Josh Elliott

 

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence marked a bold assertion of liberty and self-governance—breaking from a monarchy that many colonists viewed as oppressive. Now, 249 years later, that foundational promise still demands our attention and effort. The ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were never guarantees—they were goals.

Upholding them means holding ourselves and our leaders accountable. It means pushing for justice, equity, and democratic values in our communities. The work of freedom didn’t end in 1776—it began.

I wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Last week, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law legislation (Public Act 25-61) modifying the state’s Fallen Officer Fund, which was created last year and provides survivor benefits to the families of fallen police officers, by expanding its availability to include the families of all first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics, and correspondingly renames it the Fallen Hero Fund. This legislation went into effect on July 1.

The legislation also modifies state law to allow the surviving family members of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who were covered by that first responder’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years, similar to existing state law concerning fallen police officers.

Established in May 2024 through legislation signed by Governor Lamont, the Fallen Officer Fund provides a lump sum, non-taxable payment of $100,000 to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of any Connecticut state or local police officer killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death. That 2024 legislation also created a law allowing the surviving family members of police officers killed in the line of duty who were covered by that officer’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years.

Governor Lamont took action to protect Connecticut's environment by signing major climate legislation into law on Tuesday. These two key environmental bills address climate change and environmental protection.
 

House Bill 5004 (Public Act 25-125): 

• Establishes a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for Connecticut by 2050, with a new interim target for 2040
• Includes incentives for solar canopies and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
• Supports the growth of the green economy through workforce development and sustainable business incentives
• Requires studies on heat pumps, solar canopies, nature-based solutions, and renter access to state energy efficiency plans

Senate Bill 9 (Public Act 25-33): 

• Strengthens state and local planning for flood and other climate-related emergencies
• Focuses on making infrastructure like bridges and roads better able to withstand severe weather
• Requires insurance companies to inform homeowners about flood coverage and provides resources for communities to invest in climate resilience planning and project development
• Includes tougher restrictions on certain rodent poisons and neonicotinoid pesticides

These bills are seen as significant steps towards addressing climate change and protecting Connecticut's environment, particularly in light of actions by the federal government that environmentalists believe hinder climate progress.

I’m proud to stand with colleagues and advocates who fought for a cleaner, fairer future. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and our kids.