Connecticut’s 2022 Legislative Session started on Wednesday, February 9, beginning a short session that concludes on May 4. Last year the legislature convened a long session in order to create and approve a budget. However, the 2021 session proved to be extra long to accommodate special sessions. While last year’s session was fully virtual including a closed Capitol and Legislative Office Building and all-virtual public hearings, this year’s session has the capacity to be a hybrid session including some in-person and virtual events. Please check the Connecticut General Assembly website for updates to their current COVID-19 policies.

Every year CFSA’s Coordinator, Meg Hourigan, tracks bills through the legislature and sends weekly updates to the listserv. Every Friday, expect an email with updates to these bills. New bills and updates to existing bills will be recorded and reflected in the following spreadsheet. If you think anything is missing, or you would like to join the listserv, send an email to communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com.

Anyone can track bills through the Connecticut General Assembly’s website. Anyone with an email address can create an account and select legislators and committees to follow. Register your email address and select how often you want notifications about bills here. The online tracking system will compile a list of legislative activities from the representatives and committees of choice.

Follow the links below for more info about the legislative session:

• How a bill becomes a law & additional info
• How to read CT legislation
• How to testify at a CT public hearing (this may change as pandemic restrictions change)
• Learn who your legislators are

Adjacent policy platforms:

Below are links to partner and sibling organizations’ state legislative priorities (let us know if there are additional platforms/agendas we should know about! This list will be updated).

• Connecticut Land Conservation Council
• Desegregate CT
• Sierra Club CT
• United Way Connecticut
• Working Lands Alliance

Disclaimer about bills tracked by the CFSA:

The Connecticut Food System Alliance uses systems thinking in our work, as well as a racial and social justice lens. We take a broad approach to tracking bills that might have an impact on the food system: issues of public health, labor rights and minimum wage, and land use often end up on our tracked bill list. Tracking a bill does not mean the CFSA supports or opposes the bill – only that it would have an impact on the food system (our policy positions are in development, so stay tuned!). If you think any bill is missing from our tracking, let us know!

On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) hosted the final session of this year’s virtual summit, Growing Together. This session, What’s Next?, was an open dialogue between CFSA steering committee members and event attendees to reflect on the three previous sessions of the summit and look at the next steps CFSA can look toward. A lively group discussion yielded the following thoughts and recommendations in three key areas: engagement, planning, and funding.

Engagement

Many participants reflected on the Food Plan session of our summit. Both Massachusetts’ and Maine’s food plans involved substantial stakeholder and community engagement, with Winton giving the advice to “know when you’re done.” Participants strategized ways that CFSA can engage new audiences through our network. For example, CFSA can engage in town-by-town/community sessions to inform conversations about the food system and gather input for a food action plan. Our existing and new community partners can facilitate these conversations and gather feedback for CFSA to analyze.

A gap identified in many of these conversations was the difficulty to engage stakeholders due to time constraints or other barriers. We need to identify necessary stakeholders and build relationships in order to get community buy-in for this plan, and that includes overcoming barriers in order to make engagement easier for everyone. Mid-day events do not work for everyone so we need to meet people where they are, whether that means hosting more evening events or setting up one-on-one meetings with important stakeholders. Reducing barriers also includes overcoming language barriers and differences of abilities. In order to create an equitable food system, CFSA’s food action plan must include input from as many stakeholders as possible.

Food Systems Planning

This session’s attendees also had some helpful insights on planning. Many participants were engaged in food rescue or emergency food during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The systems through which these services reached the public could be helpful conduits for planning. The food plan could potentially mirror the structure used for state planning during COVID, which would be especially helpful since these stakeholders are already convening regularly.

In addition to planning methods, this group discussed legislative support. Reflecting again on the Food Plan session, attendees recalled that the Massachusetts plan had government buy-in and financial support from day one, while the Maine plan started without government support, eventually receiving support later. CFSA has support from convening bodies, like the Connecticut Food Policy Council through the Department of Agriculture. CFSA could focus some outreach efforts on engaging legislators who can support policies within the food action plan at the state level. This legislative buy-in could be helpful for advancing legislation across sectors, like economic development, infrastructure, and environmental policy.

Funding

As discussed in CFSA’s 2020 summit session, Funding & Policy, foundations are less likely to fund policy initiatives due to a number of factors, including educational gaps and lack of reportable outcomes. However, the attendees present at this final session brainstormed ideas related to securing funding. For example, CFSA can explore new lenses for viewing the food system that can qualify the organization for vital funding. Can our food system be a part of infrastructure? Climate change mitigation? CFSA may access grants or federal funding through these alternative lenses (not to mention emphasize the cross-sectoral nature of our food system).

According to the attendees at this session, these should be CFSA’s next steps:

• Engage with community partners that we have and are a part of our network. Our network is growing with every event – we would like to explore paths for engagement through those partnerships.
• Get people excited about the value of thinking comprehensively about the food system. Especially regular, end users of our food system. It is difficult to get people jazzed about the food system, especially food system users who are just concerned about getting food on the table. How can anyone using our current food system understand the bigger picture? How can CFSA get regular people interested in exploring the possibilities behind a different food system?
• Create a fact sheet on urgent data in Connecticut. Not only will this information help guide CFSA’s food action plan work, but it will also help facilitate network conversations about the food system, both online and offline.
• Look at what’s missing from state policy. Currently Connecticut is the only state in New England without a food action plan. While much is missing from current state policy, CFSA can examine current agriculture, social service, housing, and waste management policies that can inform our food action plan. We have to know where we are before we can decide where we are going.

If you would like to get more involved in CFSA, consider applying to join the steering committee. Email communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com for more information.

On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) hosted the third session of this year’s virtual summit, Growing Together. During this session, titled Rethinking Networking, attendees engaged in activities and exercises organized by speaker Curtis Ogden, Senior Associate at the Institute for Social Change (IISC), that questioned current notions of networking.

About Curtis

Much of Curtis’ work with IISC entails consulting with multi-stakeholder networks to strengthen and transform food, public health, education, and economic development systems at local, state, regional, and national levels. He has worked with networks to launch and evolve through various stages of development.

Curtis writes regularly about networks and social change on IISC’s blog. In addition to his work at IISC, Curtis is on the advisory board of EmbraceRace, a member of the Research Alliance for Regenerative Economics (RARE) and the Emerging Networks Governance Initiative (ENGI) and shares the Thomas W. Haas Professorship in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire where he is engaged in scholarship on the intersection of networks and racial equity.

What is a network?

Referenced here by Nonprofit Quarterly, “networks consist of entities (nodes) in relationship with one another, and the flows (ties) that exist between them. These ties can be thought of as conduits or channels. The network is made up, then, not only of connected entities but of the stuff that is transferred between and among them, creating a ‘circulation of’ and evolution of meaning.” Curtis drew from a set of quotes to understand our own perceptions about networks. Ideas about networks conjured different feelings from participants, from awkward conversations and exchanges at “networking” events to fungi and neural networks. When building a network for social change, it’s best to think more about building relationships and sharing instead of “networking.”

