Dear Neighbor,
The pandemic has produced numerous challenges and exacerbated existing institutional inequities. Throughout the 2021 session, my colleagues and I worked to address these new challenges and the existing injustices by passing over 350 bills and resolutions.
I know the past year has been difficult for each individual and family in our community, and I believe the legislation passed in Hartford will empower everyone in our district. This session I advocated for equitable public health policies, increased access to mental health resources, and additional support for our seniors, schools, and small businesses. I also worked with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget that will strengthen our economy and invest in our infrastructure, sustainability efforts, and education. I fought to ensure the town of Enfield will see an increase in funding in both Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 through this budget. I am confident that these state investments will see our community recover and thrive as we move out of this pandemic.
Please continue reading for more information on legislative highlights and resources developed this session that will benefit your family, our district, and our state.
Best,
Tom Arnone
State Representative
Getting Connecticut’s Fiscal House In Order Is A Major Priority Of Mine
I was proud to support our new two-year budget that makes significant investments in education, healthcare, childcare, workforce development, cities and towns, and nonprofit providers while not raising taxes, remaining under the spending cap, and investing an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s pension obligations.
Jobs
We are battling a historic pandemic that has put the brake on our economy. The job market in Connecticut is making a strong comeback with 3 large businesses announcing they are moving their headquarters to Connecticut to add hundreds of new jobs.
Child Care
We were able to expand the eligibility for Care 4 Kids child care subsidies to people who are enrolled or participating in any of the following:
- a public or private college or university,
- a private occupational school,
- a job training or employment program administered by a regional workforce development board,
- a Department of Labor (DOL)-administered apprenticeship program,
- an alternate route to certification program,
- an adult education program or other high school equivalency program, or
- a local Even Start program or other adult education program approved by the OEC commissioner
Transportation
Public transportation is a boon for Enfield residents, our workers, our businesses, our community, our economy, and most of all, our environment. Thompsonville will soon be a part of this movement. I have secured more grant money for our transit center. An additional $222,000 will be invested in Enfield’s transit center, and our state-funded train stop is on track for its 2022 debut!
Major State Funding For Enfield
| Last Year | Going Forward | |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Grants | $673,049 | $1,234,028 |
| Money For Our Schools | $29,551,526 | $29,823,645 |
| Total | $31,554,398 | $32,389,707 |
More Good News!!
I wanted to share even more good news about Enfield! I was proud to introduce a successful grant application to fund a facility that will help assist in police, EMS, and dispatch training. Enfield is proposing an expansion of the police station to a regional public safety complex to provide joint police and EMS training with neighboring departments.
The Enfield Police Department has also received the largest grant-in-aid for body cameras and equipment in the state.
I was proud to have had the opportunity to assist our first responders and give them the tools they need to continue to be the best at what they do.