Newsletter 7/1/2022

July 1, 2022

On this Independence Day, I will be doing a lot of reflecting on the status of our democracy and how we can all work together to strengthen it. I think the decisions coming out of the Supreme Court over the past week are stark evidence of the ebbs and flows of our freedoms in this country and that nothing is cast in stone. 
 

 I hope this week serves as a reminder of how important it is that we all participate in our democracy to ensure our protections and freedoms. I have been so appreciative of each and every one of you engaging with me about the issues most important to you over the past two years. Your voices have made me a better legislator, and I am incredibly grateful for this honor to represent you in our State's Legislature. 
 
I hope you have a lovely holiday with your loved ones!
 
The town has already announced that Fairfield's fireworks display has been postponed due to the forecasted weather to Sunday, July 3rd. The fireworks will begin around 9:15 PM. 
 
Updates will be posted on the Town website. Our First Selectwoman and Fairfield Police Department also shared some very important safety and traffic information that you can find here. 
 
Unquowa Housing Development Update 
On Tuesday night, I joined many members of our community to express our concerns before the Town Plan and Zoning Commission to the proposed development at 15 Unquowa Rd. The meeting ended at 10:00, their cutoff time, but before public comment. Please find my submitted testimony that I wasn’t able to share on Tuesday, below.
 
Free Youth Admissions to CT Museums Return this Summer
The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is returning for the 2022 summer season. Starting Friday, July 1, all children and one accompanying adult will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program will be offered through September 6th to all Connecticut children, ages 18 and under.
 
This is a great opportunity for parents and guardians who are looking for a family friendly activity during the hot summer months. Please click here for a complete list of participating locations. 
New Laws in Effect 
Today, July 1, is the first day of the new fiscal year. As a result, a number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2022 legislative session are now in effect. Below are a few highlights:

Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Services

In light of the recent Supreme Court Decision on Roe v Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut took proactive steps to ensure reproductive rights. This new law establishes protections for individuals seeking an abortion and physicians performing services. It also protects against out-of-state judgments based on reproductive or gender-affirming health care services that are legal in Connecticut, allowing these individuals to recover certain costs they incurred defending the out-of-state action and bringing an action under the new law. The law allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to provide reproductive services.

JobsCT

The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.
 
Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature passed several initiatives to improve schools’ indoor air quality. A grant program was created to reimburse boards of education or regional education service centers for costs associated with installing, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other air quality improvements. The budget makes $150 million available for the program ($75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $75 million in general obligation bonds effective July 1, 2022). Additionally, the act requires boards of education to conduct a uniform inspection and evaluation of the HVAC system in each school building under its jurisdiction every five years and take any necessary corrective actions. It also establishes a working group to study and make recommendations related to indoor air quality within schools.

Catalytic Converters

Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several record keeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters. This is an effort to stop the demand for stolen catalytic converters. 

Click here for the complete list. 

Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you and continue expressing your views and making your voice heard.