Updates from State Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo for May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025



 

 

During the session on Wednesday, I noted on the floor that it was the 25th anniversary of Denim Day, an international protest against victim-blaming. In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because it believed that the victim's tight jeans implied consent. The next day, the women working in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Denim Day has grown to an international event when people wear denim in solidarity with survivors and to challenge victim-blaming. 

The statistics are a stark reminder that we have a long way to go. At least one in five women have been sexually assaulted or have been the targets of a sexual assault. I -- along with my many of my colleagues, including Reps. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, Jillian Gilchrest, and Robin Comey -- proudly wore denim to stand in support of sexual assault survivors, and to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and protest misconceptions around sexual violence.

Learn more at: www.denimday.org.

Resources for survivors in Connecticut can be found here.
 
 
 

Environmental Legislation Passes

On Thursday, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.
 

Other Legislation Passed by the House

The House passed a number of bills during three session days last week, including the following:

  • 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 7102:  An 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 file suit.
  • House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act, which will better serve our veterans and military personnel in various ways, including naming November as Veterans Month, creating new commemorative license plates, honoring women and Puerto Rican veterans, and making it easier for military families to transfer schools.
 

Meeting GreenBlue

I rarely see things in black and white at the Capitol, but I did on Wednesday, when I met GreenBlue the penguin from Mystic Aquarium for the Animal Rescue Penguin Day. I'm happy to report that GreenBlue's legislative priorities included turning the thermostat down and more fish on the menu.
 

Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative

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