End of Session Recap

June 6, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

The legislative session officially ended at midnight on Wednesday. There were many long, stressful days, but as a result, we passed several strong pieces of legislation that will benefit our community and the state as a whole. I learned so much during my first session - the support from my fellow freshman (many of whom are in the photo below) gave me the strength to get across the finish line.

Pride Month is here! We kicked it off at the Capitol with the LGBTQ+ Caucus, our constitutional officers, Commissioner Bye, and Commissioner Eucalitto standing together in solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks across Connecticut. Pride is about being visible, celebrating who we are, and standing up for the rights our community has fought so hard to win. Let’s keep pushing forward with love, courage, and pride!

As a reminder, there will be several pride celebrations throughout the state, including one in Milford on June 28. There will be more information about that event below.

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

Session Wrap Up

As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...” Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.

Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

This budget stands up for:

HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of next two years
$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
$10 million in bonding for capital development
$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut

CHILDCARE

Investible trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs
Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid

NONPROFIT PROVIDERS

Access to better health care and nonproﬁt community providers
$150 million for groups homes and nursing homes
More than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers

TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Targeted, meaningful relief and long-term support for working families
Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce
Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts

This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every resident is supported and protected.

The House and Senate took bold, bipartisan action to lower electric bills—passing a comprehensive energy reform bill with more than $780 million in savings for ratepayers.

✅ Lower Bills
• Paying Down COVID-era Electric Debt
• Cutting Charges for Solar, EVs & Fuel Cells
• Smarter Energy Purchasing to Lock in Savings
• Smoothing $1.2B Storm Costs to Avoid Rate Spikes

✅ Smarter Grid
• Require Cost-Saving Tech Reviews Before Costly Grid Projects
• Improve Planning to Avoid Wasteful “Gold-Plated” Upgrades

✅ Stronger Future for CT Families
• Support Advanced Nuclear & Geothermal
• Incentivize Grid Efficiency
• Expand DEEP’s Clean Energy Planning Authority

By easing costs on consumers, modernizing the grid, and investing in clean energy, we are powering a more affordable, reliable, and accountable energy future for all.

Click here to see a quick video with more information.

House Democrats passed two Transportation bills this weekend that reflect Connecticut’s commitment to safer streets, smarter infrastructure, and modernized services.
The provisions in the legislation include:

Increasing state funding to our local transit districts, helping local governments apply for federal grants
Stronger DUI and BUI (boating) penalty
Improving pedestrian safety in new crosswalks
Updating helmet rules on bikes and motorcycles for young people
50% fare discount to seniors, veterans, minors, and the disabled on state-owned buses
Creating a “yellow envelope” program to improve interactions between the police and people with disabilities
Designating Special Service Road 495 in Meriden as the "Andrew DiDomenico Memorial Highway" and Bridge No. 01241 in Southington as the "State Trooper First Class Aaron M. Pelletier Memorial Bridge"

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

In the 117th District

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of joining Rep. Kennedy for the grand opening of the Milford Fire Museum! Milford has a proud and storied history with our fire department, and now we have a dedicated space to celebrate it — complete with memorabilia, antique equipment, and archived records that honor the brave men and women who’ve served our community.

Great news! The town of Orange is set to receive state funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). The town has been allocated $600,000 for parking lot paving and guardrail replacement. This will be matched by $150,000 from the town.

Click here to learn more.