Ultimately, networks are about connectivity, trust, understanding, and building relationships. Through networks, individuals can find community, education, inspiration, collaboration, support, and more. There are values associated with networks.

Networks are not just for identifying connections. Defining a network can also help with identifying gaps. Organizations and individuals can compare their existing networks to a vision and/or goals to understand where they may be lacking. Targeted outreach, educational campaigns, and programs can assist in growing networks in areas with gaps in order to create a more holistic network with a shared vision.

Networks can be drawn as nodes representing individuals or entities and spokes connecting nodes, indicating a relationship. Some networks can look like a “hub and spoke” model, with one individual having many connections (pictured on the right).

Curtis emphasized that a strong network is not a “hub and spoke” model, where one central person has many connections, but a model where everyone is connected with one another (pictured on the right). This is a more sustainable approach, where the loss of one person (like the person in the center of the “hub and spoke” model) will not collapse the network.

Curtis provided this worksheet that can be helpful for identifying your network.

How can CFSA Cultivate a Network in Service of Systems Change?

Curtis introduced us to a framework to evaluate a policy advocacy network: the connectivity, alignment, and coordinated action framework. These are network modes that offer different opportunities for connection.

Connectivity, at the bottom of the pyramid, is the foundation for networking. The connectivity mode is where individuals and organizations can build connections, share knowledge, and develop an understanding of the state of the system. Alignment, in the middle of the pyramid, is where networks can share goals and visions informed by current reality and context. Coordinated Action, at the top of the pyramid, is a self-explanatory step where networks can see the shared goals and visions established in the alignment stage mobilized into coordinated actions around fundraising, advocacy, and other common ventures.

After building the network foundation, we can start to see network effects:

• adapt and change to new conditions
• achieve resilience
• able to get new resources out (mutual aid)

So what can CFSA and individuals do?

• CFSA’s Network Development Working Group will conduct a network analysis using Curtis’ “Who is in your network?” map. This will help CFSA identify gaps within the network to build a stronger, more interconnected network. 
• CFSA can work with existing network partners to begin to move up the pyramid through connectivity and alignment eventually achieving coordinated action.
• Individuals can also use this tool to identify the strengths and weaknesses within their personal networks!

Would you like to be a part of CFSA’s network? Email Marcella at communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com to get on the listserv to receive updates on CFSA events and connect with other food system allies in the state!

On Thursday, October 28, 2021, Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) hosted the second session of this year’s virtual summit, Growing Together. This session, Growing Our State Food Plan, gave attendees the opportunity to learn from other state food system planners, offer insight into what CFSA can incorporate into Connecticut’s food action plan, and learn about CFSA’s process and timeline for the food action plan. CFSA welcomed Winton Pitcoff, Director of Massachusetts Food System Collaborative,and Tanya Swain, Project Director of Maine Food Strategy, to present their states’ respective food plans.

Connecticut is the only state in New England that does not have a food action plan; however, this gives CFSA an opportunity to examine other states’ plans to draw inspiration as well as coordinate efforts. CFSA is part of New England Feeding New England, a regional partnership of food system planners across New England that is currently working toward a plan for growing 30% of food consumed in New England within New England by 2030. The New England Feeding New England partnership, in collaboration with Food Solutions New England, will utilize individual state food plans to generate a cohesive plan for the region. Additionally, state food plans will evolve based on this partnership, taking into account data from the regional initiative.

Both the Massachusetts and Maine plans have existed for some time now, so our speakers gave insight about how they funded and gathered initial support, how they got input, the structure for each, and how the plans are used at a state level.

Name: The Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan

Year Completed: 2015
Government Affiliation: Early support from the state government with funding from the state budget and private funders.
Fun Fact: Massachusetts had a food plan back in the 1970’s, and was the first state in the country to create a food plan.

• The Massachusetts Food Policy Council gathered input for the plan over two years. Working groups conducted regional and sectoral listening sessions and one-on-one interviews. Staff-members conducted targeted outreach to underrepresented communities like BIPOC and farmers who are often shut-out of these processes due to different barriers to access. An executive committee, made up of members of working groups, met on a regular basis during this time to move the project forward.

• Planners identified three stakeholders for implementation: legislature, administration, and private sector stakeholders. These stakeholders eventually formed the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative.
• The Massachusetts plan concludes with quotes from everyone who provided feedback in order to include every voice.
• Conclusions:
  • a good plan includes education and organizing
  • engagement is key but know when you’re done
  • work with policy makers
  • identify needs for ongoing discussion
  • be clear on what completion means
  • have an implementation plan

Name: The Maine Food Strategy Framework

Year Completed: 2016
Government Affiliation: Initially, the plan lacked support from the state government.
Fun Fact: Prior to the framework, Maine Food Strategy developed a Fisheries Primer to explore food system issues for seafood.

• Maine Food Strategy found that government buy-in and support was necessary, but it was also important to maintain leadership during the transition from NGO work to government-supported work. Government involvement was also helpful for funding, which is difficult to obtain and sustain for planning and network activities otherwise.

• Steering committee members gathered input on the values and goals through a number of stakeholder outreach activities and surveys. Maine Food Strategy made an effort to join organizations at their meetings instead of asking organizations or individuals to attend a different meeting. Maine Food Strategy organized focus groups to reach migrant workers in the state.
• Implementation included identifying organizations working on projects or providing services related to the goals and methods to track those changes.
• Conclusions:
  • early governmental support is important
  • be transparent about who is influencing the process
  • be flexible with input – meet groups where they already meet
  • buy-in is important for implementation – stakeholders involved in the planning process will be encouraged to reference the plan

After Winton’s and Tanya’s presentations, participants broke into groups to have conversations about the plans they just heard and how they feel about a Connecticut food action plan. All groups had incredible conversations, but here are the most talked-about topics:

• Getting input from necessary stakeholders from the very beginning.
• Ensuring that BIPOC and marginalized voices are represented in the plan.
• Creating valuable relationships that eventually build trust in the plan. Transparency is going to be very important, especially when gaining trust.
• Getting government support at an early stage.
• Hiring experts and compensating people for work and input related to the plan.
• Identifiable gaps: CT is full of silos in both our town planning and initiative planning. We need to figure out a regional approach.

CFSA’s steering committee will consider these topics while drafting a food action plan for the state.

So, what can CFSA do?

• CFSA must generate state support for the food action plan. The Connecticut Food Policy Council has added CFSA’s updates as a consistent agenda item at meetings, which is an important step toward increased support and buy-in from the state.
• CFSA’s proposed timeline for the food action plan ramps up in 2022:

Timeframe	Target
2022	Food action plan input, framework, equity strategy, plan assessments
2023	Food plan input, first draft, food action plan bill
2024	Food plan input, final draft

• CFSA’s next step will include strategizing ways to gather input for the food action plan with an emphasis on equity in our state. From there, CFSA will develop ways to encourage stakeholder buy-in and accountability.

CFSA relies on your input and activity to achieve these goals. If you would like to get more involved in CFSA, consider applying to join the steering committee. Email communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com for more information.

On Friday, October 22, 2021, Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) hosted the first session of this year’s virtual summit, Growing Together. This session, Climate and Connecticut’s Food System, focused on the ways that climate change has already impacted our state, and how CFSA can craft an equitable and sustainable food action plan with climate change in mind. CFSA welcomed Chelsea Gazillo, Director of the Working Lands Alliance and American Farmland Trust‘s New England Policy Manager, to moderate the discussion between Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, and Kip Kolesinskas, Co-Chair of the Working Lands Alliance.

Kip’s presentation focused on climate change’s impacts on Connecticut and our state’s agriculture. Climate change has already made a measurable impact on Connecticut’s environment. A warmer climate, droughts, and floods are creating new obstacles for fruit, vegetable, livestock, and dairy farmers in our state. Kip outlined a number of key climate concerns for food and farming in out state:

• Increased heat stress will compromise crop yield and quality, and livestock and dairy production will suffer as well
• Increased weed and disease pressure will bring invasive species, and more crop disease due to an increase in rainfall and more CO2 in the atmosphere
• Too much water will flood and saturate soils, compromise soil health, and bring additional crop disease
• Sustained high winds are causing more tornadoes and therefore more wind damage
• Opportunities for more perennial fruit crops
• Opportunities for double cropping during the longer growing season

While experts expect climate change to further impact our environment, especially without mitigation, farmers can take steps to maximize crop yields during the longer growing season and engage in farming practices that capture carbon. In Connecticut, there is potential for diverse farming operations that can increase jobs, foster economic growth and development, and mitigate the effects of climate change. This could look like implementing regenerative agricultural practices and risk assessment. Read more of Kip’s recommendations from his presentation available here.

Aziz pivoted the conversation to discuss the role that land use can play in climate change mitigation. Previously, Aziz was the director of the New York City Community Garden Coalition where he witnessed first-hand the ways that green spaces and community gardens can reduce flood damage. Land use siting could play a role in controlling the effects of climate change, especially siting that preserves open spaces and values smart climate infrastructure. Green infrastructure and farmland preservation do not have to be mutually exclusive, or at odds with each other. It is possible to be more strategic and creative about where states, cities, and towns site things like solar fields, affordable housing, community gardens, buildings, Amazon warehouses etc.

Aziz recommends building a comprehensive plan that challenges the idea of “new normal.”

“I don’t want ‘new normal.’ Why would anyone accept ‘new normal’ when ‘normal’ hasn’t been working?”

Aziz Dehkan

Communities and grassroots organizers have the potential to redefine “normal” through a narrative that prioritizes sustainability, creativity, and equity in the food system. There is potential for a better system that preserves farmland, values farmers, includes better green transit systems, and scales down big ideas to what we can reasonably expect in Connecticut.

Chelsea, Kip, and Aziz all participated in the Governor’s Council on Climate Change where they worked with other members to create policy recommendations regarding working and natural lands, equity and environmental justice, and infrastructure and land use. These recommendations provide a foundation for CFSA’s food action plan which will incorporate the policy recommendations from GC3 and various similar initiatives from across the state. In fact, building a sustainable and equitable food system is one of the recommendations from the Working and Natural Lands working group. You can read more of the GC3 recommendations here.

Changing our food system will play a role in mitigating climate change. A local and regional food system could reduce transportation emissions, costs, and food waste. Farmland in Connecticut can protect and restore habitats for species migration, act as drainage in urban and suburban areas to mitigate flood damage, and provide food and job opportunities in our state. Currently, Connecticut is in the top 12 of most threatened states, along with Massachusetts and Rhode Island in New England. Farms Under Threat is American Farmland Trust’s initiative to document threats to our agricultural land along with policy solutions to preserve farmland. Preserving working lands and implementing climate-smart farming practices on those working lands are crucial elements to building a local food system in Connecticut.

So what can Connecticut, CFSA, and individuals do?

• Connecticut needs to protect natural resources and farmland. Preserving natural resources and working lands creates a more resilient environment while providing jobs, local food, and overall innovation. Connecticut also needs to create supportive policies and incentives that aid in this protection. This can include policies supporting infrastructure, labor, consumer education, research, and risk assessment.
• CFSA needs to coordinate contiguous efforts with other like-minded planning organizations in the state like GC3. There is already a comprehensive list of recommendations from the Working and Natural Lands working group from the GC3 that we can use for the food action plan along with other efforts that align with different elements of our food system.
• We need to come together for an “all hands on deck” approach that emphasizes and uplifts BIPOC voices that are often underrepresented in these planning efforts while overburdened with the impacts of climate change in our state. An organized, grassroots effort to reimagine our food system will get us past “new normal” so we can define what “normal” should look like on these terms.

The Partnership is composed of six leading NGOs (Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Maine Food Strategy, the New Hampshire Food Alliance, the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Connecticut Food System Alliance, and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council) responsible for supporting the development and implementation of their state’s food system plan, and is part of the Food Solutions New England (FSNE) regional network. The Partnership recently launched the New England Feeding New England Project, bringing together businesses, organizations, community leaders, and state agencies working to build a more sustainable food system across New England and to develop a plan to strengthen the viability and resilience of the region’s food economy.

The planning process will develop production milestones, identify policy opportunities, and recommend investments that can expand and fortify the region’s food supply and distribution systems to ensure the availability of adequate, affordable, socially, and culturally appropriate products under a variety of rapidly changing climate, environmental, and public health conditions. The goal is to increase the amount of food that is produced and consumed in the region so that by 2030, 30% of the food consumed in New England is produced within New England.

Axe is responsible for implementing and overseeing the New England Feeding New England project. She previously worked as a consultant to public and private entities working on food systems projects, such as the Good Food Purchasing Program and Double Up Food Bucks. Prior to consulting, she worked in the City of Austin’s Public Health Department as the Food Access Coordinator, where she managed a portfolio of healthy food access initiatives. Axe holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Policy.

“Having just moved back to New England from living in Austin, TX for 10 years, I am excited to put my program management, strategic analysis, and relationship building skills to work in this region and focus on this important food security project,” said Axe. “As we saw from the crop devastation in Texas due to recent climate change induced freezing weather last winter, and the food supply chain issues it caused, each region of the U.S. needs to be more self-reliant for a greater percentage of its own food supplies. Doing so will make us less vulnerable and more nimble to respond to climate change and pandemic caused food supply disruptions.”

Axe said the NEFNE project is currently looking for farm and food systems researchers who bring a strong equity lens to their research, who reflect the geographic, age, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity that make up our region, and who are interested in being part of a team that will explore how New England can meet 30% of its food needs within the region over the next 10 years.

To learn more about NEFNE and the project’s mission, visit nefoodsystemplanners.org.

About the New England Food System Planners Partnership:

The New England Food System Planners Partnership comprises six statewide organizations including Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Maine Food Strategy, New Hampshire Food Alliance, Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Connecticut Food System Alliance, and Rhode Island Food Policy Council, who each work to strengthen their state’s food system. The project was launched through a public-private partnership with funding from The John Merck Fund, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the USDA Regional Food System Partnership grant program. Funding for this project was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service [grant agreement ID 6000016070]. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

On Thursday, April 29, 2021 Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) hosted a Legislative Lab to discuss food and farm bills in the Connecticut Legislature, learn from state advocates, and inform one another about actions they can take to advocate for change. Panelists Bryan Hurlburt, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture; Joey Listro, Executive Director of New Britain ROOTS; and Cindy Dubuque-Gallo, PhD student at University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, shared their individual and unique perspectives and experiences in legislative advocacy and provided helpful tips that citizen advocates can use when advocating at the Capitol.

An Overview of Connecticut’s Legislature

• Connecticut’s legislature is bicameral, meaning that there are two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Connecticut has a part time legislature, meaning bills are written and passed only while the legislature is in session.
• A bill can be introduced in either the House or Senate, must move through one or more committees, and then pass in both chambers in order to become law.
• There are long and short sessions. Long sessions, running from January to June, occur during odd numbered years (ie. 2021) in order to determine the state budget. Learn about this year’s unique session here.

Advocacy 101

Advocacy is an umbrella term for activities intended to influence policymakers. Advocacy can take many forms: writing letters and calling legislators, testifying at public hearings, participating in public demonstrations, and educating the public, to name a few. These activities are a set of strategies for achieving goals or solving a problem. Advocacy and direct action, like providing funds, food, or services directly to communities, can often be combined to enact change.

Lobbying is any attempt to influence specific legislation. It’s not a bad word, though its connotation and historic association with corruption often overshadow any positive change that can come out of it. Anyone can lobby, including nonprofits, by testifying on a bill, contacting a legislator, and encouraging constituents to take a certain position on a bill. Lobbying is a prominent component of any legislative session. In the words of Cindy Dubuque-Gallo, who is also a former lobbyist registered with the Office of State Ethics, “All lobbying is advocacy, but not all advocacy is lobbying.”

Panelists at the Legislative Lab offered insight into ways they have personally advocated. Here are the tips for you to advocate more effectively:

Build Relationships with Legislators

Everyone in Connecticut has two legislators in the General Assembly: a state senator and a state representative. According to Commissioner Hurlburt, “it’s not a heavy lift to know who they are, and it’s not a heavy lift for them to know who you are.” Hundreds of issues make it to the legislature each year. Legislators cannot be the expert on every issue, so they need you! Expressing your interest and knowledge will help them refer to you as their issue expert. Contact information for legislators is available on the General Assembly website. Find your legislators here.

It’s also beneficial to develop relationships with legislators on committees of interest as well. In Dubuque-Gallo’s experience as a lobbyist, she has used her connections in the legislature to ask representatives to champion or co-sponsor important legislation. Find a list of committees and members here.

Know How the Legislative Process Works

It’s important to know the intricacies of the issue for which you are advocating, but it is also important to understand how to achieve that goal through legislation. For example, in order for WIC and FMNP coupons to cover the cost of chicken eggs at farmers’ markets, the drafted legislation proposes to change the definition of “fresh produce” to include fresh eggs. While this change does not mean that chicken eggs now count as a vegetable on your dinner plate, it does mean that WIC and FMNP voucher holders can use their funds to purchase fresh eggs in addition to fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. In this example, proposing to change a definition achieves a specific goal.

Amendments are a key tool for making a change to a bill that has passed through committee. For example, Dubuque-Gallo sought an amendment to legislation about school meal debt that would allow for the meal debt data to be provided to the school homelessness services liaison as a tool for identifying families at risk of homelessness In this example, the amendment acts as a means to add language that was not originally in the bill but would be valuable to understanding a potential indicator related to school meal debt.

Prepare Your Public Testimony

You have 3 minutes to get your points across. Here’s what you can do to maximize your time in front of the committee hosting the public hearing:

• Write your testimony down. Make sure you get your key points across in the limited time.
• Read your testimony out loud prior to your time slot.
• Understand your legislation and anything that could be related. The committee members can ask you anything!
• If you have a relationship with a legislator on the committee, try to arrange to have them ask you questions (send them questions). There is no limit to the time spent answering questions.
• Remember, you will submit your testimony to the committee which will go on public record. So, if you can’t read everything in the 3 minutes, be sure to cover your most important points. 

Working together with a group or organization can help you develop a solid public testimony.

Use a Blend of Stories and Data

Anyone can advocate. You do not need an advanced degree or to be in an agency position to feel passionate about a certain piece of legislation. Dubuque-Gallo recommends using a blend of stories and data in order to craft convincing and persuasive testimony. While data is important, anecdotal evidence may help appeal to legislators on a deeper, more meaningful level. It may also help make your testimony, letter, or email stand out. According to Commissioner Hurlburt, writing something original will be more effective than submitting a form letter, and will help legislators better understand why this bill or change is important to you. It’s still ok to send form letters – but if you can edit them to add your personal voice, they will have a greater impact.

Work with A Group

Connecticut is full of nonprofit, grassroots, and community organizations that advocate for change at the state and local levels. These groups often have networks or sub-groups (coalitions) that focus on specific issues and legislation in order to organize efforts and better enact change. For example, CT Farm to School Collaborative, the organization that sponsored the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program in HB 6618, organizes members into action teams that can focus on specific goals. Joey Listro, also a team leader for the Resources and Funding action team, worked within his action team to set an agenda, survey the collaborative, fine-tune goals for the action team, and develop an official policy platform. Agenda setting with advocacy groups and action teams happens months before the legislative session begins, so it’s important to get involved early.

Check out CT Farm to School Collaborative’s Bill Journey

Write to Your Local Newspaper

Advocacy can take place outside of the legislature, too. Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can help educate people in your area about an issue that you find important. It can also help gather support for different issues and start conversations about legislation that has not yet been drafted. Check out the op-ed that Joey Listro wrote about the CT Grown for CT Kids Program.

