Legislative Update 5.19

May 19, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

We are in the final stretch of the legislative session here in Hartford. This week, the House is meeting four times. With just over two weeks until Sine Die - I am doing everything I can to help pass bills improving our economy, funding key government programs, protecting children online, and more.

Community events like the East Lyme Earth Day celebration and Montville Memorial Day Parade have been great opportunities to interact with many of you, hear your concerns and suggestions, and remind me why long session days at the capitol are well worth the time.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns about my work in Hartford and the changes you hope to see in the 37th District!

Sincerely,

Nick Menapace
State Representative

Around the 37th

I hope you can join me on Friday!

It was a privilege to walk in the Montville Memorial Day Parade and speak about the importance of honoring those who gave everything in service to our country — and those who are still with us today.

Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy, and it’s on all of us to keep their memory alive, not just on Memorial Day but every day.

I was proud to stand with the Montville Democrats, State Senator Cathy Osten, State Representative Nick Gauthier, and many community members.

Marching alongside my friend, former U.S. Treasurer and Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Tribe, Lynn Roberge Malerba, made the day especially meaningful.

It’s Earth Day every day in East Lyme!

Seeing so many people advocating for a cleaner, greener future was wonderful. Minnie was thrilled to join—what was her favorite part? Meeting Percy from East Lyme Animal Control and sniffing out every snack left on the ground. She didn’t want to leave!

I visited TVCCA in New London with State Representatives Nick Gauthier and Dan Gaiewski to discuss something that couldn’t be more important—child care.

As a teacher, I see firsthand how early childhood education sets the foundation for lifelong success. Families rely on consistent, affordable, and high-quality care to thrive — and our entire state benefits when we invest in it.

We must resist harmful Federal cuts and ensure that childcare providers have the necessary resources and support. Our kids, families, and communities are counting on us.

Around the Capitol

I had the honor of leading the Connecticut House in the Pledge of Allegiance and helping pass some powerful legislation for our state, including:

Standing up for libraries: We passed landmark legislation to stop price gouging on e-books and audiobooks. Libraries are cornerstones of our communities and deserve fair digital content access.
Protecting survivors: New laws prohibit discrimination against victims of sexual assault and human trafficking and safeguard the locations of shelters and group homes. Survivors deserve protection, not red tape.
Ticket transparency: we passed a bill to stop online ticket resellers from hiding fees and jacking up prices. Fans (and their wallets) come first.
Helping students return to school: Shoutout to Rep. Patrick Biggins for leading us in passing a bill to support kids transitioning back to school after inpatient care. One more reason it’s great to have educators in the House!
Dignity for workers: We strengthened protections for warehouse employees by regulating quotas so they can take the breaks they’re entitled to — no more choosing between productivity and basic needs.
No more shark finning: Connecticut joined over 50 countries in banning this cruel practice.
Fighting homelessness: We created an interagency council to improve coordination on homelessness response and prevention — because housing is a human right.

There’s still more to do, but every step counts. Let’s keep building a better Connecticut — together.

It was an honor to welcome the Ambassador from Taiwan to the Capitol today as we celebrated the 26th anniversary of the Connecticut–Taiwan sister-state relationship.

Taiwan stands as a modern model of democracy in Asia. It has overcome dictatorship and martial law to build a vibrant, resilient society grounded in democratic values.

As we face our challenges to democratic norms here in the United States, Taiwan’s story reminds us that democracy isn’t automatic — it’s something we must nurture, protect, and strengthen.

I’m proud of Connecticut’s long-standing relationship with Taiwan, and I hope this special partnership continues to grow in the years ahead.

The Democrats vs. Republicans Kickball Game at Dunkin’ Park was a blast — and a win for a great cause!

Team Majority Rules took home the victory, 4–1, but the real winners were the folks at Connecticut Foodshare. All ticket proceeds went to support their vital work fighting hunger across the state.

There were some great performances from this year's rookie legislature class. Thanks to everyone who came out, played, and cheered us on!

Social Media and Protecting Our Kids

Bills Passed in the House in 2025 (So Far)

For a look at bills passed during the 2025 session so far, please click on the image below.

A Point of Personal Privilege: Recognizing Ed Waido

Ed Waido, who began his career as a firefighter at age 15, has been inducted into the Connecticut Firefighter Hall of Fame. He has served in Flanders, Chesterfield, and several other departments throughout Southeastern CT. It was an honor and a privilege to introduce him and his accomplishments to the CT House of Representatives. Please click below to watch a short clip.