Treneé McGee

Greetings Community!

Amid one of the most constrained housing markets in the nation, families across our communities are finding it harder than ever to secure homes.

Rents are rising, available housing is scarce, and outdated policies are standing in the way of new construction. This housing crisis impacts every facet of life-limiting economic opportunity, straining our education and healthcare systems, and affecting public safety.

House Democrats led the passage of legislation that aims to tackle these challenges head-on by increasing housing supply, streamlining regulations, protecting vulnerable residents, and empowering local communities with the tools they need to create lasting solutions.

Provisions in this measure provide funding to regional bodies to support towns in proactively planning for affordable housing. This is coupled with a robust $50 million annual grant program to assist public housing authorities in directly increasing the housing supply for our lowest-income residents. 

Finally, for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of homelessness, this bill offers meaningful support by funding mobile shower and laundry services—meeting urgent hygiene needs while promoting public health and restoring a sense of dignity.

Additionally, we affirm the humanity and vulnerability of unhoused individuals by banning hostile architecture designed to exclude or punish them.

Addressing the issue of housing is a complex challenge with no simple solutions, but this bill represents a meaningful step forward in supporting those in need.

As always, if I can ever be of any help, please feel free to contact my office at (860) 240-8585 or by emailing me directly.

Sincerely,

Treneé McGee
 

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Historic investment in our students, including $30 million for the Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program, which will help build capacity to serve students closer to home.
• Prioritizing better access to services through enhanced development screenings, behavioral assessment, and intervention plans, access to remedial classes in higher education, and involvement of parents and local school districts before a student is moved from their school.
• Reining in costs by regulating third-party rate processes and developing new billing and licensing standards.
• Increasing oversight through on-site compliance visits and detailed system-wide reporting to reduce unpredictability and improve accountability.

Children are our future, and it is our responsibility to provide them with a proper education. In a state with one of the best K-12 public school systems in the country, HB 5001 ensures that our special education program maintains the same level of quality.

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

Here's a look at the agenda:

Panel Discussion: Mental Health & Healing

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1B

Moderated by Melvette Hill, Executive Director of CWCSEO, this engaging discussion will explore the growing mental health challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, including the impacts of stigma, isolation, and limited access to affirming care. Featuring the voices of youth, young adults, and advocates, the panel will highlight the urgent need for inclusive support and community-driven healing.

Panelists Include:

• Taylor Tucker, Health Equity Solutions
• Juan Fonseca, LGBTQ+ Advocate
• Brett Bordonaro, LGBTQ+ Advocate
• Genesis Jones, Student & LGBTQ+ Advocate

Spoken Word Performances: Be moved by the powerful voices of Larry Roeming and Aalexÿz Jiménez, who will share original pieces centered on identity, empowerment, and healing through community.

Resource Fair:
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
North Lobby, State Capitol

Meet with local and statewide organizations offering essential resources, support services, and advocacy tools for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Join us in fostering equity, honoring pride, and amplifying voices.
Register by scanning the QR Code on the attached flyer. For additional information, please contact Denise Drummond at denise.drummond@cga.ct.gov.