Affordable Climate Bill & Supporting Our Veterans

May 2, 2025


 

The legislative session has shifted from our various committee rooms to the House floor. My colleagues and I spent three days in the chamber this past week voting on a number of bills. I'll break down how we're supporting our veterans, protecting our environment, and holding gun manufacturers responsible.

Great news for Bridgeport! The state is investing in more reliable internet in some of our neighborhoods and on Metro-North trains. Please keep scrolling to learn more.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • House Passes Bill Supporting Veterans
  • A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill
  • Strengthening Gun Safety & Accountability
  • Funding for High-Speed Internet
  • Better & Faster Internet on the Rails
  • Bridgeport Day at the Capitol
 

House Passes Bill Supporting Veterans

On Wednesday, the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the Connecticut Hero Act, which makes important changes to better serve our veterans and their families. Each section addresses different challenges to ensure that our heroes are recognized and supported.
 

Let's explore how this legislation makes a difference: 

"Thank you for your service” isn’t enough. The Connecticut Hero Act is how we turn respect into real action. We stand with our veterans every day.

The Senate still needs to pass the measure before it can become law. 
 

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

The House voted in favor of HB 5004, which I co-sponsored, to take a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment. The legislation sets clear energy efficiency goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
  • Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
  • Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
  • Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
  • Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
  • Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals

The bill must now pass the Senate before Governor Lamont signs it into law.
 

Strengthening Gun Safety & Accountability

I am pleased we passed House Bill 7042, a critical firearm industry responsibility measure. This legislation provides a civil remedy for individuals harmed by the irresponsible actions of gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers. It also closes a significant loophole in our background check laws and clarifies key language in our statutes related to the unlawful discharge of firearms. 

This bill extends firearm permit ineligibility in Connecticut to individuals who have committed disqualifying crimes outside of the state. Specifically, individuals who move to Connecticut and have been convicted of offenses that would otherwise preclude them from obtaining a firearm permit—had the offenses occurred within Connecticut—will also be deemed ineligible. This applies to out-of-state convictions within the past eight years.

Finally, this bill clarifies a section of our unlawful discharge of a firearm statute, a Class C misdemeanor, by explicitly stating that a person cannot be convicted under this law if the firearm was discharged in lawful self-defense or in defense of another person.

Connecticut’s strong laws have helped make our state one of the safest in the nation, and this bill represents a meaningful step forward in promoting accountability and enhancing public safety. 
 

Funding for High-Speed Internet

Faster, affordable, and more reliable broadband is coming to Bridgeport as the state announced another $10 million in state grants to expand internet access. Frontier Communications plans to build out approximately $25,000 worth of broadband infrastructure near Lake Forest and another neighborhood. In total, the funds will serve more than 3,800 homes and businesses in 44 towns and cities across Connecticut. 

The money comes from the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program, which aims to support universal access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband. Last year, 88 communities benefitted from $24 million in grants in the first year of the program.

Expanding broadband is about more than faster internet. It’s about improving daily life from paying bills, to finding a new job, accessing healthcare, and much more. Fast, affordable internet connectivity is essential to everyone’s success and wellbeing. 
Click here to learn more
 

Better & Faster Internet on the Rails

You may notice faster and more reliable internet the next time you ride the train on the Metro-North New Haven Line. AT&T invested $6 million in collaboration with the state to install infrastructure at more than 30 new sites from New Haven to the New York state line. 

This project stems from the governor’s push to improve cellular connectivity and speed up the deployment of high-speed technology along Connecticut’s rail corridors. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Bridgeport Day at the Capitol

You’re invited to join the Bridgeport Delegation at the State Capitol on Monday, May 19, for a celebration of all things Bridgeport!
 
Bridgeport Day at the Capitol is an opportunity to showcase the heart, history, and vibrancy of our great city. You’ll have a chance to connect with local organizations, city services, nonprofits, restaurants, bakeries, and cultural groups from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the floor of the Capitol. 

As your state representative, I’ll be there to welcome you and celebrate the incredible people and business that make Bridgeport shine. It’s a great way to learn more about our city, support local institutions, and share in the pride we all feel for our home. 

I hope to see you there. Come hungry, curious, and ready to celebrate Bridgeport!