Legislative & Local Updates for the 149th District for the Week Ending March 10, 2023

March 13, 2023

We started the week in Government Administration and Elections with public hearings on bills regarding the state candy, state food, and state dog. We do have some fantastic pizza in this state.

You can catch up with additional legislative updates and local updates below. Don't forget to "spring ahead" before you go to bed Saturday night!
 
I hope you have a great weekend,

Rachel
 
Child Care for Growth

On Wednesday, I was honored to participate at a Morning Without Child Care Rally hosted by Children’s Learning Centers in Stamford. We joined other rallies throughout the state to demand more investment in early childcare and early childhood education. Watch my speech below:
A morning without child care, Stamford CT, March 8.

Investing in childcare yields all-around dividends by:

  • Creating jobs in child care; 
  • Freeing women up to enter the workforce, help grow our economy, and provide for their families;
  • Long-term benefits for children’s academic success.

It is past time to stop thinking of investing in childcare as optional. Not only is it a necessity for our children and caregivers, but also a necessity for our economy, where we still have more than 100,000 unfilled jobs.
 
Coffee with Khanna Saturday in Stamford
Join me for coffee and conversation on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Rye Ridge Deli, 1087 High Ridge Road in Stamford. 
 
Addressing Byram River Flooding

Flooding of the Byram River has been an ongoing problem, worsened by the severe storms we’ve been witnessing.

In 2021, Congressman Himes secured funding for the replacement of two bridges along the Post Road to address the problem of flooding. I will be meeting with his office, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, to get an update and will share that with you.

FEMA has been offering grants through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Both are reimbursement-based programs where the federal government generally covers 75 percent of the mitigation project and the property owner is responsible for the remaining 25 percent. Properties that have suffered repeated losses due to flooding may be eligible for a higher reimbursement percentage.

Visit the Western Connecticut Council of Government’s website for more information and or assistance in applying for flood grants and read official FEMA resources.

The Town of Greenwich has publicly shared plans to put federal dollars given to it through the American Rescue Plan Act to address drainage issues in Pemberwick Park.
 
Improving Trails and Bike Paths

Good news for those in our community who enjoy hiking and biking! A bill to authorize state bonding for the expansion of recreational trails passed out of the Environment Committee. The bonding resolution provides more financing options for municipalities wishing to expand or improve their greenways, bikeways, and recreational trails. With so many people rediscovering the outdoors since the start of COVID, if passed, this bill will help us maintain those trails. To learn more about the bill click HERE.
 
Affordable Housing Requirement Legislation Passes Out of Housing Committee

I’m pleased to report that this week a bill to help us reach our affordable housing requirements has passed out of the Housing Committee. HB6777 would offer tax abatements for senior citizens who voluntarily deed restrict certain properties and would allow municipalities to count these properties toward our 10% affordable housing requirement. Once we reach that 10% of affordable housing, we are no longer subject to Section 8-30g building applications. Section 8-30g gives building developers the right to bypass local zoning rules as long as they set aside 30% of their construction as affordable housing. This bill is now headed to the Legislative Commissioner’s Office.

I thank those of you who have emailed me regarding housing bills. I am not on that Committee but will vigilantly watch for those bills as they come out of the Housing Committee. 
 
Supporting Residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
It is an honor to stand with my colleagues in support of HB 5001: An Act Concerning Resources and Support Services for Persons with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability. There is much work to do to address the needs of people in the IDD community and this is a great step forward.
 
Bringing the House to Stamford
On March 9, I joined my colleague Rep. Matt Blumenthal for a legislative update at Westhill High School. We had a good turnout, with a lively discussion with residents of Stamford. We reported on our committee work and engaged with members of the public on a variety of topics including early voting, sound barriers along I-95, and bikeways. Thank you to everyone who came and participated!
 
Public Hearings for the Week of March 13
 
Governor, DOT Launch New Campaign Against Wrong-Way Driving
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is launching a new public awareness campaign on the dangers of wrong-way driving as part of the state’s larger strategy of reversing the catastrophic recent increase in wrong-way crashes and deaths. The campaign’s theme of “One Wrong Move” demonstrates how just one moment and one decision can be fatal. It features spots distributed through a variety of media outlets such as television, radio, digital, and billboards.
 
Wrong-way driving crashes in Connecticut tripled in 2022. This includes 13 wrong-way crashes that resulted in 23 deaths, compared to 4 wrong-way crashes in 2021 and 2 in 2020. Studies have shown that wrong-way driving crashes are 100 times more likely to be fatal than other types of crashes.
 
Read the full press release HERE.
New campaign to increase awareness of wrong-way driving. 
 
Registration Now Open
 
Spring Forward!

The bad news: we lose an hour of sleep this weekend. The good news: Spring is almost here! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to sleep Saturday night.
 
America 250 Listening Sessions

Last year, the America 250 | CT Commission was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which will take place in 2026. The Commission is tasked with creating an inclusive and engaging commemoration where Connecticut’s residents can appreciate history's relevance and understand the diverse people of the past that all contributed to the American story.

You can play a significant role in the commemoration as the America 250 | CT Commission wants to hear from you! If you have ideas on what you would like to see from the event, please consider providing your input.