The Climate Action Bill signed into Law

July 10, 2025


 

 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out on Tuesday night for our End of Session Town Hall. It was a valuable and engaging conversation—an opportunity to hear directly from residents, share updates on our work, and collaborate on how we can better serve our community.

To everyone who attended and participated: your feedback, questions, and perspectives truly make a difference. Your voices help shape our priorities and strengthen our work moving forward.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to build stronger, more connected communities.
 

Stay Cool in the Heat

We're in the full swing of summer and after enduring an extreme heat wave, temperatures remain consistently high. Click here for a list of cooling centers in your area in case you need a place to cool down and stay safe. 

Additionally, you can call 2-1-1 to access essential health and human services 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection also has tips on heat preparedness, staying cool, and staying hydrated which you will find below.
 

Climate Action Bill Signed

Governor Lamont is helping protect Connecticut's environment by signing major climate legislation into law last week. Two key environmental bills address climate change and environmental protection.
 

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
  • Incentivizes 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

These bills are seen as significant steps toward addressing climate change and protecting Connecticut's environment, particularly in light of actions by the federal government that environmentalists believe hinder climate progress.

I’m proud to stand with colleagues and advocates who fought for a cleaner, fairer future. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and our kids.
 

AARP CT Livable Communities
Grant Program

The town of East Hartford and local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for aid through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) CT Livable Communities grant program. Applications are due by August 15 and must make our communities more livable for all ages and abilities.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000.

For more information visit: AARP Connecticut Now Accepting 2025 Livable Communities Grant Program Applications
  
Lastly, nominate an outstanding volunteer age 50-plus for the Andrus Award for Community Service. The award winner’s charity of choice will receive a $3,000 donation from AARP CT.  The nomination deadline has been extended to September 1.  AARP Seeks 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service Nominees
 

40 Things to do in CT this July

From tubing on the Farmington River to taking a sunset river cruise on the Connecticut River to exploring one of the many great museums in our state to finding the best seafood shack or ice cream shop -- there is so much to do all over Connecticut this summer.

Click the image above for inspiration from the 40 Things to do in Connecticut list and find something fun to do this July!
 

Community Events

Come to the banks of the Connecticut River on Thursdays until July 31 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for the at the Sounds of Summer Concert Series.  You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs to Great River Park Amphitheater (301 East River Drive) and enjoy the evening! 
 
The 2025 lineup:

  • July 10: Sound Pipers (Reggae)
  • July 17: La Choco Band (Latin Music)
  • July 24: Mass-Conn Fusion (Jazz, Motown, R&B)
  • July 31: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)

In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center (50 Chapman Place).
 

Every Tuesday until October 28 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. the East Hartford Farmers' Market is open for a mix of fresh and local produce, honey made from East Hartford hives, hot food and cottage food goodies, locally produced crafts, and more!

For eligible products, the East Hartford Farmers' Market accepts:
  • SNAP and we DOUBLE SNAP! (Stop by the Health & Human Services table to convert SNAP into Market Dollars)
  • WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits
  • Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs benefits

Click here for more information.

In addition to the regular scheduled East Hartford Farmers’ Market, there will be six farmers’ market pop-ups at different locations around East Hartford to expand community access to fresh, local produce: 

  • Monday, July 14th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Gorman Park (280 May Rd.)
  • Monday, July 28th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Hockanum Park (356 High St.)
  • Monday, August 4th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Rd.)
  • Monday, August 18th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Hockanum Park (356 High St.)
  • Monday, September 8th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Labor Field (36 Woodlawn Circle)