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Greetings Community!
Spring is here. I'm loving it, and I hope you are, too.
This time of year means we're moving along during a short session. We were in session this week, and I've included some details below about what we accomplished.
Also, I am proud of how my Art Therapy Workshop at the Capitol went. Keep scrolling for more information.
I was humbled by an honor I surprisingly received from two very respected organizations. Please see more details below.
Lastly, I wanted to send a hearty congratulations to Myles Cortez. You'll see why below.
Enjoy this week's newsletter. I hope you have a great weekend,
Sincerely,
Trenee McGee
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| On Wednesday, the House was called into session. |
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| We voted on 15 executive nominations, voted on a contract between the State and CEUI, and confirmed 20 judicial nominations. The Senate came in today to do the same. |
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| Recognizing and Congrats to the West Haven Boys' Basketball squad for claiming the CIAC D1 title, and the West Haven Unified Basketball team for capturing the Level 1 championship! |
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This week, the Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation that would expand restrictions on where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can operate in Connecticut.
The bills would prohibit ICE from entering places of worship and hospitals, ensuring that our residents are not afraid to seek medical care or practice their faith. |
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Connecticut is already one of the safest states for immigrants in the country, and we do not need the federal government's heavy-handed enforcement tactics to keep our communities safe.
Attorney General William Tong has voiced his support for these measures, noting that immigrants and their families have a right to be protected from violence and intimidation |
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In a significant bipartisan achievement, the Judiciary Committee approved a compromise bill that would prevent license plate reader data from being shared with federal immigration authorities.
This legislation was the product of a broad collaboration among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the ACLU of Connecticut, the state Judicial Branch, and the Department of Transportation. |
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Under the bill, license plate data retention would be limited to 30 days, and after 7 days, police would be required to obtain a judicial warrant to access the information.
The legislation strikes a careful balance: it preserves the ability of law enforcement to use this technology to solve crimes and protect our communities, while ensuring that residents' civil liberties are not compromised and that the data is not misused for immigration enforcement, reproductive health care investigations, or other purposes unrelated to public safety.
As Senator John Kissel, the ranking Republican on the Committee, noted, the warrant requirement after seven days is a crucial safeguard against "open-season fishing expeditions".
The bill now heads to the House for a floor vote. Local law enforcement agencies are already updating their policies to align with these new standards. |
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| To give art is to give love! In honor of Women’s History Month, we, the women, participated in a theater workshop! “Armor Off.” |
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While we often armor up doing this work and in society, here, we took off the armor and enjoyed community and collaboration.
I enjoyed it along with watching my colleagues engage in creative play, theater activities, and fun.
It was so delightful! |
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| The 7th Annual Legislative Breakfast held last week at the LOV was quite an event. |
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I was so surprised to receive an award!
Please click on the video below to hear the presentation of the 2026 Visionary Leadership in Public Policy award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., New Haven Metropolitan Chapter, and the 100 Black Men of Stamford.
Thank you for this prestigious honor! |
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| With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes. |
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono.
The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165 |
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The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program is back and will take place from April 1–30.
Starting April 1, visit your local library to pick up your official program passport along with a list of participating libraries across the state. Then the adventure begins, explore as many libraries as you can throughout April!
Visit at least five different participating libraries and collect stamps from those locations (only official participating libraries count; be sure to check your list). Then, once you’re done, be sure to return your completed passport by May 11 to be entered into a prize drawing. |
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With nearly 200 public libraries in Connecticut—plus school, college, museum, and even church libraries—there’s an incredible variety to discover. Each library offers something unique, and this program is a fun way to experience all the amazing things libraries across the state have to offer.
So grab your passport and start exploring, your next favorite library might be just around the corner! |
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Congratulations to Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC) scholarship recipient from The 116th, Myles Cortes, a sophomore History major at The University of Connecticut, who is on his way to becoming a history teacher at his Alma mater, West Haven High School!
His future is bright! |
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