IVORYTON, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) discussed a number of important legislative priorities while appearing on iCRV Radio’s “Town Spotlight” program. iCRV Radio is based out of Ivoryton. In a wide-ranging interview, Sen. Needleman discussed topics including legislation that could have a positive impact on the 33rd District with host David Williams.
“The state of farming is improving, but more needs to be done,” said Sen. Needleman while discussing his support for legislation supporting the legalization of growing hemp in Connecticut. “Hemp is a fast-growing crop that can be used in a wide variety of products,” Sen. Needleman said, adding that a number of local farmers support its legalization. “I will vote yes on any bill that broadens the base of farmers being able to grow hemp.”
During the interview, Sen. Needleman and Williams additionally discussed the commonly asked question of school efficiency, in light of several bills that have been proposed that would change how schools might operate statewide. “How do you make government better? You use empowerment, with reins on that empowerment, allowing people to have creative solutions,” Sen. Needleman said. He noted that Essex, Deep River and Cheshire, all towns in his district, have partly regionalized but there are still limits on their shared services, which he would like to see expanded.
“I’m opposed to bills mandating regionalization,” Sen. Needleman added. “We are fairly efficient at what we do [locally] and I don’t want to ruin that. I won’t mandate anything – I want to make it less difficult to work together.”
The conversation also touched on Sen. Needleman’s status as Chairman of the Energy & Technology Committee, where he mentioned some of his priorities. Those include substituting some of the state’s fossil fuel load, finding new options to reduce the cost of renewable forms of energy and proactively bringing tech firms and next-generation businesses to Connecticut. “I’m hopeful that Governor Lamont will help,” Sen. Needleman said. “He surrounds himself with business people and could start developing a new vision.”
Audio from Sen. Needleman’s interview will be available on ICRV Radio’s website archives, located at https://icrvradio.com/programs/, beginning the evening of March 13.