Clone of Weekly Update March 28th

April 4, 2024


 
View this email in your browser
Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well. We're making solid progress in the 2024 legislative session, which ends on May 8th. There's a lot of work to do. In this newsletter, I'll provide information and updates that I think will be helpful to you. Additionally, I wanted to update you on HB 5174, a bill I am sponsoring to address the homelessness crisis in our state. Tomorrow is Good Friday, and Sunday is Easter. I hope you enjoy both, as well as some NCAA tournament action.

Have a great weekend,
Travis
 
EARLY VOTING UNDERWAY - YOU STILL HAVE TIME
Early voting for the 2024 CT presidential preference primary began on Tuesday. If you haven't done so, you still have time. Please click on the image below for available dates, polling stations, and more.
 
 
HB 5004: A CLIMATE & LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
I am so excited to share my commitment to protecting the environment and working to combat climate change. HB 5004 "An Act Concerning the Implementation of Certain Climate Change Measures," was subject to an Environment Committee public hearing on March 8 and was passed out of the Environment Committee 23-11 last week. It now heads to the House Floor for consideration.
 
The bill, referred to as the 2024 Connecticut Climate Protection Act, is a priority for the House Democratic Caucus.
 
The bill seeks to respond to the climate crisis by:

1) Updating the Global Warming Solutions Act to make Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
2) Creating incentives for businesses that engage in clean economy sectors or employ environmentally sustainable practices;
3) Developing plans for transitioning to a clean economy, including workforce training and long-term policy implementation;
4) Supporting nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests.

With this bill, we're saying that sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also the smart, economically competitive thing to do. 
 
REMINDER: HELP AVAILABLE WITH UNPAID UTILITY BALANCES
Those with financial hardships or medical issues due to a serious illness have not been eligible for termination due to nonpayment since March 2020, which stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, and a longstanding statutory moratorium that annually safeguards Connecticut residents from winter shut-offs from November 1 to May 1.   

If you get one of these notices, my office can work with you to help contact utility companies directly to set up a payment plan to avoid service disruption. These plans charge no interest, and all customers qualify at least once for one or more of the plans. Please see the graphics below for contact information for the utility companies and the available payment plan options for eligible customers.
After connecting with utility companies, customers may additionally contact PURA’s customer affairs unit for specific questions regarding payment arrangements. As a reminder, utility companies will never call threatening to shut off power and demanding immediate payment. Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or feedback.
 
SPONSORING HB5174
I am one of the sponsors of HB 5174, AN ACT CONCERNING TEMPORARY SHELTER UNITS FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS LOCATED ON REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS and fully support the bill as a way to deal with homelessness in our state. Of course, the bill has been met with resistance. Still, it's moving to the House floor! Please click on the image below to read a good article on what's happening with HB5174.
 
GO HUSKIES!
Husky pride is in full swing! #SweetSixteen.
 
VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY IS FRIDAY
We honor the brave Vietnam War veterans of Connecticut and across the nation who served with valor and sacrificed for our freedom. Their courage and resilience will never be forgotten.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice! 
 

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences