Education Reform & Addressing Bottle Redemption Fraud

March 5, 2026

The House passed a wide-ranging set of bills affecting our schools, our workers, and our bottle redemption law. Please read below for some of the highlights.

A community activist joined my radio show in recognition of Black History Month. Please keep scrolling to hear his story and his impact on our town. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Session Highlights
  • Let's Talk About It: Andrew Irby
  • Remembering Former Rep. Pawelkiewicz
  • Read Across America Day
  • You're Invited to Our Winter Music Festival
  • Free Home Ownership Seminar
  • Rare Liver Disease Awareness

 

Session Highlights

This week, the governor signed off on the legislation listed below that my colleagues and I passed in Hartford. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year.

Please take a look below for a breakdown on how these laws will make a difference in the classroom, workplace, and environment.

In addition, we approved legislation targeting bottle redemption fraud, an issue that has grown since Connecticut increased its bottle deposit from five cents to ten cents. Some out-of-state actors have exploited the higher refund value by transporting large quantities of containers into Connecticut, leading to reported losses in the millions for beverage distributors.

The new law addresses this abuse by:

  • Increasing fines for violations of the state’s bottle bill
  • Requiring redemption centers to record identifying information for anyone redeeming more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a single day
  • Granting law enforcement clear authority to pursue out-of-state violators

These changes protect legitimate consumers and small businesses while preserving the integrity of Connecticut’s recycling system.
 

Let's Talk About It: Andrew Irby
As we recognized Black History Month, we were honored to welcome a local leader committed to unity on our weekly radio show, “Let’s Talk About It.”

Andrew Irby serves as Chairman of Communications for the Windham NAACP and is a member of the Thompson Democratic Town Committee.

During our conversation, Andrew reflected on growing up in predominantly white towns and schools, sharing the social challenges and criticism he faced — including from those who questioned his political path. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage him, he spoke about how they strengthened his character and deepened his commitment to public service. He described his race for Thompson First Selectman not as a defeat, but as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone toward doing even more for his community. 

Black History Month holds special meaning for Irby. He shared that his mother was a part of a graduating class of African American women at Providence College, a powerful reminder, he said, that Black history is woven into our communities.

Click on the video below to listen to the entire conversation!
Andrew Irby shares stories the challenges he faced
growing up in predominantly white towns and schools.
 

Remembering Former Rep. Pawelkiewicz

Last week, the House of Representatives held a moment of silence in honor of the late Dr. Walter Pawelkiewicz, recognizing a lifetime of service defined by compassion, humility, and dedication to the people of Windham and the state. 

Dr. Pawelkiewicz served our community as First Selectman, a member of the Board of Selectmen, and as a state representative. He always placed the needs of residents first. After his wife won nearly $8 million in the state lottery, he could have chosen a quiet and comfortable life. Instead, he chose public service.
The House held a moment a silence for
former State Representative Dr. Walter Pawelkiewicz.

Under his leadership and vision, projects that once seemed out of reach became lasting symbols of community pride, including Willimantic’s iconic William H. Putnam Memorial Bridge, known affectionately as the “Frog Bridge,” and the development of a new Windham Middle School.

His legacy is not measured in titles or accolades, but in the lasting improvements he helped bring to the community and the countless lives he touched along the way. CLICK HERE to learn more about his life and legacy.
 

Read Across America Day

I had such a wonderful time visiting Sweeney Elementary School on Read Across America. The children, whose inquisitive nature came through in the amazing questions they asked, made my visit a special one. 
 
We discussed the United States of America’s upcoming 250th birthday to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
The children and I also talked about our shared excitement about attending the 41st Annual Boom Box Parade this July to show our appreciation for our country!
 

You're Invited to Our Winter Music Festival

Tickets are selling fast for the Willimantic Winter Blues Fest 2026, a night of blues, dancing, door prizes, and fun! The concert will take place on Friday, March 6 at Willimantic Elks Lodge #1311 at 198 Pleasant Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there will be live music from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Click here for tickets

Every ticket purchased helps fund the 2026 season of Willimantic’s beloved 3rd Thursday Street Fest.

Chase away the winter blues. Support your community. Keep the music playing!
 

Free Home Ownership Seminar

You have an opportunity to learn how to fulfill the dream of owning a home. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is hosting a free seminar on Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Senior Center (1 Jillson Square). CLICK HERE for more details or to register. 

This event empowers residents with the tools, information, and confidence to make home ownership achievable. Participants will learn about:
  • Affordable mortgage programs
  • Down payment assistance opportunities
  • Practical guidance to prepare for purchasing a home

Whether you're just beginning to explore home ownership or ready to buy your first property, this seminar offers valuable insight from trusted experts. If you have any questions, send the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority an email at marketing@chfa.org.
 

Rare Liver Disease Awareness

Although February has come to a close, the importance of recognizing Rare Liver Disease Month continues year-round. I encourage everyone to stay mindful of their health and learn the signs of liver disease.

Living with liver disease involves more than fatigue. Symptoms can also include brain fog, persistent itching, abdominal discomfort, and ongoing pain, signs that should never be ignored.

Awareness leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. Please CLICK HERE to listen to my 60 second PSA and help spread the word.