Mary Welander

• Derby will receive $11,632,242 in total aid for Fiscal Year (FY) 23 – a $164,278 increase from FY 22
• Orange will receive $2,041,720 in total aid for FY 23 – a $27,764 increase from FY 22
• Woodbridge will receive $966,300 in total aid for FY 23 – a $23,329 increase from FY 22

In this budget, we also established a new car tax cap, which will be set at 32.46 mills. No matter what mill rate the town sets above that, the mill rate for your car will be 32.46 mills. The Town will be reimbursed for any difference in tax revenue, which ensures your taxes won't be raised elsewhere.

• Derby will be reimbursed $542,759 during FY 23
• Orange will be reimbursed $130,161 during FY 23
• Woodbridge will be reimbursed $1,009,873 during FY 23

In addition, none of our schools will see cuts in education cost sharing dollars – in fact we are receiving the most funding ever awarded. This builds on last year’s historic increase in education aid to provide our students with the support they need, and our residents with necessary property tax relief.
 
Below you will find more highlights from the state budget:

• Historic $4.2 billion payment to our pension debt in addition to last year's payment
• Frees up $314.9 million in federal ARPA funding to invest in education, mental health, our cities & towns, senior aid, and law enforcement support
• Makes a $1.8 billion investment in the Rainy Day Fund
• Increases the Earned Income Tax Credit to 41.5%
• Establishes a state child tax payment that taxpayers (with qualifying incomes) can claim on their personal income tax for children under the age of 16 years.
  
  • Can be claimed as either a nonrefundable or a refundable credit:
    
    • Nonrefundable – provides a $250 credit per child (up to 3 children)
    • Refundable – provides $175 per child or 70% of the nonrefundable amount for individuals over the income threshold, but below the maximum allowance, whichever is lower in value than the nonrefundable credit
  • The income thresholds and credit amounts are as follows:
    
    • Single/married filing separately – less than or equal to $100k but no credit if greater than $109k
    • Head of household – less than or equal to $160k but no credit if greater than $169k
    • Joint filers or surviving spouse – less than or equal to $200k but no credit if greater than $209k
• $158 million invested into childcare services throughout the state
  
  • $25 million for infant to toddler programs
  • $1.65 million for birth to three early intervention programs

• $10,000 for the relocation of the historic clock in the Orange Fire Station.
• $100,000 for the Orange Senior Center to assist in operations and needed assistance.
• $1 million for a statewide student loan forgiveness for police officers.

Senator Maroney and I took the feedback we had been hearing and met with the proper committee chairs and ranking members to ensure that not only were our community needs met, but also the needs of our police departments and law enforcement officers throughout the state. We created a proposal that we submitted through the Banking Committee and are thrilled that it was included in the overall budget. 

These awarded funds are in addition to the Town of Orange's total allocation.

• Where: Derby Senior Center - 283 Main St. Derby
• When: Thursday, May 12 from 1PM - 3PM

Gift cards will be given to all who receive a booster. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the senior center at (203) 736-1484.