Jason Rojas

The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:

• At the Capitol
• Capitol Update
• Legislative Business
• Community Resources
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

House Bill 5323: An Act Concerning Various, is a comprehensive omnibus measure that proposes updates to how schools address student health, nutrition, safety, and administrative support programs. Key provisions include:

·       Create an incentive program: Help districts reduce time spent on broad assessments, expand use of formative tools, and strengthen teacher practices, with rewards such as recognition, funding, and flexibility. As well as providing guidance to help districts cut back on excessive testing and shift toward more targeted, instructional assessments.

·       Redesign high school math pathways: Helps to better align with postsecondary and workforce needs, establish guidance on the role of math specialists, and support improved instruction through professional development resources and a potential statewide training initiative.

·       Strengthen safeguards in the hiring process for school personnel: Requires applicants to disclose whether they are currently the subject of a pending investigation related to abuse or misconduct.

·       Armed School Security: Expands eligibility for armed school security personnel to include retired parole officers who meet established training standards and are in good standing.

·       Therapeutic Arts Grants: Directs the State Department of Education to create a grant program supporting therapeutic arts initiatives, prioritizing districts with higher rates of suspensions and limited access to behavioral health resources.

·       Athletic Eligibility: Prohibits local school districts from imposing academic eligibility requirements for interscholastic athletics that exceed those set by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), ensuring greater consistency statewide.

Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen student well-being, promote equitable access to resources, and provide clearer, more consistent policies across school districts.

Cellphones have become a major part of the lives of adults and children. While these devices can be useful at times, they have also proven to be addicting, distracting, and are robbing our children of important opportunities to create connections and develop relationships, particularly at school.

This week, the House took action to remove these harmful devices from our schools. HB 5035 implements a bell-to-bell ban on students' cellphones during the school day. This policy will allow our children to further connect with their peers and educators, strengthen their attention spans, and enhance their learning ability.

While this bill does not fully remove technology as a distraction, it is a great step in the right direction to give our students the best school experience possible.

The House of Representatives passed legislation items that originated in the Aging Committee.

House Bill 5142 extends protections for the use of technology to residents of residential care homes and sets a penalty for violation of the protections. It ensures residents in residential care homes can set up virtual monitoring systems so families have peace of mind and they can keep an eye on their loved ones. In the case of roommates, permission must sign off on paperwork, which can change at any time. With the support of many stakeholders, the legislation passed unanimously, 150-0-1 in the House.

House Bill 5143 requires homemaker companion agency employees to complete eight hours of basic training each year, including training on topics such as: helping individuals with Alzheimer’s, identifying abuse, identifying when care is above capacity of a homemaker companion, and hygiene assistance. Currently, there isn’t a set training for homemaker companions.  The bill had strong bipartisan support, passing 149-1-1 in the House

House Bill 5140 allows dental hygienists to serve underserved homebound patients in private residences, such as seniors, veterans, and the disabled, who would likely go without dental care. Dental hygienists currently are allowed by law to work in facilities such as senior centers and preschools without the oversight of a dentist, and this legislation expands upon that. The dental hygienist will have worked under the supervision of a dentist for more than two years. With the support of stakeholders such as the CT Oral Health Initiative (COHI) and the Connecticut State Dental Association, the bill passed unanimously, 144-0, with seven absent/note voting.

Across Connecticut and the nation, consumers have reported being encouraged, and even pressured, to sign up for financial products such as medical credit cards, loans, and lines of credit while undergoing treatment, in pain, or under sedation. Many later face unexpected high-interest charges due to confusing promotional terms, leaving them burdened with significant and unforeseen debt. This week, the House passed a measure to protect Connecticut consumers. 

