Jaime Foster

Whether it came to supporting our farms and the energy industry through the passage of SB 176 (which looks to increase commercial reliance on rooftop solar energy by modifying existing energy caps involving shared clean energy facilities, and is important to us because increased usage of solar energy promotes farmland preservation), or advocating for the healthcare, childcare, or restaurant industries in our district, I felt it was vital to be responsive to local businesses and support (or oppose) policies affecting them.

PACT funding covers the gap between federal and state grants you receive, and community college tuition and mandatory fees. This session, we passed legislation expanding eligibility for PACT funding to part-time college students.

Applicants must be Connecticut high school graduates who are first-time college students, have completed the FAFSA application, plan on taking at least six credits per semester, and are working toward a degree or certificate.
 
The goal of PACT was to make higher education more accessible. Including part time students will further increase the reach of this program.  Click here to learn more.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking input from the public on broadband technology, access, adoption, and coordination ahead of its anticipated broadband infrastructure deployment programs via a Request for Information (RFI).

Information collected from this RFI will inform the design of programs funded by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This RFI will help identify potential barriers to access and adoption to ensure that everyone living and working in the state has access to affordable, reliable, and resilient broadband service. 
 
To read the full RFI, or to submit a response, please click here.
 
A public input session is planned for July 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. Click here to register. For more information about Infrastructure, Investment & Jobs Act programs that are relevant to DEEP’s programs and mission, please click here.

During the 2022 session, we considered a bill (which ultimately was included in the budget) that restructures the way municipalities value our vehicles in order to make car tax bills more affordable AND more predictable year after year.

Currently, our municipalities utilize NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) when valuing vehicles, which can fluctuate a vehicle's value depending on the market. The bill also makes snowmobiles, ATVs, and trailers used for personal use fully tax-exempt.

Unfortunately, municipalities submit their grand lists on October 1st of each year, so our car taxes will not be restructured until next year. But you are not helpless in this situation, you can submit an appeal to the town for a lower tax bill!

Connecticut statute requires every Board of Assessment Appeals to hear appeals for car taxes in September of each year. Your Town Charter; however, dictates how that notice must be publicized.

Below is the process of appeals for Ellington and East Windsor:

Ellington:

• One hearing date in September – Monday, September 12th
• Please contact the Assessor's Office at 860-870-3109 or email the office for an appeals form
• CLICK HERE for more information about the process and how to file

East Windsor:

• Will meet to hear car tax appeals in September, no dates set yet (date will be published on town website)
• CLICK HERE for more information about the process

Hopefully, this information is helpful and breaks down the process in a digestible manor.

End Hunger Connecticut!'s interactive map is now active. Families looking for summer food for their kids can show up at any of these sites and all kids under 18 will be fed a nutritious meal for free, no ID required, no proof of residency, no income proof required.

No child should ever worry about where their meals are going to come from. Ever. Click the following link for more details: https://www.endhungerct.org/services/summer-meals/

Some of these sites offer breakfast and lunch and some are just lunch so please confirms offerings before you go!

If you or someone you know is interested in one of these jobs, please visit the Town website at https://www.ellington-ct.gov/.../employment-opportunities to view the job descriptions and to apply.

East Windsor Parks & Recreation is looking to hire a few more lifeguards for the upcoming summer season.

For more information, please email Samantha Charette at scharette@eastwindsorct.com or call us in the office at 860.627.6662.

Connecticut's first ever child tax payment has gone into effect and it's already a massive success!

This credit was included in the $650 million tax relief package that House Democrats approved as part of the 2022 state budget to give much-needed financial relief and flexibility to working families across Connecticut.

If you have a child born before Jan. 1, 2022 and haven't yet applied, I want to remind you that there is still time to apply to receive your check!

This tax payment is available to single parents who earned less than $100,000 and two-parent households that made less than $200,000 during the 2021 tax year.

For more information on the payment and to submit an application with the Department of Revenue Services before the July 31 deadline, click the photo below.