Anne Hughes

Updates for State Rep. Anne Hughes for Aug. 7, 2025

On Monday, we gathered at the Capitol to hold a press conference on the illegal executive order from President Trump further criminalizing the homeless. As a reminder, fewer than 30% of the homeless in Connecticut have mental health issues. Further, people with mental health issues are many times more likely to be victims of violent crime than they are to perpetrate a crime. Fewer than 30% of the homeless in Connecticut have a substance abuse disorder -- they deserve and need treatment and not incarceration. The stories we heard from my fellow legislators and advocates illustrated that any of us could be one giant stack of medical bills ... one significant job loss ... one massive rent hike when you’re on a fixed income away from being without a home. Does that sound like a reason to arrest someone? Because they don’t have a roof over their head? Because they are sleeping in their car? Because they pitched a tent in the woods? We have truly lost our moral center if at the same time we are criminalizing the unhoused, we are also taking away the funds and supportive housing resources that we know work to address housing availability and affordability. It’s time we go into special session: pass a stronger version of Housing Bill HB5002; fully fund the cold weather response system at $5 million for FY ‘26; and pass our bill to decriminalize the homeless (with the input of law enforcement) fully in Connecticut. National Caucus of Environmental Legislators I had a busy week of attending events to address pivotal issues we're facing right now. I learned so much at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in Boston this week about building more housing, incorporating resilience and sustainability, supporting biodiversity, and meeting with environmental champion lawmakers across the country, along with the best policy expertise to address the challenges ahead. Public Benefits Charge Reduction With the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding last week, the state will see public benefits charges on electric bills drop for the next several months, allowing much-needed financial relief for consumers. Connecticut will commit $155 million in state bond funding to pay down public benefits charges in each of the next two years. The changes are expected to deliver a $10/month reduction on bills from September to spring 2026, with similar savings from fall 2026 to spring 2027. This is expected to build on a 25% reduction in public benefits charges approved by PURA in May 2025 and 13% and 14% respective reductions in supply rates effective for Eversource and United Illuminating customers that went into effect this month. Solar Siting Tool A reminder that the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) launched in May and is available online on the CREST Viewer webpage: CREST Online Application. The CREST tool was developed with advice from more than 20 organizations and enables a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable solar projects.   A webpage for the CREST Viewer and additional resources can be found here. Scam Alert in Weston Please see the announcement below from the Weston Police Department. Easton Farm Tour The 16th annual Easton Farm Tour takes place Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Citizens for Easton. Participants must first pick up a map at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavilion. 9/11 'Never Forget' Exhibit in Easton The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute's 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will be at the Easton Congregational Church, 290 Center Road, on Friday, Aug. 8, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 9 from noon to 5:30 p.m.  The exhibit is a tribute to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. This is a free event brought to Connecticut by the Staples Academy Foundation and its community partners.  Timed tickets for entry are available online HERE. Parking is limited; free shuttle buses will be provided. There is free parking at the Easton Senior Center and Samuel Staples Elementary School. Arrive early for your scheduled visit time. Redding Concert Series The “Concerts on the Green” series continues at the Redding Town Green on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. with jazz performer David Brandom. 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 Website Email Facebook Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences