House bills passed, Blue Collar Caucus, and Community Events

May 2, 2025


 


We were in session for three days this week with one that ran into the late evening!  We passed some very impactful bills including:  

  • House Bill 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors, is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy
  • House Bill 7213: An Act Concerning Access to Reproductive Health Care to support reproductive health care by allowing minors to access birth control, prenatal care, or pain management during pregnancy without parental consent
  • House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act which acts to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue

  • House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act legislation that helps, empowers, and recognizes our Veterans
  • House Bill 7102: An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
  • House Bill 7081: An Act Concerning Licensure Portability for Marriage and Family Therapists to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
 

House Democrats Blue Collar Caucus

On Wednesday I joined fellow members of the newly formed House Democrats Blue Collar Caucus.  We are focused on the issues affecting Connecticut’s middle- and working-class residents.  We are prioritizing:

  • Job training opportunities that help people climb the economic ladder
  • Policies that protect people in the workplace
  • Tax policies that reward hard workers

We are against corporate greed, monopolies, and price gouging from housing & rental costs to prices at the grocery store, medical costs, and much more.

Together, we recognize their essential contributions and reaffirm our commitment to fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves.
 

Stamford Partnership, Leadership Fairfield County

It was an honor to participate in the Stamford Partnership, Leadership Fairfield County event at the State Capitol and share both my professional business experience and my work as a State Representative representing Stamford downtown with such an amazing group.
 

Connecticut Restaurant Association Women in Hospitality Event

The Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) Across CT: Women in Hospitality event on Tuesday was a great opportunity to join many powerful women to discuss business challenges, to learn insights from their experiences in the hospitality industry, and to celebrate each other.  

We discussed how Stamford’s economy would benefit from Senate Bill 1456, which would dedicate 1% of the meal tax revenue to Arts, Culture, and Tourism. Since the 146th District is full of small business and restaurants, our neighborhoods will attract and retain workers as well as visitors. This trend shows why Stamford has grown 12% over the last 10 years and is now the state’s second largest city. Policies like Senate Bill 1456, which I proudly co-sponsored, will make a positive difference for the entire community.
 

Walk for Independence

We honored the Stamford Police Department and Stamford Police Association for their 70+ years of supporting Always Reaching for Independence (ARI) at the 19th Annual Walk for Independence last Saturday at Cove Island Park. Our police force continues to work with ARI and the community to make sure we are all safe.
 

Shippan Point Neighborhood &
Beach Cleanup

I had the privilege of taking part in the Shippan Point Neighborhood and Beach cleanup. It was a great opportunity to spend time with neighbors in the community, make an impact, and keep our community clean.
 

Community Micro-Grants Due May 5th

The 2025 Mayor’s Community Micro-Grant application is now available!

The Community Micro-Grant Program has awarded small grants for community-specific projects aimed at improving the quality of life across Stamford’s neighborhoods.  Grant funds are available to help a range of resident groups – from informal grassroot organizations and well-established associations to community-wide efforts – by supporting the activities and projects important to applicants. This year, the Community Micro-Grant Program has $77,250 available to invest in Stamford’s neighborhoods.  Click here for grant eligibility criteria and click here for a list of last years grant recipients.

Please email your application to communitygrants@stamfordct.gov by 11:59 P.M. on Monday, May 5.  

The application, cover memo, and other materials can be found at stamfordct.gov/microgrant25
 

Rising Costs for Auto Repairs & Insurance

Recent news about tariffs on imported vehicles and parts has raised questions about how this might affect the cost of owning and insuring a car. The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) wants consumers to understand how changes like these could impact their wallets and what steps they can take to stay protected and save money.

For more information contact the Consumer Affairs Division at insurance@ct.gov or call 1-800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.
 

Healthcare Conversation with Comptroller Sean Scanlon

Comptroller Sean Scanlon will host a conversation in Stamford this weekend about federal healthcare cuts and how they impact all of us. You’re invited to listen and ask questions on Sunday, May 4th at 3:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church (1101 Bedford Street). You will learn how potential cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical programs will harm Connecticut’s budget and healthcare system.  Click on the image below to sign up to attend.

I look forward to seeing you there!
 

Community Events