Raghib Allie-Brennan

The state budget approved last night provides a net increase in funding for Bethel’s education system. The new budget includes more than $89,000 additional funding for Bethel’s schools and a $126,000 expenditure increase for Bethel’s Teacher Retirement Fund, an expense that was previously stated to be absorbed by the town.

Today the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would ban the “gay and transgender panic” defense. As a co-introducer of the bill I am proud of our state for implementing this necessary measure to ensure all individuals feel safe.

I applaud passage of invasive species legislation.

After many hours of debate over the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) legislation, the House of Representatives passes the bill, which has already been approved by the Senate.

As Vice Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, I am pleased to announce that this week the legislature passed HB 5002. The bill represents a comprehensive measure that will lay the ground work towards sustainable green initiatives that include investments in renewable energy and green technology to help us achieve some of our long term environment-friendly goals.

I am pleased to announce that the House of Representatives has passed , The Speaker's Blue Ribbon Commission on Tourism Bill.

H.B. 7359, An Act Concerning a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Health and Human Services Network passes with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The House of Representatives passed HB 5524, An Act Increasing the Penalties for the Sale of Fentanyl. The bill amends the definition of narcotic substances to classify fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives as a narcotic, thus, increasing the penalty for possession and related crimes.