Helping Employers Save Money & Prepping for Memorial Day Parade

May 23, 2025


 
 

At the Capitol, the days are filled with intense debate while we collaborate to advance important legislation for our communities and beyond. I'll walk you through how we're helping businesses save money and how we're also supporting our brave state police.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and our town will come together to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I spoke to a couple of guests on my weekly radio show for a breakdown of the upcoming ceremonies and parades taking place this weekend in Windham.

Finally, medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 people who live in Connecticut. I'll dig deeper into who is eligible and show you what a sample letter looks like.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Memorial Day Parade
  • Saving Money for All Employers
  • Raise for State Police Troopers
  • More Medical Debt Relief
 

Let's Talk About It: Memorial Day Parade

This week on "Let's Talk About It," my co-host and I sat down with Joe Tomanelli and Tom Riquier, two veterans playing a large role in planning the Greater Windham Memorial Day Parade. On Monday, May 26, veterans and members of the community will gather for the annual "pilgrimage" across our local cemeteries.
 
Starting at 7:00 a.m., a group will depart from the VFW on the corner of Valley Street to visit the burial sites of local veterans. At each stop, we'll honor fallen veterans, thank their families, and play taps. Then, at 10:00 a.m. at Jillson Square, we will assemble for the parade. The main ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park.

Contact Windham Veteran's Affairs Officer Bill Woodberry at (860) 450-2106 extension 3306 for any more information.

The Memorial Day parade has grown in recent years with the goal of adding more events and improving accessibility. In this week's episode, I spoke to Joe and Tom about the importance of these events, how to boost attendance, and more.
 
To listen to the full show, click the link below.
Joe Tomanelli and Tom Riquier discuss the plan
for Monday's Memorial Day Parade.
 

Saving Money for All Employers
House Democrats passed legislation saving money for EVERY EMPLOYER in the state since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling.

This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saves them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.
 

Raise for State Police Troopers

The House approved a proposal to enact a 2.5% raise and a step increase for the Connecticut State Police. Troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state and can help recruit more officers to serve. There is a concern for public safety since we've seen a 25% decline in staffing prior to 2010.

The Senate also passed the deal, which now heads to the governor's desk. He is expected to sign it into law since he brokered the agreement with the Connecticut State Police Union in April.
 

More Medical Debt Relief

The second round of medical debt relief is on the way, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Debt. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.

Who qualifies?

  • Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
  • Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents.
Click here to see sample letter