Legislative Update 5.9

May 9, 2025

Greetings Community!

We're into the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session and things are heating up in the House. We've passed several bills in recent days that will aid warehouse workers, better serve our veterans and their families, improve medical benefits for firefighters, advance maternal and infant health care legislation, protect the environment, and more.

In this week's update, you will also find the bills we passed this session through today. We have more to do and we will. Stay tuned!

As always, if I can ever be of any help, please feel free to contact my office at (860) 240-8585 or by emailing me directly.

Sincerely,

Treneé McGee

A Bright Inspiration

Little joys! “Ms. Treneé!” I was so brightened by Ms. Jordyn a student of mine who previously studied acting! She was activating her civic duty with the @ctnaacp.yc for Legislative Day at the Capitol this week!

She has always been a little activist. As a legislator, watching her grow into it is so rewarding!

In Support of Warehouse Workers, HB6907 Passes in House

I was proud to see House Democrats take action this week to ensure that warehouse workers are treated with respect by passing legislation that limits and provides clarity when employers use production quotas.

HB6907, AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF QUOTAS BY WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTERS ensures that:

Employers must provide quota information upon hiring an employee
If quotas change, workers must be notified
Employees cannot be retaliated against for requesting work records
Quotas cannot be used to inhibit workers from using the restroom or taking an entitled break

Passed in the House: A Practical and Affordable Climate Bill

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 50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, 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.

Expanded: Firefighter Cancer Relief Program

The State of Connecticut expanded the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means More than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.

Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep them healthy and keep their minds at ease.

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.

Yes! HB7102 is Moving Along

HB7102, An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health passed the House unanimously recently. It was such an amazing experience to be alongside State Representative Kai Belton as the Vice Chair of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus on the journey to pushing this legislation forward.

Increasing access to maternal health resources and expanding the fatherhood initiative by empowering fathers with medical language is just the start to a greater future for women and their families.

Increasing access to maternal health resources and expanding the fatherhood initiative by empowering fathers with medical language is just the start to a greater future for women and their families.

3rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Day is Tuesday, May 20th

You are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair at the Capitol on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, and May 5th being Maternal Mental Health Day. The day kicks off with a press conference at the North Lobby of the State Capitol at 9:30 AM, and the fair will begin shortly after at 10:00 AM.

Hosted by State Representative Jane Garibay and the Aging Committee on Thursday May 8th at 10 a.m., Senior Day At The State Capitol is a chance to meet with legislators and learn about important programs and resources available for older adults in Connecticut. Enjoy refreshments, conversations, and community. Food and ice cream will be served.

Bills Passed So Far During 2025 Legislative Session

Please click on the image below for a look at the bills passed so far during the 2025 legislative session.

Welcoming $1.8 Million to West Haven

West Haven welcomed 1.8 Million dollars in VA Hospital Neighborhood Improvement Upgrades this week! Local lawmakers joined Governor Lamont at a press conference on Monday, which included me and Representatives Bill Heffernan, and MJ Shannon.

...and of course, Rep. Constantine. She and I clearly received the same “spring is here” message!

Congratulations University of New Haven!

75 Years for Golden Acre Farm, Congratulations Deb and Mickey

Congratulations to Deb and Mickey on a historic 75th-year celebration for Golden Acres Farm! Providing the most beautiful plant life to our community and homes. Golden Acres Farm has been female-run and operated for 75 years. They are passing it on to the next generation of agriculturalists!

Happy Birthday Deb!