Updates from State Rep. Nick Menapace for March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

I recently joined colleagues from across the state—including advocates from the Niantic Tenants Union—to demand just cause eviction protections in Connecticut.

It's my sincere hope that this year, we finally pass this meaningful legislation to protect residents and keep people in their homes.

No one should lose their housing without a reason. Simple as that.

Putting Guardrails on AI

I talked to the general law committee about SB 4 and 5 and where I would like to see us go next. Utah, New York, and Vermont are already acting on Al, protecting children, transparency, consumer protections.

Connecticut can lead too: clear rules that protect people and give businesses certainty.

Innovation with guardrails. That’s the goal.

More Capitol Business

It has been a busy, and productive, couple of weeks in Hartford. Here are some snapshots of what's taken place:

I Joined colleagues and municipal leaders calling for more education funding and property tax relief through the ECS formula.

Then headed to committee and voted those very bills forward.

More investment in our schools = less pressure on local property taxpayers. Let's get this done.

It was great to see Carol Burgess from the Montville Board of Ed and Jaime Barr Sheldon from the East Lyme Board of Ed at CABE Lobby Day last week!

Always a pleasure to connect with fellow partners in public education. Advocating for our students and schools together is what it's all about.

The recent press conference supporting immigrants was personal.

I teach in New London alongside immigrants—some from the very towns I represent.

Organizations like IRIS, JFS, and CIRI support them and their families every day.

Connecticut was built by immigrants. We need to support the ones here now.

At a recent press conference on school meals for all students, it was incredible to see so many people show up and fight for our kids.

As a teacher, I see every day what happens when a child is hungry—they can't focus, they can't learn, they can't be their best self.

As a legislator, I have a responsibility to do something about it.

Making sure every child is fed isn't complicated.

It's just right. Full stop.

Funding for Montville

I am proud that the Montville delegation helped secure $1.15 million to expand and enhance the Camp Oakwood sports and recreation complex. I couldn't be more pleased to work with such a terrific team.

Session on Wednesday

Please follow along on CT-N or YouTube for our next session, which is tomorrow, March 25.

Land Conservation Convention

Over the weekend, my colleagues and I attended the Land Conservation Convention at Wesleyan.

We talked about what Connecticut is doing to preserve land, what more we can do, and how we protect our environment for generations to come.

Our open spaces are essential.

Meet the Intern: Chris Murphy (the other one)

My name is Christina Murphy, and I am an intern with the Connecticut General Assembly working alongside Representative Menapace’s team.

I am a proud student at Connecticut State Northwestern Community College. When I am not at the Capitol, I serve as the Student Government Association president at our Winsted campus. I returned to college after a break, which was triggered by Covid-19. Through the pandemic and after, I worked at Starbucks, where I earned leadership roles and worked with my coworkers to unionize.

Although the outcome was discouraging, the experience strengthened my commitment to labor rights and advocacy.

Combined with seeing members of my family in supervisory roles across medical and retail industries, I began to recognize broader systemic issues in how employment operates in this country.

Working with Representative Menapace has helped me develop my understanding of government beyond the abstract. At his core, Rep. Menapace is a teacher and is always willing to explain what is happening in a way that that is digestible to someone who is not discussing policy daily.

I am excited to continue to contribute to Representative Menapace’s team this session and assist as he works to advocate on behalf of his community members.

Recognizing Hiram Bingham

In last week's Government Administration and Elections Committee meeting on Friday, I spoke about Hiram Bingham, who, at 86 years old, is still playing ice hockey, among other things.

The GAE during that meeting Friday voted to move S.B. 458 forward, which would designate July 17 as Hiram Bingham IV Day in Connecticut.

During World War II, Bingham served as a U.S. Vice Consul in Marseille and risked his career to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis — issuing visas, sheltering families, and saving lives when others turned their backs.

I’m glad we’re taking a step to recognize his courage and the moral example he set.
Thank you to everyone who came out to testify.

Please take a moment to watch.

We also wished Rep. Gregg Haddad, a fellow member of the GAE committee, a happy birthday with the best singing in the history of the Capitol. /s

Letter to the Editor in The Day

I am greatly concerned over the Republican Party's increasing anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric, which is morally wrong and divisive.

The harmful strategy of dehumanization, drawing parallels to past discrimination against Irish immigrants -- an approach that only weakens democracy and society, rather than solving issues or uniting people. We must reject fear-driven politics and work toward a more inclusive, compassionate future.

Please read my most recent letter to the editor that appeared in the Day here.

Around the 37th

Last week I joined hundreds of attendees at the 6th Annual LEARN disABILITY Summit at Great Wolf Lodge, a day celebrating inclusion and empowering community.

More than 60 agencies came together to share resources, support families, and build a future where everyone belongs.

Grateful to LEARN and everyone who made this day possible. This is what community looks like.

Great to be there to celebrate the grand opening of Signature Properties of New England in East Lyme. Thank you to the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce for hosting , wishing them continued success.

The Montville legislative delegation recently had the honor of presenting the ECC-winning girls indoor track team and their coaches with citations celebrating their third straight indoor track win.
So much talent, so much hard work.

Go Wolves!