Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for April 17, 2026

April 17, 2026


 

The Family & Children's agency in Norwalk is thanking its volunteers this month for all the work they do on behalf of children and families.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Lisa Habasinski at 203-523-5735, or at lhabansinski@fcagency.org.

Please consider doing so, as it's a wonderful agency doing so many great things in our city.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate are spending more time in their respective chambers advancing legislation before our May 6 deadline. I'll dig deeper into some of the proposals we tackled in the past week.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Highlights from Session
  • Clean Air Settlement
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • National Drug Take Back Day
  • Student Manufacturer Fair
  • ...and more
 

Highlights from Session

The House unanimously passed a bill (141-0) last week aimed at increasing oversight and transparency for legislative earmarks.

The bill mandates stricter documentation for nonprofits receiving state funds, requires reporting on fund recipients, and aims to curb abuses in the allocation of grants.

The House also recently passed legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s tire disposal program, requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027. This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm.
Click here to learn more about the bill

Also on Thursday, the House unanimously advanced House Bill 5406, The Connecticut Hero Act, and it is now heading to the Senate for consideration. 

This legislation strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways, including:

  • Establishing a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
  • Waiving motor vehicle operator license fees
  • Expanding eligibility for state military medals
  • Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about unauthorized "claim sharks"
These updates improve access to services, strengthen protections, and ensure greater recognition for the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
 

Clear Air Settlement

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 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 11. Click here to register for the webinar.

Click here for more information on the VW settlement.
 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the broader community to come together to speak openly about sexual violence by supporting survivors, raising awareness, deepening understanding, and identifying effective strategies and resources to prevent it.

If you need support, The Connecticut Alliance to end Sexual Violence offers a 24-hour toll-free hotline, call 1-888-999-5545 (English) or
1-888-568-8332 (Spanish).
 

National Drug Take Back Day

As many Connecticut families begin their spring cleaning, it’s also a great time to safely clear out unused or expired medications from your home. Proper disposal helps prevent misuse and protects our communities and environment.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 25, offering a convenient way to drop off old medications at local collection sites across the state.

If you’re unable to participate that day, there are safe, year-round options available.

The MyOldMeds locator tool connects residents to more than 200 secure medication disposal sites throughout Connecticut. By simply entering your ZIP code, you can quickly find a nearby drop-off location, along with helpful guidance on safe medication storage and disposal practices.

I encourage you to take advantage of these free resources and help spread the word to friends and neighbors. Together, we can keep our homes safe and our communities healthy.

If you have any questions or need assistance finding a location, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
 

Student Manufacturer Fair

I invite students and employers alike to attend the expanded Manufacturer Connection Fair and explore the wide range of manufacturing opportunities available here in Connecticut.

The free event will be held on Thursday, April 23, at the State Capitol and brings students and industry leaders together for a dynamic, hands-on introduction to modern manufacturing careers.

Those who attend can expect to see virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other interactive exhibits that highlight today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers. 

This year, organizers are expanding the event to include a career fair for college students and interns from 1 to 2:30 p.m. along with a free networking lunch sponsored by CONNSTEP. 
 

Free Trees in Norwalk

This May, the city is offering free trees for residents in the following low-canopy neighborhoods:

  • East Norwalk
  • Golden Hill
  • Springwood

You may be eligible to have a young tree planted right in your front yard - at no cost. 

Register by May 1 here.
 

As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates. 

Peace,

Travis Simms

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