Session Recap, Meeting with Governor Lamont, and More!

May 2, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Session is starting to pick up. The House was in session three days this week - later on in this email, I will highlight a few bills that were passed.

In addition to debating legislation, we also honored some high achieving members of the community. The West Haven Delegation welcomed the Notre Dame High School boys' basketball team to the State Capitol to celebrate their second straight state championship win in two years. Congratulations to the Green Knights!

Earlier this week, I joined a group of my colleagues for a meeting with Governor Lamont and former Vermont Governor and DNC Chair Howard Dean. We discussed some of the concerns we have heard from our constituents, including rising insurance costs and the threat of Medicare cuts from the Trump administration.

These serious issues impact working families and seniors, and we need bold action to protect them.

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

Session Wrap Up

The House was in session on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. We passed several great pieces of legislation, including HB 6442,better known as the HERO Act. The Connecticut HERO Act 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.

This bill will:

Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
Free license renewals for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services

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

The House also voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

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 time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

We also passed the following:

✅ House Bill 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
✅ House Bill 7102 AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
✅ House Bill 7042 AN ACT CONCERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILTY ACT - An increase to gun safety and accountability. By passing the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, we're empowering our state and communities to pursue justice and encourage responsible practices within the gun industry.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

At the Capitol

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Yesterday, I stood alongside colleagues, frontline workers, and mental health advocates to kick off a month of reflection, advocacy, and action. As my sign says: it’s time to turn awareness into action — because mental health can’t wait.

Last week, the End Homelessness Caucus hosted a screening of the documentary Where Then Shall We Go? at the State Capitol. It was inspiring to come together with advocates and residents of Rosette Neighborhood Village in New Haven, whose stories are featured in the film.

Monday was Penguin Day at the Capitol! Mystic Aquarium brought some special guests to visit the General Assembly before session began.

Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next Wednesday and Thursday. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.

Here are some great ways to stay informed:

The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp.
Follow Connecticut House Democrats on social media for legislative updates and policy priorities.

'Take a Breath’ Community Forum

Earlier this week, I traveled to East Granby for the ‘Take a Breath’ community forum! Advocates and special guests from across the state came together to discuss critical issues like Medicaid/Medicare, veterans, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights.

Spaces like this are so important — they give people a chance to share their concerns, connect with others, and learn how to get involved.