Climate Bill, Blue Collar Caucus, and more

May 2, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

I want to give you an exciting update about some of the work I'm doing for you at the Capitol.

This week marked the first press conference for the newly formed Blue Collar Caucus! I'm honored to co-chair this caucus alongside State Representative Kara Rochelle. We are starting off with over 40 legislators who are focused on the issues that matter most to Connecticut's working- and middle-class residents, including protecting people in the workplace, tax policies that puts working people first, lowering costs, and more. We are ready to get to work!

You can read more about the caucus' priorities below!

Nearly all of the legislature's committees have wrapped up their individual work, and the House is starting to meet as a full body. This week we met three times and passed a handful of great bills!

In this week's eblast, you can read about some of those bills, learn about local events, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill
NEW DATE for Senior Scams Event!
Connecticut HERO Act
Penguin Day at the Capitol!
Additional Bills Passed in the House
e-Apprenticeship Program
Read ID Deadline: May 7
Plainville Events
Farmington Events
Southington Events

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and be signed into law by the governor.

NEW DATE for Senior Scams Event!

NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, the event on senior scams has been moved to Monday, May 12 at 10am.

I hope you'll please join me, our state Attorney General William Tong, and our Comptroller Sean Scanlon for an event on senior scams and how you can save on prescription drugs happening Monday, May 12 at 10am at the Plainville Senior Center (200 East St, Plainville).

This event will discuss information for elders, caregivers, and family members, how to prevent fraud and protect your rights, the ArrayRx prescription drug discount program, and more. I hope to see you there!

You can read more about the event and register to attend here.

Connecticut HERO Act

This week, the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) what we call the “HERO Act.”

The HERO Act (HB 6442) is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.

Among the bill’s components:

Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
Free license renewals for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.

Penguin Day at the Capitol!

As part of the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program, the State Capitol hosted Penguin Day today, just before the legislative session kicked off!

Meet Blue Blue, a 16-year-old African penguin, a species classified as critically endangered. Fun fact—the Mystic Aquarium doesn’t assign names to their penguins, but rather identifies them by the colored beads on their tags!

It was an honor to welcome them and to discuss the vital efforts to protect penguins and other vulnerable wildlife. Conservation is a shared responsibility, and today served as a powerful reminder of why these initiatives matter.

If you want to meet Blue Blue and her fellow penguins, consider visiting Mystic Aquarium to see their important rescue and conservation work firsthand!

Additional Bills Passed in the House

The House was in session three times this week - read below to learn about some of the other bills we passed:

House Bill 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
House Bill 7102 AN ACT CONCERNING MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health

e-Apprenticeship Program

The Connecticut Department of Labor officially launched its new e-Apprenticeship Program, proving a streamlined, digital solution to the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program, which is already utilized by many Connecticut state agencies. The system can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing apprentice records. Registered apprentices will be able to track their training progress, both on the job and in the classroom, all within the system. By connecting employers and apprentices more efficiently, this system supports the “earn while you learn” model—helping individuals master a skilled trade while receiving paid, hands-on training.

Read the full announcement here.

Real ID Deadline: May 7

Time is running out to get your REAL ID!

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID?
You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license. Check the CT information portal for more information.

In Connecticut, you'll need:

a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

For more information, visit the following:

Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles