The end of April and beginning of May are very busy here in the Connecticut Legislature. As public hearings come to a close, the House will be in session frequently to pass legislation for the Governor to sign.
This week began with a 16 hour session on Monday, followed by the legislature's budget proposal passed by the Appropriations Committee, and the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. I am very proud to be here advocating for our Fairfield community. Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns about upcoming legislation.
The House will hold session again this coming Monday. Each session is streamed live via CT-N, if you would like to follow along!
In this newsletter I will highlight the following subjects:
Earth Day and CT sustainability initiatives
TCI-P Panel Discussion
Fairfield Delegation Sustainability Forum
Fairfield Public Library Flooding Forum
Water bottle re-fill stations
Composting 101
Earth Day
Restaurant re-opening and financial support
EARTH DAY AND SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
TCI-P PANEL DISCUSSION
Did you know that Fairfield is forecasted to be the hardest-hit community by climate change in all of CT in terms of residential real estate values? Additionally, here in CT, we have some of the worst air quality in the country. While there is no one piece of legislation we can pass to turn back the clock on the damage that has been done, we must act boldly to protect our environment going forward. The cost of inaction is far too great.
One step the Governor is taking to reduce air pollution is the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program. Last year, Connecticut partnered with Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia to create the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program with the goal of capping and reducing greenhouse gases from the transportation sector. Over 100 businesses recently signed a letter in support of this program. This initiative aims to accelerate investments in an equitable, cleaner, and more resilient transportation system for Connecticut and the region. In particular, I am grateful to be taking this step with regional partners so as to both enhance the initiative’s climate impact and to ensure that CT is not put in a competitive disadvantage.
I hope you can join me and my colleague Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey on Wednesday, April 28th at 7 p.m., for a panel discussion on the TCI-P program--what it is, how it would impact our residents, cities, towns, and the public and private sectors. We will be joined by DEEP Commissioner, Katie Dykes, and DOT Dep. Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto, to discuss any questions you may have.
Thank you to the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force, for hosting the entire Fairfield Delegation this morning to discuss the important climate and environmental legislation that is before us in the General Assembly.
Fairfield Climate Change Forum
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY FLOODING FORUM
The library hosted Fairfield’s Assistant Planning Director, Emmeline Harrigan; Secretary of Fairfield’s Flood and Erosion Control Board, Dick Dmochowski; Fairfield’s Assistant Engineering Manager, Laura Poulie; and Chair of Fairfield’s Flood and Erosion Control Board, Becky Burnell, to discuss the future of Fairfield’s flooding and erosion. It was a very informative session. Please watch here to learn more: https://youtu.be/A1gfmbt-Cjg
WATER BOTTLE RE-FILL STATIONS
Reducing plastic use is essential to saving our planet. One way to reduce our personal daily plastic consumption is to use a reusable water bottle.
This session, I worked with Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey to introduce a provision for the installation of water bottle refilling stations in all new school construction projects. This proposal earned the support of the American Heart Association and over 15 other organizations. I am proud to share that yesterday the Bonding Committee passed their budget proposal, including funding for these refilling stations. I hope this initiative will help promote a meaningful reduction in plastic consumption and good health outcomes.
COMPOSTING 101
Composting is another effective technique to reduce the amount of waste you produce; and it is very easy! The Blue Earth compost services helped to mitigate 2.12 million pound of carbon dioxide last year.
If you are interested in composting please watch the video below to learn how easy it is!
Composting 101
The Town of Fairfield is currently offering discounted compost bins through July 1st. See the flyer below for more details.
Yesterday was Earth Day! I hope everyone was able to celebrate our environment by learning a few sustainable habits to help preserve our planet.
RESTAURANT RE-OPENING AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
This is great news for Fairfield and all municipalities throughout Connecticut! Please continue to practice social distancing according to DPH guidelines in order to keep our infection rate low as we move forward in re-opening our state.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released details on the application and eligibility requirements for the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The funding – included in the American Rescue Plan and run by the SBA – will assist the hardest-hit restaurants with the funds they need to meet payroll, purchase COVID-related supplies, and recover industry jobs lost during the pandemic.
The application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English and Spanish.
All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply, but during the first 21 days, priority will be given to businesses owned by women, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
