Newsletter

March 25, 2022
Gas Tax Savings and More for CT Residents
On Wednesday, the CT House of Representatives passed an emergency-certification that will ease some of the financial burden on Connecticut residents and working families whose wallets and budgets have taken a hit due to rising gas prices and record-breaking inflation levels. The bill passed in the Senate and Governor Lamont signed the legislation on Thursday. 
 
We suspended the 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax from April 1st through June 30th, are offering free bus rides now through June 30th and created an additional sales tax-free week on clothing and shoes under $100 in April.
We heard the calls from CT motorists who this week are paying an average of $4.33 for a gallon of gas compared to the previous national high of $4.11 in 2008 and voted to suspend the 25-cent per gallon gas tax through June 30, 2022.  We can implement the change without violating any federal or state rules and, without any impact on our special transportation fund.
 
It is incumbent upon oil and gas companies to do the right thing by consumers and lower their prices. I hope you join me in calling on them to do so immediately.
 
We still have to keep an eye on the unscrupulous with respect to gas gouging. Today's bill implemented safeguards that will allow the state to go after the companies who do not lower their prices, but remember, if you see something unusual, say something.
 
Tips for filing a complaint:
Use our complaint portal HERE.
Identify the specific location of the gas station or business.
Identify the date and time of the offer or sale
Include documentation, especially receipts.
 
The annual inflation rate topped out at 7.9 percent in February, the highest it's been for a 12-month period since 1982. Today, I supported offering free bus service for our residents who do not drive but need transportation.
 
The tax-free week on clothing and shoes begins April 10, 2022 – April 16, 2022 is in addition to the annual tax-free week which occurs in August.
 
I am committed to even more robust tax relief for you and your family. Please stay tuned as we craft our budget adjustments in the next month or so. More tax relief is coming!
 
Senate Joins House in Passing HB5271: An Act Concerning The Provision Of Outdoor Food and Beverage Services and Outdoor Displays of Goods
 
This bill extends outdoor dining provisions by an additional 13 months. It was set to expire on March 13, 2022.

When this provision was first implemented in 2020, it allowed restaurants to safely stay in business when the number of people allowed inside buildings was restricted, keeping restaurant workers employed and customers safe.

HB5271 extends the application of certain temporary provisions concerning the permitting of outdoor food and beverage services and outdoor displays of goods until April 30, 2023, and delay the application of certain permanent provisions concerning the permitting of outdoor food and beverage services until May 1, 2023.

There's a good read on it all at we-ha.com. Click on the image below.
(Ronnie Newton, we-ha.com file photo)
 
Potential $3M in Upgrades to Athletic Facilities at Hall and Conard High Schools on Bond Agenda Next Week 
 
The CT State Bond Commission will hold a meeting next Thursday, March 31st, 2022 at 10:30AM. The West Hartford delegation has requested $3 million for long-overdue upgrades to the athletic facilities at Hall and Conard High Schools. I am proud to have worked with my fellow colleagues to help secure this funding for our schools. I would like to thank Governor Ned Lamont for recognizing the importance of this much-needed project. I'll keep you posted but you can read more about in we.ha.com. Just click on the image below.
We-Ha.com
 
 HB 5478: An Act Concerning a Property Tax Exemption For Certain Veterans
My Avon colleague, Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw, is introducing this bill and I’d like to share it with you. 

HB 5478: An Act Concerning A Property Tax Exemption for Certain Veterans, would establish a property tax exemption of ten percent of the assessed value of primary residences owned and occupied by certain veterans, and to provide for reimbursement to municipalities and districts with an equalized net grand list per capita below a certain threshold.
This bill would provide a 10% property tax exemption for low-income veterans (as defined by the state of CT) for their primary residences and it's for all veterans, regardless of whether or not they served in wartime.

The average income of veterans in CT is $50,100 statewide, so any veteran making less than that would qualify.
 
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and I wanted to share a personal story with you before it ended.

About six months after I entered into office, my husband went for his first colonoscopy. Like most folks, he wasn’t looking forward to the prep, but I had one previously and reassured him that it wasn’t too bad and was definitely worth the effort and peace of mind.

Shortly after his colonoscopy, he received a call from his doctor asking him to come in for his results. My heart sank. I received my results over the phone and knew that being asked to go in wasn’t a good sign. We went together and learned that my husband had colon cancer.

We were shocked and, honestly, scared. After several consultations, it was determined that my husband should undergo surgery.

Thankfully, it was caught early (stage 1), completely removed and he has an excellent prognosis.

We were also told that our sons should be screened earlier, and my husband has encouraged his siblings to be screened as well. I tell you all of this because colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers if caught early, and my husband’s colonoscopy likely saved his life.
 
It's Agriculture Week
 
This AgWeek we're sharing resources for farmers all across Connecticut. Today, we're highlighting the Farmland Restoration Grant Program. Applications will be accepted from March 11, 2022 and available through April 12, 2022, at 4:00PM.Click the image below to learn more.
 
Remembering Madeline Albright
Madeline Albright was a trailblazer and a breaker of glass ceilings. As the first female Secretary of State, her life’s work will be an inspiration for generations to come. May she Rest In Peace and her memory continue to inspire.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 800-842-8267 or by email at Tammy.Exum@cga.ct.gov. For legislative updates, please like my Official Facebook Page.