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Dear Neighbor,
This is such an exciting week for those who celebrate Passover and Easter! Whether you’re recognizing your culture’s history, attending church service, or just having a meal with your family, enjoy the three-day weekend.
The federal government and ICE continue to threaten our state in many ways. But here at the Capitol, my colleagues and I are working day in and day out to make sure that does not happen. There is a set of legislative bills in place that will prevent ICE from entering safe haven spaces such as hospitals, schools, places of worship, and more.
In this week’s edition, you can learn more about those bills, along with the other ways we are protecting you from ICE.
Largely based on neuroscience, those in our state who committed crimes while under the age of 26 may see some improvements to early parole eligibility
Still haven’t filed your taxes? I’ve included several resources for where you can get that done before the last day, April 15th.
I hope you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Patrick Biggins
State Representative
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| You can always follow along right here at CT-N. |
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| We voted on 15 executive nominations, voted on a contract between the State and CEUI, and confirmed 20 judicial nominations. |
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| The Senate came in the next day to do the same. Before the day began, I had a chance to connect with colleagues, including Reps. Hilda Santiago, Iris Sanchez, Savet Constantine, and Geraldo Reyes. |
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The Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation that would expand restrictions on where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can operate in Connecticut.
The bills would prohibit ICE from entering places of worship and hospitals, ensuring that our residents are not afraid to seek medical care or practice their faith.
Connecticut is already one of the safest states for immigrants in the country, and we do not need the federal government's heavy-handed enforcement tactics to keep our communities safe.
Attorney General William Tong has voiced his support for these measures, noting that immigrants and their families have a right to be protected from violence and intimidation. |
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| Image credit: ACLU |
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Earlier in March, the Committee also held a public hearing on several bills aimed at increasing state oversight of federal law enforcement officers, including SB 91 and SB 397, which would expand the definition of "peace officer" under state law to cover all federal law enforcement agents — not just those dealing with narcotics. Connecticut Inspector General Eliot Prescott testified that the state has a broad sovereign interest in ensuring that all officers, including federal agents, comply with Connecticut law.
While these proposals continue to be refined, the Committee is committed to ensuring Connecticut has the tools it needs to hold everyone accountable under the law. |
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| Image credit: Windsor Patch |
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In a significant bipartisan achievement, the Judiciary Committee approved a compromise bill that would prevent license plate reader data from being shared with federal immigration authorities.
This legislation was the product of a broad collaboration among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the ACLU of Connecticut, the state Judicial Branch, and the Department of Transportation.
Under the bill, license plate data retention would be limited to 30 days, and after 7 days, police would be required to obtain a judicial warrant to access the information.
The legislation strikes a careful balance: it preserves the ability of law enforcement to use this technology to solve crimes and protect our communities, while ensuring that residents' civil liberties are not compromised and that the data is not misused for immigration enforcement, reproductive health care investigations, or other purposes unrelated to public safety.
As Senator John Kissel, the ranking Republican on the Committee, noted, the warrant requirement after seven days is a crucial safeguard against "open-season fishing expeditions". The bill now heads to the House for a floor vote. Local law enforcement agencies are already updating their policies to align with these new standards. |
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The Judiciary Committee held a significant public hearing on SB 503, a bill that would expand early parole eligibility for individuals who committed crimes when they were under the age of 26.
Over 200 people, including incarcerated individuals and their families, submitted testimony in support of the proposal. The bill is grounded in well-established neuroscience showing that the brain does not fully develop until around age 25, particularly in areas governing impulse control and long-term decision-making. |
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| Image credit: Bill Kennedy Law |
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Under the proposed legislation, a person who committed a crime before turning 26 would become eligible for parole after serving 60% of a sentence of less than 50 years, or 30 years of a sentence of more than 50 years.
Importantly, the bill does not mean automatic release — the Board of Pardons and Paroles would still make individual determinations about whether a person has been rehabilitated. Advocates and researchers have pointed to Connecticut's own data showing that only about 1 in 10 individuals released under similar earlier laws have returned to prison, compared to a general recidivism rate of 40% to 49%.
