Tami Zawistowski

Suffield Students Present the Facts on CT's Bear Population

Students from the AG Issues Team from the Suffield Regional Agriscience Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter came to the Legislative Office Building to put on a lighthearted, but incredibly informative, presentation on bear population management in Connecticut. Tackling a very complicated issue with a short skit based around a courtroom trial, prosecuting students accused "Mr. Bearington" of breaking into, ransacking a home, and eating the food inside. They appealed to the judge to implement restrictions on bears, possibly including relocation, a limited bear hunt season, or even sterilization. In defense, Mr. Bearington and his lawyers claimed he was only doing what was natural and that humans to have needed more restrictions to reduce or eliminate potential conflicts. They suggested locking garbage cans, removal of bird feeders, and noise harassment measures, among other ideas. According to the students, Connecticut’s bear population is expanding at a rate that outpaces current management tools, leading to increased property damage and safety concerns in residential areas. Their presentation highlighted the conflict between regulated management (such as a hunting season or aggressive state intervention) and coexistence strategies (such as bear-resistant infrastructure and habitat protection). About three dozen people attended the presentation, and the students did a masterful job answering questions from the audience when they wrapped up. I want to thank the members of the AG Issues team: Coach/Teacher Dr. Laura LaFlamme, and students Jacob Chaws, Windsor Locks (10th grade), Sarah Daigel, East Windsor (10th grade), Claire Kleinman, West Hartford (10th grade), Quinn Libby, Suffield (10th grade), Alice McCoy, Suffield (12th grade), Sasha Nelson, Suffield (12th grade), Nate Russell, East Granby (11th grade), for bringing a measured discussion and incredible enthusiasm to a very complicated issue.

Rep. Zawistowski Applauds $12.1 million Grant for 255 Main St. Revitalization

On Friday afternoon, State Rep. Tami Zawistowski joined Windsor Locks First Selectman Jonathan Savino, Rep. Jane Garibay, State Senator John Kissel, Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno for the official announcement of a combined $12.1 million grant from the Department of Economic Development, Department of Housing, and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, to aid brownfield remediation and construction of a 70-unit mixed income housing development adjacent to the new CT rail Hartford Line train station in Windsor Locks. "This is a great news for Windsor Locks and this grant moves this project one step closer to revitalizing this incredibly important area. The improvements will provide easy access to transportation and retail opportunities for dozens of residents and families, as well as expanding opportunities for small businesses," Rep. Zawistowski, who serves on the legislature's Transportation Committee said. The grant will facilitate the next steps in the demolition and construction of the 255 Main St. property, a transit-oriented development (TOD) project which is expected to bring 120 mixed-income housing units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space.

"Ag Day" at the Capitol!

Today was "AG Day" at the Capitol and I had the pleasure of talking with FFA students from Suffield Regional Agriscience / Suffield Public Schools ! With agriculture taking center stage in Hartford, scores of students from Future Farmers of America chapters across the state, 4-H members, farmers, growers, and environmentalists converged on the Capitol to share their passion for the outdoors, nature, and agriculture during this annual event that showcases Connecticut's incredible biodiversity. As always, it's great to have so many high school students in the building, especially when they're invested and involved in the legislative process and how the laws passed here will affect them and the agriculture industry. I have no doubt that these students will accomplish big things in the future. Connecticut is lucky to have so many FFA chapters! I also bumped into Governor Lamont and talked with Lisa Stevens, executive director, and Matt Fitzpatrick, president of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association, and Lillian Ruiz, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Erosion, and others. Always an informative, fun and well attended event!

Rep. Zawistowski, MASS Officials Continue Dialogue Re: Up-river Discharges in CT River

For the third time in less than six months, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61), Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, Massachusetts State Representative Pat Duffy, and a growing group of concerned officials, conservationists, and stakeholders met to discuss up-river combined sewage discharges and ongoing efforts to eliminate such outflows from the Connecticut River. "Since our initial meeting only a few short months ago, this small but growing ad hoc group has made substantial progress toward identifying both primary and secondary areas of concern and is beginning to develop a forward-thinking plan that engages and energizes local, state, and federal resources, including advocates and volunteers, to help mitigate the impact of these overflow events in the future," Rep. Zawistowski said. "As I've said repeatedly, the Connecticut River is a vital resource for both our states' communities, economy, and environment that must be protected." The group that met in Suffield Town Hall and over Zoom today included Reps. Zawistowski and Duffy, Mayor Garcia, Suffield First Selectman Colin Moll, Mary Monahan , former Chair Board of Public Works, Markelle Smith, of the Mass Audubon Society and CT River Watershed Partnership, Patty Gambarini, lead environmental planner for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Soundkeeper Bill Lucey, from Save the Sound, and several other local and state environmental advocates. They discussed ways to engage other elected officials from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and federally, and possible state and federal grant programs to help underwrite the tremendous costs. Mayor Garcia suggested the possibility of creating an interactive map to detail which communities are impacted by the river and using data to underscore the economic benefits of a clean waterway. The group also talked about promoting more river-based events to increase interest and awareness, including tourism advertising, restoring fishing habitats to bring more anglers to the state, paddle events like regattas and day trip tours, and more. According to the U.S. EPA, when the amount of water runoff exceeds the capacity of combined municipal wastewater treatment systems, untreated stormwater and wastewater is discharged into nearby waterbodies creating a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). These CSOs are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. In early 2025, in response to concerns from local fishermen and others, Connecticut Reps. Zawistowski and Devin Carney (R-Old Lyme), sent a formal letter to Environmental Protection Agency to request assistance to prevent up-river states from continuing to discharge sewage and other harmful substances into the Connecticut River. Those critical concerns, including the interstate water quality impact, public health risks, environmental justice, and the economic impact to tourism, recreation, and property values along the river corridor prompted these ongoing discussions.

Rep. Zawistowski Applauds $800K Grant for Pedestrian Safety

Rep. Zawistowski joined First Selectman Jonathan Savino, Rep. Garibay, LT. Gov. Bysiewicz, and DOT's Carlo Leone for the official announcement that Windsor Locks would be receiving an $800,000 Community Connectivity Grant for pedestrian and safety improvements on Old County Road. This is great news for the community, and will certainly improve the safety and walkability of the area!