Legislative Update April 17th

April 17, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

It has been a productive few weeks at the Capitol as we head into the final 3 weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session. Next week the House will be in Session on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. My colleagues and I are working tirelessly to pass good legislation that will make a meaningful difference for residents in our districts and communities. Over the remaining weeks, I will keep you updated on the work we are doing at the Capitol and what it means for you. Please reach out to my office at any time with questions, comments, or concerns.

Legislative Coffee Hour This Saturday

This Saturday, April 18th, I will join Senator Jeff Gordon for a Legislative Coffee Hour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Always Moore Coffee (134 Union Road) in Eastford. As we are heading into the final weeks of session, we are looking forward to connecting with you on the issues we are supporting and discussing what your concerns are. We encourage all members of the community to attend, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Legislative Coffee Hour on Saturday, April 18th, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Always Moore Coffee, 134 Union Road, Eastford, CT.

H.B. 5406 Passes the House

I am proud to share that H.B. 5406 - AN ACT...RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE HEROISM OF VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES..., a major bipartisan effort to support our Veterans and Military families, has officially passed the House. As a Member and Past Chairman of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee, I have seen the committee's mission is to ensure Connecticut remains a leader in honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Key Provisions of H.B. 5406 include:

Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam: The bill officially designates the state military readiness center located in Putnam in honor of John N. Dempsey.
Veterans Dental Care Access Program: For the first time, we are establishing a dedicated program to help veterans with a service-connected disability (rated under 100%) access up to $3,000 annually for essential dental work like root canals, crowns, and extractions.
Tax Relief for our Guard: We are supporting our "Citizen Soldiers" by creating a state income tax deduction for pay received by National Guard members called to active service, as well as for those who receive stipends for performing Honor Guard funeral details.
Protections Against "Claim Sharks": The bill requires the DVA to post warnings on its website to protect veterans from unauthorized "consultants" who charge illegal fees to help with VA claims.
Expanding Access: We have mandated that the DMV waive the operator’s license fee for any verified veteran, putting money back in the pockets of those who served.
Camp Nett at Niantic: The bill also formally renames the Niantic state military training facility as Camp Nett, honoring Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Robert B. Nett.

This bill is about making a real difference in the lives of our veterans, service members, and military families. Here in Connecticut, we understand that taking care of veterans in our communities is our responsibility, and we will continue to pass legislation that supports the people who protect us.

CTMOM Free Dental Clinic This Weekend

CTMOM is hosting a free dental clinic this Saturday, April 17th, and Sunday, April 18th, at E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield. There is no appointment required, and all adults and children are welcome. No income, insurance, or address are required to attend.

Services offered:

Cleanings
Fillings
X-Rays
Extractions
Root Canals (limited)
Partial Dentures (limited)

For more information, please call 1-800-688-9372 or visit cfdo.org/.

As your voice in Hartford, I need to hear from you to make informed decisions. I regularly post updates on my social media channels (you can like my Facebook page here) and encourage you to follow them to stay updated. Additionally, you can always email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585 if you have any questions or to share your opinions.

Take Care,