Here are some daily newspapers in Connecticut that accept and print letters to the editor:

• Hartford Courant
• Republican-American
• Stamford Advocate
• The Bristol Press
• New Britain Herald
• The Norwich Bulletin
• The Chronicle (Willimantic)
• The Connecticut Examiner
• Connecticut Post
• The Day (New London)
• Greenwich Time
• The Hour (Norwalk)
• Journal Inquirer (Manchester)
• The Middletown Press
• New Haven Register
• NewsTimes (Danbury)
• Record Journal (Meriden)
• The Register Citizen
• CT Mirror

Help CFSA build an accountability network! Send an email to communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com to be paired with a buddy who can check on your advocacy work.

An “accountability buddy” would be someone else in the Connecticut Food System Alliance who can check in with you to confirm you’ve both contacted your legislators, or provide feedback on letters or public testimony.

Cindy Dubuque-Gallo contributed to and edited this blog post. To learn more about her work, visit https://ssw.uconn.edu/person/cindy-dubuque-gallo-lmsw-mat/

Connecticut’s 2021 legislative session began with an outdoor swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, January 6. However, that is the only in-person legislative event scheduled thus far. Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the legislature will convene and pass bills virtually via Zoom, offering a unique opportunity for individuals across the state to voice concerns – some, perhaps, for the first time.

While this year’s session is sure to be riddled with requisite Zoom obstacles, reminders to mute mics, and other technical difficulties, it’s also sure to be more accessible for folks who cannot travel to the capitol building for public hearings. NBC Connecticut has more information regarding rules for this year’s General Assembly, including requiring an agenda for public hearings to be posted by 6 p.m. the night before a hearing instead of midnight. For some, this offers the opportunity for legislative participation for the first time.

Here are some tips for following the 2021 legislative session with CFSA:

Track Bills With Us:

Wondering if your legislator introduces or co-signs a bill? Interested in a specific committee’s legislative trajectory? The Connecticut General Assembly’s website has a feature for the general public to track bills introduced and co-sponsored by representatives and committees of choice. Anyone with an email address can create an account and select the legislators and committees they would like to follow. The Connecticut General Assembly’s website also provides tools to find your legislator. Register your email address and select how often you want notifications about bills here.

The Connecticut Food System Alliance uses systems thinking in our work, as well as a racial and social justice lens. We take a broad approach to tracking bills that might have an impact on the food system: issues of public health, labor rights and minimum wage, and land use often end up on our tracked bill list. Tracking a bill does not mean the CFSA supports or opposes the bill – only that it would have an impact on the food system. If you think anything is missing, let us know!

To see the latest actions taken on a bill, click on any of the linked bills and scroll down to the bill history. There will be a list of dates and actions taken on those dates. When a bill has been passed it will say Signed by the Governor.

We are tracking the following bills in the Connecticut legislature:

Senate Bills

• S.B. No. 2: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL EQUITY OF CHILDREN IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC
• S.B. No. 3: AN ACT CONCERNING DIVERSE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, WORKER PROTECTIONS AND SMALL BUSINESS REVITALIZATION
• S.B. No. 14: AN ACT INCREASING THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR A FARM BUILDING
• S.B. No. 36: AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL LUNCH DEBT
• S.B. No. 55: AN ACT DESIGNATING RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN THE STATE AND ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL RACISM ON PUBLIC HEALTH
• S.B. No. 60: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS
• S.B. No. 64: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF CHLORPYRIFOS
• S.B. No. 65: AN ACT AUTHORIZING MUNICIPALITIES TO REGULATE PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS
• S.B. No. 67: AN ACT CONCERNING PESTICIDE REGULATION
• S.B. No. 83: AN ACT ELIMINATING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS WHO ABANDON STATE RESIDENCY
• S.B. No. 84: AN ACT PROHIBITING STATE RESIDENTS FROM USING ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARDS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
• S.B. No. 98: AN ACT REQUIRING FOOD RETAILERS AND CONVENIENCE STORES LOCATED IN URBAN AREAS TO OFFER HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS
• S.B. No. 111: AN ACT LIMITING THE USE OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE IN FOOD PACKAGING
• S.B. No. 153: AN ACT EXEMPTING FROM THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO THE STATE
• S.B. No. 162: AN ACT CONCERNING MANAGEMENT OF RESERVATION LANDS AND TRIBAL SERVICES
• S.B. No. 164: AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE REMEDIAL ACTION AND REDEVELOPMENT MUNICIPAL GRANT PROGRAM
• S.B. No. 174: AN ACT EXEMPTING SMALL BUSINESSES FROM CERTAIN FEES DURING THE COVID-PANDEMIC
• S.B. No. 178: AN ACT INCREASING THE APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
• S.B. No. 222: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S PROPOSED RULE CONCERNING THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS
• S.B. No. 242: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SHARED TABLE INITIATIVE
• S.B. No. 277: AN ACT CONCERNING THE TAXATION OF AQUACULTURE OPERATIONS
• S.B. No. 278: AN ACT CONCERNING ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS FOR AGRICULTURAL WASTE
  • See also S.B. No. 372: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SITING OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL
• S.B. No. 289: AN ACT CONCERNING THE THRESHOLD FOR IMPOSITION OF THE ESTATE TAX ON FARMS
• S.B. No. 290: AN ACT ELIMINATING THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
• S.B. No. 308: AN ACT REQUIRING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARIES TO WORK OR VOLUNTEER
• S.B. No. 309: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARDS AT CERTAIN ESTABLISHMENTS
• S.B. No. 312: AN ACT REQUIRING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
• S.B. No. 388: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE PROPERTIES REVIEW BOARD CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
• S.B. No. 389: AN ACT CONCERNING THE FARMLAND ACCESS WORKING GROUP
• S.B. No. 390: AN ACT REQUIRING THE SITING COUNCIL TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE WITH KNOWLEDGE OF AGRICULTURE
• S.B. No. 463: AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT GROWN BRAND
• S.B. No. 464: AN ACT LIMITING ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN EACH COMMUNITY
• S.B. No. 467: AN ACT CONCERNING SOIL HEALTH
• S.B. No. 471: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL REAL ESTATE BY THE STATE
• S.B. No. 472: AN ACT EXPANDING THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT TO UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS OF THE STATE
• S.B. No. 622: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO INCREASE THE ABILITY OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT TO PRODUCE FARM-TO-TABLE FOOD
• S.B. No. 643: AN ACT ALLOWING GROCERY STORE PERMITTEES TO SELL WINE
  • See also S.B. No. 650: AN ACT ALLOWING THE SALE OF HARD CIDER IN GROCERY STORES
• S.B. No. 657: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THIS STATE
• S.B. No. 564: AN ACT CONCERNING A HEALTHY FOOD INITIATIVE IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
• S.B. No. 668: AN ACT CONCERNING A FAIR WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
• S.B. No. 676: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS
• S.B. No. 711: AN ACT CONCERNING COVID-19 RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
• S.B. No. 726: AN ACT INCENTIVIZING GROCERY STORES TO PURCHASE ELECTRIC GENERATORS
• S.B. No. 739: AN ACT EXEMPTING BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES FROM THE SALES AND USE TAXES
• S.B. No. 740: AN ACT CONCERNING A TEMPORARY PERSONAL INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
• S.B. No. 741: AN ACT EXTENDING FARMER TAX EXEMPTION PERMITS GRANTED TO CERTAIN START-UP FARMERS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
• S.B. No. 747: AN ACT EXEMPTING FROM THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO THE STATE
• S.B. No. 762: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REPORTING OF FALSE CLAIMS OR OTHER ABUSE OF STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
• S.B. No. 791: AN ACT CONCERNING PRICE GOUGING IN THE EVENT OF A PUBLICLY DECLARED EMERGENCY
• S.B. No. 840: AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT’S SHELLFISH RESTORATION PROGRAM AND THE CONNECTICUT SEAFOOD COUNCIL
• S.B. No. 842: AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE AND HEALTH CARE IN CONNECTICUT
• S.B. No. 917: AN ACT EXEMPTING VETERANS’ FEDERAL PENSION BENEFITS FROM INCOME ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
• S.B. No. 926: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF PFAS IN CERTAIN CONSUMER PACKAGING
• S.B. No. 930: AN ACT CONCERNING FOOD WASTE DIVERSION AND ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FACILITIES
• S.B. No. 958: AN ACT ALLOWING CERTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARIES TO USE ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARDS AT PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
• S.B. No. 999: AN ACT CONCERNING A JUST TRANSITION TO CLIMATE-PROTECTIVE ENERGY PRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
• S.B. No. 1006: AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE COSTS, THE CONNECTICUT HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE AND HEALTH EQUITY
• S.B. No. 1047: AN ACT CONCERNING INSURANCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
• S.B. No. 1108: AN ACT CONCERNING A CONNECTICUT NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

House Bills

• H.B. No. 5004: AN ACT EXEMPTING BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES FROM THE SALES AND USE TAXES
• H.B. No. 5030: AN ACT REQUIRING THE TRACKING OF CLIMATE CHANGE-RELATED EMISSIONS FROM FOODS CONSUMED BY RESIDENTS OF THE STATE
• H.B. No. 5035: AN ACT CONCERNING AIR QUALITY IN CERTAIN DISTRESSED MUNICIPALITIES
• H.B. No. 5058: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF DEBIT CARDS TO INCARCERATED PERSONS BEING RELEASED INTO THE COMMUNITY
• H.B. No. 5093: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A HOME CANNING PERMIT
• H.B. No. 5100: AN ACT AUTHORIZING A PROPERTY CONVEYANCE FEE FOR OPEN SPACE PURPOSES
• H.B. No. 5115: AN ACT DETERRING FRAUD AND ABUSE IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 5146: AN ACT EXPANDING VETERANS’ ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 5152: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DIVERSION OF FOOD WASTE FROM THE SOLID WASTE STREAM
• H.B. No. 5153: AN ACT RECLASSIFYING TRASH-TO-ENERGY FACILITIES AS A CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE
• H.B. No. 5155: AN ACT ALLOWING THE SALE OF WINE IN GROCERY STORES
• H.B. No. 5158: AN ACT CONCERNING BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE
• H.B. No. 5175: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SITING OF SOLAR FACILITIES ON CERTAIN FARMLANDS
• H.B. No. 5184: AN ACT IMPOSING A TAX ON SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES
• H.B. No. 5199: AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AND THE MINIMUM WAGE
• H.B. No. 5235: AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS AND THE CLIMATE CHANGE CURRICULUM TAUGHT TO STUDENTS
• H.B. No. 5236: AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF LOCALLY GROWN FOOD IN SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 5265: AN ACT EXCLUDING CERTAIN LOANS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC FROM BEING INCLUDED AS REVENUE OR INCOME
• H.B. No. 5307: AN ACT CONCERNING PRICE GOUGING
• H.B. No. 5312: AN ACT CONCERNING ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF CURRENCY AS PAYMENT IN LOCAL BUSINESSES
• H.B. No. 5330: AN ACT PROVIDING WORK INCENTIVES FOR RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
• H.B. No. 5333: AN ACT CONCERNING DATA COLLECTION TO PREVENT MALNUTRITION AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS
• H.B. No. 5377: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF COVID-19 RELATED LAYOFFS FROM THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION EXPERIENCE ACCOUNT FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021
• H.B. No. 5379: AN ACT PROMOTING THE PARTICIPATION IN VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE WORK PROGRAMS BY SMALL FARMS
• H.B. No. 5391: AN ACT CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF FOOD TRUCKS
• H.B. No. 5340: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE PROGRAM IN CONNECTICUT
• H.B. No. 5440: AN ACT CONCERNING RABBIT PROCESSING FACILITIES
• H.B. No. 5442: AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF BIOSOLIDS INTO FERTILE SOILS FOR USE BY FARMERS
• H.B. No. 5453: AN ACT PROMOTING THE COMPOSTING OF FOOD WASTE
• H.B. No. 5481: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A GRANT PROGRAM FOR WOMEN AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES
• H.B. No. 5485: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CENTERS
  • See also H.B. No. 5488: AN ACT CONCERNING THE FUNDING FOR REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CENTERS
• H.B. No. 5513: AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS
  • See also H.B. No. 5639: AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTERS
• H.B. No. 5520: AN ACT CONCERNING TREATMENT OF CHICKEN EGGS AS FRESH PRODUCE
• H.B. No. 5524: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATE-WIDE LAND TRUST
• H.B. No. 5525: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF POLYSTYRENE CONTAINERS IN RESTAURANTS
  • See also H.B. No. 5821: AN ACT ELIMINATING THE USE OF SINGLE-USE POLYSTYRENE CONTAINERS
• H.B. No. 5526: AN ACT CONCERNING COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION
• H.B. No. 5527: AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF CHLORPYRIFOS
  • See also H.B. No. 5807: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PHASE-OUT FOR THE USE OF CHLORPYRIFOS
• H.B. No. 5562: AN ACT CONCERNING OUTDOOR DINING AND COVID-19
• H.B. No. 5581: AN ACT CONCERNING ITINERANT FOOD VENDING ESTABLISHMENTS
• H.B. No. 5601: AN ACT INCREASING FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY NONPROFIT PROVIDERS
  • See also H.B. No. 5649: AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR THE NONPROFIT GRANT PROGRAM
  • See also H.B. No. 5743: AN ACT INCREASING FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT PROVIDERS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  • See also H.B. No. 5744: AN ACT INCREASING FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY NONPROFIT PROVIDERS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
  • See also H.B. No. 5751: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT PROVIDERS OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• H.B. No. 5607: AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS TO REPLENISH THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION TRUST FUND
• H.B. No. 5613: AN ACT CONCERNING ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
• H.B. No. 5614: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
• H.B. No. 5619: AN ACT CONCERNING THE TEACHING OF CLIMATE CHANGE INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• H.B. No. 5628: AN ACT REQUIRING FIFTY-YEAR PROJECTIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION AND COST ASSESSMENTS FOR RESIDENTS
• H.B. No. 5670: AN ACT CONCERNING A WORK REQUIREMENT FOR RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
  • See also H.B. No. 5673: AN ACT REQUIRING ABLE-BODIED RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO WORK OR VOLUNTEER
• H.B. No. 5674: AN ACT CONCERNING EQUITY OF SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
• H.B. No. 5678: AN ACT CONCERNING A MUNICIPALITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
• H.B. No. 5702: AN ACT DELAYING SCHEDULED INCREASES IN THE MINIMUM WAGE
  • See also H.B. No. 5946: AN ACT DELAYING THE INCREASE OF THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR ONE YEAR
  • See also H.B. No. 5947: AN ACT SUSPENDING SCHEDULED INCREASES IN THE MINIMUM WAGE
  • See also H.B. No. 6268: AN ACT STOPPING FURTHER INCREASES IN THE MINIMUM WAGE AND REDUCING THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR MINORS
• H.B. No. 5704: AN ACT ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO OPT OUT OF THE PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM
• H.B. No. 5756: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO ASSIST MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY COVID-19
