Juan R. Candelaria

We had another successful Latino Advocacy Day at the State Capitol – the sixth so far! My thanks to the Hispanic Federation, State and Federal Elected Officials and everyone that attended and had a hand in making this event so great. If you could not attend this year we look forward to seeing you next year!

One of our legislative priorities for this session is to put in place a plan to increase the minimum wage in order to help give those working a 40-hour week the opportunity to make a living wage. To this end, we proposed House Bill #5004, An Act Increasing the Minimum Wage that aims to provide more economic security to Connecticut families. The Senate has also proposed an identical Senate Bill #2. 

I testified in the Labor Committee in support of a bill I introduced to expand labor law protections to domestic workers that comprise a significant amount of the workforce in “informal” employment; these employees are among the most vulnerable. 

The budget presentation is one of the most anticipated events at the State Capitol and Governor Lamont unveiled his Biennial Budget Address during the General Assembly Joint Session.

Last week, the state took its first step in potentially introducing a Paid Family Medical Leave program. House Bill 5003, An Act Implementing a Paid Family Medical Leave Program, came before the Labor and Public Employee Committee for a Public Hearing.

I am looking forward to a productive Session ahead as I work on bills I introduced that address issue areas such as Increasing Teacher Diversity, Penalties for Driving Violations, Nonfatal Drug Overdose and Student Progress Reporting and others.

For over a month, many federal employees have been reporting to work and performing their duties - without pay. The government shutdown affects at least 1,500 Connecticut workers and they are struggling to pay their bills while they wait for their paychecks to resume.

CSCU Let’s Build Program is administering a basic electronic circuitry class!