|
Here are the sections in today's email:
- Legislative Update
- Fighting for Bridgeport: Education Funding
- Bridgeport Youth Ambassadors
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Celebrate Earth Day Next Week!
|
|
|
My colleagues and I advanced several important bills in the House Chamber last week. Below are some of the highlights.
The House unanimously passed legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s tire disposal program by requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027. This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm. By improving tire collection and ensuring responsible tire disposal, the measure will help keep our streets cleaner, reduce public health risks, and bring new life into our communities. |
|
|
We also advanced House Bill 5406, the Connecticut Hero Act, which strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways. The legislation:
- Establishes a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
- Waives motor vehicle operator license fees
- Expands eligibility for state military medals
- Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about predatory "claim sharks"
These updates improves access to critical services, strengthens protections, and ensures our veterans receive the recognition and respect they deserve.
|
|
| Fighting for Bridgeport: Education Funding |
|
|
| I was proud to join my colleagues in the Bridgeport delegation for meetings with Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Governor Ned Lamont to advocate for increased education funding for our city. Bridgeport's students and families deserve every investment we can make in their futures, and the delegation made a strong, unified case for additional resources. |
|
| We are exploring the possibility of utilizing a portion of the governor's rebate plan to help fund these critical education investments. Ensuring that Bridgeport's schools receive the support they need remains one of my highest priorities, and I will continue to push hard on this front as budget negotiations move forward. |
|
| Bridgeport Youth Ambassadors |
|
|
| I was honored to welcome a distinguished group of Youth Ambassadors to the State Capitol. These students clearly gained a deeper understanding of state government by seeing the Bridgeport Delegation and my other colleagues debate and vote on bills in the House Chamber. Seeing these young leaders from the Bridgeport Youth Ambassador Program take such an active role in shaping their futures and the future of Connecticut is truly inspiring. |
|
| National Prescription Drug Take Back Day |
|
|
| As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Connecticut State Police Troop (149 Prospect Street) in Bridgeport. This event provides residents with a free, anonymous, and convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. |
|
| Celebrate Earth Day Next Week! |
|
|
The community will come together next week for Earth Day to promote environmental protection, raise awareness for climate action, fight pollution, and promote green energy.
Earth Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the small, everyday choices we can each make from reducing waste and conserving energy to supporting local sustainability efforts that collectively create meaningful change. |
|
|
You will have an opportunity to join the movement at Beardsley Zoo’s “Party for the Planet,” a lively day of wildlife, conservation, and environmental learning on Saturday, April 25.
The day will begin with a Beardsley Park Community Cleanup from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. as volunteers cleanup the park and waterfront. |
|
|
Guests can also explore interactive activities including:
- Energy In Action Exhibit – mind-blowing experiments & energy-saving hacks.
- Eco-Festival Fun – live demos, conservation talks.
- E-Waste Recycling with Junkluggers – bring your old laptops, cell phones, printers, and small appliances for responsible recycling.
I encourage everyone to participate in these events and commit to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our communities.
|
|
|
