Dear Neighbor,
The 2019 Legislative Session has come to a close, and we have accomplished many of the goals set out for this year’s agenda.
The budget makes critical investment in education, provides fiscal stability, does not increase the income or sales tax, does not cut municipal aid, and was passed on time! This budget is not only balanced, but protects taxpayers into the future. We are also protecting our most vulnerable, investing in the middle class, and encouraging economic growth for Connecticut.
We worked on policies that support small businesses, workforce development and making our state a place where we can proudly raise our families. I am committed to continue fighting for you to build a brighter future for Connecticut and our Waterbury community.
I hope you find the enclosed information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of service to you or your family. It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your state representative.
Sincerely,
State Funding to Waterbury - Fiscal Year 2020
| Education Cost Sharing | $143,020,652 |
| Adult Education | $1,924,841 |
| PILOT: State-Owned Real Property | $3,021,121 |
| PILOT: Colleges & Hospitals | $3,706,103 |
| Municipal Revenue Sharing | $3,284,145 |
| Municipal Transition Grant | $7,742,795 |
| Municipal Stabilization Grant | $2,298,414 |
| Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant | $2,637,435 |
| Total State Funds To Waterbury | $167,635,506 |
Paid Family Leave
In the event of a medical emergency, Paid Family and Medical Leave allows workers to care for themselves or a loved one without having to face the threat of financial ruin. By providing up to 12 weeks of Family and Medical Leave Insurance per year, equaling up to 95% of an employee’s weekly paycheck, we will provide financial protection to those who find themselves in an unanticipated medical emergency. This will help pregnant women on medically-ordered bed rest, families with an infirm or aging parent, and new parents who want to bond with an infant. The program is funded by employee contributions. If you or your family has an emergency, there will now be financial peace-of-mind.
Mammogram Coverage
This legislation will require health insurance coverage for ultrasound screenings for any woman who is 40 years or older, has a recommendation from her doctor, has a personal history of breast disease through the biopsy of a benign tumor, or has a family or personal history of breast cancer. It also prohibits insurance from charging coinsurance, copayments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses for breast ultrasounds and mammograms.
African American, Puerto Rican and Latino Studies
We are expanding social studies to include an important part of our shared culture: African-American, Black, and Puerto Rican and Latino history. Through the teaching of this curriculum, we all become more aware of both the suffering and accomplishments of our fellow Americans. It helps all students to have a fuller picture of the challenges and resilience of our African American and Latino populations. This also gives students of color the opportunity to learn more about their history and the significant contributions their cultures have made in Connecticut and the rest of the country.
Green Jobs And Net Metering
The legislature passed a green economy and environmental protection measure that will lead to the deployment of solar energy in our state and increase green jobs and economic activity.
Here is what this legislation does:
- Extends renewable energy programs, including traditional net metering and extends the Green Banks renewable solar investment program.
- Expands the virtual net metering cap which will reduce energy costs for municipalities.
- Requires DOT to put together a land inventory on which lands are suitable for Class I energy resources such as solar energy on lands adjacent to state highways.
Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention
It is important for the minority students in our state to have more teachers who not only look like them, but understand the challenges they face in our society, so we passed legislation which creates an annual hiring goal of 250 new minority teachers and administrators across the state.
To accomplish this goal, the legislation includes:
- Expanding reciprocal teacher certification with other states and allowing for flexibility in certain teacher certification requirements
- Re-employing retired teachers who are graduates of colleges and universities that serve minority students
- Broadens the minority teacher incentive program to make eligible applicants who are in an ARC program administered through the State Department of Education
Protecting our Water
A major accomplishment of the 2019 Legislation Session was passing the State Water Plan, which defines our water supply as a “public trust” to ensure our water resources are protected, and that clean drinking water is accessible for all.
Veterans
We increased the property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and service members. This additional financial benefit will hopefully make Connecticut a little more affordable for those that have given so much for our country.