Supporting Our Veterans & First Look at New Voting Machines

May 8, 2025



 
 

The legislative session has shifted away from our various committee rooms to the House floor. My colleagues and I are spending much more time in the chamber voting and passing a series of bills. I'll break down how we're holding gun manufacturers responsible and what steps we're taking to support our veterans and their families.

I recently had a look at the state’s new voting machines. I’ll break down how this new technology is a major upgrade and will ensure secure elections.

Eno Memorial Hall, our central hub for meetings and events, is getting a facelift. Please keep scrolling to learn about the planned improvements there.
 
The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company received an generous donation from the community. I'll take a closer look at how the department is using those funds to better protect those who live in our town.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • House Passes Bill Supporting Veterans
  • Strengthening Gun Safety & Accountability
  • A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill
  • New and Improved Voting Machines
  • Eno Memorial Hall Upgrades are Coming
  • Volunteer Firefighters Receive Drone
  • Expect Delays for Tree Removal
  • What Bears Are Up To in May
  • Nominate an Environmental Champion
  • Community Events
 

House Passes Bill Supporting Veterans

On the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the Connecticut Hero Act, which makes important changes to better serve our veterans and their families. Each section addresses different challenges to ensure that our heroes are recognized and supported.

Let's explore how this legislation makes a difference:

"Thank you for your service” isn’t enough. The Connecticut Hero Act is how we turn respect into real action. We stand with our veterans every day.

The Senate still needs to pass the measure before the governor can sign it into law.
 

Strengthening Gun Safety & Accountability

I am pleased we passed House Bill 7042, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms.

This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible. This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.

Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute—a Class C misdemeanor—by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person.

Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety.
 

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

Many of my House colleagues and I voted in favor of HB 5004, to take a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment. The legislation sets clear energy efficiency 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

The Senate still need to pass the measure before the governor can add his signature.
 

New and Improved Voting Machines

As Vice Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, I had the opportunity to get a first look at our brand new voting tabulators at the Office of the Secretary of the State. I’m thrilled to report they are a huge upgrade over our aging machines.

These modern tabulators will help ensure that every vote is counted quickly, accurately, and securely. Here’s how:

  • All software code is written right here in the U.S.
  • The machines are manufactured in the U.S. and never connected to the internet
  • Triple-verification technology: Each vote is backed up in three ways — paper ballots, ticker tape logs, and encrypted USB drives
  • Two-hour battery backup to keep elections running smoothly during power outages
  • Built-in protection for voters: the scanner detects ballot errors and gives voters the chance to fix them before casting their vote

This investment in our democracy supports early voting, faster results, fewer breakdowns, and greater voter confidence. I’m proud to see Connecticut leading the way on secure, accessible elections.
 

In the Community

There were many fun events taking place in our town last weekend!

Let's start at the Simsbury Historical Society where it was an honor to join our Board of Selectmen to deliver the state proclamation honoring Simsbury’s own Major General Noah Phelps. His contributions as a member of the Connecticut militia helped secure a strategic victory at Fort Ticonderoga 250 years ago, propelling our nation toward independence during the Revolutionary War.

I then attended the Simsbury Sustainability Committee's incredible fair at Simsbury Public Library. Organizers talked about net zero housing, pollinators, and so much more. They engaged with adults and kids and provide great expertise. There was so much to learn on a gorgeous day!
 

Eno Memorial Hall Upgrades are Coming

You can expect to see crews making some welcome changes at Eno Memorial Hall on Hopmeadow Street. The Simsbury Zoning Commission unanimously approved a plan to overhaul and improve access to the historic site.
 
Eno's south entrance will become ADA accessible with new sidewalks, walls, and steps. The parking lot will have fewer spaces but less congestion. CLICK HERE to learn more about the planned improvements.
Courtesy: Michael Herrick

Eno Memorial Hall was built in 1932 and is the central hub for Simsbury's meetings and events. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 

Volunteer Firefighters Receive Drone

Our firefighters are equipped to better protect us after purchasing a new drone thanks to a generous donation. Dyno Nobel delivered a $3,000 check to the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company last week. The community is grateful for this amazing partnership!

The drone contains a high-definition camera and thermal imaging that can be used for fires, hazmat incidents, natural disasters, and rescues. The technology will allow our firefighters to know what’s happening in real time from a bird’s eye view, which will be vital when there is smoke or danger on the ground.
 

Expect Delays for Tree Removal

Drivers should expect delays as crews remove dead, diseased, and decaying trees on Route 189 from Elm Street in Tariffville to Tunxis Avenue in Bloomfield. There will be lane closures on that two mile stretch from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 16.

Crews will also remove trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the road. CLICK HERE for more information.
 

What Bears Are Up To in May

You may have spotted a bear or two around town as we enter the month of May. These animals return to areas with reliable sources of food. Mother bears may leave their cubs and travel long distances to gather a meal for the family. In the meantime, her babies are learning how to communicate and climb trees. 
 

CLICK HERE to learn more!
 

Nominate an Environmental Champion

Aquarion Water Company is asking for your help honoring Connecticut’s environmental volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and improve our state’s air, water, soils, and natural habitats. The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards honors the remarkable efforts of Connecticut individuals, businesses, and organizations who go above and beyond for conservation!

Organizers encourage you to nominate an adult, nonprofit, or business to receive a $5,000 grant, which they will donate to an environmental nonprofit of their choice. You can also nominate a high school student for a $1,000 award.

The deadline for nominations is May 9, and Aquarion will celebrate the winners at a special ceremony on June 7 at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.
Submit your nomination here!
 

Community Events
 

An e-bike expert will provide all the essentials at a seminar on Thursday, May 8 starting at 5 p.m. at Mitchell VW. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot!
 

The Simsbury Land Trust is looking for volunteers to remove invasive plants from its properties. You’ll get to learn how to identify and manage invasive plants in your own backyard while helping Simsbury Land Trust remove harmful plants.

Recommended items include bug spray, long pants, loppers, and work gloves.

Plant removal workdays are from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on 5/10, 5/14, 5/17, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/7, 6/11, 6/14, 6/18, 6/21, 6/25, 6/28.

Please email margerywinters@comcast.net if you are interested in attending!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You’re invited to learn more about Juneteenth at the Town of Simsbury’s annual “Celebrate Freedom” event. It will be held on Saturday, June 14 at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. The free event will include black-owned businesses offering delicious food, beer, live music, and the world’s largest LEGO® Black Brick Play Zone! CLICK HERE to learn more.