2025 Legislative Session is underway

January 10, 2025

The 2025 legislative session kicked off at the State Capitol on Wednesday and I am beyond grateful to once again serve as your state representative in the 20th District, West Hartford and Newington.  

 
Opening day is just the start of what is going to be a very busy next few months full of hearings, committee meetings and session days to conduct the business of our state and build a brighter future. 
 
I am very excited to get to work for you! 
 
 
We have plenty of work to do, and the Office of Legislative Research just released its report of important issues the General Assembly may face this year.

 

Click here to learn more about the major issues
 
It's easier than ever to follow the action at the Capitol and get involved. There are several resources below you can utilize to stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  
  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
 

As the legislative session gets started, I've also been hearing from many of you on what matters most. I hosted the Newington Town Hall earlier this week with State Representative Gary Turco and Senator Matt Lesser to have a rich discussion on many issues from utilities to health care to housing. Thank you to everyone who attended and was a part of this valuable discussion on so many issues facing our community and state.
 
 
It was also a packed house at the West Hartford Town Hall for our gathering on Wednesday after Opening Session. So many of you provided great input on your priorities and many good ideas for legislation. Thank you! If you weren't able to attend our Town Halls, please reach out at any time to: kate.farrar@cga.ct.gov 
 
STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
 
At the start of the New Year, many of us have new goals to live a healthier lifestyle. But it's important for consumers to understand any contract requirements and their rights before signing up for a gym membership. 

 
 
Before committing to a health club: 
 
• Research - Look for reviews online and ask current customers about their experiences.
 
• Visit - Stop in at the health club you’re considering so you can see what equipment and conditions they have. Many health clubs offer free tours, and even free or discounted day passes for prospective members. Consumers should avoid signing an online contract without seeing a location first.
 
• Review the contract or agreement - It’s important to know how much you’re paying when your bill comes, and what the cancellation policy is. Connecticut law requires health clubs to have contracts in writing. 
 
Health club contracts can be offered for as long as two years, but not longer.  Any club offering contracts longer than one year must also offer a one-year contract.
 
Health club contracts cannot auto-renew. The only exception is after a one-month period. For example, if you sign up for a one-month trial period this month, your contract may auto-renew for the rest of the year at the end of that period. If the monthly price changes after the first month, that change must be disclosed upfront, in writing.
 
You have a three-day right to cancel. If you sign up for a health club contract, you have the right to inform the health club in writing that you do not wish to continue your contract within the first three days of your agreement.
 
State law also includes a right to cancel if you become injured or disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles from your health club. Consumers can review the statute for more information and the complete notice that should be included in their contract.
 
If you have paid for a contract, and your health club closes, you can apply to the Health Club Guaranty Fund through DCP, and if it is approved, get reimbursed. More information and the application form for the health club guaranty fund can be found at ct.gov/DCP
 
Consumers with questions or complaints may contact the Department of Consumer Protection’s complaint center by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov, or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint
 
If you are looking for a life changing career opportunity the CT State Building Trades Training Institute is offering free apprenticeship training for Connecticut residents. 

The next cycle starts in a few weeks so reach out by by calling 860-200-1545 or email recruitment@csbtti.org to make an appointment. Slots are limited and they fill up fast! 


 
 
It's also that time of year again for the CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Snow Plow Naming Contest! This year there will we be 12 snowplows that need to be named and the CTDOT needs your help. 
Click the following link to pick your Top 10 https://forms.office.com/g/89tD48ej7N
Voting closes on January 19.