Prioritizing Special Education Funding & Help for Unemployed Federal Employees

February 18, 2025


I spoke to a former House Speaker about a variety of topics including special education funding on my weekly radio show. Keep scrolling to learn why we're tackling this legislative priority in 2025.

Speaking of special education; parents, teachers, and other community members spoke to elected officials at a listening tour in Eastern Connecticut. I will share why these ongoing conversations are so important for our children.

Mass layoffs to federal employees are in full swing across the country. The state is dedicating a new resource to help those who live in Connecticut and lost their job. Please read below to see if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Former House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz
  • Listening Session on Special Education
  • Help for Unemployed Federal Employees
  • You're Invited to an Immigration Forum
 
Let's Talk About It: Former House
Speaker Joe Aresimowicz
My co-host Dennis O’Brien and I spoke to former House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” We discussed the labor intensive work to get a bill passed into law, the importance of investing in special education, and the impact sports can have on our communities.
 
Aresimowicz served as Speaker of the House from 2017 until 2021 and was widely popular due to his ability to negotiate with both parties. He and the rest of the legislature have always been dedicated to improving our state. Aresimowicz understood that while most lawmakers agreed on the major issues that needed to be addressed, they sometimes differed on how to approach them.
 
We also discussed the hard work a lawmaker must go through to pass a bill into law. The process of crafting the language, to getting approval from colleagues, to articulating the proposal’s importance at a public hearing while addressing question and concerns, to getting the bill raised on the House floor is a time-consuming and labor intensive job.
We shared our support regarding the governor’s budget concepts. However, the Appropriations Committee and the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee will take a closer look at these proposals. 
 
Finally, Aresimowicz shared that he stepped down as the head football coach at Berlin High School. He explained that since watching “Ted Lasso,” he changed his coaching mindset, prioritizing relationships over winning. He explained that athletes learn more from losses and deserve second chances in order to grow as people.
 
We covered many other topics, so please listen to our show by clicking on the video below!
Former House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz joined the show!
 
Listening Session on Special Education
I joined members of the Select Committee on Special Education to hear from the public on issues impacting special education services across the state. We heard from parents, teachers, students, boards of education, school administrators, and community members last week at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich.
As I mentioned on my radio show, this is a critical issue that my colleagues and I are prioritizing this legislative session. If you have any experiences you want to share, please contact me at Susan.Johnson@cga.ct.gov.
 
Help for Unemployed Federal Employees
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has introduced a valuable new resource for federal employees and contractors who have recently lost their jobs or been placed on unpaid administrative leave. These individuals can now apply for unemployment benefits through a dedicated page on the CTDOL website, streamlining access to financial assistance during this challenging time.
Eligibility for benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each applicant’s unique circumstances are carefully considered. CTDOL encourages affected workers to explore this resource and apply as soon as possible to receive the support they may be entitled to.
Click here to learn more and begin your application
 
You're Invited to an Immigration Forum
The federal government has caused a lot of uncertainty surrounding our nation's immigration status. You are invited to attend an important immigration forum to help clear up any confusion. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the King's Chapel Church of God at 400 Woodland Street in Hartford.
My colleague Rep. Bobby Gibson will host the event and a team of immigration attorneys will accompany him to provide insight, guidance, and advice. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz will also be on hand to answer questions, and Speaker of the House Matthew Ritter will provide written remarks. 

I welcome you to take advantage of the information regarding our federal and state immigration laws. This information will help Connecticut residents understand our current situation. Additionally, it may also provide ideas regarding what Congress must do to address the issues involving immigration reform.