|
|
|
|
It was a busy week, as the State House of Representatives was in session Monday-Thursday. We passed a number of bills, and you can read about some of them below.
|
|
You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
|
|
|
It is my honor to join my Southeastern Connecticut colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats in hosting Southeastern Connecticut Day at the Capitol where we will be highlighting the wonderful region we call home. It is my honor to bring the region to the Capitol, and it will allow my colleagues to see who we are and what we are all about.
|
|
|
Last Friday, Rep Bumgardner and I welcomed Rep. Ron Napoli, the Bonding Subcommittee Chair, to the District to meet with local organizations and City Mayor Jill Rusk to discuss securing support for local projects. Hopefully we will be able to secure some funding for projects! Stay tuned.
|
|
|
This week, the House passed HB 5044: An Act Establishing Connecticut Vaccine Standards.
In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards have been tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.
HB 5044 seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:
- Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
- Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
- Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
- Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
This bill makes vaccines more accessible, more affordable, and it will keep our communities healthy.
These vaccines are are essential to mainintaing a health public. Consider consulting with your doctor before getting one. The bill does not require anyone to get a vaccine who does not want to.
|
|
|
Connecticut House Democrats passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair.
We took steps to:
- Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
- Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
- Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
Additionally, we’ll keep ICE and people with weapons away from our polls, increase penalties for tampering with vote counts and intimidating poll workers, and empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair.
|
|
|
As energy costs remain a concern for many households, Groton Utilities is offering several programs to help residents reduce expenses while improving home efficiency.
|
|
|
Available programs include:
• Free Home Energy Audits
Identify air leaks, improve insulation, and receive simple upgrades that can immediately lower your energy use.
• HVAC Mini-Split Rebates (up to $4,000)
Upgrade to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that reduce long-term energy costs and improve comfort.
• SolarPlus Incentives (up to $10,000)
Support for installing solar or solar-plus-storage systems to help you generate your own power and lower monthly bills.
These programs are practical, cost-effective tools to help households save money while strengthening our local energy system.
I encourage all Groton Utilities customers to explore these opportunities and take advantage of the support available.
|
|
A reminder that as you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours.
You can click here to use a locator tool to find your nearest disposal site. |
|
Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
If you are unable to attend the event, MyOldMeds.com offers a Locator Tool to help you find the nearest disposal site year-round. There are more than 29,000 verified locations in all 50 states that have secure unwanted or expired medicine disposal kiosks, and/or provide free in-home disposal kits upon request. Additionally, the Locator Tool provides disposal site hours of operation, hours of collection, what is collected, and other helpful information. |
|
Applications are now open for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund. This yearly scholarship goes to students who reside and attend school in New London County, and is meant to assist them in pursing a post-secondary education. You can read more about the scholarship below:
The scholarship committee of the Board of Trustees reviews all application materials for the following criteria:
-
Outstanding community service and interest in advancing the legacy and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
-
Academic achievement and potential for excellence in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college/university
-
Financial need
-
United States citizenship
Application can be submitted either:
-
Online (preferred)
-
In the mail to the organization's mailbox at P.O. Box 1308, New London, CT 06320
Any questions, please contact the organization's email at: vp@mlktrustfund.com
|
|
|
The state’s 2026 Sky’s The Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge has been released, and it looks a bit different from previous iterations.
The challenge – with the theme “America’s 250th" -- invites you to explore some of Connecticut's State Parks and Forests, each with a story to tell.
This year’s challenge starts with 20 different hikes. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has said there could be additional missions to be launched as the year progresses.
To get started, you must download the Goosechase app on your phone and enter the code ZMUCP8 to take part in fun, interactive missions – such as checking in at designated locations, snapping photos, answering trivia, and discovering hidden gems along the way.
You get to choose missions to start and go from there.
The challenge started on April 16 and goes until Dec. 4 at 5 p.m.
|
|
| National Bike & Roll to School Day takes place on May 6 and offers a chance to celebrate the benefits of active commuting while building a sense of community, safety, and school spirit. Events can be as simple as a few families walking or biking to school together, or as elaborate as a large celebration with organized activities. Click here to check to see if your school is registered, and if not, sign up today! |
|
Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
