Robert Sanchez

I joined many of my colleagues at a press conference in Hartford, in support of legislation for a $15 minimum wage increase that will help thousands of hard working families in the state. There are various bills that we are considering this session. I will be keeping you updated as we move forward this legislative session.

I participated with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, colleagues and more than 50 other policymakers from across the country for a two-day institute in Boston, Massachusetts.

I am beyond grateful that the State Bond Commission agreed to invest $300,000 for a monument honoring the 65th Infantry Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army that served in combat roles including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and has distinguished itself many times over the years. This monument’s scope cannot measure up against the sacrifices, challenges, commitment and courage demonstrated by this group of brave men who encompass our Puerto Rican pride.

New Britain is getting $4.1 million in affordable housing grants thanks to the state’s Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) program: 14 townhouse rental units in Columbus Commons and 11 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments for Friendship Service Center’s building on North Street.

I have heard from several sources that recruiting minority teachers in our state can be challenging. I am pleased the Education Committee is looking at a measure that would put a pilot program in place to change this outlook providing a pathway and an incentive to high school students interested in the teaching profession to prepare for Connecticut’s teaching programs. A public hearing for my proposal, HB 5470 will address the possibility of expanding the number of partnering schools in the near future so more high school students can participate.

New Britain will receive a $200,000 grant for detailed site planning and redevelopment, environmental analyses, and identification of a Master Developer for potential Transit Oriented Development sites around the East Main Street CTfastrak station.

Honored to have been recognized as a 2015 Children’s Champion by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. Every year, the Alliance recognizes lawmakers that work closely with early childhood advocates to shape legislation impacting the well-being of Connecticut’s young children in the areas of healthy development, early care and education, nutrition and safety.

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New Britain residents can expect to save hundreds of dollars in the coming years because of a new state law which will implement a statewide mill rate cap of 32 mills in 2016, and 29.36 mills in 2017. This same law will also ensure that New Britain does not lose any revenue due to the change in the amount of car taxes collected by pledging 0.50% of the annual State sales tax to the towns in our State.