Updates from State Rep. Nick Gauthier for May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025



 

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The session is picking up, as we are staying later most days and passing more bills each day. You’ll see a lot of that work mentioned below.
 
Also, it may not be substantive legislative work, but the House Democrats snapped a three-year losing streak to beat the Republicans in the annual CGA Kickball Classic. Most important, proceeds from the event went to CT Foodshare.
 

Summary of Bills that Have Passed

On Thursday, the House passed a landmark bill supporting public libraries that are struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks. Senate Bill 1234 bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

The House of Representatives took a step toward addressing the mental health crisis facing Connecticut teens using social media by passing HB 6857, which requires, among other things, age verification methods for minors and limits on the times when social media platforms can send minors notifications.

Many people have frustrating stories of hidden and/or exorbitant fees on the secondary ticket market. The House passed a bill on Wednesday (HB 7182) that protects consumers by, among other things, prohibiting entertainment venues from entering into exclusivity agreements with ticket resellers, requiring upfront disclosures on the actual price of a ticket, and requiring ticket resellers to provide refunds for cancelled live entertainment events.

House Democrats voted to improve interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness.

Connecticut joined more than 50 countries worldwide in banning shark finning — an inhumane practice that threatens marine ecosystems and pushes many shark species toward extinction.
 

Childcare Rally

I attended the Childcare Rally on Wednesday at the Capitol alongside many advocates and my colleagues. Childcare is a necessity for all families across the state, and increasing funding would allow more families to have access to care.

Our childcare workers need to be paid fair, reasonable, living wages for the incredible work that they do
 

Montville ESOL Students at the Capitol

It was a privilege to meet with Montville High School ESOL students on the House floor during a recent session.
 

Getting Our Kicks

I joined the winning House Democratic kickball team, which defeated the Capitol Republicans 4-1 at Dunkin' Park, during the annual CGA Kickball Classic on Monday, May 12. Proceeds of the event went to Connecticut Foodshare.

It was nice to take a break from the intense work at the Capitol and have some fun for a good cause, as well as snap the House Democrats' three-game losing streak.
 
 

Montville Memorial Day Parade

It was a privilege to walk in the Montville Memorial Day Parade and speak about the importance of honoring those who gave everything in service to our country — and those who are still with us today.

Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy, and it’s on all of us to keep their memory alive, not just on Memorial Day but every day.

I was proud to stand with State Sen. Cathy Osten, State Rep. Nick Menapace, Montville Mayor Lenny Bunnell, Town Council Chairman Tim May, Town Council Deputy Chairman Billy Caron, Montville Town Councilors Joseph Jaskiewicz, Nick Sabilia, and Kate Southard, and former U.S. Treasurer and Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Tribe, Lynn Roberge Malerba.
 

Waterford Town Hall Basketball Courts

Last week marked the official opening of the Waterford Town Hall Basketball Courts following a grand opening event – come enjoy some hoops right in the middle of town!
 

Adopt a Mile

Waterford Police Officers and Waterford High School Unified Athletes will be running to raise awareness for the Connecticut Special Olympics on June 4. All proceeds go directly to the Connecticut Special Olympics.

Adopting a Mile is mainly for businesses and organizations to donate, but families are welcome to donate as well. Please see the graphic below for details.
 

Community and State Meetings

WATERFORD:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the Waterford Public Library. 

Click here for SEC-TV Waterford Community Television. 
MONTVILLE:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Raymond Library. 


STATE:

A full calendar of upcoming events and meetings happening at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building is available on the General Assembly website.
 
Connecticut Is Hiring!
 
Looking for a job? The state is hiring. Click here for job openings with the executive, judicial and legislative branches, as well as state colleges and universities. 
 
DEEP Annual Hiking Challenge

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s yearly Hiking and Walking Challenge is underway, with participants encouraged to explore up to 15 trails and locations across the state; those who complete at least 10 of those locations will receive a hiking staff medallion and certificate, while those who complete all 15 will be entered into a drawing to receive a hand-carved hiking stick. Click here to see the list and get out there to enjoy the spring weather.
 

Sincerely,

Nick Gauthier, MPA
38th District -- Waterford, Montville

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