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| The smoke from Canadian wildfires has compromised our air quality all over Connecticut. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued an alert, warning of unhealthy levels of particulate matter in the air. Experts recommend staying indoors and minimizing your exposure. According to DEEP, the smoke could stick around for weeks. |
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June 2 Session Highlights
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| SB 869 expands career options for workforce advancement. The measure will direct the Office of Workforce Strategy to help identify additional career training opportunities and training providers through the Connecticut Career Accelerator Program. |
| SB 9 addresses our state's response to the fentanyl and opioid abuse crisis, ensures access to reproductive healthcare, improves the overall health of Connecticut residents, grows and protects our health care workforce. |
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After months of negotiations, the House of Representatives delivered a balanced, bipartisan biennium state budget that includes the largest income tax cut in the state’s history. Below are more highlights:
- More retirement income taxes eliminated by smoothing the benefit cliff for those with pension, annuity, and IRA income
- Cuts to business taxes to promote the expansion of childcare facilities
- Continuation of 32.4 mill car tax cap
- Continuation of property tax credits for homeowners
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The budget also includes significant increases in funding for local schools including more than $240 million in public education for the 2024-25 school year. Here are other highlights:
- $135 million will be provided to our state colleges and universities
- $22 million to expand debt-free community college
- $24 million to increase funding for special education to local schools
- $6.5 million to prevent towns from receiving funding cut to local schools
- $67.5 million to increase childcare provider rates
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Four community organizations that provide vital resources in the 114th district are also getting funding:
- $100,000 to the Sterling Opera House in Derby to evaluate needed repairs and renovations
- $30,000 to TEAM, Inc for continued support of the entire region
- $25,000 for Orange Food2Kids to support the purchase and delivery of kid-friendly meals and snacks to families in need
- $5,000 to the Orange Historical Society for the cleaning and maintaining of historical graves in town
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June 5 Session Highlights
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| We’re continuing our focus on the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of children. SB 2 is part of a series of bills the General Assembly has passed over the last several years that focus on helping children meet all aspects of their needs. |
| The affidavit residential property sellers must sign attesting to the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a complex document. HB 6580 simplifies the affidavit so sellers can be confident in the safety and compliance of the property. |
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| Connecticut takes a big step towards sustainable waste management with the passage of HB 6664. This measure establishes a funding mechanism through the CT Green Bank for new waste disposal and food scrap diversion facilities. |
| SB 7 secures energy predictability, affordability, and transparency for rate payers. This bill empowers the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to look out for the rate payers in our state. |
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June 6 Session Highlights
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| HB 6741, which I cosponsored, requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to take actions to discourage aggressive or violent behavior toward our healthcare providers. DPH will develop an online marketing campaign starting next year. |
| HB 6669 protects patients and prohibits unnecessary health care costs by promoting more equitable access. It establishes a drug discount card program, lowers prescription drug costs, allows for negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers, and centralizes drug purchasing. |
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| SB 1088 allows for qualified financial institutions to put a hold on suspicious transactions to protect senior citizens in cases where fraud is suspected and investigate further. |
| HB 6835 makes changes to public health and vital record statutes to ensure that those working in healthcare are properly trained, licensed, and certified. |
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June 7 Session Highlights
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| SB 1 promotes transparency in school districts and helps foster equitable educational experiences for school communities by reevaluating disciplinary measures, conducting opt-in social climate surveys, and setting guidelines for training and documentation with local school boards. |
| HB 5003 protects students and provide a healthy and safe learning environment. This bill seeks to update state laws around school climate and bullying. Additionally, this comprehensive bill aims to help recruit a more diverse teaching corps and improve transparency involving local school budgets. |
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| We are so proud of Grace Lupoli for all her hard work! |
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| During Wednesday's session, we paused debate on bills to recognize Grace Lupoli, a senior from Bethany, for being awarded Best Actress at the 2023 Stephen Sondheim Awards! She starred as Belle in Amity Creative Theater’s production of Beauty and the Beast. |
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| That’s a wrap on the 2023 legislative session! I am incredibly proud of the work we accomplished even though there is still more to be done. It is an honor and a privilege to represent this district. |
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The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club is hosting its 2nd annual Flags for Heroes event. You’re invited to raise a flag to honor your hero on Saturday, June 10 from 11:00am-2:00pm at the Shelton Riverwalk on Canal Street.
More than 300 flags with personalized medallions will be flying on the Derby Green and the Shelton Riverwalk from May 27 – June 15. Click here to learn more.
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Upcoming Events in Hamden
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| Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden: |
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Orange Events and Community Calendar
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| Orange Congregational Church is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival fundraiser on Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at High Plains Community Center. Admission is always free as your family enjoys a fruity treat with family, friends, and community. There is food all day including pancakes with strawberry toppings, strawberry kabobs, strawberry shortcake, a strawberry slushy, or homemade strawberry jam. |
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Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
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| The First Church of Christ is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival on Friday, June 9 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the church on Meetinghouse Lane. The signature strawberry shortcakes with fresh whipped cream will be available. The menu includes hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers grilled by Scout Troop 907. |
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