|
Riparian Buffers are natural vegetated areas along rivers and streams that help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and stabilize stream banks. Despite their proven benefits, Connecticut is the only state in New England that has not explicitly protected these buffers.
HB 7174 (2025) aims to change that by recognizing riparian buffers as a cost-effective, natural solution for: Flood prevention – Protects communities from extreme weather events like last summer’s devastating Naugatuck Valley floods. Cleaner water – Filters pollutants before they reach our rivers and drinking water sources. Smart land use – Balances property rights with environmental protection for long-term sustainability. Natural buffers offer high-impact benefits at little to no cost, making them one of the most efficient tools for safeguarding Connecticut’s water and communities. Learn More: CTLCV Briefing Paper CT River Joint Commissions Fact Sheets
0 Comments
Want to make a difference but not sure where to start? Submitting testimony is one of the most powerful ways to have your voice heard in the legislative process and it’s easier than you think. Whether you are an expert or just passionate about the issue, your perspective matters.
What Is Testimony and Why Is It Important? Think of testimony as the most direct way of communicating with your legislators. The 2025 legislative session is running right now (from January 8th to June 4th), and it is time to make a difference. Lawmakers are actively discussing bills that will impact you & your community. Whether you are sharing your personal stories or providing your expertise for a cause you care about, testimony is one of the most effective ways to advocate for change. The best part? They actually want to hear from you! Here are some ways that testimony plays an important role in the legislative process:
How to Know When & What to Testify On There are several ways to stay on track of legislation that affects you & your interests. First, keep up with Connecticut state government news. Many newspapers have state politics specific online newsletters that you can sign up for. Second, we recommend signing up for email newsletters of organizations that do legislative work around issues you care about. For example, the ACLU of CT advocates for civil rights & other groups advocate for more specific issues, like local watersheds. These groups will inform you when there is the opportunity to testify on bills they are tracking. Secondly, you can search the CGA website for bills related to subjects you search. Each bill has a webpage that includes current text, up-to-date actions & more. You can also “save” bills on the CGA website to reference later & track throughout the session. You can submit testimony on a bill once it is scheduled for a Committee Public Hearing. You may also submit testimony after the public hearing date has passed or send your testimony directly to your legislator. Note: To track bills on the CGA website, you will have to sign-up to be a CGA Bill Tracking User. Register here. We recommend backing up your list to your desktop regularly. Written vs. Oral Testimony There are two main mediums of testimony submissions: Written and Oral. Written Testimony: The best part about written testimony is that anyone can do it. You don’t need special credentials, just share your story and why the issue matters to you. This is your opportunity to connect a piece of legislation to your personal life. There’s no need to include facts & figures (though they are always welcome!). What really moves legislators is hearing your authentic experience. Remember: you are the expert of your own story! Quick Tips:
Ready to submit written testimony? Here's How:
Oral (Spoken) Testimony Oral Testimony is very similar to written testimony. You will still submit your remarks in writing, but you will be able to speak in front of the Committee legislators of which your bill is being considered. Oral testimony can be delivered on Zoom or in person. Speaker order is listed the day before the hearing by 6 p.m. You must sign up to register for oral testimony by 3 p.m. the day before the hearing. If you miss these deadlines, don’t worry, you can still submit written testimony on the issue. The Process: Once you register to testify, you’ll be placed on the speaker order list. When your number is called, you’ll have three minutes to summarize your written testimony. We recommend NOT repeating exactly what you wrote. This is your chance to really connect with the committee, tell your story and make your point. Please note that public hearings can sometimes take a really long time to get to your speaker number. If you choose to testify via Zoom, you will be able to spend the time of your day more effectively. Ready to Sign-Up for Oral Testimony? Here’s how:
Please note that the most up to date information about the public testimony process can be found on the CGA website. We recommend reading all instructions carefully & checking the Bulletin for any announcements. Black history is American history, and it’s also a history of resilience in the face of environmental injustice. From the fight for clean air and water to the struggle against toxic pollution in Black communities, the push for environmental justice is deeply tied to racial justice. This Black History Month, we recognize the ongoing fight for a healthier, more just world for all.
