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Dear Neighbor,
Sometimes a small section in a large bill can have a huge impact.
Case in point, the two-year, $55.16 billion budget bill that passed the House and the Senate contains a provision that increase the refundable R&D and R&E tax credits for qualifying small biotech companies from 65% to 90%.
This expansion represents a major win for early-stage life sciences startups, according to the UConn Technology Incubator Program.
"The enhanced credit will put more capital directly into the hands of biotech entrepreneurs, helping fuel R&D, grow teams, and accelerate innovation across the state," the organization said in its newsletter.
In addition, it makes Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York, which have 90% and 100% tax credits, respectively.
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Later this week and next, many Connecticut communities will celebrate Juneteenth -- the federal and state holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, which officially falls in June 19, serves as a celebration of the resilience, culture, and history of the Black community. But it also is a stark reminder of how far this country must go in terms of racial equity and equality.
On June 19, 1865, about two months after the end of the American Civil War, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free.
The U.S. government recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, and Connecticut followed in making it a state holiday in 2022. |
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While the federal and state governments have only recently recognized the holiday, Connecticut communities have been trailblazers in celebrating Juneteenth.
In 1989, the Norwich Branch of the NAACP organized the first official Juneteenth celebration in the state, and several other towns followed suit in subsequent years.
As part of its 2012 Juneteenth Celebration, Norwich forged the “Norwich Freedom Bell” located in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard.
The following is a list of some nearby communities or organizations that have upcoming Juneteenth celebrations:
Stamford (June 14)
Celebrate Juneteenth at Mill River Park with a day filled with music, food, and community. The festivities kick off with a flag raising ceremony at the Government Center at 1 p.m. A parade is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. followed by a Freedom Day Celebration from 3 to 7 p.m. More information here.
Middletown (June 19)
The third annual Juneteenth Parade & Liberation Day Festival is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harbor Park, 80 Harbor Drive.
Greenwich (June 21)
The Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Road, will host the 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 3 p.m. Back by demand, Soul Tasty from Stamford, will bring soul food, including fried chicken, mac and cheese, or red velvet cake. Live music will be played by the band Suburban Chaos.
The event will include Juneteenth-inspired educational crafts, a scavenger hunt and fun lawn games by the heirloom garden.
Half-hour tours of Bush-Holley House will run at noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tours will begin at the kitchen entrance of the Bush-Holley House.
Easton (June 22; Pride Celebration on June 29)
Concerts on the Hill at Christ Church Easton will host a Juneteenth celebration and a Pride concert as part of its summer lineup.
The Juneteenth celebration, co-hosted by the Easton Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, takes place on June 22 and will feature music by Christine Chanel & the Rosters.
Christ Church is also hosting an annual Pride celebration, co-hosted by Easton Pride, on June 29. The featured band will be Hitch & the Giddyup, which plays Misfit American roots and bluegrass music. Prior to the concert, there will be a family-friendly Easton Pride celebration on the hill from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
The concerts are part of the Concerts on the Hill's 2025 summer season, taking place on Sundays from June 22nd to July 27th. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for kids/teens under 18. |
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Thursday, June 12, was Loving Day, on which just 58 years ago the U.S. Supreme Court in its decision Loving v. Virginia made interracial marriage legal nationwide. Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who married in 1958 fought nine years to have their marriage declared legal. Just two years after the decision was handed down, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. The advances in science and technology far outstrip civil rights progress.
Less than 60 years ago, it was illegal in 16 states to marry someone of a different race. We cannot go back and we have to remain vigilant. June is Pride Month, but we celebrate it year round. |
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| Politics and Pie in Weston |
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Join me and state Sen. Ceci Maher at the League of Women Voters Annual Politics and Pie on the Weston Public Library lawn on June 21 from 11 a.m. to about noon. Meet, greet, and question your state legislators while enjoying local pies from Old Mill Market & Cafe.
I look forward to seeing you there! |
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| End-of-Session Wrap-Up at Meadow Ridge |
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| Sen. Maher and I will also give an end-of-session wrap-up at Meadow Ridge Senior Living, 100 Redding Road, on Wednesday, July 2, at 11 a.m.. |
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| Great news for the town of Redding, which will receive a $200,000 grant to conduct assessment activities at 19 North Main St. The funding, according to Gov. Ned Lamont's office, will identify contamination at the former wastewater treatment facility of the Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill with an eye toward helping with the Georgetown Village redevelopment. |
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The dog days have hit Weston, as the dog park at 22 Lords Highway East is officially open. Bring your doggo and have a blast, within the Dog Park Rules (posted here), please. The park opens at 7:30 a.m.
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| Easton Milling Work Rescheduled |
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The state DOT has rescheduled milling work on Sport Hill Road between Old Oak and Westport Road for Monday, June 23. The work will be done at night from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. over the course of five days. Paving will follow on Tuesday, July 1.
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| Women Veterans Recognition Day |
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Thursday marked Connecticut’s first ever Women Veterans Recognition Day — a powerful step forward in honoring the courage, service, and sacrifice of women who have served in our country’s armed forces. I was proud to support the legislation that made this day possible.
June 12th marks the anniversary of the 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to serve as permanent members of the military. Join me in honoring the generations of women who have served our nation with strength and resolve across every branch of the military. |
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The Hartford Vet Center, CT DVA, and VA Connecticut Healthcare will hold Women Veterans Fireside Chat and Resource Clinic on Friday, June 20. The event will be held on the DVA Campus in Rocky Hill from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. All are welcome for engaging conversation with local community leaders, networking, and Veteran resources.
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| Wishing all the incredible fathers and father figures in our community a peaceful, joyful, and well-deserved Father's Day. |
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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