Bigg News - 5.1.25 | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - 5.1.25

May 1, 2025

^{Dear Neighbor,}

^{The House was back in session this week! My colleagues and I met three times, passing bills including the HERO Act and the Firearm Responsibility Act. These bills are proof that our state has its values in the right place—taking care of those who defend our country and making sure the people they fought to protect are safe.}

^{Looking ahead, there is still work to be done, including passing a new budget. I am proud to be representing East Hartford and Manchester, and I will continue to fight for legislation that benefits our communities.}

^{In the meantime, there are some events coming up including health screenings, Senior Day at the Capitol, and a key deadline for anyone planning to travel. I'll go over all that and more in this week's update.}

^Patrick

^{Around the Capitol}

^{Bills Passed Through May 1in 2025 Session}

^{For a look at bills passed during the 2025 session through May 1, please click on the image below.}

^{Federal Student Loan Debt Collection Plan Will Hurt Families}

^{Collection on defaulted federal student loans is set to begin on Monday. Over 500,000 Connecticut residents are carrying student loan debt with an average of more than $35,000. My colleagues held a press conference this week to condemn the debt collection plan and celebrate Connecticut's one-of-a-kind}^{student loan reimbursement program}^{. Please click on the image below to watch a short video.}

^{Expanded Cancer Screenings for Firefighters Available}

^{Enhanced free cancer screenings became available on Thursday for firefighters who experience repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens as they put their lives on the line to save others' lives and property.}

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

^{As a result of their job responsibilities, these first responders have a significantly higher percentage of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths than the general population. Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep them healthy.}

^{These heroes have high-risk jobs and help keep our communities safe - they shouldn't have to worry about navigating their related healthcare.}

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

^{Read more about Connecticut's new cancer screening program for firefighters}^HERE^.

^{May 7 is the Deadline to Secure Real ID}

^{Starting Wednesday, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as military bases and other federal buildings).}

^{What is a REAL ID?}
^{A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.}

^{How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?}

^{Many people already have their REAL ID. Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.}

^{How do I get a REAL ID?}

^{You must visit a DMV office in person to get a REAL ID. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. People with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license. Check this}^{CT information portal}^{for more information.}
^{In Connecticut, you'll need to show:}

^{a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate}
^{a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut}
^{For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID}

^{For more information, visit the following:}
^{Department of Homeland Security}
^{CT Department of Motor Vehicles}

^{Firearm Industry Responsibility Act}

^{I am pleased we passed}^{House Bill 7042}^{, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms.}

^{This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible.}

^{This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.}

^{Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute—a Class C misdemeanor—by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or defense of another person.}

^{Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety.}

^{Connecticut Hero Act}

^{On Wednesday, the 50th 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.}

^{Attention: Health Event on May 10th – Please Share!}

^{I wanted to make you aware of an important event happening on}^{May 10th}^{, which offers valuable health services, including}^{on-site mobile mammograms}^.

^{Many people face challenges when it comes to accessing these essential health services, and this event aims to help. If you’d like to schedule a mammogram, please text your}^name^and^age^to^{(860) 839-4570}^.

^{Please, feel free to share this information with anyone you think might benefit from this opportunity! Thank you for helping spread the word and support to our community!}

^{May is AANHPI Heritage Month}

^{May is AANHPI Heritage Month (short for Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month). A time to learn the real history and spotlight the cultures, stories & legacies of millions across the U.S. and right here in Connecticut.}

^{From historic resilience to modern impact, let’s celebrate what’s often overlooked.}

^{Senior Day @ The Capitol on May 8th}

^{Game on: Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is 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}
^{Grab your ticket}^HERE^.

^{This is a fun watch. I would love to see you.}

^{Car Seat Distribution in Manchester on May 18th}

^{Need a car seat? You won't want to miss General Love Connections' Car Distribution event at Northwest Park on the Tolland Turnpike in Manchester, on Sunday, May 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online pre-registration is required. Please see the flyer below for more details.}

^{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.}

^{Health Resources}

^{Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please}^{click here}^.

^{Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.}

^{For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit}^{arrayrxcard.com}^.