This is about being smart on justice — acknowledging that people can grow beyond the worst mistakes of their youth while still respecting the needs of victims and communities. |
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The state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.
Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours).
Previously, only programs of at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners. |
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OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:
- Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
- Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
- Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
- Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
- Be in operation for at least one year
The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
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| As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites. |
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In East Hartford, the drop-off location is:
Public Safety Complex
31 School Street
In Manchester, the location is:
Manchester Police Department
239 East Middle Street Turnpike
For residents who want to dispose of medications outside of this biannual event safely, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 237 secure disposal sites across Connecticut.
The easy-to-use locator quickly finds nearby drop-off locations by entering a zip code. The site also includes a Connecticut resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management.
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With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case.
The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165. |
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| A fake Amazon text says your order was recalled and prompts you to click a link to confirm your refund. |
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| Be wary of links that look unusual or do not include the name of the company. What should you do? Don't click the link, block the number, and only verify recalls on the Amazon app or official website. |
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Please join us at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford on Monday, April 13th, at 4:30 PM, as Democratic and Republican legislators face off for the 5th annual CGA Kickball Classic!
This event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the game. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds this year will benefit United Way of Connecticut. All players are also required to purchase a ticket. Doors open at 4:00 PM.
You can buy tickets HERE.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door on the day of the event.
Parking Information is HERE.
I hope to see many of you at the game for a fun afternoon at Dunkin’ Park, while supporting a great cause!
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I had an opportunity to talk with some of the staff over at Interval House, and they are doing a great job of providing resources for people in domestic violence situations, for people who have friends who are suffering from domestic violence, and putting out resources to prevent domestic violence before it starts, with educating young people.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these resources, please share. |
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The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program is back and will take place from April 1–30.
Starting April 1, visit your local library to pick up your official program passport along with a list of participating libraries across the state. Then the adventure begins, explore as many libraries as you can throughout April!
Visit at least five different participating libraries and collect stamps from those locations (only official participating libraries count; be sure to check your list). Then, once you’re done, be sure to return your completed passport by May 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.
With nearly 200 public libraries in Connecticut—plus school, college, museum, and even church libraries—there’s an incredible variety to discover. Each library offers something unique, and this program is a fun way to experience all the amazing things libraries across the state have to offer.
So grab your passport and start exploring, your next favorite library might be just around the corner! |
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Participating library branches in the district include:
East Hartford
Manchester
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Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase.
Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.
The top-selected artists will be featured and presented with notable recognition and awards at the opening reception.
The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more. |
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Applications for the East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship Due May 15!
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation is offering the annual East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship to East Hartford graduates. This scholarship is open to any East Hartford Public School graduate who completed high school before the current school year (2025-2026) and is pursuing either:
- an undergraduate degree;
- a certification through a vocational training program; or
- a graduate or professional degree
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation will award up to five $1,500 scholarships. For more information, please click HERE.
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I love to read!
"Biggins Books" will highlight what I'm currently reading, all via audiobooks, and some highlights and thoughts about what I read, including:
Annie Bot by Sierra Grier
This is a trippy book, apparently highly suggested by the internet. It is a new take on the future of AI and relationships. The whole thing seemed to be an abusive situation, which is one of the many layers this book will have you thinking about. It has Westworld and futuristic concepts, with control and power imbalance threads throughout.
The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife by Anna Johnston
This is a good book about a mishap that leads to a lot of unforetold circumstances. It is about aging and regrets and life as we see it, and how we view the world impacting everything.
The Lincoln Lawyer (A Novel Mickey Haller) by Michael Connelly
This book was written because of the series, and it is essentially exactly what one would think. I have seen the first couple of seasons of the Netflix show, so that impacted my reading. Both are very good, so I am excited to get to the next book and hopefully get ahead of the show. |
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