Updates for State Rep. Anne Hughes for July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025



 

 

Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is in effect through Friday, July 18. Please take all necessary precautions and check in on neighbors who may need assistance.

Also, stay prepared with these tips and resources.
 

Advocating for 9/11 First Responders, EMTs

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and I met with Easton resident Vincent Caprio about advocating for EMTs and the first responders who responded to 9/11 attacks, and the impacted 9/11 health fund survivors. We were both surprised to learn that Connecticut has the 4th largest population of impacted 9/11 EMTs and First Responder survivors, over 1,500 Connecticut residents, many of whom are suffering with respiratory illnesses and related cancers.

Caprio is a 9/11 first responder and survivor who advocates on behalf of those who responded to help at Ground Zero, who have since been diagnosed with  cancer and respiratory disease. Many First Responders and EMTs weren't diagnosed with these chronic illnesses until 15 to 20 years after 9/11.

About 110,000 people are enrolled in the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program, which was set up to provide medical monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions. The issue, however, is the persistence required to obtain the proper certifications to qualify for the program, which creates a sometimes insurmountable barrier for life-saving treatments. Now survivors are contending with the threat of the federal budget cuts to the program, which is already due to run out of funding by 2027. We are working with our state and federal partners to address the funding and support certification and access to healthcare for all of these survivors of 9/11.

We do NOT forget their service.
 

Open Space Grant for Easton

Great news for Easton, which received a $182,250 state grant for the 3.57-acre Poindexter Preserve addition on Judd Road. The grant is part of $14.3 million in state funding to aid in the purchase and protection of more than 2,270 acres of open space through 25 properties in 22 towns and cities across Connecticut. Additionally, $725,353 is being awarded to support the creation of six new community green spaces.

The funds are being provided through the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG), both of which are administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
 

Veterans Benefits Luncheon

A veterans benefits luncheon is being held on Thursday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westport VFW, 465 Riverside Ave.

More details below.
 

CHRO Symposium on Immigration

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is hosting its free Annual CHRO Symposium on Wednesday, July 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. This year’s theme, “Borders & Beyond: Immigration, Displacement, and Justice,” will explore immigration issues in Connecticut and beyond. It will include a panel featuring state Rep. Geraldo Reyes, immigration attorney Dana Bucin, Emanuela Palmares (New American Dream Foundation), Laura Silva (Center for Family Justice), a UConn Health representative, CHRO Deputy Director Cheryl Sharp, and Maggie Mitchell-Salem (IRIS). 

The symposium will be held in a hybrid format at the Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Ave Hearing Room 2E, Hartford, CT) and online via Microsoft Teams. Light refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees.

If you cannot participate on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and would like to call in to listen, please contact jonathan.skyes@ct.gov after filling out this form for the phone number to call. 

If you need an accommodation pursuant to a disability to attend the talk, please contact kellye.hudson@ct.gov for assistance. 
 

Animal Shelter Fundraiser

A fundraiser for the Easton Animal Shelter is being held on Saturday, July 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rolling Rock Stable, 9 Rock House Road, Easton. Guest speaker Julianne Roshan Dow will explain the art of Jin Shin Jytstu wellness techniques to help restore balance, relieve stress, and build confidence in your body and those of your pets. Tickets are $40.

Contact Carly Hanson at rollingrockstable20@gmail.com or at 203-858-8665. Venmo to secure registration @carly-hanson-2 or pay day of with cash
 

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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