WHEREAS Connecticut has enacted a new law on May 28, 2025, Public Act No. 25-33
(formerly SB9), passed with strong bi-partisan support, that bans the non-agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides on approximately 300,000 acres of lawns, golf courses, and turf fields (which is 10% of the entire state), taking effect in 2027, and

WHEREAS these pesticides are among the most harmful in use as they kill pollinators, contaminate waterways, and contribute to the decline of many bird species, according to the
Connecticut Audubon Society, and

WHEREAS according to the Connecticut Audubon Society, birds like the Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Blue-Winged Warbler, and Field Sparrow have seen population drops of 60-80%, along with even more familiar backyard birds, such as Eastern Bluebirds and American Robins, who are at greater risk, when exposed to this type of pesticide, and

WHEREAS the law aims to reduce the negative impact of these pesticides on all wildlife, particularly birds and butterflies, and to improve the overall environmental health of Connecticut, and

WHEREAS the law also restricts access to second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), making them accessible only to trained applicators, which aims to protect all wildlife according to the American Bird Conservancy, and

WHEREAS if a request to use neonicotinoid pesticides in Connecticut is submitted to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will then determine if “no other effective control option is available,” and

WHEREAS neonicontinoids can still be used on trees and ornamental shrubs and other agricultural uses but anyone in agriculture who uses these pesticides must be licensed every five years by the state, and

WHEREAS the Connecticut Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider CT, and other conservation groups played a significant role in advocating for the bill’s passage through an organization called Connecticut Pesticide Reform whose mission is to “pass legislation that will restrict the use of dangerous pesticides to protect the health of humans, birds pollinators, and marine life, and reduce pollution that is putting the state’s waters, wetlands, and wildlife at risk,” and

WHEREAS the next steps involve implementation, monitoring, further research of these pesticides on aquatic ecosystems and human health, and potential expansion of restrictions to other areas and uses.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange take a stance that commits to supporting the Connecticut Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider CT, and other conservation groups involved in advocacy of this law and further similar legislation, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange communicate its support to the
Connecticut Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, Surfrider CT, and other conservation groups, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange emphasize the need for raising public awareness about the dangers of neonicotinoid pesticides and how promoting alternative pest control methods is crucial for wildlife and the greater environment in these communities.

WHEREAS the Connecticut State Grange scholarship program offers two different kinds of Scholarships. The first is a $500 incentive scholarship for first year students. The second is a full scholarship offered to students in their second year and beyond, and

WHEREAS the cost of a college education has increased dramatically over the last decade, and

WHEREAS students are increasingly relying on loans to fill the gap between financial aid and contributions from family and savings, and

WHEREAS most of the students applying for Connecticut State Grange student loans are applying for $10,000 loans each and every year, and

WHEREAS as few as one or two applications are received each year for the $500 scholarship.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the $500 incentive scholarship for first year students be eliminated and full scholarships be available to all college students beginning in their first
year.

WHEREAS the proposed National Grange Resolution 726, passed in 2024 (Year 1), seeks to amend Chapter IV, Section 4.8.2B, Sec. 4.8.2F and Sec. 4.8.2G of the National Grange By-Laws to implement a significant increase in dues for all members, including an increase in dues for Subordinate Granges, E-Members and Associate Grange members, and

WHEREAS the increase in dues from $14 to $20 for Subordinate Grange members and from $36 to $46 for E-Members is a substantial financial burden on individuals and families, particularly during times of economic uncertainty, and

WHEREAS the proposed increase of $1.50 quarterly dues for each Subordinate Grange member and $2.50 for each family membership starting January 1, 2026, represents a 43% increase in dues for individual members payable to National Grange and a 33% increase for family memberships payable to the National Grange, further straining the financial well-being of members and their ability to participate in Grange activities actively, and

WHEREAS the financial impact of this increase, if passed again in 2025 (Year 2), could lead to decreased membership and participation, weakening the sense of community and shared purpose that the Grange fosters among its members, and

WHEREAS many members, particularly those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, may find it challenging to afford the higher dues, resulting in their exclusion from valuable Grange resources and community-building opportunities, and

WHEREAS the Grange has always been committed to ensuring accessibility to all who seek to join and participate, and an increase in dues at this scale contradicts that longstanding commitment, and

WHEREAS the National Grange should prioritize exploring more sustainable and equitable financial strategies that do not place undue financial strain on its members, especially those who rely on the Grange for connection, support, and enrichment.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of Riverton, Granby and Whigville Granges strongly oppose the provisions of Resolution 726 proposing the increased annual dues for all members, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the National Grange explore alternative avenues for strengthening its financial position without imposing such a substantial and disproportionate dues increase on its members, ensuring that future resolutions promote both financial sustainability and accessibility for all members, regardless of their economic situation, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED this resolution be formally communicated to the Connecticut State Grange and the National Grange leadership, with a request to reconsider the proposed dues increase and engage in further dialogue with members to assess more equitable solutions to funding the future of the National Grange.

