Updates from State Rep. Larry Butler for May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025



 

 

This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

I proudly cast my vote in favor of the measure and explained why in the video below.
 
 

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The time is now to pass impactful legislation to counter the effects of climate change.

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.

The House also passed a number of bills during three session days last week, including the following:

  • House Bill 7081: An Act Concerning Licensure Portability for Marriage and Family Therapists to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
  • House Bill 7102:  An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health.
  • House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act which acts to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to file suit.
  • House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act, which will better serve our veterans and military personnel in various ways, including naming November as Veterans Month, creating new commemorative license plates, honoring women and Puerto Rican veterans, and making it easier for military families to transfer schools (see the graphic below).
 

Earth Day Cleanup

The citywide Earth Day cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Brass Mill Center, in the former Sears Automotive parking lot, for gloves, bags and water. 

Let's clean up city neighborhoods.
 

Food Drive

On Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the front steps of Waterbury City Hall (235 Grand Street) please join me and my legislative colleagues in collecting food to benefit the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen & Pantry.  Some of the food staples needed are rice, pasts, cooking oil, and instant mashed potatoes.
 

As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Larry B. Butler

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