HB 5127 addresses these concerns by establishing clear, targeted protections while preserving consumer choice and access to financing options. Key provisions of the legislation include:

• Targeted safeguards during vulnerable moments: Providers are generally prohibited from advertising, soliciting, or offering third-party financing while a patient is under anesthesia, receiving care, or in treatment areas. Regulated discussion may still occur in waiting rooms and other rooms within health care facilities to ensure transparency
• Empowering consumer decision-making: The bill prohibits providers from completing or submitting financing applications on behalf of patients, ensuring individuals maintain control over financial decisions.
• Improved transparency and reduced confusion: Restrictions on co-branding prevent misleading associations between care providers and financial products, while required disclosures ensure patients clearly understand terms and conditions in their primary language.
• Eliminating conflicts of interest: Providers may not receive financial incentives for promoting third-party financing options.
• Preventing unexpected costs: The bill limits when charges can be applied to financing accounts and enhances transparency around ancillary products, including return options in certain cases.
• Mandatory disclosure protections: Patients must sign a standardized disclosure form before engaging in financing discussions, ensuring informed consent.

This measure passed with vast bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate. 

Connecticut House Democrats are making targeted, meaningful investments in the people who keep our communities strong — from first responders and veterans to nurses, teachers, and blue-collar workers.

We passed legislation backing those who serve by expanding support for police, firefighters, and veterans. That includes state-backed health insurance for families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals, mortgage assistance for first responders, and stronger recruitment and training efforts. We’re also building on successful partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals, improving access to jobs and benefits for veterans, and creating new tuition assistance opportunities for those serving here at home.

At the same time, we’re strengthening protections for workers. Nurses and teachers will have better safeguards if they’re injured on the job, including help covering lost wages and expenses. Paraeducators will have greater financial stability, and workers across industries — especially those in high-risk or subcontracted roles — will see stronger protections, fairer pay practices, and safer working conditions. We’re also ensuring workplace standards keep pace with modern needs, including guaranteed break time for nursing mothers.

Additionally, we’re helping employers build stronger workplaces by investing in workforce development. From training programs for certified nurse assistants to better coordination between educators and industry, these efforts are designed to connect people to good-paying jobs while helping businesses grow.

The bill also includes stipulations for virtual monitoring in home care, increased penalties for noncompliance with staffing requirements in hospitals, and mandates for remote work during inclement weather.

This bill was intended to create safer and more equitable work environments and support the needs of several employee groups across Connecticut. We think it does. For a closer look at the legislation, please click HERE.

This is about standing with the people who serve and support our state — and making sure Connecticut continues to work for them.

Since 2025, masked federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents – many inadequately trained -- have waged a campaign of fear and intimidation with a reckless disregard for the constitutional rights of the people they encounter.
 
Parents are afraid of bringing children to medical appointments or sending them to school, court dates are skipped for fear of being detained, and congregants are afraid of going to their places of worship.
 
We as a state have an obligation to address the unprecedented breakdown in federal accountability and attacks on the rule of law. Senate Bill 397 represents a measured and lawful response to these concerns. The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated.  Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following: 

• Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights.
• Ensures the Inspector General has clear unrestricted authority to investigate the unauthorized use of force by state, local and certain federal agents when force results in death.
• Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves when conducting operations.
• Builds on the framework established in 2025, designating protected areas – hospitals, schools, court houses, places of worship – that will be shielded from civil immigration arrests unless a law enforcement officer presents a signed judicial warrant.
• Establishes a floor of at least 480 hours of training for law enforcement officers in Connecticut.
• Regulates automated license plate reader technologies, permitting an active hot list, but capping retention of data to 21 days absent an ongoing criminal investigation.

This legislation is not born out of partisan preference. It’s a measured response to protect the people of Connecticut. No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.

Remember, there are resources available to follow along and make your voice heard. Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:

• Read summaries of bills from nonpartisan and unbiased researchers from the Office of Legislative Research
• View the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events on its schedule
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of House floor debates and more
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey in the legislative process
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill a public hearing

These resources ensure you are an active participant in our democracy. Take a look at the graphic below and learn how you can track bills!

After several recent tragedies involving children in Connecticut and growing calls for more accountability in our child welfare system, House Democrats are taking action in the 2026 legislative session.

The Committee on Children is leading HB5004, which will:

• Prioritize placing children with family members and responsible adults who are already in their lives.
• Make sure there is follow-up with sister agencies when DCF-involved children travel out of state.
• Support caregivers and children with funding for after-school programs, childcare, and incidentals.
• Uplift our child welfare workforce through improved training, stipends for mentors and mentees, and personal emergency communication devices.
• Require additional eyes on children who are the subject of multiple reports of abuse or neglect, and those residing with someone on parole or probation after incarceration for serious crimes against children.
• Provide robust real-time data for policymakers and the public on DCF performance through a user-friendly dashboard.
• Establish a new committee to gather legislators, state agencies, experts, and stakeholders to review our child welfare policies and performance and make recommendations for improvements.

