Improving Our State with New Laws

July 16, 2024


Dozens of new laws are now in effect, and I'll break down how they are saving you money, improving our election security, and increasing our online privacy.

The House of Representatives has passed groundbreaking legislation, and we have Rep. Kara Rochelle in part to thank for that fabulous work. She joined my weekly radio show to share some of our accomplishments. Keep scrolling to listen to that interview!

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • New Laws Effective July 1st
  • Let's Talk About It: Passing Key Legislation
  • Summer Reading Challenge
 
New Laws Effective July 1st
Several new laws that address many issues aimed at improving our great state went into effect on July 1st.
New laws include mandatory video cameras at absentee drop boxes as part of sweeping legislation to ensure election security, allowing firearm sellers access to the arrest records of potential buyers under 21, prohibiting the selling of a person's health data without their consent, and requiring the departments of Social Services and Public Health to post a reporting tool on their websites that use a five-star system to compare nursing homes.

Additional laws include requiring social media companies to comply following a request to unpublish and delete accounts held by minors. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) will have a mobile crisis-response vehicle available 24-7.

We also held a special session to tighten up a few loopholes, including one that avoids a motor vehicle tax increase for commercial vehicles. You can access the new laws that will go into effect on July 1st by clicking the button below. 
New laws effective July 1st
Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. They had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard during the legislative process. 
 
Let's Talk About It: Passing Key Legislation
My co-host Dennis O’Brien and I spoke with State Representative Kara Rochelle about the work we have accomplished together to improve the lives of the people of Connecticut. Rep. Rochelle is born and raised in “The Valley” in a family dedicated to public service. She is in her third term representing Ansonia and Derby in the 104th district. She, like many of us in the Connecticut House of Representatives, is actively engaged in the community and constantly trying to adjust policy to better serve the people.

Rep. Rochelle is proud to have written and helped pass a bill that I supported, which gets more college level manufacturing classes into comprehensive high school programs. Our state is a leader in manufacturing, from Electric Boat in Eastern Connecticut, Pratt & Whitney in Central Connecticut, and Sikorsky on the shoreline. I firmly believe that creating additional pipelines to thousands of good paying manufacturing jobs will benefit our state.

My work with Rep. Rochelle does not end there. She and I teamed up to pass critical legislation for a diverse range of our state’s population. Here is a quick rundown:

  • Expansion of debt-free community college program
  • Requirement for banks to respond in a timely manner when senior citizens apply for Medicaid
  • Largest income tax cut in state history

We talked much more about Kara’s background, her path to becoming a state representative, and the work she’s accomplished to improve the lives of folks living in the Naugatuck Valley. Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Rep. Kara Rochelle discusses the work we've accomplished in the House.
 
Summer Reading Challenge
The 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is underway, encouraging children from kindergarten through 12th grade to read books over the summer. This year’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat.”
 
This initiative motivates libraries to attract kids to their facilities and engage with books. It grants every child an opportunity to unlock their infinite possibilities for a successful future. The 2024 summer reading program also supports community initiatives run by local public libraries and recognizes outstanding public library-school partnerships. 
The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge Program recognizes schools with the highest student participation in summer reading activities. Let's encourage our kids to take part so that our schools make the list!