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Dear Neighbor,
I was a signatory to a letter co-signed by local and elected leaders from around the country to Congressional leaders expressing our strong opposition to any efforts to limit state, county and municipal authority to regulate pesticides.
We urged Congress to ensure that state, county, and local governments retain the right to protect their communities by setting their own pesticide regulations.
Local autonomy is under attack as Congress considers the Farm Bill and other legislation related to agriculture.
This federal overreach isn't just in the agricultural arena. Legislation is also being considered to limit states' ability to regulate artificial intelligence for 10 years.
The relevant portion of the letter can be read below:
As Congress considers legislation related to agriculture, including the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, we urge you to ensure that state, county, and local governments retain the right to protect their communities and set policies that best suit our local needs. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) establishes the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to oversee the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States.
Congress has long considered FIFRA to set a federal floor for pesticide policy, and under FIFRA, state, county, and local governments possess authority to enact supplementary standards. Hundreds of towns and cities have adopted laws and ordinances related to pesticide safety. These include laws to restrict pesticide use near schools, parks, and playgrounds, protect drinking water supplies and wildlife, provide consumers with adequate information to make informed decisions about use and exposure, and equip workers with information and tools to minimize occupational risk.
The Supreme Court has ruled that democratically elected local governments hold the power to address the specific needs of their communities. State and local governments are often best positioned to respond quickly to emerging risks within our communities, and proposals to weaken our ability to respond could have a significant impact on public safety. These efforts to limit states from enacting and enforcing supplemental requirements for warnings or other information would deprive consumers of vital information in the public interest. Efforts at the state level include additional language warning requirements and information related to antidotes in the case of injury or accident.
As Congress continues its work in the 119th Congress, we urge you to reject any harmful pesticide policy riders that would diminish local authority. Thank you for your consideration of this request. |
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| End of Session Wrap Up at Meadowridge |
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The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg)’s Animal Population Control Program (APCP) will accept applications for its Feral Cat Program starting July 1. This initiative provides grants to Connecticut nonprofit rescue groups to spay and neuter feral cats using participating licensed veterinarians. Applications will be available online by June 30 and must be submitted via email or mail by Aug. 1. Faxed applications will not be accepted.
Eligible organizations must be registered non-profits working with feral cats—defined as unowned, wild or semi-wild cats (Felis catus). Procedures must be done by veterinarians enrolled in the APCP, and grantees must complete a Feral Cat Grant Outcome Report. A directory of participating veterinary providers is available online.
The program aims to reduce feral cat overpopulation, control the spread of diseases like rabies, and lessen the burden on local municipalities. Since 2007, the APCP has maintained a 98% compliance rate in sterilization and vaccination reporting through CT non-profits. Each voucher offers $80 for neutering a male cat and $120 for spaying a female cat, plus up to $30 in vaccination reimbursements when performed during sterilization.
Funded in part by sales of “Caring for Pets” license plates, the APCP encourages Connecticut motorists to support animal welfare through plate purchases during vehicle registration.
For questions, contact agr.apcp@ct.gov or call 860-713-2507. More information on APCP programs is available at www.CTGrown.gov.
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Weston
Weston will be holding its annual Family 4th of July Celebration at Weston Middle School on Friday, July 4. The event will feature food trucks, music, entertainment, and fireworks. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the fireworks display is scheduled for around 9:20 p.m.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
- Location: Weston Middle School Field
- Activities: Food trucks, live music, entertainment, and fireworks
- Cost: $20 per car for parking and admission, $5 for walk-ins, free for children under 5
- Tickets: Cash only at the gate. Priority parking is available for purchase in advance.
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Redding
Redding will host its Rock 'n Roots 2025 Music Festival and Fireworks Show at Lonetown Farm on Saturday, July12, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Tickets, which can be purchased here, are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 13 to 18, and free for 12 and under. |
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To ensure pet safety during fireworks, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping pets indoors, creating a safe and comfortable space, providing distractions and considering using calming aids.
Always ensure pets have proper identification, like microchips, in case they get spooked and run away.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Create a Safe Space:
- Familiar Items:
Include familiar toys, blankets, and bedding in the safe space to provide comfort and a sense of security.
- Indoor Confinement:
Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and visual stimulation.
- Safe Haven:
Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat. This could be a crate, a corner with their bed, or a room with minimal windows.
Provide Distractions and Comfort:
- Calming Music/TV: Play calming music, white noise, or turn on the TV to help mask the loud sounds of fireworks.
- Treats and Toys: Offer puzzle toys or chew toys to keep your pet occupied and distracted.
- Physical Comfort: Cuddle, pet, and talk to your pet in a calm, soothing voice to reassure them.
Safety Measures:
- Walks Earlier:
Take dogs for walks earlier in the day before the fireworks start, as some pets may be too frightened to go out later.
- Secure Identification:
Ensure pets have proper ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date information. This is crucial if they happen to escape.
- Avoid Fireworks:
Keep pets away from fireworks, sparklers, and any open flames. Pets may try to sniff or eat them, leading to injury or burns.
Consider Calming Aids:
- Anxiety Wraps: consider using a compression shirt like a ThunderShirt or a swaddling blanket to help reduce anxiety.
- Pheromone Diffusers/Sprays: Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can help reduce anxiety by mimicking calming pheromones.
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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