Worker Bee: VA Hospital Workers & New Haven Teachers Fight Federal Cuts
On Thursday, our Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers bill was passed out of the Labor and Public Employees committee. Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 6904 were both passed out of committee, with 9 committee members in favor and 4 against, and sent to the respective chamber floors for consideration.
In sum, the bills that were passed out of the Labor and Public Employees committee yesterday include: SB 8, HB 6904, HB 6907, SB 1254, SB 1221, HB 6844, SB 1219, SB 1222, SB 1037, HB 7046, SB 1426, HB 6845, HB 7045, SB 1312, HB 6956, HB 6407, SB 1220.
Public Hearing for UI for Striking Workers
On February 13th, The Labor and Public Employees committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 6904, as well as a number of other bills, which would allow striking workers to access unemployment insurance after 14 consecutive days on strike. Over 100 union members, leaders, and advocates spoke out, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the illegal tactics some employers use to prevent workers from striking. Supporters urged legislators to pass the bills to address the financial hardships workers face during strikes.
Governor Lamont Vetoes Emergency Special Education Funding
Governor Ned Lamont vetoed two bipartisan bills allocating $40 million for special education that municipalities could use in this fiscal year and $2.88 million for nonprofit organizations, citing concerns about exceeding Connecticut’s spending cap. For the first time in his tenure, there was a real chance the legislature would override his veto, but leaders instead reached a compromise with Lamont to fund the programs using interest from federal pandemic aid, keeping the spending outside the cap. This deal avoided a veto override and was quickly approved by the General Assembly, ensuring the timely distribution of funds.
Solidarity Recap: Statewide Solidarity at a Glance
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AFGE Rally at the VA in West Haven
On March 3, 2025, around 120 people rallied outside the West Haven VA Medical Center to protest actions affecting federal workers, organized by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Speakers, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, and union leaders, emphasized the threat posed by job cuts and contract cancellations, particularly their impact on the quality of veterans' care. The rally highlighted concerns over understaffing, which could lead to delays and reduced services for veterans.
New Haven Federation of Teachers: Protect Our Students March and Rally
On March 4, 2025, hundreds of New Haven school staff, students, and community members marched from Gateway Community College to the Green, advocating for equitable public education funding in response to proposed cuts to the Department of Education (DOE) and calls from the federal administration to dismantle the DOE. Organized by the New Haven Federation of Teachers and the city's public schools organizations and unions, participants came from all over the state, from Hartford to New London, with many unions and statewide community groups joining in to call on state and federal leaders to "protect our kids" through fair funding. American Federation of Teachers National President Randi Weingarten spoke at the rally, which was one of many actions held across the country to demand better support for students and educators, with a broad coalition of groups involved.
Congressman Larson Social Security Press Conference
On March 5, 2025, Representative John Larson stood with workers, retirees, and advocates outside the East Hartford Social Security field office to call out President Trump and Elon Musk’s reported plan to gut the Social Security Administration. Speakers from AFGE Local 1164, CSEA, and the Alliance for Retired Americans condemned the proposed $2 trillion in cuts, warning of disruptions and denied benefits. Larson vowed to introduce legislation to prevent field office closures and urged Republican colleagues to support their constituents over billionaires.