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Bees And Butterflies Will Soon Be On Connecticut Legislative Agenda

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP)-- Connecticut will soon join the ranks of states seeking to boost the health of honeybees and butterflies, which has diminished dramatically over past years.

Connecticut State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. is leading the effort. As chair of the Legislative Environment Committee, Kennedy notes the bee population has diminished dramatically -- and that it's a loss we can't afford.

"Here in Connecticut that has a robust agricultural sector, they're responsible for about a third of all the food that is produced in our state, relies on honey bee pollination," Kennedy told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau.

Kennedy says we not only have to raise awareness of the problem, but take steps to protect the natural habitats of honeybees and restrict the use of the dangerous pesticides that are responsible for killing off the bees.

The effort comes as federal officials work on a national strategy to restore honeybee colony health to sustainable levels by 2025, increase Eastern monarch butterfly populations by 2020 and eventually restore millions of acres of land for pollinators.

Kennedy sees the issue as an economic one in Connecticut. He is in the early stages of coming up with possible legislation for the new session, which begins Feb. 3.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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