Sponsoring Bills, Visit from the Senior Center, and more

May 16, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

It has been another busy and productive few days in Hartford.

On Monday, it was the 4th Annual Democrats vs. Republicans Kickball game where all the money raised from the event go to benefit CT Foodshare, who help serve those so no one is left hungry.

I was proud to play for such a great cause, and provide a hit and great defense for the Democrats, where we snapped a 3-Game losing streak!

On Tuesday, it was everyone's favorite day at the Capitol: the Connecticut Humane Society's Puppy Day!

I was also joined by the New London delegation to give members of the New London Senior Center a tour of the Capitol and show them how the legislative process works here in Hartford. Our senior center is a staple of our community, and I was so proud to engage with its residents and hear what is on their minds.

And I'm so proud to announce that this week, the House passed a Bill I co-sponsored, HB 6883, which prohibits the disclosure of the residential address of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims under Freedom of Information requests.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is wrong and I am proud to support good legislation that protects and helps victims.

I hope the Senate will follow suit by passing this bill and then the Governor can sign it into law!

I'm looking forward to another busy week next week as we return to the Capitol. As always, please email me at Dan.Gaiewski@cga.ct.gov if you are in need of any assistance with Services or about issues the legislature might be addressing!

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about a bill the House passed that will foster civic engagement in our children, a bill that supports our public libraries, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.

HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community. 

Another key portion of the bill reforms school crisis response drills.

The tragic reality is that children need to be prepared in case of emergencies. Research has shown that some crisis response drills are ineffective and leave children with lasting anxiety.

HB 7009 establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.

While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:
 

  • Limiting the use of smart devices in school
  • Addressing antisemitism in schools
  • Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
  • Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
  • Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
  • Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

HB 7009 is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I am proud to cast my vote in support.
 
Social Media Protection for Children

Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader by passing legislation on Wednesday to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. We are proud to join a nationwide movement that prioritizes youth mental health over tech profits.
 
Transparent Ticket Resale Bill

We also passed a bill on Wednesday to crack down on the legalized scalping of online ticket sales and resales by requiring the disclosure of hidden fees and markups while banning lookalike companies that profit off speculation and jacking up the price.

These new rules put CT fans first! It's all about transparency and protecting your wallet.
 

Sincerely,

Dan Gaiewski
State Representative

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