Jane Garibay

Attention students - the 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge — an annual, statewide program encouraging kindergarten through Grade 12 students to read books during the summer months, kicked off earlier this week.

Several new laws that address many issues aimed at improving our great state will become effective on Monday, July 1st.

June 19 is Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. This important holiday was unknown to many for several years, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates, it is now rightfully recognized throughout the country.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Statistics show that 10% of adults aged 65 and older will experience some sort of elder abuse. Elder abuse can be physical, but the most commonly occurs through financial exploitation.

On Tuesday, two aging bills - HB 5001 and HB 5046 - were ceremoniously signed into law. An event to commemorate the bill signing was held at the Seabury Retirement Community in Bloomfield. I was proud to stand with Speaker Ritter and my colleagues from both sides of the isle who helped push these bills past the finish line.

Public Act 24-46, An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating has been signed into law and will take effect October 1, 2024.

On June 1, I am joining Connecticut Clean Communities and First Town Downtown for a spring litter cleanup at the Windsor Green.

Veterans put their lives on the line for our country and, as a small way to say “thank you for your service,” the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would support Veterans who have been disabled during service.