Maria Horn

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

• Session Recap. Click here.
• Scam Alert. Click here. 
• ICMYI - Milling and Resurfacing Projects in Warren, Cornwall, and Salisbury. Click here.
• Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

After months of negotiation, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.
 
Together, we produced a 2027 budget that significantly boosts support for the state’s education system, increases crucial investments in housing and transportation, supports town and city budgets, and more—all while safeguarding the state's strong fiscal outlook, including $1 billion toward paying down long-term debt.
 
This budget includes:
 
Over $300 million relief package for cities, towns, and schools

• $190 million in direct support for schools
• $100 million to address local tax increases
• $12 million to establish universal free school breakfast programs across the state
• Expanded grants for successful special education programs
• Numerous grants to towns to address the rising costs associated with construction and purchasing
• $4 million to help communities where three hospitals abruptly came off the tax rolls

A historic agreement with our hospitals

• Providing them with much-needed tax relief
• Maximizing federal funding for health care
• Setting up a system to address rising costs

More investments in transportation options for our residents

• Increased funding for Shoreline East rail
• Funded successful "micro-transit" public transportation programs
• Helped prevent hikes in bus fares

Making Connecticut more affordable for working families

• Expanding sales tax-free week to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks under $300 (from $100)
• Making basic school supplies tax-free, including backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, and paper
• Creating a family caregiver tax credit for residents caring for a loved one

Investing in Connecticut businesses and job growth

• Helping small businesses offer health care support by providing a tax credit when they contribute toward employees’ individual health insurance coverage.
• Supporting small businesses and biotech companies through a new research and development tax credit to help them grow and create jobs in our state

Taking Aim at Property Taxes

• $162M new Education Equalization Grant to address underfunding in our current school funding formula
  • Additional 2% for the towns that have seen recent population decreases
• $100M in new funding to cities and towns

Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch is warning residents about two text message scams aimed at stealing your money and personal information. One falsely claims you have an unpaid traffic citation and must pay immediately. The other alleges that you missed jury duty and owe a penalty. Both are bogus.

The Judicial Branch does not send texts or make calls demanding payment for motor vehicle violations. It does not threaten arrest of missed jury service by text, and it does not use a judge’s name to pressure individuals into paying money.
 

If you receive one of these messages:

• Do not respond
• Do not click on any links
• Do not provide personal or financial information

Please share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent more people from becoming victims.

CTDOT has announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 41 in Salisbury will  be completed on Friday, May 14.

Milling and resurfacing will also be performed on Route 45 in Warren and Cornwall starting on Friday, May 1 and be completed on Friday, May 28.  No work to be performed on the Memorial Day Holiday.

Crescendo will present a special two-day concert series featuring the complete motets of Johann Sebastian Bach on May 30 and 31 at 4:00 p.m.

Performed by the Crescendo Vocal Ensemble alongside guest soloists and instrumentalists, the program showcases some of the most celebrated works of Baroque choral music. Each concert will feature a different selection of motets, with organ accompaniment and brief commentary to enhance the experience.

Event Details:

• May 30: Saint James Place, Great Barrington, MA
• May 31: Trinity Church, Lakeville, CT
• Time: 4:00 p.m. (both days)
• Tickets: $15–$80, with a discount for attending both performances

Tickets are available at crescendomusic.org or at the door.

Crescendo – Lakeville's Chorus and Music

Crescendo will conclude the second half of its 22nd season with a series of spring performances and community events across the region. Highlights include:

• “Baroque Brilliance: Bach’s Motets” concerts on May 30 & 31
• A solo harpsichord recital honoring Wanda Landowska on June 13

A limited number of free tickets are available for community members upon request. They can be requested by writing to crescendo@crescendomusic.org.