Session Highlights - Serving Those Who Serve

May 28, 2022

During last year's session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bipartisan budget that didn’t raise taxes and made historic payments toward our pension debt. Because of our smart reforms, strong returns, and Federal aid, this year’s budget adjustments included investments in our community, children’s mental health, and childcare.  In addition to these investments, we were able to cut $600 million in taxes.

Over the next few weeks, I wanted to highlight specific aspects of the budget. This week, I want to discuss the investments for our veterans and law enforcement officers.

Serving Those Who Served 

Individuals who serve in the military make a great sacrifice to protect our country. It is important that they are provided the tools they need to succeed once they return home. 
 

During the 2022 legislative session, my colleagues and I fought for legislation that would provide veterans with much need assistance. This includes  H.B. 5301, An Act Concerning In-State Student Status of Veterans. This bill guarantees that Connecticut veterans will  be eligible for in-state tuition rates. Another piece of legislation created a new, local-option property tax exemption equal to 10% of home values for more veterans. These laws ill go a long way in helping Connecticut's veterans save money as they start on a new path.

Investments for Police and Fire Departments

In addition to the resources provided to veterans, there were also investments made to local police and fire departments. We also passed H.B. 5288An Act Creating A Task Force To Examine The Motor Vehicle Accident Report Form Used By Law Enforcement Officers. This bill creates a task force that will examine ways for officers to decrease the amount of paper work they must complete following a car accident. This small change will provide significant relief to our officers. 

Outside of the legislature, I worked alongside our town officials to write grants for police emergency communication system and night shift coverage.

In the General Assembly, we passed the following bills: 

  • Adopted higher department equipment standards, collecting better data on the prevalence of cancer among firefighters, and secured more local funding for fire fighters who leave service with a cancer diagnosis (SB 313)
  • Extended employment protections to police officers that seek and receive mental health care services (PA 22-64)
  • Improved training for handling incidents involving individuals with mental or physical disabilities (PA 22-64)
  • Created a Hate Crimes Investigative Unit Within the Division of State Police (SB 217)

The following items were included in the budget (HB 5506):

  • Expanded hands-on training for police
  • Addressed laboratory and case backlogs
  • Expanded use of GPS monitoring
  • Provided funding to local volunteer fire departments who respond to emergencies on certain state highways 
  • Toughened penalties for vehicle thefts
  • Created more crisis training for our police
  • Funded state and local task forces to address gun violence and auto thefts

East Windsor Police Department Makes a Statement re Uvalde, Texas

In response to the awful tragedy in Texas this week, the East  Windsor Police Department shared the following statement on their Facebook page:

"The men and women of the East Windsor Police Department are heartbroken for the families, friends and community of the victims in Uvalde, Texas. Officers spent much of their time today around our schools in the hope it brought our children and school staff comfort knowing we were there. Patrol Officers and our School Resource Officer will continue to show a presence at our schools through the end of the school year as the safety of our schools, students and teachers is a top priority."

Ellington and East Windsor officers are a huge and important part of our communities. They all knew the comfort their presence would offer today and were there. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Grant Money for Ellington 

On  Thursday, the State Bond Commission approved two grants for our community. The Town of Ellington will receive a grant-in-aid of $224,415 to install 33 light fixtures and add an outdoor fitness area to Arbor Park along Main Street, and the Ellington Police Department will receive $23,840 as reimbursement for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices. 

These projects not only increase safety and beautify our town, but they also increase opportunities for town and local non-profits programming in our downtown area. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission!

UCONN Visits

Over the past few weeks, I visited my alma mater UCONN to meet with several individuals.

Last Friday, I welcomed U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm to the campus. I joined Secretary Granholm and Dr. Radenka Maric, VP for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on a tour of the UConn President's lab.

On Monday, I joined a group of state and federal lawmakers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to have a discussion with National Science Foundation Director Sathuraman Panchanathan. Click here to learn more about the event. 

Meeting With WIC Director

Earlier this month, I listened to testimony from the state director of WIC Marcia Pessolano.

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. 

If you're eligible for WIC, and facing any formula shortages or any type of food insecurity. Enroll now! Click here to learn more. 

Child Tax Credit  Application Opens June 1

BEGINNING JUNE 1ST! 

As a result of our recently passed budget, Connecticut families can soon apply to receive a state tax rebate of up to $250 per child for a maximum of three children. To apply, visit portal.ct.gov/DRS and click the icon that says, “2022 CT Child Tax Rebate."

Formula Sample Drive

The Town of East Windsor and Ellington are hosting a Formula Sample Drive.

The drop off locations listed below will be open during business hours - 9-5, Monday through Friday.  

Donations will also be accepted every Saturday at the Ellington Farmer's Market.

Trail Clean Up

On Tuesday, June 7, a group of local and state officials will team up with KeyBank to host a trail clean up at Hockanum River Trail.  

Residents from Enfield, East Windsor, and Ellington are welcome to join us to clean up our local trail.

Please bring gloves, bug spray, and protective clothing. Please reach out to my office with any questions.