Statement on Church Collapse, Affordable Healthcare, and more

January 26, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday! Below, you can read about my statement on the collapse of the Engaging Heaven Church, a bill I proposed that provides affordable healthcare and tax breaks for businesses, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Statement on Church Collapse
Today, State Rep. Anthony Nolan and I released the following statement on yesterday's collapse of the Engaging Heaven Church:
 
“We are heartbroken by the devastating collapse of the Engaging Heaven Church. This building is one of the oldest and most beautiful pieces of architecture New London has to offer, and the damage is felt throughout the community. 
 
But we are even more inspired by the efforts of our amazing first responders, local officials, Governor Ned Lamont, and our community as whole, whose efforts have kept the residents of New London safe.
 
We are grateful there were no injuries, and are certain that together, this amazing city will emerge stronger than ever. 
 
At this time, we advise residents to adhere to local guidance. We will stay in touch with more information as it arises.”

 
Countdown to Session

With less than two weeks until session, the countdown begins! Don’t forget these important resources.

Stay up to date as session begins: housedems.ct.gov

Calendar of events: cga.ct.gov

Watch hearings and session live: CT-N.com

Contact me on specific legislative bills or issues 860-240-8500
 
Affordable Healthcare + Tax Breaks for Businesses

This week Rep. Liz Linehan and I joined our colleagues for a press conference on healthcare affordability in Connecticut.

The bill Rep. Linehan and I introduced:

  • Supports small businesses by providing tax cuts for small businesses (500 employees or less) who offer consumer-protected health insurance options to employees
  • Encourages high-quality healthcare by incentivizing businesses to purchase a Silver level or higher health insurance plan through the Access Health CT insurance exchange
  • Benefits employees by creating a tiered system to employers who provide Silver level or above and contribute to Health Savings Accounts of employees for the purpose of offsetting deductibles
Connecticut has one of the highest qualities of life in the entire country, and this bill will only make life better for our residents. Residents will get the type of healthcare they deserve, and we will continue to support our small businesses - the backbone of our state's economy. I look forward to collaborating with Rep. Linehan and others on crafting a much-needed, transformative bill.
 
Pre-Session Legislative Town Hall
A final reminder that on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 5:30-7pm, I will join the New London and Groton delegation for a pre-session legislative town hall at the Public Library of New London (63 Huntington St, New London). We will highlight past bills, discuss the upcoming legislative session, and talk about our legislative priorities and yours. I hope to see you there!
 
Poverty Awareness Month
Why was our EITC increase such a big deal in our fight against poverty?

By changing the rate from 30.5%40%, we were able to provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit are families with children.
 
Roe v. Wade Anniversary

On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court recognized that the right to liberty in the Constitution, which protects personal privacy, includes the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy.

I will continue to fight for the right to choose and refuse to accept a world where younger generations have fewer rights than those before them.
 
New London Landmarks Grant
It was great to see New London Landmarks, Inc. receive an $18,000 survey and planning grant from the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Society. The grant will be used to help fund a National Register nomination for the Desant Houses. New London has many incredible, historic sites to see, and I'm proud that our state is helping recognize another.
 
Philip Michalowski, Connecticut Arts Hero
Congratulations to Philip Michalowski, longtime Garde Arts Center board member, for being named a Connecticut Arts Hero. The Connecticut Arts Hero Awards honors and celebrates residents who are doing inspiring things in, for, or through the arts in our state.

Philip has been a staple in the New London community for decades, and his legacy of bringing New London together and lifting our community to new heights cannot be understated. Congratulations again to Philip on your much-deserved win.

You can read Philip's bio from the Connecticut Arts Hero web page below:

"Phil is a municipal planner and development administrator who has lived in New London for over 50 years.  In 1990, he volunteered to assist the Garde Arts Center Board of Trustees in winning public and private funding for the development of the historic 1400-seat Garde Theater.  He has a deep understanding of the synergy of the arts with community linkages, economic development generation and civic pride.  By leading from behind the scene, Phil ensures that New London is a beacon of diverse programming, economic promise and cultural leadership for the region, state and nation.  He is one of New London’s most frequent arts patrons lending his support to artists, arts institutions and art events."
 
Upcoming Community Events
Read below for some exciting upcoming community events!
 
If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Christine.Conley@cga.ct.gov. For legislative updates, please like my Official Facebook Page.

Sincerely,

Christine Conley
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