Juan R. Candelaria

I would like to wish a joyful and peaceful Easter to all who celebrate! May this weekend bring hope, renewal, and time well spent with loved ones.

People who live in Connecticut currently pay the second-highest electricity prices in the country, placing an undue financial strain on families, businesses, and communities. Our goal in the legislature is to implement policies that lower prices and enhance transparency that would benefit all ratepayers.

There are two important pieces of legislation, House Bill 1531 and House Bill 7206, aimed at tackling the rising cost of utility bills while ensuring greater accountability for public utilities. Both bills passed out of the Government Administration and Elections Committee and now move to the House and Senate floors for further consideration.

The Trump Administration is cutting approximately $150 million in federal funding to Connecticut, jeopardizing critical public health, mental health, and addictions services. These drastic cuts threaten lives, eliminate jobs, and terminate essential contracts, severely weakening the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) ability to track and prevent public health crises. Without these grants, DPH will face significant challenges in monitoring emerging health threats and sharing real-time information to effectively protect our communities.

From exploring the outdoors, to waterfront adventures, to parks, gardens, museums, and much more, Connecticut has a lot to offer in the spring. Click here for some of the amazing things you can partake in!

Tuesday's Medicaid rally at the Capitol was part of a nationwide day of action by members of Congress that brought together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients. The rally aimed to warn of the consequences should Congress approve drastic reductions to Medicaid funding.

Tax season is upon us. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.

On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.