Maria Horn

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

• Session Wrap Up. Click here.
• The Connecticut Department of Labor Launches New e-Apprenticeship System. Click here.
• AANHPI Heritage Month. Click here.
• Affordable Ownership Homes Through the Center for Housing Opportunity. Click here.
• Upcoming Session Days. Click here.
• Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

On Wednesday, the House passed HB 6442,better known as the HERO Act. The Connecticut HERO Act  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.

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.

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
• Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
• 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.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

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.

Pre-applications are now being accepted for multiple affordable ownership homes in Northwest CT, under a program coordinated by the Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO). Available homes will include: 

• 2 homes in Salisbury on Undermountain Road
• 3 homes in Cornwall
• 1 home in Washington
• 1 home in Norfolk

Click HERE to fill out a pre-application form, learn more about income limits, and watch a recorded info session about how to apply. 

 Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
 
Here are some great ways to stay informed:

•  The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
• Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp.
• Follow Connecticut House Democrats on social media for legislative updates and policy priorities.

Crescendo, a Salisbury based music performance organization, will hold the final concerts of the 2024-2025 season on May 10 and 11. On these dates, Crescendo will present Body & Soul: Cavalieri's Rappresentatione – A Turning Point in Music. This musical drama features a cast of renowned soloists, the award-winning Crescendo Chorus, and Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra, directed by founding artistic director Christine Gevert.
 

The performances are on Saturday, May 10 at 6:00 PM at Trinity Church, 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT, and on Sunday, May 11 at 4:00 PM at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, MA. Tickets range from $10 to $75, and are available online at www.crescendomusic.org, or on a first-come-first-served basis at the door, 45 minutes prior to the concerts.