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Happy Friday!
The House met three times this week, and we passed a handful of great bills!
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In this week's eblast, you can read about a bill honoring our veterans, additional session updates, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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This week, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) 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.
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.
You can watch my comments on the bill here.
And you can watch me featured in a news report on the bill here.
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This week, the House voted in favor of HB 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 on 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. |
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- 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 be signed into law by the governor.
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Last Friday, I attended an event at Grasso Tech highlighting the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative of the Office of Workforce Strategy.
With the 40th District being home to Electric Boat, it is essential to continue job training programs to fill the demand for workers. Programs like MPI are preparing individuals to get jobs at the completion of their training.
Thank you to Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, the OWS team, Three Rivers CC, EAMA, EWIB, and Grasso Tech for hosting such a wonderful discussion and tour!
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This week I attended the annual Workers Memorial Day ceremony to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces.
It is essential that the State Legislature continues to pass legislation that protects and enhances worker safety.
Thank you to the City of Groton, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, and Connecticut AFL-CIO, and their local affiliates for always supporting this event. |
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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.
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Time is running out to get your REAL ID!Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).What is a REAL ID?A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.How do I get a REAL ID? You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license. Check the CT information portal for more information.
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In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID
How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.
For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
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Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
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