Jennifer Leeper

There is no question that Connecticut is experiencing a complex housing shortage that impacts all residents, from young families to our seniors. Having heard from many of you about issues related to housing, development, and congestion, I know these issues are among the most pressing and sensitive for our community.

The housing proposal brought before the legislature today sought to address some of the challenges around our state's housing crisis, from zoning, to reducing homelessness, to additional funding to subsidize the construction of deeply affordable units.

While I support the mission of this legislation and several provisions held within this bill, there were other sections that were of great enough concern to me that I could not vote in support of the overall package.

Monday is Memorial Day - a somber day of rememberance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope during the BBQs and festivities of this long weekend you also take a moment to reflect on the bravery of those who gave their lives so we can live and prosper in our great nation, and to spend time connecting with your loved ones.

Every Memorial Day, I remind myself of the importance of living a life that is meaningful and worthy of the sacrifices so many have made.

I hope you and your friends and family have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

After three years of attempts and work, this week in the House we passed a meaningful set of reforms to improve the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological wellbeing.

While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

It was another busy week at the Capitol, and the House passed some great bills that I'll tell you about below.

But first, I want to recognize National Teachers' Day, which was Tuesday.

I have always known the importance teachers play in our society, but as I serve my first term as House Chair of the Education Committee, I appreciate our teachers even more.

This week, the House voted in favor of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.

As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.

I want to start off this eblast with some amazing news: a judge has ruled in Fairfield's favor and overturned the Siting Council's decision on United Illuminating's plan to construct monopoles along the Metro North train tracks!

This is incredible news that carries a lot of meaning for our community. This ruling is proof that regardless of how powerful a utility company may be, communities who come together and speak out and stand up are more powerful. This is such an important win for our community that so many worked to achieve together. I’m so proud to have been a part of this fight.

I would like to wish a joyful and peaceful Easter to all who celebrate! May this weekend bring hope, renewal, and time well spent with loved ones.

I want to start off by sharing some great, and long-awaited, news for our community: Fairfield has been granted a four-year moratorium from the state's 8-30g affordable housing law!