Legislative Update April 12

April 12, 2024

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we navigate the final month of this year’s legislative session, I am proud to report that many of our legislative priorities are undergoing the final stages of becoming laws. And this week’s update is a testament to the ongoing effort of the advocates and policy makers who have worked toward those initiatives.

I reflect on our progress with a sense of pride — advancing key initiatives that empower our youth, developing policies that pay tribute to our veterans, and working to secure the key resources our community needs.

Your trust is the cornerstone of my dedication, and in partnership, we will seize every moment to make substantive changes to our government. Together we have accomplished so much. I am deeply grateful for your support as we continue to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant future for Connecticut.

Further in this message you will find more in depth information on the events I have attended, the legislation I am supporting, and events and resources that I hope will be of use to you and your family.

HB 5004: A Climate & Legislative Priority

I wanted to provide you with an update on HB 5004, "An Act Concerning the Implementation of Certain Climate Change Measures." This bill was subject to a public hearing on March 8 and recently passed out of the Environment Committee 23-11. It now heads to the House Floor for consideration.

The bill, referred to as the 2024 Connecticut Climate Protection Act, is a priority for the House Democratic Caucus.

HB 5004 seeks to respond to the climate crisis by:

Updating the Global Warming Solutions Act to make Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
Creating incentives for businesses that engage in clean economy sectors or employ environmentally sustainable practices;
Developing plans for transitioning to a clean economy, including workforce training and long-term policy implementation;
Supporting nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests.

With this bill, we're saying that sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also the smart, economically competitive thing to do.

Conversations to Support Marginalized Communities

I recently had the honor of joining the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Men for a deeply impactful dialogue about legislative actions that directly shape the lives of marginalized communities.

As we navigate the complexities of our current societal landscape, it is more crucial than ever that we unite around these critical conversations. By sharing insights, ideas, and resources, we can forge a path toward greater equity, justice, and inclusion for all our residents, regardless of background or beliefs.

Veterans Corner: Property Tax Exemption

I'm pleased to share that HB 5491, a bill that would establish a property tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected permanent and total disability rating, has successfully passed out of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. This is a significant victory for our veteran community.

By providing an exemption from property taxes, this bill acknowledges the sacrifices our veterans have made and ensures that those with the most severe service-related disabilities are not unduly burdened financially.

Affordable On-Demand Rides Available This Summer

Get ready for a game-changing transportation update in Stamford! A new on-demand ride service is launching on Monday, July 1, 2024, making it easier and more affordable to get around town.

For just $1.75 per ride (and only 85 cents for qualifying individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and those with lower incomes), you can request rides anytime between 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. in Stamford's West Side, Waterside, Downtown, East Side, and Glenbrook neighborhoods. Plus, you can bring along an extra passenger for just 85 cents more.

Click Here to Learn More

The best part? This service seamlessly integrates with CTtransit and Metro-North, so you can easily connect to other transportation options.

Mobile Food Pantry

Bethel A.M.E Church (150 Fairfield Avenue) is a community hub that offers vital services to those in need. One such service is their mobile food pantry, which is sponsored by Connecticut Foodshare.

This pantry operates every other Friday from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM providing essential groceries to those facing food insecurity. It is conveniently located in the church parking lot, making it easily accessible for those in need of assistance.

Emergency "Go Bag" Giveaway

Be prepared for any emergency with a free “Go Bag” packed with essential supplies! Pick one up on Saturday, April 13th from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Ferguson Library (1 Public Library Plaza) and stay ready for the unexpected.

Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one bag per person. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your safety!

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,