John-Michael Parker

I wanted to share some good news for Durham residents! Durham was recently awarded a $2,200 grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Enhancement Grant to create a Durham Farm Map.

The Durham Farm Map will collect information highlighting farms/agricultural property throughout the town, along with photos, social media content, links to websites, and more. The goal of the farm map is to highlight Durham as an inclusive and active farming location, inspire and encourage new farmers to locate their work in Durham, raise awareness for Durham’s Agritourism spaces, and preserve these farming spaces.

Durham has a beautiful farming community, and the Durham Farm Map will consolidate information on all of these spaces into one accessible location, showing the next generation of farmers what this town has to offer and what makes Durham such a hidden gem in Connecticut!

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, rest, and celebration. As your legislator, it is an honor to represent you, and I am thankful every day for the opportunity to serve our community. May the New Year bring you happiness, stability, and success in all your endeavors. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude, surrounded by friends and loved ones - and good food.

I wanted to invite you to a great event I'll be a part of on Tuesday, Sept. 16 with the Sierra Club.

On Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30-7pm at Baur Farm (245-323 Copse Rd., Madison), I will be joining the Sierra Club for a "Walk with a Purpose" event. We will be discussing some of the major environmental legislation I've been working on as House Chair of the Environment Committee, exploring local nature, and even giving back to our planet by picking up trash along the way!

I'm happy to share that I was announced as the Connecticut League of Conservation Voter's 2025 Environmental Champion, which is a tremendous honor!

The state legislature passed some critical environment bills this year, including HB 5004, which takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment. From homes and schools to jobs and land, we set clear goals, removed barriers, and put residents first.

We also passed SB 9, our resiliency bill that makes changes in laws related to planning for and preparing against certain hazards and climate change (such as sea level rise, rising groundwater, extreme heat, wildfire, drought, or flooding).

As House Chair of the legislature's Environment Committee, I understand the importance of protecting and preserving our ecosystem, and I am committed to passing legislation for a cleaner, greener world. I'm very proud to have been recognized by this wonderful organization!

Happy Friday, and happy Independence Day!

I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this important holiday. Independence Day is not just about fireworks and cookouts – it’s about honoring the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations of Americans who have fought to protect them.

The legislative session officially concluded Wednesday, and we got a lot done for the people of Connecticut.

I want to give you a really exciting legislative update.

This week, the House passed HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors

As the House Chair of the Environment Committee, this was the major piece of legislation our committee worked on this session, and I advocated for the bill on the House floor.