My colleagues and I marked the end of this year's legislative session by ringing bells in the House chamber. It was a meaningful reminder that despite our differences, we can still come together to honor our nation’s history.
I am proud that we passed a significant amount of meaningful legislation aimed at strengthening our communities, supporting working families, and investing in our state’s future. I’ll provide a breakdown below.
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You will find the following sections in today's email:
- State Budget Invests in Our Future
- Strong Protections Against ICE
- New Protections in the Digital Age
- Celebrating Our Close Bond With Taiwan
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| State Budget Invests in Our Future |
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After months of budget analysis and discussion, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.
Together, we produced a 2027 budget providing more than $300 million in relief for cities, towns, and schools. The funding will significantly boost support for the state’s education system, increase crucial investments in housing and transportation, support town and city budgets, all while safeguarding the state's strong fiscal outlook, including $1 billion toward paying down long-term debt. |
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Our budget also takes meaningful steps to make Connecticut more affordable for working families. We are delivering on our commitment to invest an additional $300 million into the Early Childhood Education Endowment.
This funding moves us closer to our goal of providing free early childhood education through Early Start CT for families earning up to $100,000 per year.
Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way. |
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| Strong Protections Against ICE |
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The governor signed a bill into law holding federal agencies, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accountable if they disregard our constitutional rights.
Senate Bill 397, which I was proud to co-sponsor, is a measured and lawful response to masked ICE agents, many inadequately trained, waging a campaign of fear and intimidation. This law aims to counter the unprecedented breakdown of due process and reestablish the rule of law that we have always come to expect from our federal law enforcement.
The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated. |
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Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following:
- Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights
- Allows federal agents to be prosecuted if they abuse their authority or otherwise violate people’s rights
- Establishes protected spaces, such as hospitals, schools, court houses, places of worship, where federal agents cannot make immigration arrests unless they have a judicial warrant
No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.
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| New Protections in the Digital Age |
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The House and Senate passed two major pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored in order to position Connecticut as a national leader in protecting residents in the digital age.
Senate Bill 4 makes it easier for residents to demand that companies delete their personal data at no cost and ensures businesses treat consumers fairly as technology evolves. The bill also:
- Provides a one-stop Data Deletion Option for residents
- Strengthens consumer privacy protections by cracking down on data brokers
- Limits the sale of precise geolocation data
- Increases transparency around algorithmic “dynamic” pricing
- Prevents streaming platforms from blasting commercials at higher volumes
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| At the same time, Senate Bill 5 establishes clear standards for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. As AI increasingly shapes hiring decisions, online content, pricing, and the information we see every day, this legislation creates targeted safeguards, transparency requirements, and accountability measures. It addresses automated employment decision tools, synthetic media, youth online safety, and workforce preparation so Connecticut residents, workers, and small businesses are protected and prepared for an AI-driven economy. |
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| Celebrating our Close Bond With Taiwan |
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| My colleagues and I were honored to welcome Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee and other distinguished officials to the State Capitol to celebrate 27 years of partnership between Connecticut and Taiwan. Our economic partnership and shared commitment to democracy remain the cornerstones of this growing relationship. |
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| After exchanging formal greetings, we had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful cultural performance from Taiwanese musicians, whose music added energy and meaning to the celebration. |
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| Taiwan and the United States share enduring principles that continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic bonds. Connecticut proudly supports a closer trade, investment, and cultural exchange with Taiwan as we build on this important partnership. |
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