House bills passed and New e-Apprenticeship System

May 5, 2025


 



On Sunday, I was honored to join our Nepalese community, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and Newington Mayor Jon Trister to celebrate Nepal Day and their incredible contributions to our towns. West Hartford continues to be home to the most Nepalese residents in our state. No matter what happens in Washington we will support and protect refugees and immigrants who make their home in Connecticut.
 

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

This week, the House voted in favor of House Bill 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 in 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.
 

Wednesday marked the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed 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.

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.

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.
 

I am pleased we passed House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act . 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 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.
 

We also passed two important bills for maternal health and reproductive health care in our state. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and Reproductive Rights Caucus, I was proud to vote on both of these bills: 
  • 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 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
 

The last week of the 2025 Legislative Intern program! As a former legislative intern myself (25 years ago 🙃), grateful to serve as Ranking Member of the bipartisan Internship Committee to support students from across our state learn more about our legislature, develop professional skills, and build valuable relationships. Special thanks to my UConn intern Neeha for all she’s done the last 14 weeks and I look forward to what’s next for her path in public service.
 

STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES

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.
 

On Saturday at 10 A.M., there will be an important and timely conversation about menopause—an experience that touches the lives of millions, yet remains under-recognized in policy, healthcare, and the workplace. 

Whether you are experiencing perimenopause, supporting a loved one, or a professional in the field working with patients, this event is for you! Menopause is a natural transition--let's talk about it.

Program Highlights: 

  • Screening of The M Factor documentary
  • Expert panel discussion and Q&A
  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits available for eligible professionals

Your presence at this event will demonstrate your commitment to inclusive, evidence-informed policy and the well-being of Connecticut’s diverse population across their lifespan. Please register for the event HERE. 
 

Thursday, May 8th at 10 A.M. is Senior Day At The State Capitol (Capitol Hall of Flags and North Lobby).  It will be a chance to meet with legislators and learn about important programs and resources available for older adults in Connecticut. Enjoy refreshments, conversations, and community. Food and ice cream will be served. 
 

The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together for its 4th annual kickball tournament to support Connecticut Foodshare. I hope you'll join me at Dunkin Park on May 12th at 4:30 P.M.  I look forward to not only playing but cheering on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Tickets are $10, click here to purchase.