Updates from State Rep. Nick Gauthier for May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025


 

Last week, 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.

The House also passed several other important measures this week over the course of three sessions. Those bills include the following:

  • HB 7402 allows for lawsuits against manufacturers or gun dealers who market or sell firearms to anyone who is likely to commit violence with that firearm. It now heads to the Senate.
  • HB 6442, The Connecticut Hero Act, contains numerous measures honoring veterans, 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.
  • HB 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS helps address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
  • HB 7102 develops 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.
 

Award Luncheon

The new date for the Jody Nazarchyk Award Luncheon in Waterford is May 20 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Register by May 16.
 

Adopt a Mile

Waterford Police Officers and Waterford HS Unified Athletes will be running to raise awareness for the CT Special Olympics on June 4.  All proceeds go directly to the CT Special Olympics.

Adopting a Mile is mainly for businesses and organizations to donate, but families are welcome to donate as well. Please see the graphic below for details.
 

Life Line Screening

On May 16, Life Line Screening will be on hand to screen for carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, abdominal aortic aneurysm and hypertension. You must scheduled an appointment ahead of time. There are four options to choose from:

  • Text: "circle" to 216-279-1607
  • Online: llsa.social/hsca
  • call: 888-814-0466
  • QR code: scan on attached flyer

$159 for screenings. Details on the flyer below.
 
 

Montville Public Hearing

The Montville Town Council will hold a public hearing at Montville Town Hall, Council Chambers, 310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, on May 6 at 6:30 p.m., on proposed revisions to the existing water rate schedule. At this hearing, all consumers of water, property owners serviced by the Montville Water Department and other interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard, and written communications relative to the above will be received and considered.
 

The Friends of Harkness Plant Sale

On Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carriage House Courtyard at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Held rain or shine, this annual sale supports the park and offers a great selection of plants just in time for spring planting. Come early for the best picks!
 

Thames River Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

The Thames River Garden Club will host its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waterford Community Center. The sale will feature herbs, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, shrubs, trees, and special Mother’s Day items.
Additional highlights include a White Elephant table, bake sale, kid’s workshop, and a Master Gardeners table offering expert advice. Credit cards, Venmo, cash, and checks will be accepted.
 

Community and State Meetings

WATERFORD:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the Waterford Public Library. 

Click here for SEC-TV Waterford Community Television. 
MONTVILLE:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Raymond Library. 


STATE:

A full calendar of upcoming events and meetings happening at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building is available on the General Assembly website.
 
Connecticut Is Hiring!
 
Looking for a job? The state is hiring. Click here for job openings with the executive, judicial and legislative branches, as well as state colleges and universities. 
 
DEEP Annual Hiking Challenge

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s yearly Hiking and Walking Challenge is underway, with participants encouraged to explore up to 15 trails and locations across the state; those who complete at least 10 of those locations will receive a hiking staff medallion and certificate, while those who complete all 15 will be entered into a drawing to receive a hand-carved hiking stick. Click here to see the list and get out there to enjoy the spring weather
 

Sincerely,

Nick Gauthier, MPA
38th District -- Waterford, Montville

Website
Website

Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences