is for anyone between the ages of 18-65 who goes missing who has IDD, autism spectrum disorder, early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive issue. Similar to an Amber or Silver alert, the goal is to bring our loved ones home as soon as possible when they go missing or wander.
 
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to declare May Brain Tumor Awareness Month (go grey in May!) and I was proud to welcome Kathy Platt and her daughter Morgan to the Capitol. The Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, founded in 2007, was on hand to raise awareness and if you’re not familiar with them, they are an outstanding organization that helps support patients across Connecticut after a brain tumor diagnosis.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni
 

Purple Alert Will Aid IDD Community

As you may recall, in 2023, I wrote the Purple Alert bill. The bill ended up becoming part of the larger HP 5001 one that focused on people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and which eventually passed both chambers and the governor signed into law.

The purple alert, similar to an amber or silver alert, is to help police locate a missing loved one between the ages of 18 and 65 with intellectual or developmental disability, brain, trauma, early onset, Alzheimer’s, or autism. 

The purple alert in Connecticut went live two weeks ago and already there have been 12 purple alerts issued. I want to thank the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for their diligent implementation of the alert, especially Lieutenant Colonel Mark Davison, and my colleagues State Representative Jillian Gilchrest State Rep Lucy Dathan, and State Representative Jay Case, who were the champions and authors of 5001.

NBC Connecticut was kind enough to cover the press conference today and to interview me and some of the other advocates after the event which you can see below.
 

Supporting Pratt & Whitney Workers Represented By IAM

I was proud to stand with the Pratt & Whitney workers who went on strike this week. These workers are union brothers and sisters in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). My grandfather was a member of the IAM-AW (aerospace workers) for over 55 years. 

He negotiated contracts for decades and not only did he teach me the value of arguing in the board room and then breaking bread with management after, he also worked to help people keep their jobs when they had substance abuse issues. He helped pioneer employee assistance programs. 
I haven't been on an IAM line since I was a little girl. It was an honor to stand with Pratt & Whitney workers, who seek fair wages, benefits, and job security.
 

Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is Monday

The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together to support Connecticut Foodshare! 

Don’t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic. Grab your ticket HERE. I hope to see you there.
 

In the House: A Practical and Affordable Climate Bill

Last week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader in climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature-based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
 

Connecticut Hero Act

Last Wednesday marked the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon - and the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) 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.

Among the bill’s components:

  • Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
  • Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
  • Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
  • Free license renewals for veterans
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
  • Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
  • Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services

 
Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
 

A Look at Bills Passed During 2025 Legislative Session
 

Friends, Neighbors, and the Kolam Contest

I had the absolute pleasure of joining friends and neighbors from across the Farmington Valley and the Agaram Tamil Padasalai for their essay and Kolam contest. Kolam is an age-old South Indian art form, that involves drawing symmetrical, geometric patterns—often at the entrances of homes—as a symbol of welcome, prosperity, and spiritual harmony. Rooted in Tamil culture, Kolams are a daily ritual and an enduring symbol of creativity and mindfulness.

The group also announced the winners of their Agaram Tamilar Essay Contest,  which invited high school seniors and juniors in the Farmington Valley to reflect on the theme: "The Role of Immigrants in American Culture – How have immigrants enriched American society, arts, and culture?"

The contest reflects the values of inclusion and diversity that underpin both the Tamil community and the broader American story. Thankfully, the rain held off long enough for the Kolam contest!
 

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Go grey in May!

It’s Brain Tumor Awareness Month and on Wednesday, Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria and I had the chance to share information about the wonderful CT organization, the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA).

Founded in 2007, the alliance was created by patients and survivors (including my friend, Tracey Gamer-Fanning) to support patients and families going through a brain cancer diagnosis.

It was an honor to be with my constituents Kathy Platt, her daughter Morgan Platt as well as their friend, MaryEllen Holden, as they helped us bring awareness to this critical issue. To learn more about CTBTA, please click HERE.
 

2025 Hartford Greek Festival Begins May 29th

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

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