Updates from State Rep. Nick Menapace for April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

The days (and nights) are long, but the session is short. We've begun a stretch of session days where we have taken up, and will take up, legislation, including gun violence reduction, no-excuse absentee ballots, homeschooling, vaccines, and medical credit cards, among other things.

I will provide further updates on the legislation that passed in my next message.

Earth Day at the Capitol

Glad to join colleagues at today’s Earth Day press conference.

Especially meaningful to stand alongside Rep. Ken Gucker — a fellow freshman legislator and Eagle Scout. Scouting instills values like stewardship and Leave No Trace, and those lessons carry directly into the work we do on Earth Day and beyond to protect our environment.

Between East Lyme, Salem, and Montville, we conserve over 3,000 acres of land, a reminder of what’s possible when we prioritize protecting our natural spaces.

Letter to the Editor

Here is my latest op-ed, this one in The Courant (paywall).

As a former teacher and now a legislator, I’ve long heard concerns about fairness in how teacher employment disputes are handled. That uncertainty persists statewide, affecting morale, retention, and ultimately students. Senate Bill 351 aims to fix this by establishing clear “just cause” standards for termination and ensuring cases are reviewed by a neutral arbitrator.

These are common protections in many professions and would not weaken accountability. However, proposed changes could remove the neutral arbitrator provision, undermining fairness. Teachers deserve consistent, impartial processes. It’s time our system reflects the respect and support educators show their students every day.

Find the Funds or Forfeit the Future

I proudly supported FaithActs for Education in demanding increased state investment in public schools, which includes the passage of SB 7 and HB 5002. Those measures fully fund education, raise per-pupil funding, and support early childhood education.

Supporting Women's Businesses

Women-owned businesses are a driving force in Connecticut's economy. That’s why it’s been important to support and fund the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) in our state budget.

Year after year, what WBDC has built grows stronger. They create jobs, open doors and redefine what the next generation believes is within reach.

It is always a pleasure to co-host Women Owned Business Day last week at the Connecticut State Capitol. The energy was inspiring.

Kickball Classic Win!

Nothing like a walk-off win

1–0 Democrats over Republicans in kickball at Dunkin' Park — all for United Way.

Some Great Plays, both at the plate and in the field, from the freshman class.

Great cause, great game, and back-to-back champs!

Southeastern CT Day at the Capitol

I hope to see you there!

Around the 37th

I visited The Arc of Eastern Connecticut earlier last week and saw firsthand the incredible work they do helping people with intellectual disabilities find employment, housing, community, and independence.
I even got to take home some cookies!

You can support their work by purchasing them online or at a number of locations throughout New England, including at Tri-Town Foods in East Lyme.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to sit down with advocates and community members to talk about homelessness and how Connecticut can do more to save lives.

Housing the unhoused isn’t just a moral obligation — it makes financial sense, too. And it’s an issue present in every community.