Session Recap, DOT Update and More!

May 2, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are doing well. The House was in session on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. We have passed several great pieces of legislation, including HB 6442,better known as the Connecticut HERO Act. It is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.
 
This bill will:

  • Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
  • Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
  • Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
  • Free license renewals for veterans
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
  • Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
  • Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.

During yesterday's session, the House voted in favor of  HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

The environment is one of my legislative priorities - it was a great honor to contribute sections about BCorps and workforce development into this bill.  It is incredibly important that we support clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, as well as a council to guide workforce transitions.

Rep. Parker, who introduced the bill on the House, and I held a press conference to discuss the benefits of BCorps last month. Click here to watch. 

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

We also passed HB 7213 , An Act Concerning Access to Reproductive Health Care. This bill supports reproductive health care by allowing minors to access birth control, prenatal care, or pain management during pregnancy without parental consent. HB 7213 also codifies what has already been an established practice in Connecticut and dozens of other states by allowing minors to consent to contraception without involving a parent.

We also passed the following:

✅ House Bill 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
✅ House Bill 7102 AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health
✅ House Bill 7042 AN ACT CONCERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY RESPONSIBILTY ACT - An increase to gun safety and accountability. By passing the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, we're empowering our state and communities to pursue justice and encourage responsible practices within the gun industry.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

Please read below for information on a DOT Update, upcoming library events, and more!

Food Insecurity Day

On Wednesday, State Representative Moira Rader and I co-hosted the 3rd annual Food Insecurity Day at the State Capitol. We were joined by fellow legislators to highlight a growing issue, as well as local organizations that have been working tirelessly to reverse this trend. 

The University of  California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Health Policy Research defines food insecurity as having limited, uncertain, or inconsistent access to the food necessary for a healthy life. Rising costs across the board has left many individuals and families without the financial means to purchase groceries. 

Luckily, there are several organizations throughout the state that are using their resources to help feed everyone in their community. I had the honor of introducing Tina Kramer, the co-founder of Filling in the Blanks. Although they are based in Norwalk, Filling in the Blanks provides support to children throughout Fairfield County, as well as our New York neighbors in Westchester and Putnam County. This nonprofit provides weekend meals to students who are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program. Thank you for all of the great work you do for our community and beyond! Please click the link below to see Tina's remarks. 
 

Norwalk Business Improvement District Survey

Attention Norwalk residents and business owners - the City of Norwalk and Redevelopment Agency (RDA) have created a survey to gauge interest in developing a Business Improvement District (BID). A business improvement district could potentially increase resources and investment in downtown Norwalk.

Click here to access the survey. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. 

DOT Update for Westport

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a traffic split will be in place on I-95 northbound in Westport. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 5 and finish on Monday, June 9.
 
During the duration of the construction, there will be a traffic split with the same number of lanes (three) on I-95 northbound between Exits 17 and 18 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
 
The traffic split will happen in two phases with the first phase completed by May 22 by 6:00 a.m. In the first phase, traffic will be split into two lanes on the left and a single lane on the right with the work area in the middle and two lanes on the right and a single lane on the left with the work area in the middle in the second phase of the split.
 
Click here to learn more. 

The Connecticut Department of Labor Launches New e-Apprenticeship System

The Connecticut Department of Labor officially launched its new e-Apprenticeship Program, proving a streamlined, digital solution to the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program, which is already utilized by many Connecticut state agencies. The system can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing apprentice records.

Registered apprentices will be able to track their training progress, both on the job and in the classroom, all within the system. By connecting employers and apprentices more efficiently, this system supports the “earn while you learn” model—helping individuals master a skilled trade while receiving paid, hands-on training.

Read the full announcement here.

 AANHPI Heritage Month

May is AANHPI Heritage Month (short for Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month). This month is a great time to learn the real history and spotlight the cultures, stories and legacies of millions across the U.S. and right here in Connecticut. From historic resilience to modern impact, let’s celebrate what’s often overlooked. 

AAPI Westport will hold the following events over the next few weeks:

  • Vicky Nguyen will discuss her new book, Boat Baby, with Anna Kai (host of the Brutally Anna podcast) at the New Canaan Library on Thursday, May 8 at 7pm.  Register here.
  • Middle School Anime Night at Toquet Hall on Friday, May 9 at 6pm.  Buy tickets and register here.
  • Kevin Nguyen will discuss his new book, My Documents, with Jennifer Heikkila Diaz (co-chair of APAC) at the Westport Library on Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm. Register here.

Community Engagement Session for Manresa Island Park

The Manresa Island Park Corporation is holding their second community engagement session on May 8 from 6:30pm and 8:00pm at the Brien McMahon High School. The organization will collect feedback and ideas on the masterplan for the site, and these responses will ultimately feed into the final plan for the park. Click here to RSVP. 

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair

The Norwalk Partnership will hold their 4th annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair on May 3 from 9 AM - 12 PM on the Norwalk Town Green. This event will feature fun activities for all ages, as well as resources for those who may be struggling with their mental health or substance abuse. Click here to learn more. 

Norwalk Resident Beach Parking Pass

Attention Norwalk residents -  beach season is right around the corner. You can now confirm that your license plate is on the Grand List for your 2025 Norwalk Resident parking pass. This pass provides parking access to:

  • Calf Pasture & Shady Beach
  • Veterans Park
  • Cranbury Park
  • Taylor Farm Dog Park

Your car registration must list Norwalk as your tax town to qualify for a resident pass.

Click here to verify your plate. If you are not on the list, send a photo of your car registration to the following email address -  residentpass@norwalkct.gov.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best” List – Vote Today! 

A local institution is receiving national acclaim. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk was one of twenty aquariums across the country to be nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best” list in their 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards. The top ten will be decided through an online vote.

Click here to cast a vote for the Maritime Aquarium. You are able to vote once a day, every day, through Monday, May 12. 

STAR Lighting the Way's "Walk & Roll"

The annual STAR Lighting the Way's "Walk & Roll" event will be held on May 4 at Sherwood Island Park.  The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR's programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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