Bigg News - 5.15.25 | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - 5.15.25

May 15, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

As we settle into the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session, I wanted to let you know that improving the healthcare of our seniors, protecting warehouse workers, and protecting our kids on social media along with public health and our economy, are at the forefront of our legislative priorities.

The budget is a big, looming priority for us this session as well. I took out my first bill today and as nerve-racking and exciting as that was it is the legislation that's the real rock star. It will help our children stay safe during difficult times.

The bill passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Please scroll down for more details. This week's update is chock full of recent legislation we passed and more, including Democrats finally collecting a win in the CGA Kickball Classic. It was a good time and all proceeds went to CT Foodshare. Enjoy this week's newsletter.

Sincerely,

Patrick Biggins
State Representative

Around the Capitol

My First Bill Passes in the House

Introducing my first bill as a freshman is like playing quidditsch and I've never even flown on a broom. It's like trying a new sport, but starting in a professional league. HB7158, An Act Concerning Safety Plans and Discharge Plans for Minor Patients passed overwhelmingly in the House with bipartisan support. I think that's great for the State of Connecticut. The bill next goes to the Senate for passage and the Governor's desk for approval.

HB7158 intends to develop information sharing between healthcare providers and school staff regarding a safety plan developed following the discharge of a student from an inpatient hospital stay.

The document would be created collaboratively between the health care providers, parent, and patient and would outline coping strategies, activities, and support networks a patient can access to manage a potential mental health crisis should one occur while the student is in school.

The health care provider who prepares a safety plan must review the plan with the minor and securely send the safety plan to the minor’s school nurse or nurse practitioner. The plan can only be sent to the school if the provider obtains written consent from the minor’s parent or legally authorized representative. The information is then sent in a manner that is HIPAA-compliant.

Our Kids and Social Media

Protecting our kids from data harvesting and predatory advertising on social media platforms. Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader by passing legislation on Wednesday to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. We are proud to join a nationwide movement that prioritizes youth mental health over tech profits.

Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.

HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.

Another key portion of the bill reforms school crisis response drills.

The tragic reality is that children need to be prepared in case of emergencies. Research has shown that some crisis response drills are ineffective and leave children with lasting anxiety.

HB 7009 establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.

While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:

Limiting the use of smart devices in school
Addressing antisemitism in schools
Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

HB 7009 is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I was proud to cast my vote in support.

HB6907, Supporting Warehouse Workers, Passes in House

House Democrats took action this week to ensure that warehouse workers are treated with respect by passing legislation that limits and provides clarity when employers use production quotas.

HB6907, AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF QUOTAS BY WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTERS ensures that:

Employers must provide quota information upon hiring an employee
If quotas change, workers must be notified
Employees cannot be retaliated against for requesting work records
Quotas cannot be used to inhibit workers from using the restroom or taking an entitled break.

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

The House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader in climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
Encouraging nature-based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.

Strengthening Healthcare For Our Seniors

House Democrats voted to strengthen healthcare for Connecticut's seniors! Among other things, this legislation:

Increases access to vital biomarker testing.
Enhances safety with improved background checks for all nursing home employees.
Establishes a task force to address the specific needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Bills Passed in the House So Far

Please click on the image below for a list of bills that have passed in the house so far this session.

It's Senior Fraud Awareness Day

I wanted to share some key resources on Senior Fraud Awareness Day. The programs below are part of Connecticut's commitment to protecting older adults from fraud and abuse. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to protect our seniors!

️Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Operated by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, SMP helps Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. For more information, please click HERE.

One-on-one counseling to review Medicare notices and billing.
Educational presentations on common types of healthcare fraud.
Assistance in reporting suspected fraud to appropriate authorities.

For more information, please click HERE.

Senior$afe Program: Managed by the Department of Banking, this program educates financial professionals and the public on recognizing and reporting elder financial exploitation.

Training sessions for financial institutions to spot red flags of fraud.
Consumer education materials on preventing financial abuse.

For more information, please click HERE.

Elder Justice Hotline: Operated by the Office of the Attorney General in collaboration with the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut, the Elder Justice Hotline provides information, assistance, and justice for older adults facing fraud or abuse. For more information, call 1-860-808-5555

AARP Fraud Watch Network: This service is available free of charge to AARP members and non-members alike.

Watchdog Alert emails delivering breaking scam information.
Prevention tips based on the latest information from experts.
An interactive map with the latest law enforcement warnings.
Access to a network of people sharing their experiences with scams.

Click HERE.

Purple Alert Will Aid IDD Community

The Purple Alert, similar to an Amber or Silver Alert, is to help police locate a missing loved one between the ages of 18 and 65 with AN intellectual or developmental disability, brain, trauma, early onset, Alzheimer’s, or autism.

The Purple Alert in Connecticut went live a little over two weeks ago, and 12 alerts have already been issued. To read more about the Purple Alert System please click HERE.

Finally! Dems Get A 'W' in CGA Kickball Classic

Democrats defeated Republicans 4-1 in Monday's fourth annual CGA Kickball Classic at Dunkin Park. It was the Dems' first win in the series - but the lighthearted event was for a good cause.

All proceeds from the event went to Connecticut Foodshare.

Reminder: Car Seat Distribution in Manchester on Sunday

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.