This significant legislation reflects a bipartisan effort to reform the Department of Children and Families with policies and procedures that put children first, and a commitment to continued attention to this important issue.

If you receive one of these messages:

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Please share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent more people from becoming victims.

In 1998, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots pro football team, was seeking a new home for his franchise, which had outgrown their small and outdated stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

After failing to secure stadium deals in South Boston and then Rhode Island, Kraft set his sights on Connecticut. His quest for a new stadium coincided with Governor John Rowland’s dream to revitalize “Adriaen’s Landing,” the Hartford riverfront area south of the intersection of interstates 84 and 91. Rowland negotiated a ‘sweetheart deal’ with Kraft worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Patriot organization. Among other generous incentives, the development plans for Adriaen’s Landing were rearranged to focus on a new state-of-the-art Patriots stadium on the banks of the Connecticut River.

An excited state legislature overwhelmingly approved the plan in late 1998. Connecticut was especially eager to regain a major national sports franchise following the departure of the NHL’s Hartford Whalers the year before. But on April 30, 1999, Kraft suddenly announced that he was pulling out of the deal to bring the Patriots to Hartford. Though he cited concern over construction delays as the official reason for breaking the deal, only four days later he announced that he had accepted a counteroffer from Massachusetts to build a brand new stadium for the Patriots in Foxborough.

The news came as a shock to Connecticans, many of whom suddenly saw Kraft as dealing in bad faith – conducting a cynical, underhanded manipulation of Connecticut’s politicians and sports fans to leverage a better stadium deal in Massachusetts. Although the broken deal didn’t hinder the ultimate development of Hartford’s riverfront, the New England Patriots stadium that never was remains one of the largest “what ifs” in Connecticut sports history.

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
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We live in a time when it is easy to be impressed by the polished lives we see online—beautiful people, perfect posts, endless followers. But real confidence and joy don’t come from likes or views; they come from feeling strong, connected, and grounded. As we move into the winter months, I encourage you to focus on building a healthy mind and body. Take a look through the Manchester Now catalog to discover activities that fit your interests and inspire you to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, exploring a new hobby, or connecting with others through community programs, these small choices can make a bid difference. Stay the course this winter, and by spring, you’ll be ready to step into the new season feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for all that’s ahead.
 

Manchester Now Winter/Spring 2026 Publication

CRUISIN' ON MAIN STREET IS BACK FOR ITS 25TH YEAR!

The Manchester Cruisin’ Committee, in partnership with the Town of Manchester, is excited to announce that this year's annual Cruisin' on Main Car Show will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain dates: August 9th & August 16th - depending on weather).

Larry Ash, who leads the Cruisin' Committee, along with the dedicated committee members and Calvin Harris, Senior Recreation Supervisor, have been organizing and finalizing plans for another successful event.

The success of the show is always due in part by its sponsors and their charitable donations. Mark your calendar for August 2nd and attend one of the largest one-day car shows in all of New England. Whether you are showing a car or just attending to check out the cars, listen to great music, and/or enjoying a meal downtown, you can’t miss this great annual event.

Cost for the event is free to spectators and a $10 car show registration fee for those wishing to showcase their car. Sponsor’s Choice Trophies will be awarded, and dash plaques will be given to the first 700 cars.

Read More

Each spring and fall, the MDC conducts a regional household hazardous waste collection program at a series of local sites in member and non-member towns. The program offers a number of benefits to residents and municipalities:

• Residents have the opportunity to participate in a collection day in their respective towns as well as in other collections throughout the year.
•  Participating municipalities enjoy financial savings from the effect of pooling under a single contract the services of a licensed hazardous waste management firm.
• The contractor assumes full responsibility for the collection, transportation and proper disposal of hazardous waste items.
   

Hazardous waste cannot be simply thrown out with the trash, flushed, or poured down the drain because it passes the problem along to the environment, polluting the air and the water.  So the MDC sponsors a HazWaste Program to collect the waste and dispose of it through safe, environmentally responsible practices. 

