An Affordable Climate Bill & Supporting the Borinqueneers

May 2, 2025


 

The legislative session has shifted from our various committee rooms to the House floor. My colleagues and I spent three days in the chamber this past week voting on a number of bills. I'll break down how we're protecting our environment and supporting our veterans, including the Borinqueneers.

Speaking of the Borinqueneers, organizers have released the dates for this summer's Puerto Rican parades and festivals. Please read below to see when and where the party will take place in Hartford!

These are the sections in today's email: 

  • A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill
  • House Passes Bill Honoring our Veterans
  • Date Set for Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade
  • Honoring Victims of the Armenian Genocide
 

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

The House voted in favor of HB 5004, which I co-sponsored, to take a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment. The legislation sets clear energy efficiency goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability. I was proud to support this measure.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
 

House Passes Bill Honoring our Veterans

On Wednesday, the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed the “Connecticut Hero Act.” It makes important changes to better serve our veterans and their families.

One section honors the Borinqueneers with a special motor vehicle license plate. The Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, was a unit made up of mostly Puerto Rican soldiers who are renowned for their service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Their courage and dedication earned them numerous awards, including the Congressional Gold Medal. The Borinqueneers are the only all-Hispanic unit from the Korean War to receive this honor.

I would also like the community to know there is a database identifying soldiers from the unit that have yet to be recognized for their service. If you know of any, please send me an email here.

This legislation is a meaningful tribute to the Borinqueneers, recognizing their bravery, devotion to duty, and pioneering military service. Funds raised from the sale of license plates will support Hispanic heritage programs and initiatives across Connecticut.

Please look below to see the numerous ways the Hero Act ensures that our veterans and their families are recognized and supported.

The Hero Act is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country. The Senate still needs to pass the measure before it can become law.

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
 

Date Set for Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade

As a proud Puerto Rican state representative serving Hartford and West Hartford, I am thrilled to see statewide support for this summer’s Puerto Rican parades and festivals. These events are about celebrating our unity as Boricuas, preserving our Puerto Rican culture, and empowering members of the Puerto Rican community.

Mark your calendars because the Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, September 21. Approximately 3,000 marchers will participate in the largest parade in the area. You will see honorees and delegates, local school groups, school bands, cultural groups from different countries showcasing their pride, and so much more. After the parade, you’re invited to check out the Festival del Coqui at Bushnell Park.
 
This is a great opportunity to learn about Puerto Rican culture, which allows people to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the contributions we have made. We’re dedicated to honoring the past and embracing the future with our cultural legacy.
 

Honoring Victims of the Armenian Genocide

I joined the community in recognizing the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Armenian people as we commemorated 110 years since the Armenian Genocide. It's a tragedy that took the lives of more than 1.5 million Armenians and forced more than 500,000 more from their homes between 1915 and 1923, under the rule of the Ottoman empire. 

This dark chapter in history reminds us of the responsibility we all share to defend truth, preserve memory, and stand firmly against injustice. Recognition matters because healing, justice, and prevention begin with truth.

As your state representative, it has been so meaningful to stand in solidarity with the Armenian community as we work together to honor the victims and promote justice. Being a part of these gatherings has deepened my understanding and appreciation, and it was a privilege to participate in the commemoration.