CT FBLA Day at the Capitol and proposed bills

February 18, 2025


 
 
It was Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Day at the Capitol on Tuesday! I was proud to host this event with Elesa who is a student at Newington High School, a constituent, and is the State President of CT FBLA. FBLA is the largest business career and technical student organization and in CT, we have 90+ chapters.
 
I met high school students who are teaching middle school students about financial literacy, hosting valuable career and budget activities for fellow students, and representing Connecticut at business competitions across the country. It's important to keep supporting these students to gain valuable career preparation. I'm so glad that this was an opportunity to showcase their skills and network with legislators from across the state.
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Last Friday, I submitted testimony with Rep. Kevin Brown and Rep. Mary Fortier in support of Senate Bill 1230: An Act Concerning the Purchase of Print and Digital Advertising by the State.  This bill would require state agencies to purchase a certain percentage of their current advertising from in-state owned news outlets.

The bill promotes diversity in the media landscape with support to local news organizations that have a harder time competing with larger, out-of-state owned outlets. Local newspapers and local journalists are an integral part of our community as they hold us accountable as public officials and inform our citizens about important issues.

As we face threats to our democracy, the state's ongoing loss of local journalism threatens our civic and economic health.  Not only does civic engagement decline when local journalism disappears but there are local job losses as well. We've successfully passed this bill in the House the past two years and are working together to make sure it passes the House and Senate and gets signed by the Governor this year. 
 
Learn more about all of the bills proposed this session to support the local press here. 


 
This week I participated in a Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Government Oversight Committee joint forum with auditors this week about excessive spending on meals and transportation by the CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng and other leaders in the state university system. 

He tried to take responsibility for these mistakes but there was a clear lack of financial oversight under his leadership. The State Comptroller and State Auditors also presented their reports and findings. 


 
We are working on a bill in the Higher Education committee to implement the recommendations from the State Comptroller's office and the State Auditors.

We must take action to not only strengthen our laws but also work to change the culture of these institutions that allowed this to happen. The students and taxpayers deserve better. 


 
We are in the heart of public hearing season in legislative session. There are many opportunities to have your voice heard on what matters to you. Each week the Connecticut General Assembly website posts the public hearings in the daily Bulletin on the front page of the website under CGA Daily Records. 
 
In the coming week, there are a number of bills that might be of interest to you including:

H.B. No. 6928 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAMS in the Energy and Technology Committee Hearing Tuesday, February 18th
 
H.B. No. 6870 (COMM) AN ACT ADDRESSING PATIENTS' PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS in the Insurance and Real Estate Committee Hearing Tuesday, February 18th 
 
H.B. No. 6917 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN THE STATE in the Environment Committee Hearing Wednesday, February 19th 
 
H.B. No. 6951 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES in the Children's Committee Hearing Thursday, February 20th 

Please reach out anytime if you have a question about a hearing or a bill. And if you know you will be testifying on a bill please let me know so I can learn more about the bill and your feedback. And if you are testifying in person, I would be happy to try to meet up with you when you are in the Legislative Office Building. 
 
 
On Thursday, February 20 at 6:00 P.M. U.S. Rep. John Larson will hold a Town Hall Meeting along with the Newington delegation and Newington Mayor Jon Trister to provide an update on what’s being done to fight for the people in Connecticut in light of recent developments out of Washington, D.C.
 
STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
 
On Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 8 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The West Hartford Office of Emergency Management is offering a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Course specifically for Spanish speakers.

This is a  free, comprehensive program that is designed to empower local residents with the skills needed for emergency and disaster preparedness.

The course will be taught in Spanish by members of the West Hartford Fire Department, Social Services, and Police Department. It is open to all individuals aged 18 and older, regardless of skill level or physical ability.

Interested participants must register by the February 26 deadline to secure a spot.

To register CLICK HERE 


 
Next week, I'll be joining a Community Immigration Forum for our entire region with Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Speaker of the House Ritter and Representative Gibson. I hope you'll consider joining me and share with others. 
 
And Happy Valentine's Day to the entire 20th District!