Dominique Johnson

The General Assembly passed a few pieces of environmental legislation, including:

House Bill 5004 (Public Act 25-125): 

• Establishes a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for Connecticut by 2050, with a new interim target for 2040
• Includes incentives for solar canopies and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
• Supports the growth of the green economy through workforce development and sustainable business incentives
• Requires studies on heat pumps, solar canopies, nature-based solutions, and renter access to state energy efficiency plans

Senate Bill 9 (Public Act 25-33):

• Strengthens state and local planning for flood and other climate-related emergencies
• Focuses on making infrastructure like bridges and roads better able to withstand severe weather
• Requires insurance companies to inform homeowners about flood coverage and provides resources for communities to invest in climate resilience planning and project development
• Includes tougher restrictions on certain rodent poisons and neonicotinoid pesticides

Supporting maternal health doesn't begin in the delivery room.

It starts with access to care, education, and resources, long before pregnancy.

Connecticut committed to providing access to maternal health services during the 2025 legislative session with the passage of  HB7102, An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care, and HB 7214, An Act Concerning Maternal Health.

Both pieces of legislation were signed into law this week.

HB7102 requires the state to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in parts of the state with high percentages of Medicaid recipients and limited access to these facilities.

The bill also expands perinatal mental health services and strengthens family support, including programs that aid fathers in supporting maternal health.

HB7214 enhances hospital transparency and accountability in maternal care by establishing a task force to assess the availability of perinatal mental health care services and identify care gaps. It also calls for an advisory committee to study doula-friendly practices in hospitals.

HB7102 and HB7214 affirm Connecticut's dedication to ensuring safe, high-quality care, regardless of race, income, or zip code.

The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) is collecting household items for clients of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center’s two safehouses. The supplies that are collected will be used to create “move-in baskets,” which are given to clients transitioning from a safe house into an apartment. 

WDVTF is looking for the following items: 

• Laundry detergent
• Laundry baskets
• Plastic reusable plates
• Plastic reusable utensils
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Dish towels
• Hand towels and washcloths
• Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
• Tin foil
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Disinfecting wipes
• Brooms and mops
• Dustpans
• Paper napkins
• Hand soap

Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the Westport Police Department located at 50 Jesup Road through July 29th.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, help can be reached via the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900 and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org

For more information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force membership and initiatives, please check out their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Westport-Domestic-Violence-Task-Force-1550811978272839/.