Stephen Meskers

Dear Neighbor,

 

Considering the current state of perceived and real division in our country, it is always an honor to work collaboratively with both sides of the house chamber to get unanimous support for a bill. As Chair of the Commerce Committee, I provided a brief description of the bill and am pleased to have helped usher this legislation through the chamber.

 

This bill would help to address the workforce shortage by examining previously overlooked labor markets to expand the size of our workforce. Connecticut does not have a robust and well-established pipeline to increase the workforce population using legal immigration to fill workforce needs. However, neighboring states like Massachusetts have already been using the H1-B cap exempt visa process to promote economic growth through their Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program.

 

By working part-time at the University of Massachusetts, entrepreneurs can obtain a cap-exempt H-1B visa anytime during the year. The program gives an entrepreneur time to master the skills necessary to start up a company and document their talent and ability, so that they can eventually obtain a visa independent of the University of Massachusetts. GEIR graduates in Massachusetts have successfully filed capped H-1B petitions in the national lottery. The GEIR program helps entrepreneurs carefully plan their long-term residency strategy with most entrepreneurs spending 9-18 months in GEIR before graduating. The GEIR program from 2015-2019 has resulted in 74% of GEIR Entrepreneurs still active in the US with their companies totaling 1,136 employees and have raised $712 million in venture capital.

 

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together in support of HB 6585 that is a positive step in increasing our state’s workforce diversity and may prove to be a successful public private partnership for universities and businesses. It is time to look towards creative solutions to fill the workforce gap and increase opportunities for individuals who would like to live and work in Connecticut.

Below I share some highlights including Capitol Update, Local Events and more.

In this e-newsletter:

• Capitol Update
• Local Events and News

We passed a number of bills. Learn more about them below:



From 1647 to 1697, several individuals in Connecticut, primarily women, were hanged for suspicions of witchcraft. Similar to the Salem trials, the accusations against the victims were often unfounded and based in misogyny. With House Joint Resolution 34, we recognize the trauma caused by the witchcraft trials in the CT colonial courts and absolve those accused and convicted of "witchcraft" and "familiarities with the devil."

 

Putting elections in the hands of the Constitutional office that manages elections makes sense. This bill designates the Secretary of the State as the state official responsible for certifying presidential electors.

 

A small but mighty change for taxpayers to allow charge card, debit card or electronic payment of municipal taxes or penalties.

 

CT's restrictive voting system is codified in the state constitution. Today's vote is to get a resolution to amend the constitution to allow no-excuse absentee ballots on the ballot in 2024.

 

Endometriosis is an under-studied disease impacting 1-in-10 women in CT.  The House passed HB6672 to create the Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program and associated endometriosis research lab.

 

HB6590 makes it easier for families to get access to the childcare they need.

 

Unregulated high-THC products have been legally sold in CT outside of our strict cannabis marketplace. This practice will end under new legislation approved by the House.    

 

The House approved pro-consumer legislation in HB 6614…Gas stations that offer cash discounts should offer the same discount if you pay with a debit card.

 

HB6877 strengthens the process and execution of risk protection orders (RPOs) to keep weapons out of the hands of those at imminent risk of injuring themselves or someone else.

 

In HB6638, we modernize and improve consistency in CT's discrimination statutes.

 

The House approved HB 6642 because schools need help keeping kids safe and navigating federal Title IX