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The House is Back in Session
It was great to be back in the House chamber this week with my colleagues. In the coming weeks, the State House and Senate will be meeting much more frequently to give final passage to bills that advanced through committees. Bills that passed through the House and Senate will then be sent to the governor's desk to be signed into law. I will keep you updated on all of the important bills the legislature passes!
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Gold Star Bridge Construction
Right now, the state is carrying out a major rebuild of the Gold Star Bridge to keep it safe and functional for the long term. This isn’t just surface-level work—it includes replacing the entire driving surface, strengthening the steel structure, fixing the expansion joints and bearings, upgrading barriers, fencing, and lighting, and repairing the concrete supports and entry points.
The goal is to extend the life of the bridge by about 20 to 25 years and avoid more serious and costly problems down the road. At this stage, much of what people are seeing is early construction and preparation work, which is why there are lane shifts, intermittent closures, and activity that may not look like major progress yet. Looking ahead, the project also includes plans to improve pedestrian and bike access and support long-term regional growth, especially with increased workforce demand tied to Electric Boat.
This work matters because the bridge carries over 60,000 vehicles a day and parts of it date back decades. Without these upgrades, the state would be facing growing safety risks, higher repair costs, and the possibility of future restrictions. While it will cause traffic delays in the short term, the goal is a stronger, safer, and more reliable bridge for years to come.You can learn more by clicking here.
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| Click here to watch a video detailing the construction. |
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Reimagine & Revitalize Program
We also discussed the Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program, a community reinvestment initiative focused on creating real, measurable change, and building stronger, more equitable communities across our state.
The R2 Program focuses on:
- Economic Development - Supporting new business creation, strengthening existing businesses, and expanding workforce and infrastructure opportunities.
- Reentry Initiatives - Providing critical support and resources for individuals returning home after incarceration, helping them successfully reintegrate into their communities.
- Youth Initiatives - Investing in young people through education, enrichment programs, and early workforce development opportunities.
- This is what intentional investment looks like. It’s about addressing long-standing disparities, expanding opportunity, and making sure every community has the resources to grow and succeed.
I remain committed to supporting initiatives like this that bring real results and meaningful change to the people we serve.
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Building a Better Behavioral Health System for Our Children
H.B. 5447 is about doing right by our children and our families. This bill strengthens Connecticut’s behavioral health system by improving coordination between agencies and making sure young people get the support they need when they need it. At the same time, it increases Temporary Family Assistance benefits, helping families stay stable, reduce stress, and focus on building a better future. When we invest in children’s mental health and support working families, we are not just solving problems—we are preventing them and creating stronger communities across Connecticut.
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Youth Employment and Training Funds
This is what investing in our youth looks like. Real opportunities, real experience, and real pathways to success. S.B. 389 strengthens how youth employment funds reach our communities so more young people can access jobs, training, and mentorship right here in New London. When we invest in our youth, we build stronger futures for everyone.
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Delivering Real Dollars Back to Our Towns
Senate Bill 388 is about making sure money gets back to the communities that need it most—like New London. Right now, over $150 million in casino revenue goes into the state’s general fund, but this bill redirects a share of that funding directly to 44 towns so it can be used where it actually makes a difference.
For cities like ours, that means more reliable funding to support the real cost of being a regional hub—covering public safety, schools, roads, and services that people from surrounding communities rely on every day. It helps stabilize local budgets, invest in long-overdue infrastructure improvements, and strengthen police, fire, and emergency response.
Most importantly, it reduces the pressure on property taxes by giving towns the resources they need without constantly going back to residents to make up the difference. This is about keeping Connecticut-generated revenue in Connecticut communities and making sure it works for the people it’s meant to serve.
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Voices Against Child Abuse
I had a great opportunity stopping by the Blue Bag Foundation community gathering to Raise Awareness and Provide a platform for at risk youth in Southeastern, CT. Great event, big Shout out to Jessica Nevith for advocating for youth in our communities.
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Mock Legislative Session Training
This week I gave hands-on leadership advice & training at the Capitol, where I’m working directly with interns to preparing them for an upcoming mock legislative session. Through real conversation, guidance, and practical insight, I’m helping them understand what it takes to step into roles like Deputy Speaker, Committee Chair, and Legislator. This training is about more than just learning procedure—it’s about building confidence, sharpening decision-making, and giving the next generation a clear picture of how government works and how they can lead within it.
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Renters' Rebate Program is Open Now
Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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AHCT: Update Income Info
Access Health CT is reminding customers who receive help paying for their health insurance premiums to report any changes in household income to AHCT when they happen.
This can help prevent unexpected costs at tax time.
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Federal financial help available through AHCT can significantly lower monthly insurance premiums.
The amount of help customers receive is based on household size and estimated annual income. If that income changes, it must be reported to AHCT.
If changes are not reported when they occur, individuals may receive more assistance than they qualify for and may have to repay the difference to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Eligible customers can choose to receive their financial help in two ways:
- A one-time tax credit when filing their federal income tax return for the year.
- Monthly payments are sent directly from the federal government to their insurance company to lower premium costs throughout the year. Individuals who choose this option must reconcile the amount they received when filing their tax return for that year.
Free help is available online, in person, and over the phone.
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button for a full list of resources. Customers can chat live with an Enrollment Specialist by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.
A list of Certified Brokers is also available. These brokers can help customers understand their options and answer any questions. Working with a broker is free.
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
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Drug Takeback Day
As you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours. You can click here to use a locator tool to find your nearest disposal site.
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Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
If you are unable to attend the event, MyOldMeds.com offers a Locator Tool to help you find the nearest disposal site year-round. There are more than 29,000 verified locations in all 50 states that have secure unwanted or expired medicine disposal kiosks, and/or provide free in-home disposal kits upon request. Additionally, the Locator Tool provides disposal site hours of operation, hours of collection, what is collected, and other helpful information. |
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Seasonal Positions at the Department of Developmental Services
Below is a message from the Connecticut Department of Development Services:
Are you looking for a meaningful Seasonal Position this summer? Please consider joining us.
The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – is currently recruiting for its Seasonal Opportunities. We have many positions throughout the State where you can play a role in creating an amazing summer experience and unforgettable memories. Please follow the links below to learn more and submit your application(s) today!
 Camp Counselors, Arts and Crafts Counselor, Booth Operators, Groundskeeping, Maintenance, Housekeeper:
Camp Director, Assistant Directors, Boating Directors, Waterfront Directors, Horticulture Activities Director:
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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