Mary Fortier

A big thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday afternoon for an important discussion about the potential impacts of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Rep. Jillian Gilchrest and I were grateful for the opportunity to hear your concerns and talk about how these cuts could affect families across our state. Your engagement and feedback are crucial as we continue to fight to protect these essential programs and the health and well-being of our communities.

Let’s keep working together to ensure Connecticut stays strong in the face of these challenges!

Here are a few of the upcoming changes:
 

Protecting Our Seniors

New legislation will protect our seniors by improving safety and transparency for those who are taking care of our loved ones. Long-term care facilities will be required to run background checks on criminal history and patient abuse for employees and volunteers. Residential care homes must now provide more information in notices to residents before an involuntary transfer or discharge.

Towing Rights

There is good news for drivers, a new law is changing how towing works in our state, making it harder for cars to be towed from private property and easier for people to get their cars back if they are towed. Right now, state law lets towing companies start the process of selling a towed car worth $1,500 or less just 15 days after the tow, which is one of the shortest timelines in the country. That means if you don’t act fast, your car could be gone for good. The new law doesn’t change that 15-day starting point, but it adds more steps before a car can actually be sold. Now, tow companies have to make a real effort to contact the car’s owner and can’t finalize the sale until 30 days after the tow. 

Safety Updates on E-Bikes and Motorcycles

A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
 
The state will introduce new regulations for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.

Empowering Police to Tackle Street Takeovers

New rules will take effect allowing police to increase penalties and fines for street racing and takeovers. Towns will be empowered to destroy confiscated vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles. Additionally, anyone with at least three violations could get their license suspended for two years.

Click the link below for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting everyone of a new scam where criminals impersonate the DRS with fraudulent text messages. They claim that you are owed a tax refund and must provide banking and other information to receive the money.

The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text. If you have information on a tax-related scam, contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.

Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.

Now that fall has arrived, Connecticut is about to glow with autumn color! Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of it:

• Litchfield Hills / Northwest CT: tends to peak earlier, so early October is ideal there
• Hartford & Central CT: mid‑October is often prime
• Connecticut River Valley: the color can linger a bit, making it great in mid‑to‑late October
• Coastal & Shoreline areas: later in October, sometimes up until Halloween

Click here for the full CT Fall Foliage Report so you know peak viewing times in each area of the state.

The CT Tourism Office has some great ideas on how to enjoy the season, click here for CT's Fall Foliage Road Trip Guide and links to hiking trails and click here for seven different CT Fall Foliage Drive Loops around the state and the peak times to take them.

Don’t miss your chance to soak in the season’s beauty!

The next Bristol Farmers Market is Saturday, October 3 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the parking lot of 10 Main Street.

Patrons can expect a wide array of products, from fresh produce, hemp, herbs, and baked goods to specialty items such as maple products, craft spirits, and organic snacks. The market will also showcase locally produced products, including soaps, organic health & beauty products, and more.

The Bristol Farmers Market will once again offer double SNAP/EBT benefits to those who are eligible. Regular SNAP benefits, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits will be accepted by eligible market vendors.

Click here to stay up to date on the latest news and happenings throughout the season.