Mike Demicco

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

HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.

The bill must now pass the Senate and get signed into law by the governor.

On Wednesday, the 50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of Saigon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed (146-0-5) what we call the “HERO Act.”
 
The HERO Act (HB 6442) is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country.
 
Among the bill’s components are the following: 

• Designate November as Veterans’ Month to reflect on and celebrate their military service
• Waive fees for the Purple Heart license plate, ensuring accessibility for those who have earned one of our nation’s highest military honors
• Create two new commemorative plates - one honoring women veterans and another recognizing the Borinqueneers - providing long-lasting public recognition of their historic contributions
• Free license renewals for veterans
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate how to improve and address shortcomings in available dental services for veterans
• Accelerate nursing home placement for service-connected veterans
• Improve school transitions for military families with children requiring special education services. 

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything – including their lives – for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.

The House also passed several other important measures this week over the course of three sessions. Those bills include the following:.

• HB 7081 AN ACT CONCERNING LICENSURE PORTABILITY FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS helps address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
• HB 7102 develops a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health.