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Dear Neighbor,
The days at the Capitol are getting longer and busier. With roughly three weeks left in the Legislative Session, my colleagues and I are working diligently to pass critical bills that will support you and your family. With affordability being a big topic, I’ve included a few of the House and Senate bills to follow.
On Monday, I played in the General Assembly’s 5th Annual Kickball Classic at Dunkin’ Park. Below, you can find out which team won and see some great photos!
There’s also information on Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program that keeps the elderly and people with disabilities in mind, plus several more important things to stay up to date with.
I hope you enjoy, and I'll chat with you soon!
Sincerely,
Patrick Biggins
State Representative
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For the second year in a row, the House Democrats won against the Republicans in the 5th Annual CGA Kickball Classic by a score of 1-0 in seven innings.
Running the bases, chasing the ball, and hearing the cheers from the crowd made for a thrilling match between us and the Republicans.
All proceeds from the game will go toward the United Way of Connecticut to help solidify its mission of helping the residents of our state meet their needs for food, housing, health care, child care, child development, and many more critical services that protect a person’s overall wellbeing.
I am glad to have supported a great cause.
Checkout game photos below! |
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I am beyond proud of Daneelia, Vicdina and Cherish of East Hartford High School for being accepted into top colleges, including Ivy Leagues schools, and earning well-deserved scholarships.
Throughout high school, these three young ladies prioritized their education, and all their hard work finally paid off. This is a success for the entire district and exemplifies the strong educational foundation East Hartford Public Schools provides.
I have no doubt that they will continue excelling in college and have successful careers.
Go Hornets! |
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| 1 in 6 men (16.9%) and nearly half of women (45.1%) in the United States experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. |
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On 96 Pitkin Street is the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, a statewide coalition of individual sexual assault crisis programs. The Alliance works to end sexual violence through victim assistance, community education, and public policy advocacy.
Explore the organization's website for resources and ways to get involved.
The state also has many resources for survivors of sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, visit itsnotokCT Resources.
Sexual Violence Crisis Connecticut 24-hour Hotline: All direct services through our member centers are free and confidential. Call our statewide 24/7 toll-free hotlines to speak with a certified sexual assault crisis counselor. Telephone: (888) 999-5545 (English), (888) 568-8332 (Spanish). |
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In an effort to stop the illegal dumping of tires and remove the costly fees for their disposal, the House recently passed H.B. 5157, an act concerning the tire stewardship program, by a vote of 124-21.
The program will require stores, such as transfer stations and recycling centers, to participate and allow residents to dispose of their used tires for free.On the consumer side, the stewardship program would require customers to pay for disposal at the time of purchase of new tires. Then, when it’s time to throw them away, they will not have to pay fees as they did in the past. If approved by the Senate, stores will have until July 1, 2027, to join the program. If you have old tires you need to dispose of, visit the official Connecticut Tire Stewardship website to find the nearest location.
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| The House of Representatives was in session back-to-back last Wednesday and Thursday. With roughly three weeks left of the Legislative Session, many critical bills were debated, and we still have many more to go. |
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The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.
Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 11.
Click here to register for the webinar.
Click here for more information on the Volkswagen settlement. |
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Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.
Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
CLICK HERE for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply. |
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| In addition to proposals that would increase ECS funding and help reduce local property tax pressure, several other bills aim to address the broader affordability challenges families are feeling every day. |
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- Senate Bill 1: Includes several proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, including eliminating the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100, school supplies such as backpacks, and certain grab-and-go grocery items like sandwiches and coffee purchased from supermarkets. It also creates a caregiver tax credit for eligible expenses incurred while caring for a homebound family member. And for many seniors, the full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
- Senate Bill 513: Would allow employees to elect to have the employer pay their payroll taxes, helping to reduce employees’ federal taxable income, while employees receive a refundable credit on their state taxes. The goal is to lower overall tax liability for working residents.
- House Bill 5114: Would provide renters with a property tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, recognizing that renters also feel the strain of Connecticut’s high cost of living and deserve meaningful relief.
- House Bill 5538: Is part of a broader effort to make Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed here.
Together, these proposals reflect a focused effort to ease the financial pressures facing Connecticut families, from lowering everyday costs and providing tax relief to supporting seniors, caregivers, renters, and working residents.
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Climate & Clean Transportation Advocacy Day is Tuesday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Hosted by Save the Sound, advocates will join together to speak with legislators about bills that would support continued electrification of school bus fleets and establish programs for the purchase of bus passes for distribution to high school students and veterans, in addition to opposing rollbacks in clean transportation standards. |
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Observed each April since 2003, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, highlights the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.
More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with a new person added every eight minutes. Approximately 17 people die each day waiting for an organ they didn't receive in time. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and cornea donations. Less than 60% of American adults are registered donors.
To register as a donor, sign up online at RegisterMe.org, through Connecticut's Donor Registry, or through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration is quick and free. For individuals age 18 and over, being included in the Donor Registry is legal authorization for organ and tissue donation. Remember to discuss your decision regarding organ donation with your family.
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The state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.
Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours).
Previously, only programs of at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners. |
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OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:
- Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
- Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
- Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
- Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
- Be in operation for at least one year
The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
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I love to read!
"Biggins Books" will highlight what I'm currently reading, all via audiobooks, and some highlights and thoughts about what I read, including: |
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107 days by Kamala Harris: For the first time, and with surprising and revealing insights, former Vice President Kamala Harris tells the story of one of the wildest and most consequential presidential campaigns in American history.
This book was a reflection of the short and quick campaign Kamala ran. She reflects on so many interactions and choices. It was a good read. |
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Freedom is a constant struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the foundation of a movement by Angela Davis
This book was informative, upsetting and inspiring. There are many factors in any decision, but without the respect for all life, we should not be making decisions. The amount of decisions we have made as a country to undermine instead of empower is always concerning. The direct connection between that and the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This book is also old, so it doesn’t take into account the ongoing conflict, but the lessons are still prominent. We cannot discount some lives and value others, we must value both in order to make the world a better place.
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| As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites. |
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In East Hartford, the drop-off location is:
Public Safety Complex
31 School Street
In Manchester, the location is:
Manchester Police Department
239 East Middle Street Turnpike
For residents who want to dispose of medications outside of this biannual event safely, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 237 secure disposal sites across Connecticut.
The easy-to-use locator quickly finds nearby drop-off locations by entering a zip code. The site also includes a Connecticut resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management.
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I had an opportunity to talk with some of the staff over at Interval House, and they are doing a great job of providing resources for people in domestic violence situations, for people who have friends who are suffering from domestic violence, and putting out resources to prevent domestic violence before it starts, with educating young people.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these resources, please share. |
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Applications for the East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship Due May 15!
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation is offering the annual East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship to East Hartford graduates. This scholarship is open to any East Hartford Public School graduate who completed high school before the current school year (2025-2026) and is pursuing either:
- an undergraduate degree;
- a certification through a vocational training program; or
- a graduate or professional degree
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation will award up to five $1,500 scholarships. For more information, please click HERE.
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