Tax Cuts on the Way
It's been more than a week since the legislative session came to an end, and the governor has already passed some of our bills into law. I want to reiterate how humbling it has been to serve as your representative and prioritize the needs of the 114th district.
Please read below to learn more about new tax cuts, Quinnipiac's hockey team celebration at the White House, community events, and so much more.
- Flags For Heroes
- Tax Cut
- Celebrating Juneteenth
- Pride Flags
- Quinnipiac Champs Celebrate at White House
- In The News
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events In Hamden
- Orange Events and Community Calendar
- Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
You can click on any of the links above to jump to that section of the email. I hope that you find these resources helpful.
The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club could not have asked for better weather for its 2nd annual Flags for Heroes ceremony. I was honored to be part of this act of respect and remembrance. This year the display expanded to the Derby Green, where I was proud to sponsor a flag for my brothers again. All combat veterans, they are still affectionately referred to as “The Barrett Boys” in our hometown.
Tax relief on multiple fronts is on the way after the governor signed our bipartisan budget into law this week. It includes the largest reduction in the income tax in state history. Here are some of the highlights:
- An income tax cut for the middle class that reduces the two lowest marginal rates. Specifically, the 3% rate on the first $10,000 earned by individuals and the first $20,000 by couples will decrease to 2%. The 5% rate on the next $40,000 earned by individuals and the next $80,000 by couples will decrease to 4.5%. These benefits will be capped at individual filers who earn $150,000 and couples who earn $300,000. It is estimated that one million tax filers will benefit from the rate cuts.
- An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers from the current rate of 30.5% of the federal credit to 40%. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families that mirrors the federal credit.
- An expansion of existing exemptions on certain pension and annuity earnings to benefit seniors. Specifically, the budget eliminates the retirement income tax cliff by adding a phase-out for allowable pension and annuity and IRA distribution deductions against the personal income tax.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. This important holiday was not in the main stream for several years, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates, it is now rightfully recognized throughout the U.S.
During the 2022 legislative session, several of my colleagues spoke passionately on the House floor about why Connecticut needed to make Juneteenth a legal state holiday. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Lamont. This is the first year it will be officially observed as a state holiday.
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The practice of slavery did not end when President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation in 1863 or when the Union won the Civil War in 1865. In fact, some communities were not informed of their freedom for another two months following the war. Then on June 19, 1865, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and delivered the news. Those enslaved individuals were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.
Although Juneteenth is a celebration, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and how it impacts us to this day. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that promotes equity and inclusivity.
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It's the most colorful month of the year! 🏳️🌈
The rainbow flag is used widely, but there are many more flags that people in the LGBTQ+ community connect with. Did you know there are flags to represent gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression and more? 🏳️⚧️
The Human Rights Campaign put together a great breakdown of these flags, their history and meanings. Learn more here.
Quinnipiac Champs Celebrate at White House
Quinnipiac University’s men's ice hockey celebrated its national championship on Monday by visiting the White House as part of "College Athlete Day." Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Bobcats and other NCAA men's and women's national championship teams on the South Lawn of the White House. Quinnipiac won its first NCAA Division I title on April 8 after beating Minnesota 3-2 in overtime in Tampa, Florida.
Valley Independent Sentinel: Cabrera and Welander React to State Budget Approval
Derby Events Calendar
To see what's going on in Derby, please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the flier below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the events that are coming up in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below in Woodbridge, and click the button below to access the community calendar.
