by Donald Eng CTNewsJunkie
BRIDGEPORT, CT — In front of a flag-waving crowd and with traditional music booming from a live band, Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation establishing the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission Friday.
Puerto Rican music was in the air at a bill-signing establishing a Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission in Bridgeport on June 6, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng
“Economic growth cannot happen in a bubble, and there remains untapped potential to mutually benefit economic and business partnerships between Connecticut and Puerto Rico,” Lamont said. “By collaborating with the business community and those in Connecticut’s strong Puerto Rican community, this commission has the potential to develop the forward-thinking steps that improve trade and investment between our state and Puerto Rico.”
The 23-member commission, which is expected to begin meeting this fall, will be responsible for developing and recommending policy and legislative changes that advance bilateral trade and investment between Connecticut and Puerto Rico, while also promoting business and academic exchanges, encouraging mutual economic support and infrastructure investment, and initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest, according to Lamont’s office. The group will be required to submit a report to the governor and the legislature annually.
Gov. Ned Lamont talks about the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission at a ceremony in Bridgeport on June 6, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng
State Rep. Chris Rosario, D-Bridgeport, cited the estimated 300,000 Puerto Ricans living in Connecticut, calling the commission “a natural partnership that promises new opportunities for collaboration and shared prosperity.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said having the bill-signing ceremony in Bridgeport, “sends a very appropriate and very powerful message” due to the city’s ethnic makeup.
“And not just in mere numbers, we have real leadership in every area,” Ganim said. He cited the City Council and its numerous Puerto Rican members, including Council President Aidee Nieves, who in 2017 became the first Latina to hold the post.
State Rep. Antonio Felipe, D-Bridgeport, speaks at a bill-signing ceremony in Bridgeport on June 6, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng
State Rep. Antonio Felipe, D-Bridgeport, said people of Puerto Rican descent are “part of the DNA” of Connecticut.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen nationally, but we know here in Connecticut, Puerto Ricans are welcome. Puerto Ricans are a part of who we are.”
According to Lamont’s office, the bipartisan commission will be made up of members appointed by the co-chairs and ranking members of the legislature’s Commerce Committee and the governor. Members will serve as volunteers.