Bills Passed, Solar Funding, and more

April 26, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! In this week's eblast, you can read about critical legislation passed in session, local events in our community, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Paid Sick Leave Passes House
No one should have to choose between missing an important family event, going in to work sick and exposing others or taking a mental health day when needed. It's why we passed House Bill 5005 to allow for the accrual of paid leave, up to 40 hours each year, for those working at least 120 days annually. Businesses that already offer paid time off are exempt.

There has been a cultural change in the workplace since the pandemic where we don't want our coworkers showing up to work sick. This legislation promotes better public health outcomes while allowing workers to care for themselves or a sick loved one without adding financial strain.

And we listened to businesses, the measure will be phased in for employers with 25 employees or more in 2025, 11 or more in 2026 and 1 or more in 2027. Again, businesses that are already offering at least 40 hours of paid time off each year are exempt from this law.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration where it must be voted on before the 2024 legislative session ends on Wednesday, May 8th at 12:00am.

 
Legislative Updates

We passed a number of great bills this week! See the list below:

  • HB 5261 - Protects children’s health by creating a working group on the effects of energy drinks on children
  • HB 5232 - Expands solar energy projects
  • HB 5153 - Increases workforce housing
  • HB 5318 - Supports new parents by establishing a license for board certified lactation consults
  • HB 5146 – Updates financial records laws
  • HB 5149 – A pro-small business and craft-maker change to our beer and liquor sales
  • HB 5237 – Gives students a louder voice
  • HB 5257 – Revises our dog bite statutes
  • HB 5288 – Modernizes our service animal laws
  • HB 5308 – Easing the path to voting for nursing home residents
  • HB 5317 -  An important study on the funding for and effectiveness of the Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
  • HB 5343 – CT will study pre-paying college tuition
  • HB 5379 – Modernizing insurance requirements for state marshals
  • HB 5381 – A bipartisan vote to update guidelines on police body-cams
  • HB 5466 – Revises laws on election crimes
 
Local Water Work Project
I wanted to provide you an update on ongoing water main work being done on Route 1 in Groton.

Aquarion Water Company is completing a water main replacement project that began about a month ago, and expect to work through June or July. The upgrades will improve the water distribution system and ensure the highest quality water.

Mizzy Construction is serving as the contractor for the project.

The working hours for the project are 7am-5pm, so please be prepared for continued minor traffic delays and detours until completion.

Your patience during this construction is always appreciated! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office.
 
Solar Funding
Big news!

Connecticut has been awarded a $62.5 Million grant from the highly competitive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The funds will be used for solar projects benefitting low-income residents.

Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/cmrA5
 
Human Services Expo
A reminder to please join me, State Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, and State Sen. Heather Somers this Sunday, April 28 from 6-9pm for a Human Services Expo at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center (102 Newtown Road, Groton CT).

The expo will feature local and state agencies that will provide an overview of services offered and will be on hand to answer questions at their individual tables.

This event is open to all facing eviction or who just want to learn more about the range of services available to those in need.

For more information, please contact Marjorie Fondulas, Director of Human Services at Groton, at mfondulas@groton-ct.gov.

I hope you'll join me for this critical and informative event!
 
Community Foundation Scholarships
Don't forget - it's scholarship season in Eastern Connecticut!

Applications for the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut's various scholarships are officially open until May 1. Students may submit a general application and answer several more questions to determine eligibility for certain scholarships.

Submissions does not guarantee an award, but the vast majority of students are likely to receive one. Submit your application before time runs out!
 
DEA National Rx Takeback
 
If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov. For legislative updates, please like my Official Facebook Page.

Sincerely,

Christine Conley
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