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Gold Star Bridge Shuttle Service
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a temporary no-cost shuttle will provide transportation services crossing the Southbound span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This service will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the bridge while the sidewalk is closed for evaluation, testing, and repair.
The shuttle will begin Monday, May 15, 2023, and run seven days per week, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pedestrian walkway has been closed to pedestrians since it was damaged due to the fatal vehicle crash in April.
The complete Gold Star Bridge Shuttle schedule is below.
For more information, click here.
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Honoring Gold Star Bridge HeroesThere was a great event in the City of New London, Connecticut recognizing LT Cornelius Rogers and Brandon Bylo for their heroic actions that saved lives in the tragic accident on the Gold Star Bridge New London/Groton CT. Both Rogers and Bylo were presented with numerous awards, citations, and plaques for their selfless actions saving lives. Thanks to all the leaders who were present and gave well wishes. Much appreciated.
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"Orange" Open House
Next week I'll attend and give opening remarks at Connecticut Against Gun Violence's "Orange" Open House. The event is meant to introduce legislators to the organizations working to reduce community gun violence.
The event is Wednesday, May 17 from 10 am - 2 pm outside by the East Portico of the Capitol. I hope to see you there! |
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No-Excuse Absentee Voting Referendum
The House of Representative passed HJ 1 on Wednesday, which means you will get to decide if we amend the state constitution to allow no-excuse absentee voting. |
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Connecticut's rules for absentee voting are among the most restrictive in the U.S. and are enshrined in its constitution. A constitutional amendment is required to remove restrictions on absentee voting.
Absentee voting works, which we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effective and safe manner.
Voting is a fundamental American right. Eligible voters in Connecticut should have the freedom to choose how they vote whether it’s in-person on Election Day, in-person for two weeks prior to Election Day, which just passed the House last week, or by absentee ballot without needing to provide an excuse.
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Legislation Passed
Other bills the House passed this week include:
- HB6699: The evolving cannabis market needs evolving regulations. That's why we approved HB 6699.
- HB6614: The House approved pro-consumer legislation in HB 6614. Gas stations that offer cash discounts should offer the same discount if you pay with a debit card.
- HB6638: In HB6638, we modernize and improve consistency in CT's discrimination statutes.
- HB6642: The House just approved HB 6642 because schools need help keeping kids safe and navigating federal Title IX.
- HB6877: HB 6877 strengthens the process and execution of risk protection orders (RPOs) to keep weapons out of the hands of those at imminent risk of injuring themselves or someone else.
- HB6823:Putting elections in the hands of the Constitutional office that manages elections makes sense. This bill designates the Secretary of the State as the state official responsible for certifying presidential electors.
- HB6891: A small but mighty change for taxpayers to allow charge card, debit card or electronic payment of municipal taxes or penalties.
- HJ No. 34: From 1647 to 1697, several individuals in Connecticut, primarily women, were hanged for suspicions of witchcraft. Similar to the Salem trials, the accusations against the victims were often unfounded and based in misogyny. With House Joint Resolution 34, we recognize the trauma caused by the witchcraft trials in the CT colonial courts and absolve those accused and convicted of "witchcraft" and "familiarities with the devil."
- HB6672: Endometriosis is an under-studied disease impacting 1-in-10 women in CT. The House passed HB6672 to create the Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program and associated endometriosis research lab.
- HB6590: This bill makes it easier for families to get access to the childcare they need.
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End Hunger Connecticut Visit
Thank you Lucy Nolan, Policy Director for End Hunger Connecticut, for bringing youth to the Capitol advocating their concerns about funding school lunch. It was great to hear words directly from the students about how serious the issue of funding school lunch is. |
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The youth shared how having lunch available at no cost will help kids stop worrying about the stigma of some not being able to afford lunch and how nutrition is so important for helping them get through the day. The youth also shared how some don't always get the balanced meals that kids have the opportunity to get when they come to school.
All good reasons to fight to help end hunger in Connecticut. Thanks for coming to visit.
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New London Robotics Team
This week was made even better as I had the opportunity, along with State Representative Christine Conley, to watch our amazing Robotics Team from New London and Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet show off their skill in robotics. We are so proud to have seen them come to the Hartford Capitol and represent the City of New London, Connecticut.
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Connecticut Veterans Affairs Leadership Update
Gov. Ned Lamont announced last Friday that he is nominating retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Ronald “Ron” Welch of Waterford to serve as commissioner of the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Since his retirement in 2017, Welch has been working for a local nonprofit organization that connects Connecticut veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, and their families with the programs and services they need to assist with daily life challenges. Congratulations Gen. Welch.
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Spark Makerspace Anniversary
This week I had the great opportunity to stop by Spark Makerspace to take a tour and give a Citation from State Representative Christine Conley State Representative Aundré Bumgardner State Senator Martha Marx and I. |
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Spark is a great location to enjoy free, family-friendly, fun projects where you can make and
take home projects in the Print Shop, Woodshop, Electronics, Tech Lab, and Fiber Arts Studio.
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New London High Multi Magnet School Visit
I had a great opportunity stopping by the City of New London, Connecticut New London High Multi Magnet School to talk to several students about the importance of meals in school. Many youth discussed concerns of affordability for some, that eating helps them stay focused on school work, and the amazing nutritional food that the Brigaid staff prepare for them. This is some of the many reasons I will continue to fight for free lunch for youth in school. End Hunger Connecticut! #brigaidchef #NLHS
Learn more about the Brigaid program here:
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Capt. Michael Turdo Retirement
This week at the U.S Coast Guard Academy, Capt. Michael Turdo retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 26 years of service. 
Capt. Turdo's career extended well beyond his commissioning, in which he served multiple operational tours as a Company Officer, Commanding Officer of United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE, and the Assistant Superintendent of #USCGA.
Congratulations and thanks also to his wife Wendy and children for supporting and being part of his strength through the journey. God bless and best to come.
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FBI Director's Community Leadership Award
Congratulations Chef Tomm on being the recipient of the 2022 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for Connecticut! Chef Tomm was presented the prestigious award today in Washington, DC by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
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CAP Class of 2023
Big congratulations to the CAP Class of 2023! Sorry I could not attend your event. Please know I am very proud of you, and know you will be successful in the next phase of your journey. City of New London, Connecticut Higher Edge |
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National Nurses Week
This week the nation is celebrating nurses  , Nurses Week allows us to recognize the contributions of the nurses in our lives. With several observances throughout the week including National Nurses Day on May 6, National Student Nurse Day on May 8 and National School Nurse Day on May 10, we have plenty of opportunities to recognize nurses of all kinds. Thank you for what you do everyday, not just this week. God bless. |
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RMMS Magnet Kingdom
Sign up for Summer RMMS Magnet Kingdom here:
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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