Paid Sick Leave Passes House & Solar Energy Funding

April 25, 2024


This week, my colleagues and I approved expanded paid sick leave to cover all workers. Please read below to find out how the bill works, when it goes into effect, and how it supports our hardworking residents. 

Millions of federal dollars are coming in for solar projects that will support low-income residents. Please read below to find out how this investment will benefit our communities.

The old parking garage at the Stamford Transportation is coming down, and that demolition is affecting traffic. Keep scrolling to get the latest on the detours in that area.

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Paid Sick Leave Passes House
  • Funding for Solar Energy
  • Demolition of Old Parking Garage 
  • Advocates for the Homeless Tour House Chamber
  • Advocating for Our Firefighters
  • Addressing Environmental Justice at Yale
 
Paid Sick Leave Passes House
No one should have to choose between missing an important family event, going in to work sick and exposing others or taking a mental health day when needed. It's why we passed House Bill 5005 to allow for the accrual of paid leave, up to 40 hours each year, for those working at least 120 days annually. Businesses that already offer paid time off are exempt from this legislation.
There has been a cultural change in the workplace since the pandemic where we don't want our coworkers showing up to work sick. This legislation promotes better public health outcomes while allowing workers to care for themselves or a sick loved one without adding financial strain.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration where they must vote before the 2024 legislative session ends on Wednesday, May 8th at 12:00 A.M.
 
Funding for Solar Energy

Connecticut received a $62.5 million grant to expand solar energy in low-income communities. The money is part of the Solar for All initiative and comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The federal grant fuels Project SunBridge, which will reach thousands of Connecticut households, primarily in multi-family affordable housing units. Project SunBridge aims to achieve a minimum household energy savings of 20% and will further the state's goal of a zero-carbon electric sector by 2040.
Utilizing solar energy in the most disadvantaged areas is the next step to reduce pollution and assist families’ financial needs. This funding will lower energy bills while providing clean and renewable energy. 
Click Here To Learn More
 
Demolition of Old Parking Garage

Crews will continue demolition work of the old parking garage and pedestrian bridge at the Stamford Transportation Center. The Connecticut Department of Transportation tells me the entire 1985 parking garage will be torn down. Commuters who still use the old parking garage should relocate to the newly opened facility, which opened in February, on South State Street.

Due to the demolition work, Station Place Road eastbound will be closed for about six months. Take a look at the map below and click on it for more information on detours.
 
Advocates for the Homeless Tour House Chamber

It was a pleasure to give a tour of the House Chamber to Pacific House, a precious organization offering emergency shelter and affordable housing for the homeless in Stamford. My colleague Rep. Hubert Delaney welcomed our guests, who are true heroes who rehab many homeless individuals back into society each year.

Leroy Jordan, who is standing the second from the right, is a pillar of our community, helping the homeless in Greenwich, Stamford, and Norwalk. In 2019, I had the honor to issue Leroy a state citation on behalf of the Stamford delegation for being such a hero in our city.
 
Advocating for Our Firefighters
I met with members of the Stamford Professional Firefighters at the State Capitol last week to lend my support for the health and safety of our first responders. We discussed the critical need for comprehensive cancer coverage for firefighters, who face a significantly higher risk of life-threatening diseases due to the nature of their work.
We also addressed a statewide ban proposal on PFAs/PFOA chemicals, which are known carcinogens in firefighting equipment. I will advocate for our firefighters so they can have the protections they deserve.
 
Addressing Environmental Justice at Yale

I had the honor to speak once again at Yale University with a panel about "Climate Intersection: Topics in Environmental Justice." It was humbling to interact with esteemed experts such as Ayisha Siddiqa, Naina Agrawal-Hardin, and Emily Sorenson.

I discussed the need for a new bill to fix some of our Environmental Justice issues. It is crucial that we protect our children, adults, and seniors from polluted air especially in residential areas.