Black Maternal Health Week, Ribbon Cutting at Duck Donuts, and More!

April 11, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Spring is officially here - warmer weather and longer days are right around the corner. 

My colleagues and I are still working diligently in our respective committees and are making sure bills are ready for the next part of the legislative process.

One highlight of the week was a tour of the WWE World Headquarters with CT Chief Operations Officer Paul O. Robertson and members of the Finance Committee.

 

Please see below to see what I've been up to in Hartford and in the 117th district! 
 

In the 117th District 

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to  spend time with AFT members and fellow education champions at the AFT Connecticut 2025 New Haven Regional Legislative Meeting. I had the opportunity to hear directly from current and retired educators about the issues that matter most—from special education needs to pension protections. With harmful education cuts being proposed by the White House, it’s more important than ever that we stand up and fight for the funding and resources our students and teachers deserve.

I also emceed the Friends of the Milford Library’s Acts in the Stacks event! The performers were fantastic and treated us to a four-course journey through scenes from some of the most iconic food-themed works. A truly delicious evening of stories, laughter, and community!

 

At the Capitol

I am excited to share that I am now serving as a member on the newly-formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus.

Our goal is to ensure that AI serves the public good and does not become a tool for harm. The AI Caucus will work with our advocates to facilitate innovation and prevent discrimination in AI. We believe that these systems should operate with transparency and accountability.

This caucus was formed at a critical time. AI technology is here and is already playing a role in high risk decision making. Connecticut has the opportunity to lead in establishing fair, strong, and commonsense AI regulations. I am honored to work alongside dedicated colleagues, who all want to work towards a future with fair and ethical AI systems. 

Last week, the AI Caucus held a press conference to outline our legislative priorities for the ongoing 2025 session. We are urging for the passage of Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence. Senate Bill 2 calls for:

  1. Transparency and accountability;
  2. Training Connecticut's workforce to use artificial intelligence;
  3. Criminalization of non-consensual intimate images.

I am excited to get to work with our caucus and discuss the best ways to protect our residents from the potential harms of AI with my colleagues. Senate Bill 2 will establish groundbreaking AI regulations and pave the way for ethical AI development and education. Let's get to work!
 

Here are the upcoming public hearings! You can register to testify and find more details in this week’s CGA Bulletin. cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp
 
*Reminder - you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. You can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
 

Two student groups from Yale came to Hartford last week. We discussed a bunch of issues ranging from renewable energy and costal resiliency to women’s health. Thanks for visiting! 

Black Maternal Health Week

Spending this Black Maternal Health Week reflecting on the voices of Black mothers and families in our communities who deserve better care, support, and outcomes. We have more work to do in Connecticut to ensure equity in maternal health - and I’m committed to being part of that change.

Upcoming Events

Please join us! 
 
 
 

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool.

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date for VITA:
•    Household income less than $68,000
•    If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
•    No income from a rental property
 
 
 

Sincerely,

MJ Shannon
State Representative

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