This year's legislative session has officially ended, and in a bipartisan moment of unity, the entire House Chamber rang bells to celebrate and to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. It was a meaningful reminder that despite our differences, we can still come together to honor our nation’s history and shared values.
We passed a bipartisan budget that invests in our town’s public schools. Please keep scrolling below to listen to my podcast with Senator Mae Flexer.
Here are the sections in today's email:
Let's Talk About It: Funding for Windham
Protecting and Enhancing Workers’ Rights
Willimantic Students Visit the Capitol
Let's Talk About It: Funding for Windham
Senator Mae Flexer joined us on “Let’s Talk About It” for a thoughtful conversation about the issues that matter most to Windham including local schools, higher education, and protecting access to health care
As I mentioned last week, we passed a bipartisan budget that makes a strong investment in public education, including nearly $3.8 million in additional education aid for Windham Public Schools. This funding will support our students, educators, and classroom resources.
Keep in mind that when the state increases education funding, it helps ease pressure on local property taxes by offsetting the rising costs that school districts accrue. By using surplus funds, the state can serve as a buffer against local budget gaps.
Senator Mae Flexer also highlighted the wonderful opportunities for higher education in Windham and across Eastern Connecticut. Our free community college program, including Quinebaug Valley Community College, is opening doors for thousands of students pursuing degrees and credentials that lead to better-paying jobs. Graduates can easily transfer to four-year universities including Eastern Connecticut State and UConn.
We also discussed the collaborative work we’ve done to protect Medicaid. The need is great because more than half of the residents of Windham rely on Medicaid coverage. During November’s special session, we helped create an emergency response fund to offset federal cuts. We dedicated $70 million for health care funding to protect thousands of families enrolled in Access Health CT from steep premium increases.
Click on the video below to listen to the entire conversation.
Sen. Mae Flexer discusses the issues that matter most to Windham.
Protecting and Enhancing Workers’ Rights
On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-12 into law aimed at protecting and enhancing workers’ rights across Connecticut.
The bill addresses:
wage theft in the building trades
job protections for services workers
compensation for workers who are assaulted on the job
wage range and benefit descriptions in job postings
reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping
The law also strengthens support for police, firefighters, and veterans through expanded benefits, mortgage assistance for first responders, stronger recruitment and training efforts, and support for the families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals.
The bill helps veterans transition into civilian careers by expanding access to jobs, benefits, and tuition assistance opportunities here in Connecticut.
At the same time, we strengthened protections for workers by improving support for nurses and teachers injured on the job, increasing stability for paraeducators, and advancing fairer and safer workplace standards.
This legislation is about standing with the people who serve, protect, educate, and build our state.
Willimantic Students Visit the Capitol
I was delighted to welcome a group of bright fourth graders from Sweeney Elementary School to the State Capitol as they learned more about how our state government works. Senator Mae Flexer and I had the pleasure of showing them around, answering their thoughtful questions, and sharing how laws are made.
I recently visited these students in their classrooms, so it was meaningful to see their excitement when they spotted a familiar face in Hartford. Watching their enthusiasm was truly inspiring. It’s always an honor to help empower young scholars and remind them that their voices matter. One day, they could be the ones serving at the Capitol.
