House bills passed and New e-Apprenticeship System

May 2, 2025


 



This week was very busy in the House, my colleagues and I worked hard and passed several bills including: 

  • 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 7102An 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
  • House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act which acts to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue
  • House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act, legislation that helps, empowers, and recognizes our Veterans
  • House Bill 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors, is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy
 

Hero Act

Wednesday marked the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed 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.

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

 

New e-Apprenticeship System

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.
 

Community Events

Explore East Hartford's Main Street, with an eye towards its architecture and storied past.  Walk Main Street with Raymond Library staff member Jana Colacino on Friday, May 2, at 10:00 A.M., the tour will be offered in Spanish and English. On Tuesday, May 13th the 6:00 P.M. tour will be offered in English only.

Meet at the Main Street entrance of Raymond Library, registration is required.  Click the image below to register.  
 

Saturday, May 3rd is your last opportunity to book a 45-minute appointment with the resident librarian/genealogist to be guided through a personalized introduction to your family history.

Registration is required and spots are limited; please call the Reference Desk at the Raymond Library (840 Main Street, East Hartford) to reserve your spot: 860-290-4331.
 

On Tuesday, May 6th at 11:00 A.M. at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Millbrook Drive, East Hartford) there will be an Eversource presentation on Understanding your Electric Bill & Energy Efficiency.  Learn about different energy programs and about the different parts of your electric bill.  
 

The third annual East Hartford Memorial Day parade will take place on Monday, May 26th at 10:00 A.M. 

The event will consist of three parts, a parade, a program at the Fallen Star Memorial, and a celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University. The parade will be followed by a program at the Fallen Star Memorial and a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford with food trucks, music and activities.


If you are interested in volunteering or being a vendor the deadline to register is May 5th.  Unfortunately participant registration has already closed.

VOLUNTEERS:

  • If you are interested in volunteering at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Event Volunteer Registration

VENDORS:

  • If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Vendor Booth Registration