Legislative Update 4.22

April 22, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

The weather outside is delightful, and just perfect for Earth Day! This Earth Day, we’re not just celebrating our planet—we’re taking action to protect it. From expanding clean energy to investing in climate resilience, Connecticut is committed to a sustainable future for all.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this job is getting out into the community and mingling, whether it be at the Niantic Bay Beach 5K or presenting citations to student-athletes, I love hearing from you because it helps me push for the policies and resources that are most beneficial to you. This week's newsletter is chock full of items I think you will find both informative and useful.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns about my work in Hartford and the changes you hope to see in the 37th District!

Sincerely,

Nick Menapace
State Representative

Around the 37th

Congratulations to everyone who attended the Niantic Bay Beach 5K!

I had a great time working registration and seeing so many familiar faces out enjoying the sunshine—including East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham! Nothing beats a beautiful day, community spirit, and supporting a great local event.

Thanks to Niantic Main Street for putting this fantastic event on!

As a teacher, I know firsthand how important it is to support the next generation of educators.

Earlier this week, I had the chance to attend an event for aspiring teachers with my fellow legislator and teacher, State Representative Dave DeFronzo.

It was inspiring to see so much passion and commitment to the profession. These future educators will shape the minds and hearts of tomorrow, and it’s on all of us to ensure they have the tools, support, and respect they need to thrive. And if you are in the capital stop by their art exhibit!

I had the chance to visit Camp Nett in Niantic, where Lieutenant Colonel Jakubson and his team gave State Representative Anthony Nolan, State Representative Nick Gauthier, and me a tour of the base.

We learned a lot about the evolving roles of the Army and Air National Guard, the extensive training taking place at Camp Nett, and some of the real challenges Guard members face today.

I’ve walked past Camp Nett for years, but I have to admit — I didn’t know much about what went on inside until now. It was an eye-opening visit, and apparently, I might be the first person to ever bike to the base.

Grateful for the hospitality and the vital work being done right here in our community.

Earlier this week, I stood with HIV/AIDS advocates, healthcare workers, and fellow leaders to renew our commitment to ending this epidemic—because now is not the time to slow down.

Despite incredible progress, recent federal cuts to research and prevention threaten the gains we’ve made. That’s why advocacy is more important than ever. We must:

Restore and expand funding for testing, treatment, and research
Ensure access to care for all communities
Combat stigma with education and compassion

The science is clear: We have the tools to stop HIV/AIDS for good. What we need now is the political will to finish the fight.
I am grateful to all who continue pushing us forward. Together, we can make "ending AIDS" a reality.

Last week, I had the privilege of presenting citations on behalf of myself, State Senator Martha Marx, and the entire Connecticut General Assembly to two exceptional East Lyme student-athletes:

Lincoln Carlson: He had an outstanding wrestling season, finishing undefeated. His impressive accomplishments include being named the Eastern Connecticut Conference Champion, Class L State Champion, State Open Champion, and New England Champion.

Sam Leone: He displayed remarkable talent in indoor track, winning the Eastern Connecticut Conference 1000M and the New England 1600M Championship with an impressive time of 4:22.98.

Additionally, Sam was a key contributor to the Class MM State Champion Cross Country teams in both 2024 and 2025, and he was part of the 2023 Class M Indoor Track 4x800 relay state championship team.

The dedication and achievements of these athletes serve as an inspiring example for our East Lyme community.

Reporting Tool Launched for Entities in CT Impacted by Recent Federal Actions

Businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in Connecticut impacted by recent actions from the federal government are encouraged to report that information to the state so that it can be compiled into a central database and provide state policymakers with a better understanding of how these directives are affecting various groups, geographical regions, and sectors of the economy.

A reporting tool was launched this week to help facilitate reporting. Please click on the image below for more details.

A Fair Tax System is Needed in CT

Members of the House of Representative’s Tax Equity Caucus, of which I am a member, and advocates called on the Connecticut General Assembly and the governor last week to support what they called “economic populism” in the form of tax relief for middle class and working class people. Please click on the photo below for a story CTnewsjunkie published.

(Photo credit: ctnewsjunkie)

The bottom line is this: We need to build a fairer tax system that supports every day people in Connecticut. Click on the video below to hear more of my comments from last week's press conference.

Reminder: Join My Email List

RI-CT: A Commuter Rail Connection Makes Sense

Shore Line East and expanded commuter rail are critical to alleviating traffic congestion and building a more connected future for southeastern Connecticut.

As I told The Day: “I think it would require investment, but I think it’s absolutely one that would be hugely beneficial.”

This is a common-sense, bipartisan priority — and I’m glad to see Rhode Island moving in the right direction. I hope that Connecticut will join them. Click on image below for the latest story in The Day.

(Photo credit: The Day)

Let’s keep pushing for smart investments in rail that benefit our region, our economy, and our quality of life.

Cancer Screening For Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

I am happy to announce that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding 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 achieving successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep individuals healthy and at ease.

Please note: 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.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month and HB7060

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the perfect time to learn about House Bill 7060.

I am proud to support a bill that honors fallen Connecticut heroes, strengthens traffic safety measures, enhances commercial driver education, and promotes roadway safety awareness. You can track the bill’s progress throughout the legislative session here.

Rising Auto Repair & Insurance Costs in CT

Recent news about tariffs on imported vehicles and parts has raised questions about how this might affect the cost of owning and insuring a car.

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) wants consumers to understand how changes like these could impact their wallets and what steps they can take to stay protected and save money.

National Work Zone Awareness Week

It's National Work Zone Awareness Week which recognizes the workers and professionals who help keep construction zones safe, including highway crews, public works, utility companies, contractors, and law enforcement. Motorists in Connecticut are urged to take an active role in protecting roadway workers and drivers.

Work zone crashes remain a major safety issue in Connecticut and nationwide. According to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository at UConn, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, there were more than 2,000 crashes and six fatalities in Connecticut work zones. Nationally in 2022, the most recent year of verifiable data, there were 891 work zone fatalities.

In 2023, during Connecticut’s one-year pilot program for work zone speed safety cameras, nearly 25,000 motorists received written warnings for exceeding speed limits by 15 miles per hour or more in designated work zones. A permanent work zone camera program is expected to launch again in this year. Click here for up-to-date information, safety tips, and news regarding work zone safety.

Autism: Raising Awareness @ The Capitol Monday 10 a.m.

This event, set for Monday, 10 a.m. at the Capitol, aims to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and address challenges faced by the autism community while advocating for legislative action and supportive policies.

Event Schedule
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Program (Room 310)
The program will feature insights from medical professionals, personal stories from individuals with autism and parent advocates, and discussions with legislators on current legislative efforts supporting the autism community.

12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Information & Resource Tables
Organizations from across the state will participate by sharing information about the resources and services they provide to the autism community. Resource tables can be set up as early as 9:00 AM.

This event is free and open to the public.

Food Insecurity Awareness Day @ The Capitol

Senior Day @ The Capitol on May 8th

CGA Kickball Classic: Democrats vs. Republicans May 12th

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

Don’t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic.
📅 May 12, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Dunkin’ Park in Hartford
🎟️ $10

Click Here to Buy Tickets