State Update March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

As the 2025 legislative session moves forward, momentum is building, and we will be holding more House Sessions in the coming weeks to vote on important legislation as we approach the close of business on June 4.

I will continue to keep you informed on upcoming priorities, what’s been voted on, and the outcome of each piece of legislation—whether it passes or not.

In the meantime, please see the updates below. As always, feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.

State Update

I applaud the Commerce Committee’s passing of House Joint Resolution No. 9 Memorializing Congress to Amend the Jones Act to Improve Economic and Trade Relations Between The State Of Connecticut And Puerto Rico. The resolution calls upon the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act.

House Joint Resolution No. 9 Memorializing Congress to Amend the Jones Act to Improve Economic and Trade Relations Between The State Of Connecticut And Puerto Rico passed the Commerce Committee and will now head to the House Floor for a vote. The resolution calls upon the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act.

I want to thank my colleagues on the Commerce Committee for recognizing the importance of this resolution and supporting its advancement to the House floor. With today's uncertainty coming from Washington, Connecticut must lead the way in advocating for policies that support our communities and drive down energy costs. Connecticut residents and the people of Puerto Rico should not bear the consequences of outdated policies that drive up the cost of living. This resolution sends a clear message that we stand in support of sensible reforms to bring relief to our communities.

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, has had a significant impact on Puerto Rico by mandating that all goods transported between U.S. ports—including those to and from Puerto Rico—be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed.

This requirement leads to increased shipping costs and hinders trade. As a result, Puerto Rico is limited to a smaller pool of U.S.-flagged vessels for transporting goods between the island and the U.S. mainland. Consequently, these restrictions drive up shipping costs, making goods more expensive for both consumers and businesses in Puerto Rico.

HJ9 will now move to the House floor for further consideration. Deputy Speaker Rosario remains committed to working with legislative leaders, stakeholders, and members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation to push for change.

Puerto Rico Trade Commission
Passes Commerce Committee

I am pleased to report that my bill establishing a Puerto Rico Trade Commission has taken another step forward to full passage!

House Bill 5008

RECOGNIZING THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF
TAÍNO DESCENDANTS IN THIS STATE

I am also pleased to report my resolution recognizing Taíno Descendants in this State passed out of the Government Administrations and Elections Committee. The Taínos are a subgroup of the Arawak Indians. The modern-day descendants of the Taínos inhabit the Greater Antilles (comprising Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola [Haiti and the Dominican Republic], and Puerto Rico) in the Caribbean Sea. Follow the link below for more information.

House Resolution 10

Facts About Taino Indians

Expansion of Connecticut’s Trust Act

As federal immigration agents continue to carry out random raids and instill fear in our communities, my colleagues and I are working to strengthen protections for all residents of Connecticut. No family should live in constant fear of separation, and no child should worry that their parent may not come home from work.

This is why we are advocating for the expansion of Connecticut’s Trust Act, a critical piece of legislation that addresses and limits local law enforcement acting as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While this law was a significant step forward when enacted, it has not been updated since 2019, and it’s time to strengthen it in response to the evolving challenges we face.

House Bill 7212 takes necessary action by further restricting the type of information local law enforcement can share with ICE. It extends these protections beyond law enforcement, ensuring that schools, hospitals, and other public agencies in Connecticut are not complicit in immigration enforcement.

Connecticut has both a moral and legal obligation to support its immigrant workers and families, regardless of their immigration status. Our communities thrive when everyone feels safe—when children can attend school without fear, parents can go to work without the threat of separation, and individuals can contact the police without the fear of deportation.

Our police officers are not immigration agents. Their job is to build trust, foster cooperation, and protect every person, regardless of immigration status.

Immigrants do more than contribute to our economy—they are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They are an integral part of our cities, state, and country. Now is the time to act to ensure Connecticut remains a place of fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Drivers should expect delays for bridge maintenance on I-95 in both directions in Stratford and many surrounding communities. The highway road work will begin on Monday and continue through Friday, April 25 from New Haven all the way to the New York state line. Crews will ensure that drainage on our bridges on I-95 remain in good shape.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation anticipates that it will shut down the shoulder and some lanes from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the project. Drivers should be aware that the timeline could change based on weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.

Do you know how much Connecticut gets in federal funding for education, healthcare, and food assistance? We’ve pulled together town-level data that includes important facts about federal funding to school districts, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Town-level data is linked below using the most recent data availble. This means the education data comes from the U.S. Census Annual Survey of School System Finances and the SNAP and Medicaid data is from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Town-Level Data on Critical Federal Funding

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

As March Madness heats up, here’s a reminder not to get too carried away.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.

This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.

The lower barriers to place bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling has had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling are youths. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.

There are state and national resources for help.

Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.

Events and Activities

Feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Christopher.Rosario@cga.ct.gov - also please like my Official Facebook Page for news and legislative updates.

Sincerely,

Christopher Rosario
State Representative

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences

State Representative

Christopher Rosario

Deputy Speaker of the House Proudly Serving Bridgeport

State Update March 28, 2025