WHEREAS public transportation systems, including buses, trains, subways and paratransit services, are used by millions of Americans each day and are essential to mobility, especially in urban, rural, and underserved communities, and

WHEREAS the safety of passengers, drivers, and transit workers is a top priority, and incidents of violence, harassment, vandalism, and other criminal behavior on public transportation continues to be reported across the country, and

WHEREAS the presence of video recording devices (cameras) on public transportation vehicles has been shown to deter criminal activity, aid in law enforcement investigations, and enhance overall passenger confidence and security, and

WHEREAS many municipalities and transit agencies have already implemented onboard surveillance systems with measurable success, yet the adoption remains inconsistent across regions, and

WHEREAS the National Grange, as an historic advocate for rural infrastructure, public safety, and community welfare, is uniquely positioned to support common-sense measures that improve the quality and safety of public services.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange respectfully request the National Grange advocate for the installation of video recording devices on all forms of public transportation nationwide, with appropriate privacy protections and transparency, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the National Grange urge Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other relevant agencies to prioritize funding, guidance, and incentives to support the deployment of onboard camera systems on public transit vehicles, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the Connecticut State Grange to the National Grange for consideration at the next annual National Grange Convention.

WHEREAS the non-profit, non-partisan group, the International Food Information Council (IFIC), is the preeminent source for food insights through their numerous surveys for over 20 years in the United States and worldwide, and

WHEREAS the IFIC conducted a Food and Health Survey in 2025, gauging how U.S. consumers think, feel and act around food and beverages, with a focus on food and ingredient safety and how that influences purchasing decisions, and

WHEREAS according to the 2025 IFIC Food and Health Survey, American confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply has hit a record low of 55%, falling from a high of 78% in 2012,
across all demographics, and

WHEREAS the results of the survey shows that Americans’ Top 5 food safety concerns are: 1)Foodborne illness from bacteria, 2) Carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals in food, 3)Pesticides/Pesticide residues, 4) Heavy metals in food;, 5) Food additives and ingredients (such as food colorings and no-calorie sweeteners), and

WHEREAS the results of the survey shows that the safety of the U.S. food supply is increasingly driven by belief or disbelief that coordination takes place across the food system, and

WHEREAS the top reasons for the lack of confidence include believing profit is prioritized over safety (reported by 59%), not believing everyone across the food system is working together to ensure safety (54%), not believing the federal government’s regulations on safety are strict enough (46%), and the belief that there are too many recalls (43%), and

WHEREAS according to the same IFIC survey, to increase confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply, Americans want to know more about what is being done to keep food safe, and

WHEREAS Understanding food safety is crucial for protecting public health, ensuring consumer confidence, and promoting sustainable practices, and

WHEREAS this understanding helps prevent foodborne illnesses, enhances product quality, and minimizes economic losses; and also contributes to the building of trust with consumers, complies with legal requirements, and can even contribute to global trade.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange support the benefits of food safety, which includes reduction of medical costs due to illness and prevention of product recalls, and as such increases consumer confidence through stronger regulations and transparency about how food companies and the government keep food safe, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the Connecticut State Grange takes action through communication to the regulatory body in the state - The CT Department of Consumer Protection - and encourage the promotion throughout Connecticut of public food safety understanding and its contributions to protecting public health, enhancing consumer confidence, and reducing food waste, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED That this resolution be forwarded to National Grange for their support and action for food safety understanding on a National level through communication with the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Food Safety Administration Inspection Service (FSIS).

WHEREAS Connecticut interstate highways do not have tolls on them, and

WHEREAS other states have tolls on their interstate highways for road repairs and lost gas taxes from electric vehicles. Maine, New York, Ohio, Indiana, and other states have tolls, and

WHEREAS today’s electronic tolls do not cause slowdowns at toll plazas, and

WHEREAS revenue from gas taxes is being reduced due to electric vehicles and reductions in federal funding which is used to repair our interstate highways.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange urge the General Assembly to install tolls on the interstate highways that enter the State of Connecticut; I-95, I-91, I-84, I-395 for increased funding for lost revenue.

WHEREAS in 2026, the United States of America will be celebrating its 250th Anniversary, and

WHEREAS Granges historically honor patriotic and historic events; and

WHEREAS a commemorative tree and label planted on Grange property, or other property of choice, would serve to honor the celebration, now and in the future, and

WHEREAS the choice of a tree as a commemorative symbol connects the Grange principles honoring nature, and

WHEREAS publicity related to this event would encourage public awareness of the Grange as an organization within the local community.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange encourage each Community Grange to plant a tree with label to honor he 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.



Greenfield Hill Grange #133; Nutmeg Pomona #16

WHEREAS the needs for an the cost of electricity are rising, and

WHEREAS many parking areas have good solar exposure and provide for practical solar collection, and

WHEREAS solar-panel-covered parking lots can supply solar-generated electricity to the electric power network, and

WHEREAS solar-panel-covered parking lots can provide for improved quality of life, leaving cars cooler in the summer, shielding cars and their owners and passengers from rain and snow
in inclement weather, and provide for electric car charging, and

WHEREAS colleges, town centers, and shopping areas all across the United States have successfully demonstrated this concept.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange petition the Connecticut General Assembly to require that new, publicly owned parking areas under the purview of the state, including Connecticut State Parking, the Hartford Parking Authority, the Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department in New Haven, Department of Parking Services in Greenwich, and others, and all smaller Connecticut municipalities, cover these lots with solar panel roofs where there is sufficient solar influx and nearby electrical grid access, and to incentivize new and existing commercial parking lot owners and associations do the same.

WHEREAS the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (D.E.E.P.) states “With an aboveground storage tank (AST), you are more likely to detect a leak before it becomes severe” implying that visual inspection and actual leakage is the current method of establishing a requirement for replacement, and

WHEREAS home heating oil fuel tanks have an unknown actual life but a typical life of 15-20 years, and

WHEREAS said fuel tanks will begin to leak oil after that time on an indeterminate schedule, and

WHEREAS many homeowners inherit in the purchase of their home old fuel oil tanks with no knowledge of the age of the tanks, and

WHEREAS the fuel contaminates the ground below the tank and can enter ground water, and

WHEREAS the cost of remediation is prohibitive to most homeowners and reporting and remediation is often ignored or hidden, resulting in damage to the ground water, a public trust, and

WHEREAS leakage of tanks is unavoidable if left unmanaged, and

WHEREAS we cannot remediate the old existing tank inspection and replacement system but going forward it would be beneficial if a new tank management system were put in place that contained the intent of conservatively avoiding leakage.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange urge the Connecticut General Assembly to establish registration of all new fuel oil tanks for both businesses and residences. The Connecticut D.E.E.P. or appropriate State authority would send notices to home and business owners indicating the age of the tank at 15 and 20 years with clear notice of the high cost of ignoring the need for tank replacement.

WHEREAS Connecticut has a bottle bill, also known as container redemption program, which requires consumers to pay a 10 cent deposit at time of purchase, and

WHEREAS the consumer is then responsible for returning the empty container to get the deposit back, and

WHEREAS the seller gives the deposit back to consumer only if the seller’s store currently sells that brand of drink, and

WHEREAS consumers shop at several stores, and

WHEREAS this discourages consumers from recycling because it is troublesome to organize and return them according to where you purchased them.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Connecticut State Grange encourage the Connecticut General Assembly to amend the rules so that consumers can take recycling back to any store’s recycling center.

WHEREAS the President of the United States is the highest political office and should meet certain criteria to be considered eligible, and

WHEREAS existing criteria include age and birth and citizenship requirements, and

WHEREAS considering the depth and breadth of responsibilties of a President, additional considerations for qualification need to be developed, and

WHEREAS recommendations for these considerations may include educational and vocational background, demonstrated competency in high level leadership positions, and proof of legal personal financial management, and

WHEREAS the individual should not have any connection to an extremist group nor foreign group in conflict with the USA, and

WHEREAS evaluations of standardized cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills should be conducted by qualified professionals to determine competency and capabilities, and

WHEREAS preference may be offered for individuals who have served as an elected official at a local, state or national level, and

WHEREAS a convicted felon may not be eligible for consideration

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the National Grange propose to Congress that a Federal Committee be established to determine the appropriate eligibility criteria for a candidate seeking office as the President of the United States of America.