Robert Sanchez

Today, I had the honor to introduce and welcome Mr. Juan Busanet, a local New Britain hero to the House Chamber.

The state legislature's Black and Puerto Rican Caucus held a public forum at the Legislative Office Building to learn about the issues important to the communities we serve. It is encouraging to see the community getting involved in our legislative process.

Our state already allows students who do not have legal immigration status to attend state colleges and universities and pay the in-state tuition rate. Their tuition contributes to the pool of colleges’ financial aid. They are within their right to benefit from the available aid to help them cover their expenses. I support them in this effort.

I joined many of my colleagues at a press conference in Hartford, in support of legislation for a $15 minimum wage increase that will help thousands of hard working families in the state. There are various bills that we are considering this session. I will be keeping you updated as we move forward this legislative session.

I participated with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, colleagues and more than 50 other policymakers from across the country for a two-day institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

I am beyond grateful that the State Bond Commission agreed to invest $300,000 for a monument honoring the 65th Infantry Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army that served in combat roles including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and has distinguished itself many times over the years. This monument’s scope cannot measure up against the sacrifices, challenges, commitment and courage demonstrated by this group of brave men who encompass our Puerto Rican pride.

New Britain is getting $4.1 million in affordable housing grants thanks to the state’s Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) program: 14 townhouse rental units in Columbus Commons and 11 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments for Friendship Service Center’s building on North Street.

I have heard from several sources that recruiting minority teachers in our state can be challenging. I am pleased the Education Committee is looking at a measure that would put a pilot program in place to change this outlook providing a pathway and an incentive to high school students interested in the teaching profession to prepare for Connecticut’s teaching programs. A public hearing for my proposal, HB 5470 will address the possibility of expanding the number of partnering schools in the near future so more high school students can participate.