New Trade Deal with Puerto Rico & Honoring the Borinqueneers

May 9, 2025


 

This week I voted on a bill to strengthen our economy by forming a new trade partnership with Puerto Rico. I'll break down how this legislation will support our businesses, families, and children.

I'm also thrilled to announce that the House unanimously passed legislation honoring the Borinqueneers. I'll walk you through how the bill recognizes Puerto Rican veterans who are renowned for their military service.

Several Latino legislators joined me to share our commitment to protecting everyone regardless of immigration status. Please read below to learn about our proposal to make our communities safer for immigrants.

You will find the following sections below: 

  • CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission Bill
  • Honoring the Borinqueneers
  • Advocating to Protect All Immigrants
  • Latino Legislator Award
 

CT-Puerto Rico Trade Commission Bill 

I am thrilled the House unanimously passed a bill establishing a trade commission between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. Connecticut has long been the state that most Puerto Ricans call home per capita in the U.S. I am proud to co-sponsor of House Bill 5008 which aims to:

  • advance bilateral trade and investment between both locations
  • promote business and academic exchanges
  • encourage mutual economic support
 

Establishing a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission is a powerful opportunity to strengthen our trades and manufacturing sector. By building direct partnerships with Puerto Rico, we can expand skilled workforce pipelines, increase the flow of goods and materials, and open new markets for Connecticut-made products. This collaboration will drive innovation, economic growth, and good-paying jobs for both regions.

Additionally, a new trade commission will help Connecticut address jobs that we traditionally struggle to fill. It only benefits our state to attract trained skilled labor that can work immediately and boost our economy.

House Bill 5008 now moves to the Senate, which has until June 4 to pass the legislation before Governor Lamont can sign it into law.
 

Honoring the Borinqueneers

On the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed the “Connecticut Hero Act.” It makes important changes to better serve our veterans and their families.

One section honors the Borinqueneers with a special motor vehicle license plate. The Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army, was a unit made up of mostly Puerto Rican soldiers who are renowned for their service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Their courage and dedication earned them numerous awards, including the Congressional Gold Medal. The Borinqueneers are the only all-Hispanic unit from the Korean War to receive this honor.

This legislation is a meaningful tribute to the Borinqueneers, recognizing their bravery, devotion to duty, and pioneering military service. Funds raised from the sale of license plates will support Hispanic heritage programs and initiatives across Connecticut.
 

Advocating to Protect All Immigrants

It was an honor to participate in an immigration policy roundtable to reaffirm our commitment to supporting everyone’s pursuit of happiness regardless of immigration status. As the federal government continues with inhumane deportations that are instilling fear in our communities, we must remain steadfast protecting due process and ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This is why I co-sponsored House Bill 7211, which aims to bolster the Trust Act to ensure our communities are safe and our immigrant neighbors can live without fear. Connecticut has a moral and legal responsibility to support its immigrant workers and families. 

Our country's greatest strength is that we welcome everyone. Our schools should reflect that and remain a safe haven for learning and growth for all of our students. Please make sure your children continue going to the classroom because we are committed to providing high quality public education across the state.
 

Latino Legislator Award

Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) honored my dear friend Representative Juan Candelaria and me with a Latino Legislator Award at the fourth annual LEAD gala. It was a powerful evening recognizing our unwavering leadership, tireless advocacy, and lasting commitment to educational equity and opportunity for Latinos in Connecticut.

Thank you to all the organizers for hosting such a tremendous evening and to the advocates for supporting Latinos with pride, purpose, and unity.