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In this week's eblast, you can read about our work in this week's session, an update to SNAP loading dates, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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This week, the House and Senate met to pass several bills, which included additional aid to Connecticut's critical firefighter cancer relief fund, confirming judicial appointments, approving a labor contract with Judicial Marshalls, and establishing enforcement mechanisms for bottle redeemers who are coming from out of state. It was another productive day in Hartford on behalf of our district!
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On Tuesday March 3, the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on a number of bills, including a bill that would help create a pathway to military and veteran employment, HB 5409, referred to as the "Troops to Trades" bill.
The Veterans' Committee seeks to help facilitate a pathway from military service to the trades to address shortages in the trade fields and to fill high-paying positions. The committee has been working closely with the National Guard Association of Connecticut, non-profits, employers, and labor, who have all helped in developing this concept.
The proposal includes:
- Supporting career counseling opportunities for veterans through the CT Department of Labor or the CT Department of Veteran Affairs
- Creating a tax credit for industries that have a career pathway for veterans
- Creating a Central Depository of Services, such as a CT Veteran Portal, to centralize services available to veterans and their families post-service
- Ensuring the Air National Guard has the same benefits as other military services
- Potentially creating a statewide transition assistance program (TAP) that goes beyond the federal TAP program, including Discharge Service / Education for CT residents, and following up with that veteran post-employment, post-schooling
- Adding additional “Career Coaches” who know what positions are available
- Creating a program for National Guard members when they're not on active duty to start careers in manufacturing or trades
- Holding a Veteran's Job Fair run by the CT Department of Veteran Affairs
Employers: Would you like to employ members of the military leaving the service? Employees: Have you transitioned out of the military and into a new career, and have suggestions to share with the committee?
Consider testifying or submitting written testimony if you can't attend in person or by Zoom. More information on that below.
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The Transportation Committee has rescheduled their public hearing for the bill that would help restore service to Shore Line East to the same level that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic to Monday, March 2. The reduced service has significantly harmed residents in the area, impacting their commutes and travel plans.
If you have had experience with this issue, I hope you will attend the public hearing and make your voice heard! Click here to register to testify at the public hearing, or you can click here to submit written testimony.
As a reminder, the bill number is SB 237 - An Act Concerning Public Transportation.
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Click the image below to see the whole public hearing schedule for the week of March 2nd. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!
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Beginning Sunday, March 1, important changes to Connecticut law will take effect regarding how the state will issue SNAP benefits.
Under the new legislation, Connecticut will begin staggering the distribution of SNAP benefits throughout the first eight days of the month, rather than loading them primarily the first few days. This change is designed to:
- reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
- improve access to food
- create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients
You’ll find additional details about how the new schedule works in the graphic below. For more information, please click here.
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A reminder that the Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.
Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students nationwide. Just last year, CSF awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to 800 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. CSF helps unlock educational opportunities for students across communities.
Applications for the CSF scholarship program are open through March 31. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website.
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What better way to celebrate 250 years of America than with the all-new Connecticut Art Trail Passport? For just $35, enjoy a full year of exploration at 30 world-class museums and historic sites across the state.
This year’s Passport features a Special Edition America 250 cover commemorating our nation’s semiquincentennial. Two outstanding new members have joined the Trail: Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center and Onera Foundation.
From cutting-edge contemporary galleries to storied historic homes, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a friend, shake off the winter blues, and rediscover the remarkable treasures right in your own backyard.
Click here to learn more and purchase your 2026 Passport online for an instant voucher, or pick one up at any participating member museums.
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Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
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