Roland Lemar

Thank you to everyone who joined me for my Legislative Town Hall last week. Your participation is invaluable because your feedback helps me understand what matters most to our community and ensures I am representing our district effectively at the State Capitol.

Many residents shared their concerns with the state of the CTtransit public bus system. Hearing your firsthand experiences is critical, as it directly informs the decisions I make throughout this legislative session. I will continue working with my colleagues to shape transportation policies that reflect the needs, experiences, and voices of our community.

I encourage you to read more about this issue in The New Haven Independent article.

Thank you again for your engagement and for helping me advocate for our community. Together, we can work toward solutions that meet the needs of all residents.

Photo courtesy: Laura Glesby New Haven Independent

Governor Ned Lamont has signed Warehouse Worker Protection legislation into law (sections 50-57 of SB 298), marking a significant step forward in strengthening labor protections across Connecticut. This new law is designed to safeguard employees working in warehouses and fulfillment centers, industries that have seen rapid growth alongside increasing concerns about worker conditions and productivity demands.

The legislation establishes clear boundaries around the use of performance quotas, ensuring that such expectations cannot interfere with workers’ legally mandated rights, including meal periods and bathroom breaks. Employers are now required to be transparent about any quotas in place, meaning workers must be informed in advance of the specific performance standards they are expected to meet. 

Importantly, the law also introduces accountability measures. Employees who experience violations of these protections now have the ability to recover costs or damages they may incur as a result.

With this legislation, Connecticut becomes the first state in New England to enact Warehouse Worker Protection standards, and only the sixth in the nation to do so, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon. The move positions the state as a regional leader in advancing worker rights and reflects a broader national trend toward increased oversight of workplace conditions in high-demand logistics sectors.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

The CT Coalition for Climate Action is hosting its third annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest.

NEW FOR 2026: In addition to individual student entries, there is a new K–4 Classroom Poster Category, with one poster submission per class. The winning classroom will receive a $100 Staples® gift card along with a visit from either Leah Lopez of Save the Sound or Save the Sound’s Soundkeeper, Bill Lucy.

Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22nd between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the top three individual winners of the Grades 5–12 category will receive scholarships of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.

The deadline for submissions is April 1 and you can submit your application via email to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com.

Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase. Selected students will participate in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury).

The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.

The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.

The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.

On Sunday, March 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. join the 18th Annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride. This year's ride supports 18 local nonprofits doing environmental work. Come show your support, learn about a few of these partners, and vote for your favorite tee designs!

The party will be at the new, 400-foot-long illuminated tunnel on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in downtown New Haven which officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last May. The tunnel runs under Temple Street and Whitney Avenue, behind Audubon St, connecting the trail from Temple Street to Orange Street, featuring ramps, stairs, and interpretive displays. The main entrance is near Grove Street.

Register for the bike rides or walks today! Early bird registration closes right after the launch. The rides/walks are on Saturday, April 25. Click here for more.