Budget Town Hall Event, Waste Management Grant for Manchester and more

April 17, 2025


 

 

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Dear Friends, 

Happy Thursday!
 
I hope you'll join me and my legislative colleagues from Manchester and East Hartford for an interactive budget discussion next Tuesday, April 22 from 6-7:30pm at the Great Path Academy common room (60 Bidwell, Manchester).

The budget is one of the most important responsibilities given to the legislature, and I want you to be part of the process! I hope to see you there!
 


Waste Management Grant for Manchester

I'm happy to share that Manchester has received over $4.7 million from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program!  This is the largest grant awarded to any town in this round.

With these funds, Manchester can make major progress on developing waste management infrastructure, which includes new recycling initiatives, food scrap/waste collection and processing, enhanced composting facilities, and much more.
 

Tax Equity Caucus Event
On Tuesday I joined my colleagues on the Tax Equity Caucus for our annual tax day event to push for more fairness in our state tax code.
 

Some modest and narrowly targeted changes to our tax system such as implementing a capital gains surcharge could go a long way in helping to make critical investments we all agree need to be made - in early childhood education and childcare, in public K-12 education and higher education, and in supporting nonprofits that care for the most vulnerable, while still keeping our tax rates on the wealthiest filers below our surrounding states of NY and MA. 

 
With the impending fiscal crisis being forced upon us from Washington, and looming economic uncertainty, we can't afford to wait any longer and I am hopeful we can move the ball this year.
 

You can read more about this event here and here.
 

Updating the Trust Act
We had a good day in the Judiciary Committee recently as we passed important updates to Connecticut’s Trust Act that protect the rule of law and our constitutional rights.

Prior to our meeting I stood with a number of other lawyer legislators and the Connecticut Bar Association to call for respect for the rule of law in the wake of several illegal and unconstitutional actions by the Trump Administration.

For our government to willfully ignore orders of the federal judiciary is unconscionable and cannot stand unchecked.


You can read more about our work here and here.
 

Groundbreaking for the New Library

Check out some photos below from the recent groundbreaking for the new library in Manchester! I'm excited to see this much progress already on this exciting project which includes $3.5M we helped secure from the Community Investment Fund.
 

UConn Women's Basketball - National Champions!

Coach Geno brought his 12th championship ring back home to Manchester, and I had such a great time celebrating at the parade. Just amazing! What a tremendous achievement and what a tremendous team! Congratulations Coach and congratulations Huskies!
 

Cancer Screening for Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

I am happy to announce that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means More than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.

Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep them healthy and keep their minds at ease.

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
 

New Housing Programs

Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!

Introducing CT Home Funds - an investment in:

🏠The Connecticut Home Improvement Program

🏠The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program

🏠The Homeownership Construction Program

Administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund. Learn more about the new launch here: https://shorturl.at/b86p9
 

National Librarian Day

Earlier this week it was National Librarian Day, and I wanted to give a shoutout to the incredible librarians of Connecticut!

From guiding us to our next great read to preserving knowledge for future generations, you all make our communities smarter, more connected, and foster spaces where curiosity thrives. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom.
 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's important to note that legislation is a powerful tool for change, turning hope into action and justice into reality for survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for change. Through the power of legislation, we’re making progress, closing legal gaps, expanding protections, and ensuring survivors have access to resources and support.
 

Real ID Deadline: May 17
Time is running out to get your REAL ID!

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID? 
You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID.  Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license. Check the CT information portal for more information.

In Connecticut, you'll need:

  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

For more information, visit the following:

Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
 

Happy Easter!

I would like to wish a joyful and peaceful Easter to all who celebrate! May this weekend bring hope, renewal, and time well spent with loved ones. 
 

As always, please feel free to email me at Jason.Doucette@cga.ct.gov or call my office at 860-240-8584.

Sincerely,

Jason Doucette
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