Jonathan Steinberg

Almost 100 new state laws passed by the legislature aimed at improving the quality of life in our great state took effect July 1.

A few highlights of the new laws include:

With 110 state parks and 32 state forests, the summer recreation and tourism season offers state residents and visitors numerous outdoor options to enjoy.

With the two-year $26 billion budget passed by the legislature last year remaining strong and in balance, we were able to make much needed new investments in important areas such as higher education, early childcare, mental health services and our non-profit community.

Public safety is one of government's most important responsibilities, and legislation passed by the House of Representatives takes aim at stopping the growing threat of "street takeovers."

A recent phenomenon that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, the brazen public safety threat known as "street takeovers" have become a growing national issue, including a number of dangerous incidents in Connecticut towns.

For the first time, residents can take advantage of the state's new early voting law with Connecticut's April 2 presidential preference primaries.

Early voting is the result of 2023 legislation and a state Constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by Connecticut voters in 2022.

During Wednesday's session, we approved $17 million in additional cold weather heating assistance funds – many residents and families who receive assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Operation Fuel will have access to funds to ensure they can heat their homes through the cold weather season.

February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the many achievements and contributions Black Americans have made to our country as we continue to reckon with the systemic racism from our past that is still prevalent today.

Official recognition of Black History Month started with a proclamation from President Gerald Ford 48 years ago.

As a result of fiscally responsible budgeting by the legislature and governor, significant tax relief is on the way for many Connecticut taxpayers in 2024.

Three tax relief measures went into effect on January 1, including the largest income tax cut in state history, an increase in a tax credit aimed at the lowest-income workers, and an expansion of exemptions on certain pension and annuity earnings that will benefit seniors.

One million filers will benefit from a decrease in the rates for the two lowest state income tax brackets: