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I hope you stayed cool through this first heat wave of the summer. This week, thanks to Newington Parks & Recreation, the updated playground at Seymour Park was unveiled in the 20th District!
Thank you to all involved to make this possible and improve accessibility for all to be active in this neighborhood. And thanks to Elm Hill Pizza for donating some delicious pizza to the event as well!
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This week in the news you might have heard about the vetoes by Governor Lamont of two bills we passed in the legislature this year. I am deeply disappointed and also frustrated that the Governor vetoed these bills.
Too many households are struggling to make ends meet in our state with housing that simply costs too much. And this is happening at the same time that workers rights are under attack by the Trump Administration and big corporations. House Bill 5002 and SB 8 would have provided critical solutions for our residents and ensured that Connecticut had a strong economic future.
SB 8 followed the lead of New York, New Jersey, and Oregon to establish unemployment benefits for striking workers after two weeks of a strike. The cost of this policy was minimal. Providing unemployment insurance to striking workers would ensure workers' ability to strike wasn't hindered by economic issues and therefore, give employers more leverage in negotiations.
House Bill 5002 addressed the housing crisis in our state. Not all bills are perfect, but there is a range of misinformation that continues about what this bill was. Not only did the bill seek to get at the root of these housing issues for residents of all ages but West Hartford and Newington would have seen more funding to support much of the housing we are developing near public transit stations. Here is a summary of just some of the major components of the bill:
Modernized Zoning to Encourage Growth
- Zoning reforms would have removed barriers to building smaller scale multi-family housing that would not have overwhelmed communities or infrastructure. These changes would have removed outdated parking restrictions, helping to increase supply while keeping the health and safety of residents at the forefront of decisions by land use commissioners.
Empowering Towns
- Under existing law towns are required to update affordable housing plans, beginning in 2027, and under the bill they would have gotten support in doing so, should they have requested it. The bill provided objective data to consider in developing their plans and they would have had an opportunity to develop their own understanding of what goals they should plan for.
Funding More Housing
- A robust $50 million/year grant program for our public housing authorities would have directly grown our housing stock. Public housing authorities are locally controlled, and this new program would have resulted in smaller scale deeply affordable housing for seniors and families.
Providing Incentives to Voluntarily Create Transit Oriented Development
- Smart housing policy would encourage development near rail and bus service so people don’t have to rely on a car to live or get to work while improving affordability (an important part of the bill for the 20th District!)
Now that HB 5002 was vetoed we will keep working this summer to seek to pass an updated bill in a special session. It is important we take action to build a future where everyone can afford a place to call home.
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Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect July 1. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.
Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public.
Many more bills are going into effect July 1, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol!
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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As we use a lot of electricity this week with this heat wave, it's important to share that the Eversource Electric Discount Rate expanded from two to five discount tiers. Under the new structure, customers are eligible for a 5%, 15%, 20%, 40% or 50% discount off their monthly electric bills if they meet household income requirements or receive a public assistance benefit for at least one household member and have a financial hardship status on their electric account.
Customers struggling to pay their energy bill are encouraged to connect with Eversource to get assistance. To find the right options, visit eversource.com/billhelp or call 800-286-2828.
There is a plan for everyone, including:
- State and Other Assistance Programs
- Protection from Service Shut-Off
- Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans
- Energy Efficiency
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As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.
There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website. These sites aim to collect your private and personal information, and charge for unnecessary fees.
How to spot these scams:
- Be cautious of third-party sites with URLs that do not end in ".gov"
- Avoid advertisements that promote "fast results" or "shortcuts" for obtaining your passport or visas
Make sure you are planning ahead of your trip by researching official passport processing times directly through the U.S. Department of State and give yourself plenty of time to obtain your documentation before your scheduled trip to avoid looking for a fast solution and becoming a victim of one of these scams. If you come across a suspicious website, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Keep you and your family safe while traveling this summer by staying informed and aware of any potential scams. Safe travels!
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June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a critical time to raise awareness and take action to protect the safety, dignity, and well-being of seniors. Elder abuse can take many forms—including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect—and often occurs where it is least expected.
Elder abuse is any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver, family member, or other individual that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older adult. Types of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse: Inflicting pain or injury, such as hitting or restraining
- Emotional abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, or isolation
- Financial exploitation: Misusing or stealing an elder’s money or assets
- Neglect: Failing to meet basic needs, such as food, hygiene, and medical care
Recognizing the signs of elder abuse is the first step toward prevention. Be alert for the following red flags:
- Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
- Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, fear, or depression
- Financial Discrepancies: Sudden changes in bank accounts or unusual withdrawals
- Environmental Neglect: Unsafe living conditions, lack of hygiene, or malnutrition
Caregivers and Family members can help by:
- Stay Connected: Regular visits and open communication reduce isolation, a major risk factor for abuse
- Know the Signs: Educate yourself about elder abuse indicators and be vigilant
- Create a Safe Environment: Provide a nurturing, respectful atmosphere where elders feel valued
- Report Concerns: If you suspect abuse, report it to local authorities or adult protective services
If you are in need of support contact the National Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-888-385-4225 or 24/7 at 1-800-203-1234.
Click the following links for more information, Local Adult Protective Services (APS) and Educational Materials.
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The National Immigration Law Center provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace.
This guide explains:
- The most common immigration actions affecting employers
- Recommendations for how employers can prepare
- Employers’ rights and responsibilities
- What employers can do after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action
Visit bit.ly/NILC_Guide to read the guide in its entirety.
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If you or someone you know is at risk of deportation, make a plan. Make the Road Connecticut offers guidance and resources in English and Spanish. Visit maketheroadct.org.
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