Budget Discussion, EH Funding and AI Caucus

April 16, 2025


 


On Tuesday, April 22nd from 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. at Great Path Academy Common Room, CT State Manchester (60 Bidwell Street, Manchester) come join the East Hartford & Manchester Delegation for an interactive discussion on the State Budget.

For more information or questions call 860-240-8541.
 

Funding for East Hartford

A big THANK YOU to the Governor's Office and the State Bond Commission for their continued support and investment in East Hartford’s future!

  • $1.5 MILLION secured for upgrades to our boat launch, making the Connecticut River more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
  • $170,000 awarded for the development of Port Eastside along the riverfront—another exciting step toward transforming our waterfront into a vibrant community space.

These investments help bring our vision for a more connected, active, and beautiful East Hartford to life. 
 

Artificial Intelligence Caucus

I am excited to share that I am now serving as a member on the newly-formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus.

Our goal is to ensure that AI serves the public good and does not become a tool for harm. The AI Caucus will work with our advocates to facilitate innovation and prevent discrimination in AI. We believe that these systems should operate with transparency and accountability.

This caucus was formed at a critical time. AI technology is here and is already playing a role in high risk decision making. Connecticut has the opportunity to lead in establishing fair, strong, and commonsense AI regulations. I am honored to work alongside dedicated colleagues, who all want to work towards a future with fair and ethical AI systems.

One of our legislative priorities for the ongoing 2025 session is urging for the passage of Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence. This bill calls for:

  • Transparency and accountability
  • Training Connecticut's workforce to use artificial intelligence
  • Criminalization of non-consensual intimate images

I am excited to get to work with our caucus and discuss the best ways to protect our residents from the potential harms of AI with my colleagues. SB 2 will establish groundbreaking AI regulations and pave the way for ethical AI development and education.  Let's get to work!
 

Free Cancer Screenings for Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe. The last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

Effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's important to note that legislation is a powerful tool for change, turning hope into action and justice into reality for survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for change. Through the power of legislation, we’re making progress, closing legal gaps, expanding protections, and ensuring survivors have access to resources and support.
 

Community Events

On Thursday, April 17 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the Raymond Library meet artist Amanda Roy and view her solo exhibition, What Echoes Within. In these works, Roy explores music's ability to connect us to memory, emotion and the present moment. Each piece is created through a meditative process, translating music into layers of color and texture.
 
For adults and teens.  Registration is required, click here to register.
 

Family Movie: Mufasa, the Lion King (PG, 1 hour 58 minutes, for all ages)
Thursday, April 17, 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Raymond Library
Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny.
Popcorn provided!  Registration is required, click here to register.
 

Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America, film screening
Thursday, April 24, 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at the Raymond Library
Hartford-born Frederick Law Olmsted was among the first to regard landscape architecture as a profession and a fine art. With partner Calvert Vaux he virtually created that profession. To Olmsted, a park was both a work of art and a necessity for urban life. Learn about Olmsted's efforts to preserve nature and his many accomplishments through this film.

A brief discussion of Olmsted's connections to Hartford and East Hartford and important local sites will follow.

Best suited for adults. Registration is required, click here to register.
 

Greater Hartford Legal Aid (GHLA) staff visit the Raymond Library on Fridays from 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. to provide information about GHLA services. No appointment necessary, drop-ins welcome.
 
Click here for library info.