Anne Hughes

Connecticut’s dairy farms are small, family-owned businesses that support local jobs and provide fresh, nutritious food to communities across our state. To help sustain these vital local operations, we are proud to announce that $22.5 million has been allocated from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund we created to provide immediate relief to the approximately 80 dairy farmers in the state.

Recent federal actions have placed many of these family-run farms under severe financial strain. Much of the pressure stems from federally set milk pricing structures that favor large corporate operations over smaller Connecticut dairies, along with tariff policies that have increased the cost of essential supplies such as fertilizer and farm equipment while triggering retaliatory trade measures from key export partners. In addition, the U.S. conflict with Iran has significantly driven up fuel and fertilizer costs, further burdening farmers already operating on narrow margins.

One of the beneficiaries of this support is in our district, the southern-most New England dairy farm, Shaggy Coos in Easton.

Speaking of supporting agriculture, we are celebrating our International Year of the Women’s Farmer, Rachel Staffier of New Pond Farm, of Redding.
 

Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law providing all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option to cast their vote by absentee ballot.

Public Act 26-42 removes restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to those unable to appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.

Connecticut voters called for absentee voting for all when they overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately.

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure way to make their voice heard.

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications may also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information about applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.

We are so fortunate to have a gem like The Granite and talented artists like Sarah in our backyard to soothe our souls in these times!

I was so honored to attend the opening of a new exhibit, hosted by The Weston History & Culture Center and curated by Weston’s own Mark Brennan: "Sarah Treadwell: Connecticut Mom, American Patriot,” which is running through Dec. 17.