The MDC urges you to participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection in your town.  Protect the health of your kids, your spouse, your pets, and the environment.  You may participate in MDC’s household hazardous waste collection program if you are a member of any participating town; and you may participate on any MDC sponsored collection day.

Residents of any of the following participating towns can participate in ANY MDC sponsored collection day: Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks.

HOUSEHOLD HAZWASTE INFORMATION PACKET

The Household HazWaste Info Packet contains the complete schedule of MDC sponsored HHW collections for the current calendar year. The Info Packet also summarizes items accepted by the program and items the MDC cannot accept. If an item cannot be accepted at an MDC sponsored collection potential alternative disposal locations are listed. The Info Packet also provides some general information on how to reduce the amount of household hazardous waste you generate.

2026 HazWaste Information Packet

HazWaste info packet for small businesses, non-profits and municipalities

Moving? Please click here for further information!

2026 HOUSEHOLD HAZWASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE COMING SOON

2026 HazWaste Schedule PDF

All collections are held on Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM unless noted. 

The East Hartford Commission on Aging invites all seniors (55+) for a series of seminars and conversations with Town departments. These seminars are part of a new initiative called “Senior Survey Seminars,” in response to results from town-wide senior survey conducted by the Commission on Aging in 2023.
The seminars are intended to educate local seniors on a variety of topics, such as public safety, programming, tax assistance, senior services and more.
The four-part series will run through July 29, as follows:

 “Public Safety Conversation with Police, Fire and Public Works”

•  Thursday, May 28, 6:00 -7:30 pm.

“All about taxes”

•   Wednesday, June 24, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

“Public Programming with Libraries and Parks and Recreation”

•   Wednesday, July 29, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

“Health and Human Services”
All workshops will be held at the Senior Center, located at 15 Millbrook Drive. 
These seminars are open to all East Hartford seniors age 55+, senior center membership not required.
To register, call the East Hartford Senior Center at (860) 291-7460 ext. 0.
Light refreshments will be provided by the Commission on Aging.

East Hartford Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!

Summer is fast approaching and East Hartford Parks and Recreation will be offering summer camp programs for the 2026 summer season.

East Hartford Parks and Recreation Summer Camps will open on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 and will run for 7 consecutive weeks, ending on Friday, August 7th. Camps are open to East Hartford residents only and serve children and teens entering grades 1 – 9 and participants with special needs ages 6 -21. Enrichment programming continues to be a stimulating part of the programming thanks to our collaboration with East Hartford Public Library and East Hartford Social Services.  

▶ Little Rec’ers Camp for children entering grades 1- 2 will be located at Goodwin Park/ Goldstar Pool*Goodwin School Gymnasium during inclement weather days.

▶ Fun Days Camp for children entering grades 3 – 4 will be located at Gorman Park / Lord Pool, *O’Connell School Gymnasium during inclement weather days.

▶ Explorers Camp for children entering grades 5 – 6 will be located at McAuliffe Park / Drennan Pool, * Norris School Gym during inclement weather days.

▶Teen Camp for teens entering grades 7 – 9 will be located at Hockanum Park/ Terry Pool, * ECLC Gym during inclement weather days.

▶ Camp Sunburst for participants with special needs ages 6 - 21 will be located at McAuliffe Park, Drennan Pool, * Norris School during inclement weather days.

Campers will participate in a variety of activities, arts & crafts, sports, special events and more. Campers will also visit the pools, where they will have free swim and receive swim instruction from our American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards.

All campers will be registered for the East Hartford Public Library summer reading program through Readsquared and will receive prizes at camp to recognize and celebrate the time they spend reading! Campers will also participate in weekly enrichment activities sponsored by the Library, including STEM, Makerspace, puppetry, performing arts, drumming and more. For some enrichment activities campers will be bused to the Library.

Breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers through the Summer Meals Program! 

In partnership with Social Services camp will be supported by Social Workers.  

Registration for camps is now open. Register online at www.ehparks.org or at the parks and recreation office at the East Hartford Community Center, located at 50 Chapman Place. 

