Legislative Update 2.13

February 13, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share House Democrats' priority bills for the 2025 session. It's important to know the direction in which we're going. Among those priorities are affordable childcare, and reduced homelessness - both of which I fully support. Keep scrolling for a detailed look at our focus through the end of the legislative session in June. Also in this week's newsletter:

CT Expands Access to Contraception
Scouting America 2025 Report to the State
Apply Now for Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
Celebrating Black History Month
Upcoming: Events Celebrating CT Pizza Capital of the U.S.
Reminder: Join my Email List
March 27th: Small Business Lending Expo @ CCSU
Community Events

Enjoy,
Nick

Around The Capitol

Our Priority Bills for 2025

During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on:

️Special Education Relief
️More Housing, Reduced Homelessness
️Affordable Childcare
️Protecting Our Environment

These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical.

CT Expands Access to Contraception

The training program, developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, received final approval this week from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The continuing education program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for all pharmacists. There are 671 licensed pharmacies and more than 6,500 licensed pharmacists in the state who are eligible to complete the course and begin offering this service.

In addition, the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications are also now available in Connecticut.

Scouting America 2025 Report to the State

It was great to have the Scouts visit the Capitol last week!

Scouting was a huge part of my life, and I’m always proud to share that experience with fellow Scouts and legislators. I’m honored to be one of four Eagle Scouts serving in the Connecticut General Assembly—living out the values we learned in Scouting every day.

Once a Scout, always a Scout!

Apply Now for Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants

Women-owned and childcare businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:

Be in operation for at least two years
Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.  

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session

HERE.

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!

Celebrating Black History Month

The contributions and experiences of Black people are not just relevant to the past but are actively shaping the present day. Black history is now.

Upcoming: Events Celebrating CT Pizza Capital of the U.S.

A bold set of new initiatives was announced recently to celebrate Connecticut's world-famous pizza culture. Check out a series of events beginning with the launch of the Pizza Capital Trail on March 14th right HERE.