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Congratulations to the UConn Women's basketball team on winning its 12th national title on Sunday!
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You can be part of a victory parade and rally in downtown Hartford on Sunday, April 13. The parade will step off at the State Capitol building at 1:00 P.M. at the intersection of Trinity Street and Elm Street and will end at the intersection of Asylum Street and Trumbull Street.
The rally will begin at approximately 1:30 P.M. and will be held outside of the main entrance of the XL Center on Trumbull Street.
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On Wednesday we had a Session Day in the House. In addition to working on bills with colleagues throughout the day, we also took care of some important business.
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We voted on the appointments of two Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) Commissioners including the reappointment of Marissa Gillett as Chair of PURA. We can all agree that our energy bills are too high. In her role at PURA Chair Gillett has been the most aggressive regulator and rejected $130 million that the utilities requested from ratepayers. We not only need strong consumer voices like Chair Gillett on PURA but I will continue to work this session on legislation that further addresses ways to increase energy supply and hold utility companies like Eversource accountable to ratepayers and not stock holders.
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The next two weeks the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the Appropriations Committee is working to craft our legislative budget proposal. As a member of the Finance Committee, I hope you'll read my op-ed with State Representative Jillian Gilchrest. We may not know exactly what the next federal action will bring, but we do know that both of us will be fighting for Connecticut families by advocating for a state budget that adjusts the fiscal controls for us to make investments in what our residents need to thrive now and in the future. Click on the image below to read my op-ed.
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This week is Week of the Young Child - a week celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities.
On Monday Priority Bill 5003 was voted out of the Education Committee and moves one step closer to making affordable childcare a reality for families in Connecticut. This bill will make a huge difference for our children, parents, and providers. The measure would expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.
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I also participated in the Governor's Roundtable A Strong Start, A Stronger Connecticut: Roundtable on Universal Pre-K - Panel with invited experts and special guests from Charter Oak International Academy in the 20th District. Click here to watch the roundtable.
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And on Wednesday we welcomed many early child care educators to the Capitol to advocate to the legislators directly. Click on the video below for my remarks.
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On Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00 P.M. at the Lucy Welles Library (100 Garfield St., Newington) join me as well as the rest of the Newington delegation for a Housing Affordability Forum.
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On Monday, April 21st at 6:00 P.M. at the West Hartford Community Center (1106 New Britain Ave, West Hartford) join me as well as the rest of the West Hartford delegation for a discussion on Early Childhood care and Education.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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Connecticut’s communications consumers will see lower bills and stronger protections under a groundbreaking agreement securing major commitments from Verizon and Frontier.
Consumer Counsel Coleman announced a major victory for consumers that slashes costs, strengthens protections, and advances transparency as Verizon moves forward with its acquisition of Frontier’s wireline assets in Connecticut. The agreement, reached by the companies and the Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC"), eliminates junk fees, expands low-income broadband discounts, safeguards vulnerable populations, and holds Verizon accountable for network reliability and public safety.
The agreement has been formally filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and is now pending approval. If approved, these consumer protections and cost-saving measures will take effect, ensuring Connecticut residents directly benefit from the acquisition.
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Some of the protections that will ensure long-term benefits for CT residents.
Lower Costs:
- Junk surcharge removed
- Broader low-income discounts secured
- Electric ratepayer benefits: Verizon will repay outstanding utility debts related to storm recovery and vegetation management, preventing cost hikes for electric ratepayers
Stronger Consumer Protections:
- Creation of a grace period for vulnerable populations before service disconnection for nonpayment
- Mandatory advance notice requirements preventing unexpected disruptions
- Backup power at no cost to consumers
Enhanced Public Safety & Transparency
- Fiber expansion tracking
- Improved reporting requirements
This agreement puts consumers first—cutting costs, strengthening protections, and increasing accountability. If approved by PURA, the OCC will continue to monitor Verizon’s commitments to ensure they follow through on these promises and that Connecticut residents receive the full benefits of this acquisition.
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The 2nd annual Special Education Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, April 12th from 11:00 A.M.-3:00P.M. at Newington High School (605 Willard Ave).
Connect with community agencies, college representatives, legal resources, DDS, specialized schools, advisory, recreational organizations, specialized travel agencies, specialized groups and many more that can help out Special Education students and their families work towards their goals.
Admission if FREE and all are welcome!
If you have any questions, please text or call Diana at 860-515-8724
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The Town of West Hartford will be taking a step towards overall waste reduction with the official launch of the Food Scrap Drop-Off Program on April 22, Earth Day.
The food scrap bins are locked, and are accessed via the free MetroKEY app, available from any app store. There are QR codes on the bins that will take you right to the app. Upon arriving at a drop-off bin, open the app, click the icon to indicate your location and the bin will unlock. Press the pedal at the bottom left of the bin, and you will be able to lift the lid. The bins are accessible at any time of day or night
The four bins will be located at:
- West Hartford Town Hall (50 South Main Street, near the electric vehicle charging station to the right of the main entrance)
- Norfeldt Field (1515 Boulevard)
- Eisenhower Park (33 Sheep Hill Drive)
- Yard Waste & Recycling Center (25 Brixton Street). A permit is required to access the facility on Brixton Street.
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