|
|
|
|
|
During a recent Energy and Technology Committee meeting, I asked Chris Herb, president of the CT Energy Marketers Association, why energy and gas prices were skyrocketing in the state and what, if anything, people can do about it.
Simply stated, there isn't a lot Connecticut lawmakers and state energy companies can do about the prices, as they're subject to global markets well beyond their control. However, Mr. Herb did say that residents can control consumption, a conversation that he said he frequently has with his family. In a word: conservation.
That incudes the following:
- Drive your vehicle the speed it's built to be driven. That means driving the speed limit, which is a great way to conserve fuel.
- Inflate your vehicle's tires.
- Homeowners should call their fuel companies and schedule annual preventative furnace and boiler maintenance, including burner cleaning and efficiency testing.
We cannot control illegal wars that have been declared with no input from Congress, which has abdicated its constitutional authority to the president. We cannot control Wall Street and its profiteering. But we can, to some degree, control how we use our fuel.
Watch the video below for my questions and Mr. Herb's comments.
|
|
|
I joined fellow legislators and advocates yesterday at a press conference and panel discussion to support the Governor’s budget proposal to provide no-cost breakfast for all students, and to highlight the importance of ensuring every student in Connecticut has access to a healthy school breakfast.
I also am a co-sponsor of HB 5537, which would tax sweetened beverages, syrups and powders to fund universal school meals.
As I told CT Insider (article here, behind a paywall), the state provided free meals to public school students during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was wildly successful.
The money ran out, however. This measure, if passed, would help reintroduce school meals.
Feeding lunches and breakfasts to Connecticut's nearly 500,000 public school students in Connecticut could cost up to $90 million annually.
We really need to stand up something in the budget that is dedicated to that, because we believe so strongly that at least Connecticut should be feeding its kids just like Massachusetts, Minnesota and many other states.
|
|
| How it Started, How it Ended |
|
|
Tuesday started at 11 a.m. in a Human Services hearing, with over 200 people testifying about health care matters of life and death, access and accountability. How it ended? At 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
I am proud to continue to do the work! |
|
| Congratulations, Rep. Shake! |
|
|
It was an honor to present Rep. Kaitlyn Shake with the much-deserved Legislator of the Year award last week at the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association Irish Awards Breakfast.
It was a privilege to see her recognized for her work at the Capitol and her commitment to public health. |
|
| Warehouse Workers Bill Signed |
|
|
The bill that provides greater protections for workers in warehouses and fulfillment centers was signed into law on Tuesday.
This bill ensures quotas do not interfere with employees’ legally mandated meal and bathroom breaks and ensures that workers are presently aware of what quotas they may be subjected to while on the job.
Employees experiencing violations of such rights can now recover any costs they may have incurred.
Connecticut is the first state in New England to pass Warehouse Worker Protection legislation, and just the sixth nationwide, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon. |
|
Last week Reps. Gauthier, Martinez and I attended a rally at the Capitol support the 500 or so SEBAC members who have been working without contracts for nine months.
I hope the Lamont administration finalize agreements for the union bargaining units that represent some 45,000 workers. |
|
| Aspetuck Land Trust Grant |
|
|
I am so pleased that the Aspetuck Land Trust in Easton was awarded a $5,000 grant for an orchard and pollinator meadow expansion. The grant is from the latest round of Agricultural Enhancement awards from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
A total of $503,531 will be distributed to 21 recipients, including the land trust, across the state to directly impact or foster industry viability. |
|
|
Last week Congressman Jim Himes and I, along with state and local leaders (Rep. Dathan and Westport’s First Selectman Kevin Christie) visited Westport’s Homes with Hope, a nonprofit that works to end homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
I am proud that Congressman Himes shares in my fierce advocacy on behalf our most vulnerable neighbors.
|
|
The League of Women Voters annual Speak-Up Event is Saturday, March 21, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Weston Public Library.
Speak Up brings together elected town officials, chairs of appointed boards, committees, and commissions, Town Administrator, Chief of Police, Superintendent of Schools, and other key officials to address residents questions and concerns about community and government issues. Light refreshments will be available. |
|
As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
