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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.
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, street takeovers have become a national issue, including here in Connecticut. This cannot become the new normal. These takeovers by the illegal use of all-terrain and other types of vehicles, pose a significant threat to public safety, endangering participants, innocent bystanders, and law enforcement officials.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took bipartisan and unanimous action to help cities and towns regain control of their streets as we voted 148-0 to pass HB 5413 to control takeovers, which have proven to be a concern for many of our residents. |
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HB 5413 seeks to provide more tools to municipalities in order to combat street takeovers, including:
- Allowing cities and towns to destroy ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles seized and forfeited for violating a municipal ordinance
- Authorizing municipalities to adopt ordinances that penalize street takeovers and impose fines as well as the seizure of vehicles
- Changing and tightening penalties for violating state law on street takeovers, including permanent driver's license revocation for a third violation of the statute
I am glad my bipartisan vote provides additional tools and increased penalties to cities and towns to help deter street takeovers.
The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
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ICYMI: We passed a number of great bills this week ! See the full list below:
- HB 5168 - An Act Concerning Solar Installations in Condominiums and Cooperatives
- HB 5224 - An Act Concerning Shark Finning
- HB 5225 - An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Invasive Plants Council
- HB 5457 - An Act Concerning Nursing Home Waiting Lists
- HB 5058 - An Act Adopting the Nurse Licensure Compact
- HB 5169 - An Act Concerning the Requirement to Install Swimming Pool Barriers
- HB 5190 - An Act Concerning the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit
- HB 5197 - An Act Concerning Social Workers
- HB 5229 - An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Eelgrass Working Group
- HB 5262 - An Act Concerning a Sexual Abuse and Assault Survey
- HB 5382 - An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Office of the Child Advocate
- HB 5409 - An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks, and Months
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| It is painful to say that in 2024, 22% of Black women receive lower quality of care than white women and are subject to discrimination in the healthcare field.
This Black Maternal Health Week, we stand in solidarity with Black mothers, in our commitment to address disparities, promote equity, and ensure every birthing experience is met with dignity and support. Let's work together for healthier futures. |
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| I hope you'll join me State Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, and State Sen. Heather Somers next 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! |
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| Monday is Earth Day, and Connecticut is paving the path towards a greener, cleaner future! I'm proud to see our state leading the charge in climate action on this Earth Day and every day. Let's continue to innovate, advocate, and protect our planet for generations to come. |
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| 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! |
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| As utility service shutoffs for non-payment will start again on May 2, the state’s Consumer Counsel is warning residents about a possible scam targeting utility customers whose bills are overdue.
No third-party supplier will ever contact customers with billing issues. Both supply and delivery costs are billed exclusively by the electric distribution company – only Eversource or United Illuminating. If you receive correspondence from anyone other than Eversource or UI pertaining to your electric bill balance, you should assume that it is not legitimate.
If you think you have been scammed, reach out to:
- PURA’s Education Outreach and Enforcement Customer Assistance Unit by emailing pura.information@ct.gov
- Office of Consumer Counsel by emailing occ.info@ct.gov or calling 860-827-2900
- The Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318.
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| 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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