• H.B. No. 5767: AN ACT CONCERNING FARM-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 5798: AN ACT ADDRESSING EDUCATION FUNDING AND RACIAL EQUITY IN CONNECTICUT
• H.B. No. 5812: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE USE OF REFILLABLE CONTAINERS AT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
• H.B. No. 5813: AN ACT CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM
• H.B. No. 5817: AN ACT ESTABLISHING GREEN JUSTICE ZONES
• H.B. No. 5820: AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT INSTITUTE FOR RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION
• H.B. No. 5848: AN ACT EXEMPTING BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES FROM THE SALES AND USE TAXES
• H.B. No. 5892: AN ACT REDUCING FEES FOR CERTAIN FARM DISTILLERIES
• H.B. No. 5905: AN ACT FACILITATING THE SUPPLY OF FOOD AVAILABLE AT SMALLER, PRIVATE FOOD PANTRIES
• H.B. No. 5909: AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE HISPANIC AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR NONPROFIT STABILIZATION AND GROWTH FUND
• H.B. No. 5955: AN ACT REPEALING THE PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT AND DISSOLVING THE PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE AUTHORITY
• H.B. No. 5957: AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES
• H.B. No. 5962: AN ACT DELAYING THE PAYROLL DEDUCTION FOR PAID FAMILY LEAVE FOR ONE YEAR
• H.B. No. 6120: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CONNECTICUT CENTER FOR WORKER OWNERSHIP
• H.B. No. 6163: AN ACT CREATING A SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
• H.B. No. 6173: AN ACT CONCERNING QUALIFYING INCOME THRESHOLDS FOR STATE SERVICES AND BENEFITS AND THE CLIFF EFFECT
• H.B. No. 6187: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESTRUCTURING OF CERTAIN TAXES AND TAX EQUITY
• H.B. No. 6218: AN ACT ALLOWING SMALL FARMS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCTS AT WHOLESALE OR BY CONSIGNMENT TO OTHER FARM STORES OR FARMERS’ MARKETS
• H.B. No. 6219: AN ACT CONCERNING GROCERY STORES AND THE SALE OF WINE
• H.B. No. 6229: AN ACT ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF FOOD-INSECURE STUDENTS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
• H.B. No. 6234: AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 6237: AN ACT ALLOWING CERTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARIES TO USE ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARDS AT PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
• H.B. No. 6238: AN ACT PROVIDING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR CERTIFIED DIETITIAN-NUTRITIONISTS
• H.B. No. 6247: AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC OPTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE IN CONNECTICUT
• H.B. No. 6275: AN ACT CONCERNING SEATING FOR RETAIL CASHIERS
• H.B. No. 6339: AN ACT RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE IN CONNECTICUT
• H.B. No. 6343: AN ACT ENSURING FAIR EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS FOR GIG WORKERS
• H.B. No. 6345: AN ACT GRANTING TEMPORARY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS DURING A COVID-19 RELATED PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
• H.B. No. 6348: AN ACT ELIMINATING THE TIP CREDIT AND THE USE OF FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE EXEMPTIONS FOR EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED PERSONS
• H.B. No. 6357: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING INCREASES FOR NONPROFIT SERVICE PROVIDERS
• H.B. No. 6385: AN ACT CONCERNING ENHANCEMENTS TO CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 6439: AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, 2023, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFOR
• H.B. No. 6441: AN ACT CONCERNING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
• H.B. No. 6446: AN ACT CONCERNING THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUMAN SERVICES
• H.B. No. 6409: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION OF BIOGAS INJECTION PROPOSALS FROM ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FACILITIES
• H.B. No. 6416: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF LIENS ON THE PROPERTY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENEFICIARIES
• H.B. No. 6463: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, A REENTRY EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEES IN MUNICIPALITIES WHERE A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IS LOCATED, THE DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS, THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA RELATING TO AN EMPLOYEE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION AND THE PROVISION OF DEBIT CARDS TO INCARCERATED PERSONS AT THE TIME OF RELEASE
• H.B. No. 6482: AN ACT EXCLUDING FEDERAL VETERANS’ BENEFITS FROM INCOME ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
  • H.B. No. 5147: AN ACT EXEMPTING VETERANS’ PENSIONS FROM THE CALCULATION OF INCOME FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS
• H.B. No. 6518: AN ACT PROVIDING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR CERTIFIED DIETITIAN-NUTRITIONISTS
• H.B. No. 6519: AN ACT CONCERNING DATA COLLECTION TO PREVENT MALNUTRITION AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS
• H.B. No. 6550: AN ACT CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY’S RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY HOSPITALS
• H.B. No. 6551: AN ACT CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY
• H.B. No. 6555: AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS
• H.B. No. 6563: AN ACT ELIMINATING ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS TO A COMMUNITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
• H.B. No. 6580: AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• H.B. No. 6610: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF OUTDOOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE BY RESTAURANTS
• H.B. No. 6615: AN ACT CONCERNING SAFE DRINKING WATER
• H.B. No. 6621: AN ACT CONCERNING ASSORTED REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE EDUCATION STATUTES
• H.B. No. 6673: AN ACT CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF A PORTION OF THE SALES TAX ON MEALS

House Joint Resolutions

• H.J. No. 2: RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE APPROVAL OF THE LONG ISLAND SOUND BLUE PLAN
• H.J. No. 53: RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADOPTION OF THE LONG ISLAND SOUND BLUE PLAN

Learn How to Testify at a Public Hearing:

While this year’s public hearings will be different due to the virtual format, the CGA website provides information on how to prepare for your testimony. This will be updated with more information as this year’s session progresses. As mentioned above, agendas for public hearings will be posted to the General Assembly’s website at 6pm the night before.

