Newsletter

April 14, 2022
I hope you and your family are healthy and safe. I am constantly working to provide you with updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email.

Below you will find a recap of our Session Day in Hartford on Wednesday and the legislation we passed in the House, a few thoughts on Black Maternal Maternal Health Week as well as a little news on the first-ever Connecticut General Assembly kickball game earlier this week between Democrats and Republicans at Dunkin Donuts Park, home of the Yard Goats.

Proceeds from the friendly, bipartisan event went to the anti-hunger organization Connecticut Foodshare. It was so much fun.
 
HB5168: An Act Concerning Property Tax Exemptions For Property Used For Charitable Purposes
 
Our state's nonprofits have helped to guide many of our communities through the past couple years – providing critically needed support even as their own staffing levels and resources were strained.

As those same nonprofits work to ensure they can meet the still increasing needs of our communities, the House just took steps on Wednesday to ensure that nonprofit charitable property tax exemptions are protected.

Please click on the images below to learn more about the legislation.
 
HB 5243: AAC The Identification And Prevention Of And Response To Adult Sexual Misconduct Against Children
School faculty and teachers play a key role in identifying potential signs of abuse.

Just passed by the House, HB 5243 will work to ensure that these critical reporters have the tools necessary to not only identify, but put a stop to abuse by establishing bystander training and appropriate interaction with children training.
 
HB5231 AAC Data Collection To Prevent Malnutrition Among Senior Citizens
 
Senior Citizens remain a vulnerable population, with many regularly relying on meal delivery services. The House just passed HB 5231 to collect important information to ensure we are providing nutritional resources for those in need. 
 
HB5269: AAC Remote Meetings Under The Freedom of Information Act
 
In response to the pandemic, our world went more digital than ever before. While there were some struggles, we found that offering public meetings, both in person and virtually, offered increased flexibility and accessibility.

With the passage of HB 5269, the House just approved the ability to allow for a permanent option to the remote meetings that have helped so many residents more easily access their elected officials.
 
HB5206: AAC Housing Authorities
HB 5206 ensures that housing authorities provide contact information and a clear description of their rights to empower tenants in all situations.
 
HB5216: AAC Low Cost Bank Accounts
For underbanked communities, having access to low-cost bank accounts is essential for residents to gain financial freedom and build a more solid fiscal future.

With the House passage of HB 5216, state-chartered banks would have to offer checking accounts that provide lower deposit requirements, minimal fees, and no overdrafts.
 
HB5444: AAC Union Workers
With the PRO-Act stalled in Washington, we will continue to do what we can on the state level to make sure workers have a voice on the job.

Just passed in the House Chamber, HB 5444 updates our State Labor Relations Act to set clear timelines for labor-management negotiations.
 
HB5327: AAC Energy Storage Systems And Electric Distribution Systems Reliability
 
HB 5327 helps to build out the in-state energy storage industry and encourage future investments, greatly benefitting Connecticut ratepayers. 
 
HB5142: AAC Extended Producer Responsibility For Certain Gas Cylinders
Pressurized gas cylinders can pose a serious safety hazard when not disposed of properly. With the House Passage of HB 5142, the companies that produce these cylinders will work with transfer stations and big box stores to ensure these cylinders are safely returned and recycled.
 
Black Maternal Health Week April 11-17
April 11th-17th is is Black Maternal Health Week. You can read the full proclamation from President Biden here.
 
First-Ever Connecticut General Assembly Kickball Game Is In The Books
 
The first-ever CGA kickball game between Democrats and Republicans, organized by fellow colleagues Eleni Kavros DeGraw and Corey Paris, was held at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford on Monday.

The friendly, bipartisan event was so much fun. Republicans won, 4-0. Congratulations to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

We all agreed Connecticut Foodshare was the real winner since all the proceeds from the event went to the anti-hunger organization.