The Town of East Hartford, in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission, are excited to announce that East Hartford’s Memorial Day Parade and series of events will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026. The events will begin with the parade stepping off at 10:00 a.m.

The day will consist of three parts: a parade, a program at the Fallen Star Memorial, and a celebration of East Hartford.The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.

Immediately following the parade, a commemorative program will be held at the Fallen Star Memorial. The events will conclude with a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford featuring food trucks, music, activities, vendors, and more.

VOLUNTEERS:

• If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 15, 2026 by visiting: Volunteer Registration

SPONSORS:

• To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form below by Monday, April 27, 2026, which can be found at: Sponsorship Information

VENDORS:

• If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please contact Jenilee Tedesco via email at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov. Registration must be completed by Monday, May 4, 2026. For additional information, please visit Vendor Information

If you have questions, please email our Event Coordinator, Jenilee Tedesco, at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov.
To receive the latest updates on the Town’s news and events, visit www.easthartfordct.gov and subscribe at www.easthartfordct.gov/subscribe.

The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts (CCFA) seeks applicants for their community grants program, newly expanded with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

All interested applicants should start by filling out a basic online application; eligible entities will next be invited to fill out a second-round application specific to ARPA funding.

Grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis through August 31, 2026, after which the CCFA will revert to their typical quarterly review cycle.

Successful proposals will have a strong East Hartford connection and directly relate to fine arts and/or culture. Programs or projects may include concerts, performances, program series, festivals, workshops, exhibits, readings, after-school programs, or public art.

For complete eligibility requirements and to access the application, visit the CCFA web page.

Administrative support for the CCFA community grants is provided by the East Hartford Public Library. Funding decisions will be made by the CCFA at their regularly scheduled public meetings, typically held the second Thursday of the month in Meeting Room 1 on the lower level of the Raymond Library. 

The Town of East Hartford invites residents, businesses, and community members to join Mayor Martin’s team for a Spring Cleanup Day. This annual cleanup day celebrates pride in East Hartford and brings together members of the community to roll up their sleeves and help invest in our town. This year, the Spring Community Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Hillside Cemetery. Volunteers will help clean Veterans' headstones at the Cemetery. 

Non-hazardous biodegradable chemicals will be used, East Hartford Public Works Department will provide protective wear, but please plan accordingly and dress appropriately. 

Lunch will be provided following the cleanup. Dietary restrictions? Bring your own picnic lunch!

Register to volunteer—every hand helps! Registrations close Friday, May 1. 

All volunteers who sign up will be issued additional details closer to the event. Be sure to fill out the participation waiver in addition to the primary registration form.

Event will be held drizzle or shine, cancellation in case of storms will be announced by Friday, May 8. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

CTDOT is Developing Plans to Replace Noise Barriers Located Along I-84 Eastbound in East Hartford

CTDOT is developing plans to replace three noise barriers located along I-84 Eastbound in East Hartford.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to replace the three noise barriers located along I-84 Eastbound, in East Hartford.

The project is part of CTDOT’s condition-based program to replace wooden noise barriers that are beyond their useful life. The existing systems will be replaced with a new system at the same location with the same height and length. Since wooden noise barriers are no longer being installed because of their shorter design life and more extensive maintenance needs, the replacement noise barrier will be constructed of concrete or other materials that are more durable and longer lasting. The replacement noise barrier will provide noise abatement in conformance with the criteria in place when the existing system was installed.

Replacements of the three deteriorated noise barriers on I-84 Eastbound will be at the following locations.

• Site 1 – Beginning at Interchange 58 (Roberts Street) Eastbound On-ramp and extending approximately 1900 feet.
• Site 2 – Beginning east of the Simmons Road overpass (Bridge No. 05555) and extending approximately 2500 feet.
• Site 3 – Beginning east of the Forbes Street overpass (Bridge No. 05556) and extending approximately 2400 feet.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in the fall of 2028, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2029, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. This project will be undertaken with one hundred percent (100%) State funds.

It is CTDOT's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community shares its concerns with the CTDOT to assist in the project's development. If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, please contact Michael Cherpak, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3155 or by e-mail at Michael.Cherpak@ct.gov. Please make reference to State Project No. 0042-0334.