Dear Neighbor,
The 2019 Legislative Session has come to a close, and we have accomplished many of the goals set out in our agenda to help make our State an even better and brighter place to live.
We started this year with many challenges that needed immediate attention in order to help improve our quality of life, while lowering the cost of living. I am proud of the many steps we took to do just that starting with passing a budget on time that is balanced and under our constitutional spending cap, but makes the investments needed in education and workforce development, protects our most vulnerable populations such as seniors and children, and encourages economic growth.
For Newington specifically, along with my legislative partners in the delegation, Senator Matt Lesser, Representative Lopes, and Representative Kerry Wood, we were able to secure an additional $341,000 for Newington, raising our total expected State aid to $13.4 million. This funding is important to help keep property taxes stable. We also were able to preserve an additional 18.2 acres of land on Cedar Mountain for open space, secure funds towards the new Transition Academy, which is part of the new town hall project, and made inroads towards the funding for a Newington Train Station.
I want to thank the countless number of Newington residents that contacted me during the session with their opinions and suggestions on legislation as well as those who testified or lobbied for support on issues to help our entire community.
While we have made a lot of progress, there are still challenges that lie ahead, but I know together we can continue to move our state and community forward towards a successful future. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your ideas.
Sincerely,
Investing in our Future
I am very proud that our biennial budget was passed on time, and under the constitutional spending cap, does not rely on increases to the income tax or cuts to municipal aid. It also includes important investments to education, workforce development and economic growth.
The budget also contributes significantly to our Rainy Day Fund, which will reach an historical high of almost $3 billion. It is balanced now, and protects taxpayers into the future. We are protecting our most vulnerable citizens, investing in the middle class, and encouraging economic growth for all of Connecticut.
The budget also:
- Expands the state income tax exemption for Social Security and the phase-in on pension income to make Connecticut affordable to seniors.
- Cuts the Business Entity Tax
- Avoids a costly and disruptive nursing home strike
- Keeps the “Passport to the Parks” fund
- Increases education funding
- Protects the Care4Kids program
- Re-opens highway rest stops
- Incentivizes purchasing a zero-emission car to reduce greenhouse gases
- Protects the Medicare Savings Program, and increases funding for Meals on Wheels
Improving Health Care
Insurance Coverage for Ultrasound Testing
Almost half of all women have dense breast tissue which may make it very difficult to detect early stage cancer through a routine mammogram. Often a ultrasound test is needed for further detection.
Working with Newington constituent Jan Kritzman, we were able to successfully pass legislation that mandates women can have this vital test when needed without the potential for high out-of-pocket costs such as a deductible or co-insurance.
Mental Health Parity
One in four Americans have or will be affected by mental health or a substance use disorder. Diseases of the brain and body need to be treated equally in society and by insurance companies. I am proud that we unanimously passed the Mental Health Parity Act which gives people with mental health and substance use disorders the same access to care as those with other illnesses.
Protecting Our Children
Tobacco 21
Research shows that if you haven’t started smoking by 21, you likely never will. We have made the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vape products illegal for those under 21. Nicotine creates addiction in teens, and 95% percent of adults who smoke started young. Nationwide, e-cigarette use, also known as “vaping,” is on the rise among middle and high school students. This law seeks to keep nicotine out of the hands of minors.
This legislation will:
- Require someone to show their ID proving they are 21 or older to purchase cigarettes/vaping products
- Protect middle school students who often purchase vaping products from 18 year olds
- Protect a generation from becoming addicted to nicotine
Saving Our Planet
Green Jobs and Net Metering
Green energy is good for the planet and our economy. We passed legislation to help continue the deployment of solar energy, increase green jobs and economic activity. The law extends the netting period to measure energy used by the customer or sold to the grid.
Offshore Wind
We have cleared the path for offshore wind energy generation in order to lead in green energy technology and help achieve Connecticut’s renewable energy goals. We are looking at a positive economic impact and the creation of good-paying jobs. Through this bill, Connecticut will procure up to 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind power. This will help achieve our energy consumption goal of 40% renewable energy by 2030. It also includes provisions to protect and minimize impacts on the environment and fisheries.
Fracking Ban
We need to ensure the pollutants generated by fracking does not enter our state. New legislation widens the state-wide fracking ban to apply to all gas and oil extraction activities.
Higher Education for Everyone
As Vice Chairman of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I am pleased to announce major accomplishments that will make higher education more accessible and affordable. Businesses from around the state asked us to increase our investment in higher education and we delivered.
Debt Free Community College
Our state’s success relies on having a highly educated and trained workforce, especially with our push to increase jobs in educationally demanding industries such as biotech and engineering.
Over the next year, the board of regents for higher education will establish a debt-free community college program for certain CT high school graduates who enroll as first-time, full-time students.
Reducing Student Loan Debt
The law establishes a tax credits for businesses that help pay employee’s student loans. This credit is applied towards an employee’s student loan, up to $2,625 per employee.