Dan Gaiewski

Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Sunday, June 22. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8pm on Wednesday, June 25.

This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated. The current forecast calls for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees over this period, with a heat index that could range from between 100 to 105 degrees.

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South, but was unknown to others from the rest of the country. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

The legislative session officially concluded last Wednesday, and we got a lot done for the people of Connecticut. I can't wait to tell you about some of the amazing bills we passed, starting with our two-year budget.

For too long, Connecticut's special education model has faced fundamental flaws that prevented all students from receiving the proper education they deserve. With our recent passage of HB 5001: An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut, we are taking important steps to reform this system.

This bill, which passed 148-0 in the House on a bipartisan basis, makes historic investments for students in special education, delivers better access to services, and provides cost controls and greater transparency.

Monday is Memorial Day - a day of remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope you'll take the opportunity this long weekend to reflect on the bravery of those who gave their lives so we can live and prosper in our great nation, and to spend time connecting with your loved ones.

It is also worth reminding yourself to live a life that is meaningful and worthy of the sacrifices so many have made.

I hope you and your friends and family have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This week I was joined by the New London delegation to give members of the New London Senior Center a tour of the Capitol and show them how the legislative process works here in Hartford. Our senior center is a staple of our community, and I was so proud to engage with its residents and hear what is on their minds.

It has been a busy week Representing Groton and New London.

I started the week receiving a tour from Principal Tara Amatrudo and Aquaculture teachers Eric Litvinoff and Mike Guyot at LEARN's Marine Science HS in Groton on Monday. Thank you to the amazing Team at LEARN for the tour and discussion.

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.