New Laws, More Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming, and Protecting Our Ocean

June 29, 2023


Friends, Neighbors, and Colleagues, 

Below you will learn more about the new laws taking effect on July 1, a significant expansion of electric vehicle chargers in Stamford, a new customer experience action plan to improve public transit, and a documentary examining the global fishing industry.

You can click on any of these links to jump to that section of the email:
                       

                      NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY 1
                      A number of new laws, that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state, will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.

                      EARLY VOTING

                      Connecticut was one the few states in the country that did not allow early voting that provides voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, seven days of early voting for most primaries, and four days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries.

                      VOTING RIGHTS ACT

                      Our state has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This new law prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court.

                      DEBT-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY CHANGES

                      The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college. Awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months, thus allowing returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

                      BABY BONDS

                      Under the law, $3,200 would be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program. Those investments would grow over time and recipients could access that money between the ages of 18-30.

                      ENDOMETRIOSIS DATA AND BIOREPOSITORY PROGRAM

                      Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed condition when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.

                      MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

                      Certain public agencies will start providing free menstrual products including public colleges and universities, homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid.
                      All New Laws Starting on July 1
                      Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue expressing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
                       

                      ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION EXPANSION
                      Governor Ned Lamont’s Administration is releasing more than $6 million from the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal settlement to fund 54 electric vehicle supply equipment projects across Connecticut. Crews will be installing 38 of them in Stamford!
                      Here is a breakdown on the new charging stations:
                      • The City of Stamford is installing 20 dual-port, Level 2 chargers and two dual-port DC fast chargers at the Stamford Government Center on Washington Boulevard.
                      • LAZ Parking is installing 12 single-port Level 2 chargers at its parking garages at 1 Station Place, 23 Station Place, and the STC Garage on Washington Boulevard.
                      • Volvo Car USA is installing four 80 kW single-port DCFC chargers on outdoor pedestals at the Starbucks on West Avenue.

                      The state’s ultimate goal is to encourage more drivers to buy and use electric vehicles.
                      Other Future Charging Station Locations in CT
                       

                      BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY INVESTMENT
                      Connecticut is receiving $144 million in federal funding to support ongoing efforts in deploying affordable, reliable high-speed internet service across the state. I hope the money will be used to help those with a lack of internet access by plugging fiber-optic lines directly into those people’s homes.
                       
                      I encourage the Federal Communications Commission to continue analyzing the science behind 5G and its potential environmental and public health impacts.
                       

                      PLAN TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSIT
                      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has unveiled its first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan. It outlines programs, policies, and investments to improve bus and rail services for all of Connecticut.
                      Entire CX Action Plan
                      The CX Action Plan will be updated every three to five years to reflect evolving customer needs and priorities with yearly progress reports from CTDOT on the status of priority actions.

                      The CX Team will be holding pop-up events over the next few months at bus stops and transit hubs, rail stations and community events to get the word out about the Action Plan.
                       

                      E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
                      Just in time for your summer adventures!

                      Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched an e-Bike incentive program where Connecticut residents can get a rebate on their purchase! 

                      An additional $1,000 voucher will also be available to Connecticut residents that meet any of the following criteria:

                      Must reside in an Environmental Justice (EJ) community or distressed municipality.

                      Participate in a state or federal income qualifying program.

                      Have an income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

                      CLICK HERE for more information.
                       
                      We need to continue to raise awareness about the harmful actions affecting the Ocean and promote positive change to ensure its long-term health. The documentary “Seaspiracy” on Netflix documents how bottom trawling, ghost fishing gear, and other fishing methods are bringing the Ocean to the threshold of collapse. Please check out the trailer below before watching the entire movie.
                      Official trailer for Netflix documentary "Seaspiracy"