Upcoming Hamden Town Hall, Session Recap and More!

May 9, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are having a great week. The Hamden delegation will hold a legislative town hall next Friday, May 16 at Miller Memorial Library. We will discuss our legislative priorities and goals for the end of the session, as well as listen your questions, comments, and concerns. Hope to see you there!

On Saturday, I attended a celebration hosted by Eli’s Garden of Healing. Eli’s Garden of Healing was founded in memory of Elijah Gomez, who has tragically shot and killed walking home from school. The organization hopes to transform a former Winchester Repeating Arms machine gun test firing range at DeNicola Park in Hamden into a healing garden to honor his life, as well as all others who have lost their life to gun violence.

The event on Saturday celebrated Elijah's 18th birthday. Although it is a somber reminder of an incredible loss, there was still plenty of joy - the Hamden Youth Services Bureau provided a bounce house, DJ, arts and crafts, and a face painter.

I had the honor to issue a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly to commemorate Elijah’s birthday. Thank you to Eli's Garden of Healing for all of the great work you have done in our community!

Last month, Sunrise Connecticut hosted their Youth Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. It was wonderful to hear from so many young folks who are passionate about building a better world. HB 5004, a legislative priority of Sunrise CT, passed in the House last week. I have more details about that bill below. We also discussed SB 1243, which would provide fare-free bus public transportation services for high school students, veterans and low-income passengers.

Please read below for more updates!

The legislative session is in full swing. We have passed several pieces of legislation, but I wanted to highlight 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.

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

On Wednesday, House Democrats voted to make important changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, including among other things expanding the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer and authorizing workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits. Taking care of our first responders is always a legislative priority.

We also took action to make sure that warehouse workers are treated with respect by passing legislation that limits and provides clarity when employers use production quotas.
The legislation also ensures that:

Employers must provide quota information upon hiring an employee
If quotas change, workers must be notified
Employees cannot be retaliated against for requesting work records
Quotas cannot be used to inhibit workers from using the restroom or taking an entitled break

Valuing people over profits is good public policy.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

May is AANHPI Heritage Month (short for Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month). This month is a great time to learn the real history and spotlight the cultures, stories & legacies of millions across the U.S. and right here in Connecticut. From historic resilience to modern impact, let’s celebrate what’s often overlooked.

This week is National Teachers’ Appreciation Week. This week, we are celebrating the educators shaping the future of Connecticut! To our teachers: I will always support you, fight for you and work to pass the legislation you deserve.