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What a powerful morning at the Building One Community Benefit Breakfast! Over 550 attendees including community partners, local leaders, and members of the Fairfield County, state, and national delegations who gathered in support of the Center for Immigrant Opportunity. With the room energized by the presence of Senator Richard Blumenthal and a special video message from Congressman Jim Himes, the event was a meaningful celebration of community, resilience, and hope.
I’ve had the honor of being part of this journey with Building One Community for the past 12 years serving on the Board, currently on the Alumni Board, and as a member of the event committee since this impactful tradition began. In that time, I’ve witnessed the incredible growth of an organization that plays a vital role in Stamford, a city where 39% of the population is foreign-born.
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From left to right standing with me my colleagues, Rep. Corey Paris and Sen. Ceci Maher, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Person to Person and Jim Himes campaign manager Francesca Capodilupo
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There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as four participants and volunteers shared their moving stories. Among them was Soraya, a 20-year-old first-generation American whose family fled Honduras in search of a better future. Now a student at Northeastern University studying Healthcare Administration, Soraya’s journey embodies the promise and purpose of Building One Community.
Together, with heartfelt stories and generous support, we raised needed funds to continue empowering immigrants and strengthening our shared future.
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Here with me Executive Director Elena Perez, and
Gilda Bonanno Executive Coach and Emcee
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And another moment captured with my colleague, Rep. Savet Constantine, Stamford Board of Reps Eric Morson, and 2 officers from the Young Dems of Greater Stamford, Corey Frate and Miles Halpine
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WBDC Women-Owned Business Day
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| Photo credit: Aviva Maller |
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I was inspired and encouraged by the many women entrepreneurs I had the pleasure of meeting during the Women’s Business Development Council's Women-Owned Business Day at the State Capitol earlier this month. The WBDC, Connecticut’s leading organization championing female entrepreneurship, provides invaluable resources and support to help women succeed in business. I congratulate them on their continued efforts to bring awareness and support to women-owned businesses. I am committed to supporting them through my work in the legislature and with anything I can do to help further their mission and empower women entrepreneurs across our state.
As we approach the final weeks this legislative session, I want to take a moment to thank you for your thoughtful feedback and engagement during my first session. Your insights and questions are incredibly valuable to me and I take each viewpoint into careful consideration as I work to make informed decisions on your behalf. Thank you again for your ongoing involvement in the legislative process—your voices truly matter.
Below, I am sharing a few highlights of the work we have been doing in Hartford. I hope you find this information useful. |
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| The last few weeks, the building has been filled with energy as advocates and organizations like CT Stamford Health, which I was thrilled to welcome to the State Capitol, the Humane Society to the American Cancer Society and local nonprofits, showcased their vital work. |
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| These events remind us of the vibrant, committed community we have and the opportunities to connect and collaborate for the betterment of our state. |
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| Thank you to all of these wonderful organizations and advocates for their dedication and service to our community. Your commitment is inspiring and appreciated. |
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Firefighters Cancer Relief Program
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House Democrats voted this week to make important changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, including among other things expanding the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer and authorizing workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits.
Taking care of our first responders is always a legislative priority.
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Health Insurance Policies to Cover Biomarker Testing
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We also passed Substitute House Bill 6771 establishing a legal requirement for health insurance policies to cover biomarker testing, a type of medical testing that analyzes biological samples—such as tissue or blood—to detect molecular signs (biomarkers) of health conditions or treatment responses.
Key points of the bill include:
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Mandatory Coverage: Health insurance must cover biomarker tests when used for diagnosing, treating, managing, or monitoring diseases.
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Evidence-Based Requirement: Coverage is contingent upon the test having demonstrated clinical utility, meaning it must be supported by:
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FDA approval or clearance,
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Medicare coverage determinations, or
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Clinical practice guidelines recognized by the medical community
The bill aims to expand access to potentially life-saving or life-improving tests, especially in personalized or precision medicine, while also ensuring that only scientifically validated tests are covered.
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Treating Warehouse Workers With Respect
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Valuing people over profits is good public policy. We also passed legislation to make sure that warehouse workers are treated with respect by limiting and providing clarity when employers use production quotas.
The legislation also ensures that:
- Employers must provide quota information upon hiring an employee
- If quotas change, workers must be notified
- Employees cannot be retaliated against for requesting work records
- Quotas cannot be used to inhibit workers from using the restroom or taking an entitled break
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This week we were in session all week and passed several bills in the House including:
 HB 7236: An Act Concerning Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault
HB 6883: An Act Protecting the Location of Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims
HB 6894: An Act Establishing an Interagency Council on Homelessness
To read the full list of bills that have passed the House, please visit: cga.ct.gov/2025/lbp/lobp.pdf |
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International Firefighters Day
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In recognition of International Firefighters Day I was proud to join firefighters from across the state today along with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, many of my legislative colleagues, and members of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to recognize the ongoing crisis to recruit and retain firefighters. The Comptroller's report shows that volunteer firefighters have shrunk by 62.7% since the completion of the last firefighter census in 2017.
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Military Appreciation Month
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This May, we honor the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our service members past and present.
Thank you for defending our freedoms.
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The Stamford Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony will be on Sunday, May 18th at 12:00 P.M. The route will travel from the Stamford Police Department to Veterans Memorial Park via Bedford Street, across Broad Street and continuing on Atlantic Street. A ceremony will immediately follow the parade in Veterans Memorial Park (130 Atlantic Street) at 1:00 P.M.
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