Legislative Update 3.24

March 24, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I've been hard at work in Hartford fighting for bills that will benefit our communities.

Everyone deserves reliable access to an education, healthcare, and energy. My colleagues and I are continuing to fight to pass policies supporting that belief this session. That work includes guaranteeing teachers' job security, lowering energy costs, and supporting bills that could combat the looming threat of federal Medicaid cuts.

In this week's update I'll go over some of my legislative work, highlight some events at the capitol last week honoring our state's farmers, and look ahead to events happening across East Lyme, Montville, and Salem.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have about my work in Hartford and the changes you hope to see in our communities.

Sincerely,

Nick Menapace
State Representative

Around the Capitol

Moving Along: SB4

CT House and Senate Democrats voted to address energy affordability and utility accountability by passing SB4, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability Access and Accountability, out of the Energy & Technology Committee.

This bill, which I certainly support is aimed at improving service and reducing costs for electricity ratepayers in the state.

Fully Supporting SB1371

I am in full support of SB1371! No teacher should be afraid of losing their job if they speak up about issues. Please click on the image below for more details in the CT Examiner.

In the Fight for Medicaid

Last week's Medicaid rally at the Capitol was part of a nationwide day of action by members of Congress that brought together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients.

The rally aimed to warn of the consequences should Congress approve drastic reductions to Medicaid funding.

Medicaid serves hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people in our state, including children on the Husky program, people with disabilities, and seniors. As you will see in the graphic below there are many East Lyme, Montville, and Salem residents who will be directly affected by these federal funding cuts.

Unfortunately, our students are set to lose the most.

CT Department of Transportation News

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has begun drainage work on Route 161. Motorists, please be advised that full-depth reconstruction from Frontage Road to the entrance of Walgreens is expected to begin May 1, 2025.

Motorists are advised that due to the significant rise of Route 161 (Flanders Road), approximately 2 feet in some locations, this work is planned to occur over night-time work shifts. During the daytime hours, sections of the roadway will be gravel until grades are achieved and the area can be paved. Traveling on these gravel sections may cause traffic to move slower than usual.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

AFT Regional Summit

It was great to join my fellow legislators at AFT’s Regional Summit in New London on Saturday. I met with constituents and heard directly from working people about their challenges.

It’s always important to listen, learn, and take action on the issues that matter most to our communities. Our job as legislators is to fight for policies that support working families, educators, and all those who keep our state running.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and insights —your voices matter!

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

As March Madness heats up, here’s a friendly reminder not to get too carried away.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.

This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.

The lower barriers to placing bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling have had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling is youth. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.

There are state and national resources for help.

Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Every month is Women's History Month on the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail. 14 historic sites, each with its own stories of women who defied expectations, broke barriers and shaped our state.