Senior Center Visit, Great Bills Passed, and more

May 16, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Visit from the New London Senior Center
The New London Senior Center is a true gem in our community, offering enriching programs and meaningful experiences for our seniors. From health and wellness activities to social events and educational trips, the center empowers older adults to stay active, connected, and engaged. 
 
They recently visited the State Capitol—where seniors had the opportunity to see the House chambers in action—and it was a powerful reminder of how valued and involved they are in civic life. The center continues to open doors to new opportunities, proving that it’s never too late to learn, explore, and see what’s happening in Hartford.
 

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.
 

Looking for Nonprofit Youth Programs
Urgent request for City of New London, Connecticut Youth Programs. If you are or know of a "Non - Profit" please respond with your contact information. I am trying to put together an ongoing list that will let families know about non profit youth programs. This is for City of New London, CT programs Only!
 

Strengthening Protections for Survivors
The House took action Tuesday to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors.
 
 

Visit with Connecticut's Kid Governor and Cabinet Members
This week, we had the privilege of welcoming some remarkable young dignitaries to the House of Representatives. It was an honor to host the Connecticut's Kid Governor Keudy and his cabinet as they shared their priorities and engaged with legislators.
 
I was especially excited to meet and speak with Cabinet Member Nava Ekstrand, a 5th grader at Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle School in New London. Nava ran for Kid Governor in November, focusing her campaign on the issue of littering. She spoke passionately about the importance of keeping our streets & parks clean promoting a healthy environment for our communities.
 

Shoutout to Lawrence + Memorial Nurses
Big thank you to our nurses—the quiet heroes who show up, day after day, with compassion, strength, and a deep commitment to care.

Too often, the work you do goes unrecognized. The long hours, the emotional toll, the steady hands and calm voices in moments of fear—all of it matters. You are there in the first breath of life and in the last moments of peace. You are advocates, comforters, educators, and protectors. And you do it all with grace, even when the world doesn’t always see it.
 
Please know that we see you. We appreciate you. And we are grateful beyond words for the way you serve others—not just with skill, but with heart. You make a difference that can’t be measured. Your work saves lives, and your presence brings healing in ways medicine alone never could.
 

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.

 

Visit with the Children & Family Agency
Thank you to Children & Family Agency (CFA) for being great advocates for our children. Especially when it comes to Urgent Crisis Centers & School-Based Health Center funding. This is of great importance with General Assembly Appropriations Committee. Thank you also for setting up a table meeting, greeting and informing Legislators of the importance of the work CFA does. This was so appreciated.
 

Supporting Our Public Libraries

Good news for CT libraries! We passed a landmark bill on Thursday that positions the state as a national leader in supporting public libraries facing skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks. This legislation stands up for libraries by prohibiting them from entering into or renewing prohibitively expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers of digital materials.

This legislation also aims to curb libraries’ unsustainable financial burden while ensuring the public continues to have equitable access to digital content. It does so by barring a number of onerous contract terms that publishers have used to price-gouge libraries on e-books and audiobooks.

Our libraries are the beating heart of our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between providing the books their patrons want and accepting terms that interfere with their operations or waste taxpayer dollars.

 

Strive Graduation
This week I had the great opportunity to stop by the Strive Graduation. I was able to congratulate young men making it through Career Resources - Strive Program - with Project Longevity City of New London, Connecticut.
 
"Always know success is determined by what you do - no matter what". I was so happy to see the young men take part of work that will continue to make them successful. Congratulations fellas.....Job well done, I look forward to seeing you do big things.
 

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.

 

Homelessness Council

House Democrats also voted to improve interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness.


This council will bring together representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to ensure that our state agencies are coordinating and developing long-term solutions.

We are always looking at ways to improve government efficiency and address homelessness head-on.

 

Shark Finning

After this week’s vote, Connecticut has officially joined over 50 countries worldwide in banning shark finning—an inhumane practice that threatens marine ecosystems and pushes many shark species toward extinction. We are proud to be part of a growing international movement for ocean conservation.

This legislation:

  • Protects ocean biodiversity
  • Promotes sustainable marine practices
  • Stands against cruelty in our global waters
 

Amparo Bustamante's Art at "The Place"
If you haven't stopped by please do check out the artistic work of Amparo Bustamante. Amparo did some amazing murals at "The Place" on Garfield Ave City of New London, Connecticut. Pictures are great but seeing them in person shows the true brilliance. Stop by. Thank you Amparo for the great work displaying diversity and culture of our city.
 

New London Adult and Continuing Education Student of the Year
Congratulations to Massiel De La Cruz, honored by the New London Rotary Club as NLAE Student of the Year on 5/15/25!
 

Upcoming Local Events
 

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
 
Sincerely,

Anthony Nolan
State Representative
 

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