Anne Hughes

I spoke at a press conference today on the Aquarion Water sale to the Regional Water Authority, a deal that PURA rejected in November, but a Superior Court judge ordered to be reconsidered in January.

Attorney General William Tong, Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman, and a bipartisan group of legislators and municipal leaders, including first Selectman Dan Lent of Easton, joined me today in decrying the $2.4 billion sale, which will only serve to hurt Connecticut residents by increasing rates, reducing oversight and lowering property tax revenue for municipalities.

We have a responsibility and obligation to steward this essential natural resource and its ecosystem, for future generations and inhabitants, and we are grateful for the raised legislation in our Energy and Technology Committee, that clarifies the legislative intent: PURA must exercise its authority and reject this deal that is not in the public interest, nor the interest of the reservoir towns of Easton, Weston, and Redding, who carefully steward this life-giving water that we all depend on.

I’m a bit torn between being proud and a little sheepish in supporting HB 5144, legislation I co-introduced alongside 101 of my colleagues to provide free school breakfasts to all students, regardless of household income, and ensure students who qualify for reduced-price meals receive breakfast at no cost.

On the one hand, I'm thrilled so many of my colleagues attached their names to the bill. But I'm also a little chastened because this, in my opinion, should have been done already.

Anyway, this bill is about setting our children up for success. When students start the day nourished, they are better prepared to focus, learn, and thrive in the classroom. By removing financial barriers and stigma around school meals, we strengthen student readiness, ease the burden on working families, and reinforce our commitment to equitable access to education.
Investing in universal school breakfast is an investment in Connecticut’s future.

And it's a moral obligation that we should be providing as effortlessly as books, not to mention just plain common sense. If a child is hungry at school, feed that student, no questions asked!

After 46 years of dedicated service, my dear colleague Mary Mushinsky has announced she will not seek re-election to the 85th District seat.

Rep. Mushinsky said that balancing legislative work, career, and family has become more challenging over time, and she will conclude her 24th term at the end of this session.

Throughout her tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, Mary has chaired the Environment Committee, the Select Committee on Children, and the bipartisan Program Review and Investigations Committee, and she currently serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker Pro-Tempore. A nationally recognized environmental leader and longtime member of the National Conference of State Legislatures, she helped pass the nation’s first climate change laws, advanced mandatory recycling, anti-bullying policies, adolescent pregnancy prevention initiatives, and championed the earned income tax credit.

Generation Power CT, formerly known as Operation Fuel, opened its fourth application cycle through March 10. Eligible Connecticut households can receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, click HERE.