High Marks on the CTLCV Scorecard

July 25, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about a festival in West Haven, maternal health legislation, and more!

CTLCV Scorecard

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released their annual Environmental Scorecard for the 2025 session. The scorecard gives state legislators a score based on their support of environmental priorities each year. I received a grade of 90% - this is a great honor, and I will continue to fight to protect the environment for the foreseeable future.

Click here to check out the scorecard.

Maternal Health Bills Signed into Law

Supporting maternal health doesn't begin in the delivery room.

It starts with access to care, education, and resources, long before pregnancy.

Connecticut committed to providing access to maternal health services during the 2025 legislative session with the passage of HB7102, An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care, and HB 7214, An Act Concerning Maternal Health.

Both pieces of legislation were signed into law this week.

HB7102 requires the state to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in parts of the state with high percentages of Medicaid recipients and limited access to these facilities.

The bill also expands perinatal mental health services and strengthens family support, including programs that aid fathers in supporting maternal health.

HB7214 enhances hospital transparency and accountability in maternal care by establishing a task force to assess the availability of perinatal mental health care services and identify care gaps. It also calls for an advisory committee to study doula-friendly practices in hospitals.

HB7102 and HB7214 affirm Connecticut's dedication to ensuring safe, high-quality care, regardless of race, income, or zip code.

2025 Savin Rock Festival

The 2025 Savin Rock Festival will be held this weekend. There will be great food, crafts for all ages, live music and more!

Click here for more information.

Press Conference Concerning Hydrilla in the Connecticut River

Last week, I joined Senator Blumenthal, State Senator Needleman, State Rep. LaMark-Muir, DEEP, and local environmental advocates to share accurate information about the fight against Hydrilla in the Connecticut River.

Like many of you, I don’t take lightly the idea of introducing chemicals into our waterways. But Diquat is currently the only effective method we have to stop this fast-growing invasive species before it completely chokes out the river we all love.

I know it’s concerning to hear that a chemical treatment will be used in a place where families swim and fish—but allowing Hydrilla to take over would cause even greater long-term harm. This is about protecting the health of the river now so that it stays safe and accessible for generations to come.

ICYMI - Public Information Meeting on the Replacement of Bridge in West Haven

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning the replacement of a bridge carrying U.S. Route 1 over West River in New Haven and West Haven on July 30 at 6:00 p.m.

The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOTWestHaven0156-0185.