Denise Lynn Nappier A proud Connecticut native, Denise Lynn Nappier made history as the first African American woman elected to statewide office in Connecticut and the first Black woman in the nation to serve as a state treasurer. Serving from 1999 to 2019, she championed responsible investment practices, corporate governance reforms, and initiatives that directly benefited Connecticut’s working families and underrepresented communities. Her leadership not only transformed state policies but also set a precedent for inclusive governance across Connecticut.
James Mars Born into slavery in Connecticut in the late 18th century, James Mars overcame his early hardships to become a leading abolitionist and chronicler of his experiences. His memoir, Life of James Mars, A Slave Born and Sold in Connecticut, offers a rare firsthand account of Northern slavery and resistance. By educating local communities and advocating for African American rights, Mars helped shape the historical narrative of Connecticut’s fight for freedom and equality. Ruth Alice Lucas Raised in Connecticut, Ruth Alice Lucas became the first African American woman to achieve the rank of full colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Her groundbreaking career inspired many within Connecticut’s military and broader communities. Beyond her service, Lucas has been celebrated locally for breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and for serving as a role model to young Connecticut residents aspiring to careers in public service and leadership. Ann Lane Petry A celebrated writer with deep Connecticut ties, Ann Lane Petry became the first African American woman to sell over a million copies of a novel. While her work, notably The Street (1946), addressed issues of racism, gender, and economic inequality across America, her insights were also informed by her experiences in Connecticut. Petry’s literary success and social commentary have left an enduring impact on Connecticut’s cultural and intellectual landscape, inspiring local writers and activists alike. Ebenezer Bassett A native of Connecticut, Ebenezer Bassett broke new ground as the first African American diplomat in U.S. history when he was appointed ambassador to Haiti in 1869. His early work as an educator and abolitionist was deeply rooted in his commitment to improving life in Connecticut. Bassett’s legacy in Connecticut is remembered for his efforts to promote racial justice and for paving the way for future generations of Black leaders in both diplomacy and education. Constance Baker Motley Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Constance Baker Motley became a pioneering civil rights lawyer and judge. She played a central role in landmark desegregation cases, including her influential work on Brown v. Board of Education. Her Connecticut upbringing and early legal experiences in the state fueled her determination to fight inequality. Motley’s legacy continues to inspire countless Connecticut residents pursuing careers in law and public service, and her impact is celebrated both locally and nationally. John "Schoolboy" Taylor A Hartford native, John "Schoolboy" Taylor was a standout baseball player and the first African American to break into the Ivy League sports scene. His athletic achievements opened doors for Black athletes in Connecticut during an era marked by segregation and exclusion. Taylor’s legacy is celebrated in local sports history, and he remains an inspirational figure for young athletes striving for excellence in Connecticut’s competitive sports arenas. Charles Ethan Porter Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Charles Ethan Porter was one of the few African American painters of the 19th century to gain recognition during his lifetime. Specializing in still-life and landscape paintings, Porter not only overcame racial barriers in the art world but also captured the essence of Connecticut’s natural beauty and everyday life in his work. His contributions to the arts continue to be honored in local museums and galleries, marking him as a significant figure in Connecticut’s cultural history. Gwen Reed A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Gwen Reed was a passionate community activist, actress, and educator who dedicated herself to advancing literacy and early childhood education in the state. Through her work in local theater and community programs, Reed brought African American stories and voices to the forefront in Connecticut’s cultural scene. Her enduring commitment to education and the arts has left a lasting impact on the state’s communities. Edward Bouchet Edward Bouchet, a Connecticut native, became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the United States when he completed his doctorate in physics at Yale University in New Haven in 1876. Despite facing significant racial barriers, Bouchet’s career in academia and his dedication to teaching inspired generations of Black scholars within Connecticut. His pioneering achievements in science and education continue to influence the state’s academic community and serve as a beacon of excellence. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
|
|
|
RSS Feed
