Legislation, Coyote Warning, and Simsbury Budget

May 23, 2023

The House of Representatives has been in session often in the month of May, and we're debating and voting on bills once again today, tomorrow, and Thursday. It's a busy time, but it makes connecting with you all so very important, to hear your thoughts as we work to craft and attempt to pass bills.

I promise to continue to be an independent voice representing the values and priorities of Simsbury and evaluating each proposal on its merits. Please read below to learn about legislation I've passed through the House, the latest on bear legislation, a coyote warning, and a special visitor I met at the Capitol. I've also added a new section this week with upcoming events!

BEAR LEGISLATION

Bears have been on the minds of many people, both in town and at the legislature. As promised before I was elected, one of the first pieces of legislation I introduced this year proposed adopting the Simsbury approach statewide to prohibit actions that are known to feed and habituate dangerous wild animals. That bill was folded into an omnibus “Bear Bill” that came out of the Environmental Committee. Last week, the Senate passed an amended version of a Bear Bill that unfortunately removed the unintentional feeding provisions. This move clearly weakens a critical bear management tool and interferes with our main bear management objective - preventing human-bear conflicts. Now, that bill now comes to the House where any number of amendments will likely be proposed if the bill gets called. Stay tuned!

I also spoke to NBC Connecticut recently about the rising bear population as part of a larger report on how to handle orphaned cubs.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

SUPPORT FOR DEPENDENT SPOUSES

As a family law attorney, one of the topics I have been passionate about and involved in for years behind the scenes at the Capitol, is protecting vulnerable spouses and children. This year, I raised a bill which ultimately became HB 6639which I was so proud to co-sponsor. This bill is important because it builds on Jennifer's Law, which I worked on in 2021.

By requiring the courts to hold hearings in a timely manner for child support and alimony for dependent spouses and parents, financially abusive partners – and their attorneys – won’t be able to game the system. Vulnerable and dependent parties won’t have to give in to inequitable arrangements for the future because they cannot support their children in the present. With up to 45% of single mothers living in poverty in Connecticut (30% in Simsbury), this is one small but important step toward ensuring that children whose parents have the means will receive the support they need and deserve. 

I am so proud to report that this bill received unanimous bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee and again when it passed on the House floor.  It is now on the Senate Calendar awaiting a vote. 

Watch the video below to see my testimony in the House Chamber.

Breaking down the importance of this bill

 

 

COYOTE WARNING

Here in town, please be on the lookout for coyotes. We’ve been hearing their calls and howls since mating season. Their pups are now being born, and their aggression is at its height during this season. While much of the advice you’ll see online will warn you about small pets, coyotes hunt in packs, and they will attack a large dog when they're together. As many of you know, a pack of coyotes attacked my dog Boone in 2019 (which is why he's probably the only bob-tailed Golden Retriever in the neighborhood).

There have been two recent reported coyote attacks on dogs in town. They occurred on the blue and yellow trails in the conservation area between Town Forest Road and Ethel Walker School on the west side of Bushy Hill Road. Those dogs survived with injuries, but sadly two other dogs on Wildwood and Castlewood Roads weren’t as lucky. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is now aware that some of these animals are stalking dogs and is working on the issue again.

Read below to see what you should do if you see a coyote.

MOOSE SIGHTINGS

Residents have reported several moose sightings in Simsbury, which is exciting but potentially dangerous. We must all use extra caution if you see one of those large animals in your neighborhood. Here are some tips to stay safe if you do encounter a moose:

  • Don’t be loud or aggressive
  • Keep your distance
  • Run behind a large tree or go inside a building/car if a moose charges at you

Keep in mind these guidelines are very different from what you should do if you encounter a bear. CLICK HERE for bear safety tips.

TOWN BUDGET APPROVED

Voters approved the proposed government and education spending plans during a budget referendum last week. I was proud to vote despite not being ready for the camera!

The deal includes:

  • $31.68 million for the general government
  • $81.58 million for board of education
  • $17.15 million for spending on a sewer treatment plant, debt service and more

DETAILS ON SIMSBURY BUDGET

ME AND THE KID!

Meet Tatiana the billy goat! This one-month-old cutie stopped by the Capitol last Thursday to feel the love! She was here for New Milford Day where businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders paid us a visit to showcase what their town has to offer the rest of the state! Tatiana was a great reminder to visit our local farms this summer!

COMMUNITY EVENTS