Learn How to Read Legislation:

The General Assembly’s website has a helpful visual for understanding how a bill becomes a law in Connecticut. Additionally, Connecticut Network has a helpful cheat sheet for understanding the jargon used in these bills. 

Follow Connecticut Network for Live Coverage:

Connecticut Network has a livestream of all Connecticut State Government activities. Streaming is available on their website and YouTube for free.

Join the Listserv:

CFSA Coordinator Meg Hourigan will be sending weekly Food & Farm Legislation updates to our listserv. Send a message to Marcella at communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com to be added to our list of allies!

On Wednesday, October 7, the Connecticut Food System Alliance (CFSA) held the final session of this year’s virtual summit, Designing Resilience for Food and Farming in Connecticut: A Virtual Series to Collectively Shape the Future of Growing & Eating in Our State. This session, Actionable Steps Toward the Future of Sustainable, Resilient Food & Farming, recapped the previous three sessions and allowed participants to discuss what they would like to see in the future of the Connecticut food system. For this session, we invited state senator and long-time CFSA supporter, Marilyn Moore, to speak on her experiences making change in the state.

Senator Marilyn Moore

In addition, Senator Moore has tackled the war against hunger by serving and being a member of several boards in Connecticut, including, End Hunger CT!, Network Support Team of the Connecticut Food System Alliance, and Food Solutions New England.

As a result of her unwavering passion and dedication to fighting for food and health equity in Connecticut, the City of Bridgeport formed the Bridgeport Food Policy Council, which integrates all agencies of the city in a common effort to improve the availability of safe and nutritious food at reasonable prices for all residents, particularly those in need.”

Senator Moore began her involvement in food systems work through non-profit work. She ran a non-profit for 15 years advocating for Black women who suffer from breast cancer at the highest rate. Through her work making mammograms and health screenings accessible to more women she realized that access to healthy food was a factor in treatment success, overall health, and breast cancer prevention. This compounded with childrens’ excitement about healthy food and growing healthy food drove her to advocate for food system legislation during her tenure as state senator.

In Bridgeport, she noticed a dearth of healthy food among the abundant corner stores selling and marketing unhealthy options. A study in Bridgeport showed that it took people 75 minutes by bus to access a full service grocery store, making corner stores and bodegas the most accessible option. Senator Moore worked with the City of Bridgeport’s health department to create a corner store initiative, bringing healthy foods, appropriate storage, and marketing assistance to corner stores.

Since her election in 2014, Senator Moore has served on the Environmental Committee and has been appointed as Chair of the Human Services Committee. These experiences opened her eyes to the world of agriculture and how the food system and SNAP impact low-income people in our state. Additionally, COVID has shown that many barriers to food access (waivers, paperwork, and limited SNAP funds) do not have to exist. “That’s another opportunity for us to say ‘why not?’ Nothing changed, nothing hurt anybody by allowing them to have access to precooked food, especially seniors.”

Senator Moore ended her presentation highlighting the importance of food system work in Connecticut. As a state with farmland, suburbs, and urban centers, it’s important for people, especially children, to understand how food is grown and how it gets to the grocery store. It’s especially important for youth to see diversity in race, gender, age, and class in agriculture. “It’s important for them to see this is another place where they could find a home, be comfortable, and raise their own food.”

What Are Our Interests?

During this session, we summarized the previous sessions and extracted our favorite ideas and initiatives. Here are the initiatives and solutions that garnered the most attention:

• Food is Medicine (modeled after a program in Massachusetts) – this works to address and prevent diet related illnesses. The Food is Medicine intervention includes medically tailored meals delivered fully prepared, medically tailored food delivered unprepared, a voucher (“prescription”) program for healthy foods, and population-level healthy food, anti-poverty action. Registered Dieticians and Nutritionists tailor meals and provide “prescriptions” for individuals. This is a health-focused food system transformation.
• CSA Subsidies (similar to a program in Vermont) – Vermont NOFA collects donations from across the state and uses that money to subsidize farm shares so more low income people can access and support local farms. Some farms in Connecticut subsidize shares, but a statewide program could increase accessibility to more people.
• Food hubs could create a more accessible local food system; however, Connecticut only has three: the Northwest Regional Connecticut Food Hub, Brass City Harvest, and the Hartford Regional Market. Food hubs can better connect local farmers to communities, especially for communities that do not have the resources to establish a farmers’ market or farmers who cannot sustain a farmers’ market presence.
• More on-farm training – what can Connecticut do to encourage farming?
• As discussed in the Funding and Policy session, there’s an educational gap between policy makers, philanthropists, and people trying to resolve issues like food security. Inviting legislators to your organization’s events and planning strategic meetings with philanthropists (or the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy) could help bridge those gaps and encourage more discussions and substantial change.
• Connecticut has some of the nation’s best farmland and some of the most expensive farmland (USDA). How can we incentivize farming and make this land accessible to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) farmers?
• Connecticut also has a number of vacant buildings and lots. How can we incentivize retrofitting these spaces for value added food operations that could close the food system loop in our state? GreenWave, for example, uses vacant tobacco sheds to dry seaweed. How can that model expand to different operations in the state? Resources to check out with more information:
  • Hartford Land Bank
  • Working Lands Alliance
  • Trust for Public Land
• Our social safety net must be proactively strong instead of reactively growing. Securing funding for appropriate social safety nets like SNAP, unemployment, and hazard pay well before an emergency strikes could prevent strain that these programs face when they are underfunded.

What Are the Next Steps?

• Dedicate time to each of the issues above. Generate energy behind each interest during focused sessions.
• Finding out how much food the state must produce to sustain residents, and understand how this compares to the food we currently produce. Food Solutions New England is one of the groups doing this work in New England.
• Identifying the true cost of our food system, “the triple bottom line.” What is the cost of the food system from an economic, environmental, and quality of life perspective?
• Get more funding for the long-term. A critical component to achieving sustainability is longevity – and the bias toward temporary programmatic funding as well as limited funding periods (usually a year) impede the true systems work that we want to achieve.

We hope to continue these discussions into the new year and the long legislative session. Want to get involved and stay up to date on future discussions? Join the listserv: send a message to communications@ctfoodsystemalliance.com!