Supporting Our Veterans & Protecting Our Environment

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 and passing a series of bills. I'll break down how we're protecting our environment and supporting our veterans and their families.

The agency overseeing all state financial matters is warning that Connecticut's economy is slowing down. Make sure to read below for a deep dive into the numbers and what it means for you and your family.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Celebrating Windham Tech's Girls Soccer Team
  • Opening Day Celebration
  • House Passes Bill Honoring our Veterans
  • A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill
  • Connecticut's Economic Update
 

Celebrating Windham Tech's Girls Soccer Team

Congratulations to the Windham Tech Girls Soccer Team for winning its fourth consecutive Connecticut Technical Conference Title! This feat is a testament to the team’s passion for the sport, leadership of the coaching staff, and support from our families and fans. The community is so proud of your accomplishments, and we hope to celebrate a fifth conference title next year!
 

Opening Day Celebration

Cloudy skies did not stop Opening Day for Willimantic's Little League last weekend. The players, coaches, and staff were thrilled to be on the diamond for another season of baseball. Good luck to everyone!
 

House Passes Bill Honoring our Veterans

This week, on 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: 

The Hero Act is the result of a bipartisan effort and is a comprehensive package of legislation that reflects collaboration, listening, and a deep, collective respect for those who wore the uniform and served our country. The Senate still needs to pass the measure before it can become law.

Our veterans were willing to sacrifice everything, including their lives for this country. They deserve to be seen, valued, and never forgotten.
 

A Practical, Affordable Climate Bill

Many of my House colleagues and I voted in favor of HB 5004, 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 the governor can sign it into law.
 

Connecticut's Economic Update

Connecticut's economy is expected to follow the national trend of slowing down. The Office of the State Comptroller released its latest report and shared that real GDP fell 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, down from 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Unfortunately, payroll employment in Connecticut fell by 4,500 jobs (-0.3%) in March, and the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6%, continuing negative trends from February.

A simultaneous selloff of U.S. Treasuries and the U.S. dollar in April showed recent events may be hurting America’s reputation as the safest place to park your money in crisis. It could raise your borrowing costs and make imports more expensive.
Click here to read the entire report