Check Out My Legislative Proposals & 2025 Priority Bills

February 7, 2025

Since I last wrote to you, I have been crafting new legislation that will help the people of Connecticut. Please read below for a list of proposals I introduced to address your concerns, from electricity pricing to our environment.

House Democrats recently unveiled our top priorities for 2025. Keep scrolling to learn how we plan to tackle special education, housing, affordable childcare, and more.

The governor revealed the focus areas in his state budget proposal before a packed house chamber on Wednesday. You can listen to his entire speech below.

The Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who died in the line of duty. Read on for a closer look at how this law will make a big difference.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Check Out My Legislative Proposals
  • 2025 Priority Bills
  • Governor's State Budget Address
  • Line-of-Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
 
Check Out My Legislative Proposals

Our legislative process follows a structured timeline with different rules for introducing proposals depending on the year of the term. In odd-numbered years -- such as the one we are in now -- legislators have the ability to introduce bills directly. However, in even-numbered years, all proposed legislation must be raised by a committee before moving forward.

As an Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, I am working diligently to reduce the cost of electricity and make rates more reasonable for all consumers. I am actively working to hold utility companies accountable, pushing for greater transparency in rate-setting processes, and exploring innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency and affordability.

I co-introduced HB 6290, which would increase oversight of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and would require an audit of the Combined Public Benefits Charge and any program supported by such charge. CLICK HERE to learn more about the bill.

Here is a list of other proposals I am sponsoring during this legislative session:

  • HB 6259 – This bill would establish a recycling market development action plan to address the remainder of unsorted waste across the state
     
  • HB 6398 – This legislation would establish a National Guard Youth Challenge Program that would help young people with schooling, job skills, leadership training, and more
     
  • HB 6386 – This proposal is aimed at developing a job training and statewide re-entry program for those who have returned to the community after incarceration
Click here to see more bills I've introduced
I take great pride in ensuring that the bills I introduce reflect the voices and concerns of Hartford and West Hartford. Many of the proposals I've put forward were inspired by feedback from constituents like you! Your input is invaluable, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and ideas to help shape future legislation.
 
2025 Priority Bills
During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on: 
These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical.
 
Governor's State Budget Address

Governor Ned Lamont unveiled his budget proposal in the house chamber on Wednesday where he focused on Connecticut values, affordability for all, and other issues including:

  • $400 million investment per year in housing 
  • Universal breakfast for all school children
  • Significant proposed investment in early childhood education
  • $100 million investment in quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence

Click on the video below to listen to the entire address.
Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal
focused on increasing affordability and opportunity.
 
Line-of-Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
My House colleagues and I voted unanimously last week to approve legislation enhancing survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty.  
This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024. 

Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.

Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers