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Dear Neighbor,
I hosted a post-session town hall discussion with Sen. Ceci Maher at Meadow Ridge in Redding last week, which is always so gratifying.
The folks that show up at these town halls are curious, informed, and engaged about what’s happening on their behalf in the state government and on the federal level.
We need such a fierce public who is paying attention, right in this very moment! |
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Among the things we discussed was the multi-year efforts to finally pass the first-in-nation childcare trust fund to support universal childcare across the state.
We also covered the historic investment in special education that will support students, families, and school districts get special education resources in district and ensuring families are at the table when and where there is a need to out place students with special needs.
We talked about environmental wins -pesticide, PFAS, neonicinoid restrictions and climate change wins, also multiyear efforts with broad coalition building that finally got passed. |
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But we also talked about our failures to meet the moment, including an attempt to provide universal school meals and extending free breakfasts; the failure to address our housing crisis and unaffordability; the failure to even raise Medical Aid in Dying this session.
We did, however, pass another on-time, balanced two-year budget that increases the tax credit for the low income earners with children. |
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Yet all these policy wins for Connecticut pale under the tidal wave that is the deadly federal budget bill that is slogging its way through Congress, looming over CT and the country like some great Grim Reaper that will devastate our safety systems and our economy for generations.
Participants want to know, how would this bill (that I dub the "Billionaire Bonus Bill"), impact us? We tried to answer with what we know now, as two social workers who have spent their careers in human services: the impact is deadly and dangerous.
This federal budget bill will raise health care costs on everyone, will kick at least 86,000 Connecticut residents off of their health coverage, Medicaid; will lead to likely rural hospital closures (possibly Sharon Hospital, Windham Hospital, Day Kimball) that cannot stay afloat with these catastrophic cuts to Medicaid; the potential for 1-in-4 long-term care/nursing homes will close, many struggling group homes for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities will close, all of the low-income after school program and summer school programs have had their funding suspended; and the supplemental nutrition program for children, elderly nutrition program and low income families will be slashed, and rescind all the clean energy tax credits and renewable energy infrastructure projects to give bigger and bigger bonuses to the top wealthiest tax payer tier, supercharge the ICE and Homeland Security budget to continue its kidnapping, building for-profit concentration camps, and deportation activities, all by raising taxes on the middle class, raising our energy costs, and leaving millions hungry and without health care. |
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I did not sleep well watching the slow motion policy disaster unfold in D.C. But I am so proud to represent these constituents of the 135th District.
Many Meadow Ridge residents asked, “Does it matter, that we come to the protests, that we are in the streets waving signs, that we do not want this damage happening to our country?”
I can only answer that it sure does matter to me, that we are not alone, that the antidote to despair is organizing massive public will to demand change, to demand due process, to demand humanity, to demand justice-centered peace during these unauthorized wars, to demand access to healthcare, food, housing and justice for all of us, not just the 1%.
I am so proud to be in the streets, these town halls, and representing you in your state legislature to protect Connecticut residents with fierce determination and even better policies. |
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| Rest in Peace, Woody Bliss |
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I was saddened to hear of the passing of Woody Bliss, who was, as the town of Weston said on its Facebook page, a dedicated public servant, friend, and pillar of the community for over 50 years.
He served as the town's First Selectman, as well as on the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, and the Board of Police Commissioners.
He was also a founding member of the Weston Historical Society, a proud member of Weston Kiwanis, an active member of Norfield Congregational Church, and treasurer of the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center. |
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| Spotlight on Ms. President |
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Congratulations to Redding resident Maddie Theodore, a soon-to-be fifth grader, who was spotlighted by Ms. President US for her bold initiative to combat climate change — by mobilizing kids.
Maddie recently launched her campaign to form a Kids Climate Action Team, rallying peers to learn about environmental issues and take real steps to protect the planet. Backed by Vice President Maddie Czeterko, she’s bringing passion and purpose to the forefront of youth leadership.
Way to go Maddie!
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| Brownfield Public Hearing |
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The town of Redding will host a meeting at the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road, on Thursday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m., seeking public comment on the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) report which will be made available for review at the First Selectwoman’s Office and on the Town Website at https://reddingct.gov/revitalize-georgetown-project/.
This report compares options for cleaning up the brownfield site at the historic Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill located at 20 N. Main St. Public comments can also be received via email at gfiore@reddingct.gov no later than today, July 9. |
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Redding will host its Rock 'n Roots 2025 Music Festival and Fireworks Show at Lonetown Farm on Saturday, July 12, 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.
More information below. |
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Concerts on the Hill at Christ Church in Easton take place on Sundays through July 27.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Music 6 – 8 p.m. $12/adult, $8/senior, kids free.
Food trucks at all events.
Line up:
- 7/13 CT Grateful Dead All Stars,
- 7/20 Birdsey Beers,
- 7/27 Dan Tressler & Friends.
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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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