Legislative Updates January 31

January 31, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I had a busy week at the capitol in committee meetings and working with my colleagues on proposed bills and concepts. We were back in session on Tuesday and had an important vote to enhance survivor benefits for the families of state employees killed in the line of duty. Read about this legislation and other updates from this week below.

We held an important vote on Tuesday. The House voted to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths.

The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

I’m proud to join more than 60 of my colleagues in introducing Proposed House Bill 5986: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CHILD TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX.

This bill would create a permanent, refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (for up to three children) for tax filers earning:

$100,000 or less (single filers)

$200,000 or less (married filing jointly)

Every $1 in child tax credits generates $1.38 in local economic activity. With nearly 40% of Connecticut families struggling to make ends meet, this credit will provide direct relief to 550,000 children across the state.

Connecticut is the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based income tax that does not adjust for family size or childcare expenses. It’s time to change that.

Read the bill here

I was honored to join Bristol's Scott Rosado at his recent induction to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. Scott is one of 14 veterans who have been selected as part of the 20th class of honorees.

Scott is a respected community leader whose life is defined by service, dedication, and leadership. For over 35 years, Scott has owned and operated M.R. Homecare, Inc. and Quality Homecare LLC. Scott is a driving force in community service. As president of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, he champions initiatives that empower youth and foster meaningful connections within the community. His leadership has helped the organization thrive as a cornerstone for education, mentorship, and recreation. He also serves as president of Roaring Brook Campground, overseeing a vibrant community of more than 400-unit owners. Scott is active in veterans and civic organization where he dedicates his time to the Korean War Veterans Association in Bristol and is a proud member of the American Legion Post 2.

Bristol residents are now able to receive free tax services for families and individuals whose income is less than $67,000. Residents are able to schedule in-person assistance, a drop off appointment at a local VITA site, or they are able to submit documents electronically through the Virtual VITA Program.

More Information