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Dear Neighbor,
With the 2025 Legislative Session over, I'm going to use these updates to highlight a piece of legislation that we passed along with a brief explainer.
I'm starting with a House priority bill, HB5004, 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 legislation 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. |
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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.
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
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.
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The town residents voted overwhelmingly to approve the FY26 budget by a more than 3-to-1 margin, 1,164 to 365.
The budget does the following:
- preserves the quality of the schools;
- expands the fire department;
- improves human services in town;
- increases the investment in repairing town roads.
The budget accomplishes all of these things with a minimal, 1.1% tax increase.
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Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Sunday, June 22. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated. The current forecast calls for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees over this period, with a heat index that could range from between 100 to 105 degrees.
The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.
Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org. |
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With school out, the Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department has a wealth of activities to keep children engaged.
Please click here for this summer's programming. |
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| A huge congratulations to Deborah Bailey, a Mansfield Elementary teacher who retired after 39 years, all in Mansfield! |
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Also congratulations to the following educators who also retired at the end of the school year:
Catherine Hain, Teacher, Mansfield Elementary School
Martha Davis, Teacher, Mansfield Middle School
Annie Perkins, Teacher, Mansfield Middle School
Douglas Perkins, Teacher, Mansfield Middle School
Kim Ruiz, Instructional Coach, Mansfield Middle School
Karen Hunyadi, Speech Pathologist, Mansfield Middle School
Debra Duchesneau, Speech Pathologist, Mansfield Elementary School
Debra Breault, Paraeducator, Mansfield Middle School
Jenny Fortier, Paraeducator, Mansfield Elementary School
Carmen Rivera-Garrett, Paraeducator, Mansfield Elementary School
Peter Dart, Superintendent, Mansfield Public Schools
Please click here for a video of the Board of Education recognizing each educator. |
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Sincerely,
Gregg Haddad
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