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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this email finds you well. Below, you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.
The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:
- State Update
- Manchester Community Events and Information
- East Hartford Community Events and Information
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On Wednesday, the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) what we call the “HERO Act.”
The HERO Act (HB 6442) is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.
Among the bill’s components:
- Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
- Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
- Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
- Free license renewals for veterans
- The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
- Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
- Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services
Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
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I am pleased we passed House Bill 7042, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms.
This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible. This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.
Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute—a Class C misdemeanor—by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person.
Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety. |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor Launches
New e-Apprenticeship System
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The Connecticut Department of Labor officially launched its new e-Apprenticeship Program, proving a streamlined, digital solution to the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program, which is already utilized by many Connecticut state agencies. The system can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing apprentice records. Registered apprentices will be able to track their training progress, both on the job and in the classroom, all within the system. By connecting employers and apprentices more efficiently, this system supports the “earn while you learn” model—helping individuals master a skilled trade while receiving paid, hands-on training.
Read the full announcement here. |
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This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.
As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.
This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
- Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
- Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
- Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
- Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
- Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals
The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.
HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.
The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
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Town Meetings
Regular Board of Directors MeetingMay 6th, 2025, 7:00 PMLincoln Center Hearing Room (494 Main Street)Board of Directors
Board of Education Regular MeetingMay 12th, 2025 7:00 PMLincoln Center Hearing Room (494 Main Street)Board of Education
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| Attention Gardeners! Did you know that Manchester Residents can get free leaf compost at the Transfer Station? Bring your own shovel and containers and come help yourself! A Recycling Permit is required. Get your free permit here: https://ow.ly/cCRK50VIR7V |
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The Manchester Town Clerk's Office is excited to host a Spring Gift Basket Giveaway for local dog owners. All entries must be submitted by May 30th. All entries will be displayed in the Town Clerk's Office, where visitors can vote for their favorite furry friend.
The dog with the most votes will be crowned Manchester's Top Dog, and the winner will receive a special Spring Gift Basket. The winner will be announced and contacted at the end of June.
Don't miss out and show off your furry friend, and join the fun.
Visit our website for more information on how to submit and more!
https://www.manchesterct.gov/.../Looking-for-Manchesters... |
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The Budget Adoption is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 7pm in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room.
View the Full Schedule of FY26 Budget Workshops & Meetings by clicking here(PDF, 13KB).
Please note that workshops will be held in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend in-person or remotely by means of video conferencing. Individuals who wish to speak remotely must complete a Request to Speak form by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. The meeting link will be sent to registered individuals prior to the meeting.
Request to Speak Form
Meetings will be conducted in person with remote access optional via Zoom.
Full Budget Schedule
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The Town of Manchester is excited to officially unveil Manchester Now, the new program guide publication for the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation, the Manchester Public Library, the Manchester Senior Center & Manchester Public Schools.
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Spring 2025 Mayor's Cleanup Day
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The Town of East Hartford invites residents, businesses, and community members to join Mayor Martin’s team for a Community Cleanup Day. This annual cleanup day celebrates pride in East Hartford and brings together members of the community to roll up their sleeves and help invest in our town. This year, the Community Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In conjunction with Armed Forces Day, volunteers will help clean veterans’ headstones at Hillside Cemetery.
Non-hazardous biodegradable chemicals will be used, EH Public Works Department will provide protective wear but please plan accordingly.
Lunch will be provided following the cleanup. Dietary restrictions? Bring your own picnic lunch!
Register to volunteer—every hand helps! Register to volunteer—every hand helps! Registrations close Friday, May 9th.
All volunteers who sign up will be issued additional details closer to the event. Be sure to fill out the participation waiver in addition to the primary registration form.
Event will be held drizzle or shine, cancellation in case of storms will be announced by May 16.
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East Hartford Health Department
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2025 East Hartford Memorial Day Events
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East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission are excited to announce that the third annual East Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and series of events will take place Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 AM.
The event will consist of three parts, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10 AM, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University. The parade will be followed by a program at the Fallen Star Memorial and a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford with food trucks, music and activities.
PARTICIPANTS:
- Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Participant Registration
VOLUNTEERS:
SPONSORS:
- To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form below by Monday, April 14, 2025. Sponsorship Information
VENDORS:
- If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Vendor Booth Registration
To receive the latest updates on the Town’s news and events, visit www.easthartfordct.gov and subscribe at www.easthartfordct.gov/subscribe.
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Rabies vaccination clinic.
Dog & cats. $20.00 cash only
Out-of-town residents welcome
Licensing is available for EH residents |
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2025 East Hartford Road Improvement Project
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| The 2025 Vendor-in-Place (VIP) Road Paving List encompasses 10.13 total miles of rehabilitation and/or resurfacing of streets throughout town. These roads were selected based on their overall condition and the need for repairs. The project includes the following streets, which can be found HERE. Streets with an "*" will need CNG to complete gas services first. If completed in 2025, the Town will mill and pave. |
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas |
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