Updates from State Rep. Gauthier for Feb. 3, 2025

February 5, 2025


 
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It has been a productive first month serving in the General Assembly! From swearing in to our first regular day of session and voting in committee to advance important legislation, our work has begun in earnest!
 
I am proud to have already introduced legislation to address the costs of utilities and housing while supporting workers and protecting workers' rights and working for a refundable child tax credit to support working families.
 
As February begins, so too do public hearings on important topics. Please see below for a schedule of upcoming public hearings.

Please feel free to submit written testimony or attend virtually or in-person to participate in the public hearing process and help shape our state legislation.

If you have any questions on how to participate, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
 
Lowering Utility Bills
I've introduced two related bills to expand public utilities to reduce energy costs for Connecticut residents and businesses.

The first (HB5750, which can be found here) would be a feasibility study of a statewide nonprofit to replace privately owned or investor-owned utility companies.

The second (HB5751, which can be found here) would study the structure needed to establish municipal electric utilities.
 
Housing Affordability
I introduced two more bills to address housing affordability from two angles:
  • by investing directly into building deed-restricted permanent affordable housing units, and
  • by permanently removing private equity firms and hedge funds from our housing market.

Private equity as an industry is built on exploitation. Quite literally that is how they make their profits, by exploiting situations to their favor.

In health care, private equity bankrupts our hospitals.  In housing, private equity groups buy multifamily properties, raise the rents of current tenants to the point of eviction, as well as buy up single family homes, drive up costs and limit supply for prospective homeowners.

These entities operate locally to upend residents' lives; a radical response is necessary to extract them from our state in order to give people a chance to participate in a fair housing market.
 
Child Tax Credit
I’m proud to join more than 60 of my colleagues in introducing HB 5986 (which can be found here) to establish 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 for single filers, or $200,000 or less for joint filers. 

The bill is no giveaway; it makes economic sense. 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.
 
Scam Alert
I want to make sure all of you stay safe and informed. A new scam is circulating where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.

Here are some tips from the FBI:
  • If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated.
  • Delete any scam texts received.
  • If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
  • Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service.

Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community!
 
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
I encourage you to get your taxes filed for FREE this year!  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA is a volunteer-supported program, that helps people making up to $68,000 annually file federal and state income tax preparation for FREE.

                                   Click here to find a location near you
VITA is available throughout Connecticut, including our area.   Last year, taxpayers received $28 million in refunds and credits due to the amazing group of volunteers.

Click here for more information on how to help Become a VITA volunteer today! 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Taniqua Huguley at THuguley@unitedwayinc.org or 860-420-2141.
 
Waterford Blood Drive
The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in the auditorium of Waterford Town Hall on Friday, Feb. 5, from noon to 5:30 p.m.

All approved donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

To register, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter WaterfordCT to schedule your appointment.
 
The Names Behind the Songs
The Waterford Library is hosting "The Names Behind the Songs of the '50s and '60s" event on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. 

Join speaker Ronn Nagel, president of the Connecticut Record Club, as he discusses the real names behind the songs of the rock 'n' roll era of the 1950s and 1960s.

Registration is suggested.
 
Montville App Coming Soon
The town of Montville will be introducing a new app that expected to be launched by the end of this month.

The app will enable residents to connect with town departments, keep track of upcoming events and receive push alerts.

Stay tuned!
 
AARP Tax Appointments
Appointments are being scheduled for AARP Foundation Tax Aide. Volunteers will be at Waterford Senior Service, 24 Rope Ferry Road, Tuesdays and Fridays through April 4.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax assistance to middle and low income taxpayers. Special attention is given to those age 50 and older. Appointments are required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Waterford Senior Services at 860-444-5839.
 
Community and State Meetings
WATERFORD:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the Waterford Public Library. 

Click here for SEC-TV Waterford Community Television. 

 

MONTVILLE:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Raymond Library. 

 
STATE:

A full calendar of upcoming events and meetings happening at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building is available on the General Assembly website.
 
Connecticut Is Hiring!
Looking for a job? The state is hiring. Click here for job openings with the executive, judicial and legislative branches, as well as state colleges and universities. 
 
Spread the Word on My Messages
Stay informed with what's happening at the state Capitol and what's going on locally in Waterford and Montville by subscribing to our email updates! To add yourself to the distribution list, please sign up via our legislative webpage: housedems.ct.gov/Gauthier or sign up directly here: housedems.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post

Messages will typically be sent bimonthly – unless there is an important issue that I believe you need to know right away – and will include information on what I'm doing in Hartford, as well as helpful information on what's going on here at home in the 38th District.
 
I will have more updates on proposed legislation as the work continues on what bills get committee hearings and work their way through the process.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 860-240-8727 or by email at Nick.Gauthier@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

 
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