Bills We Passed in Session this Week

welander
April 22, 2022
The House met for session three days this week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. During the session, we passed a number of important pieces of legislation that address issues like: combating the opioid crisis, student food insecurity, first responder mental health and senior protections, to name just a few. 

I want to make sure I am keeping you all posted about our progress throughout session, so I have compiled information on all the bills we have passed out of the House this week.

To read more on our work, please click the buttons below:
April 19 Session Highlights
April 20 Session Highlights
April 21 Session Highlights
 
Earth Day
While we are working on strict deadlines throughout this short session, my colleagues and I have remained committed to addressing a number of environmental concerns. As we head into the Earth Day weekend, I encourage you to take a look below at some of the bills before the General Assembly this session that would invest in Connecticut's environment and economy.
HB 5327, An Act Concerning Energy Storage Systems And Electric Distribution System Reliability: HB 5327 passed 141-0 in the House last week, and it helps build out the in-state energy storage industry and encourage future investments, greatly benefitting Connecticut ratepayers. Eversource and United Illuminating will maximize the value of any completed energy storage system through its participation in wholesale electricity and capacity markets. Any net revenues from such participation will be credited to ratepayers to offset the cost of the completed system.

SB 4, An Act Concerning The Connecticut Clean Air Act: 

SB 4 would expand the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) and make electric bikes eligible for CHEAPR rebates. It would also require state and regional organizations to mitigate the carbon emissions impact of new projects with carbon-reducing projects, including installing electric vehicle charging stations, bikeways and multi-use paths and improving public transit. 

SB 10, An Act Concerning Climate Change Mitigation: 

SB 10 cements a commitment for Connecticut to transition to a zero-carbon electricity supply by 2040. Clean, zero-carbon electricity is the future of the economy. SB10 offers planning, policies and funding foundations to achieve this goal. Additionally, it would provide businesses with needed certainty for long-term planning and help bring good-paying clean energy jobs to Connecticut.
SB 214, An Act Concerning The Sale Of Electric Vehicles In The State: 38% of Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions emanate from the transportation sector. Increasing the use of electric vehicles is an important step in decreasing emissions and improving air quality. The proposal included in SB 214  would allow electric vehicle manufacturers like Telsa to conduct direct-to-consumer sales, a practice I still have concerns about as I recognize the need and importance of having direct access to support after a purchase as large as a new vehicle. I appreciate the constituent feedback I have received so far on this matter and will continue to look into the details surrounding it.
 
Earth Day in Woodbridge
Woodbridge will host a reduce, reuse, recycle event TOMORROW, April 23, to celebrate Earth Day! Residents are invited to bring recyclable and reusable items to the Library Lawn  from 10AM -1PM and participate in any of the numerous events taking place. including the annual tag sale.

I hope you will come down to participate. If you would like to learn more about the event, please click here.
 
Bipartisan Kickball
Two weeks ago, I participated in the first-ever CGA Kickball Classic, featuring Democrats vs. Republicans in the spirit of bipartisanship.

While the Republicans did take home the trophy at the end of the game, I was thrilled to participate in such a great event for an even greater cause. All proceeds from the game were donated to Connecticut Foodshare. If you would like to continue donating to Connecticut Foodshare, you can do so here.
 
Valley Literacy Program
The Valley Literacy Program has recently opened their Valley office in Derby and needs volunteers to help adults increase their reading, writing, and English-speaking skills.

Tutors must be 18 years or older, and no prior teaching experience is necessary – we train you!

The next training for new tutors starts in May 2022.

If you are interested in being a literacy tutor, please click here to fill out an application.

​For more information, please call Corinne Fucci, Valley Regional Literacy Coordinator, at (203) 551‑9831.
 
Manufacturing Career Fair
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce will host their 4th annual Manufacturing Career Fair on Wednesday, May 18 from 12:30PM - 4:30PM at the Oakdale Theatre.

The event is FREE and open to the public, so if you are interested in a manufacturing job, I encourage you to head down and meet potential employers.

For more information about the event, just click the image below.
 
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Gala
Every year, Southern Connecticut State University's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Organization, hosts an annual gala as a fundraiser for their “Child of the Year” who is battling pediatric cancer. This year, their gala will be a hybrid event, with both an in-person gala at Engleman Hall for approximately 100 people, and a live-stream on April 29 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM.

This year's “Child of the Year” is Adrianna. Adrianna is a Plainville first grader who attends Louis Toffolon Elementary School. She was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on March 8th, 2021, in the midst of the global pandemic. Battling cancer during a pandemic is extremely lonely, as there are no visitors in the hospital, only Mom and Dad. There are no visitors, no support staff, and everyone is isolated. Adrianna has completed a year of chemotherapy and has 16 months of treatment left.

There are a few different ways to support Adrianna, please click the links below to learn more.
Ticket Link
Donation Link
 
Derby Drug Takeback
There will be a Medication Take Back Day at Derby High School on Saturday, April 30, from 10AM - 1PM sponsored by the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Derby Police Department.

Bring all your unwanted or expired medication to be properly disposed of, just check the flier below to see what will and will not be accepted.
 
Orange Drug Takeback
The Orange Police Department is partnering with Partners for Prevention and will be hosting the DEA Drug Take Back event at High Plains Community Center at 525 Orange Center Road, on Saturday, April 30, from 10AM - 2PM.
 
Something different has been added to this year’s Take Back event, Pharmacists from the CT Pharmacists Association will be available to answer any questions in regards to prescription medications.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.