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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Summer if officially underway, and I hope you're looking forward to the warmer weather as we enter the holiday weekend! I wish you all a safe, happy, and sparkling Fourth of July!
So much happened this Session - way more than I can put into one email - but I will start my post-session newsletter off by hitting some of this session's highlights and a few things going on in town. In upcoming issues, expect me to highlight a few new bills each week.
Below you will get a post session wrap-up, a breakdown of the new laws taking effect on July 1, what services are available at the brand-new UConn Health Simsbury location, community events, and so much more!
You can click on any of these links to jump to that section of the email:
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The House and Senate both passed a bipartisan state budget, which does not use any federal covid-19 relief assistance to balance our finances. The budget adheres to the fiscal guard rails which have improved our State’s bond rating, reduced our costs of borrowing, and resulted in historic paydown of our pension debt. And it does that while including the largest personal income tax cut in state history and eliminates more retirement income taxes by smoothing the benefit cliff for those with social security, pension, annuity, and IRA income.
The budget also responds to inflation by freezing scheduled increases on the diesel tax, which in turn lowers the cost of groceries as well as other commodities while also increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, which will directly impact and increase funds available to our own Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance (which I fought for on Appropriations). I'm delivering on my promise to be fiscally responsible while saving Simsbury taxpayers money, especially in retirement.
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We also passed House Bill 5001, which I proudly co-sponsored, and includes historic investments of more than $30 million for residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). It takes a huge step forward in providing more services to more people and shortening the waiting lists for services. The law also bolsters work opportunities for individuals with IDD through tax credits, nonprofit grants, and training programs. Additionally, it provides the framework for Connecticut to study the correct definition of IDD, particularly when it comes to the role of IQ, with the aim of revising the future definition so that we are including more people who truly need services.
In addition, this bill establishes a solid framework to address:
- Housing Needs
- Educational and Transitional Services
- Transportation
- Day Programming
- Career and Job Coaching
- Life Skills Training
- Behavioral Service
It is my goal to continue working on finding solutions that not only bring a level of relief and peace of mind to guardians and family caregivers, but to the individuals who are developmentally challenged to help them reach their best potential.
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| This week, Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6489 into law, which I co-sponsored and will increase the number of retired teachers on the Teachers' Retirement Board from two to four. I am proud to have worked with retired teachers in Simsbury to continue the work of my predecessor, John Hampton, to bring this legislation through the Appropriations Committee and over the finish line this Session.
A big thank you to John for starting this important work in previous sessions and connecting me with the retired teachers in town even before I took office so we could make this happen this year! |
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I know Housing has been a hot topic here in town this year, and it has been one of the most debated and controversial policy topics at the legislature as well. Housing Advocates put forward a number of policy proposals, all intended to increase the supply of housing in Connecticut but diverging from each other on the best method to employ to accomplish that goal. Some bills focused on increasing housing density near transportation and encouraging the adoption of more carbon friendly and sustainable methods of transportation. Another bill focused on establishing and mandating a specific number of “affordable” housing units that municipalities would be required to have developed (ie, their “fair share”), based on a formula that is largely based on property values, poverty levels, existing multi-family housing, and household income. Ultimately, neither of those bills passed, BUT an omnibus bill, Senate Bill 998, was passed in the early morning hours, addressing landlord-tenant reforms, and instituting a study regarding each municipality’s “fair share” of affordable housing.
The budget also contained some heavy housing policy provisions and established zoning frameworks that towns can voluntarily adopt to receive priority consideration for substantial state infrastructure investments. Because the issues of housing and sustainable transportation are so important to Simsbury, and are absolutely going to be revisited by the legislature in the coming years, I’m spending a lot of time reading and studying these issues off session to be able to contribute to this conversation at the highest level. |
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| Connecticut was one the few states in the country that did not allow early voting that provides voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, seven days of early voting for most primaries, and four days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries. |
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The governor also signed a bill, that I helped raise, into law that protects vulnerable spouses and children. I cosponsored HB 6639, which is important because it builds on Jennifer’s Law, which I worked on in 2021.
By requiring the courts to hold hearings in a timely manner for child support and alimony for dependent spouses and parents, financially abusive partners - and their attorneys - won't be able to game the system. Vulnerable and dependent parties won't have to give in to inequitable arrangements for the future because they cannot support their children in the present. With up to 45% of single mothers living in poverty in Connecticut (30% in Simsbury), this is one small but important step toward ensuring that children, whose parents have the means, will receive the support they need and deserve.
Watch the video below to see my testimony in the House Chamber.
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| Breaking down the importance of this bill |
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| WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO? |
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| Thank you to everyone who joined me and Senator Lisa Seminara on Wednesday night for our first, bipartisan post session legislative update. It was great to hear about your priorities and get feedback for next session! |
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| What a great night at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center hearing Little River Band. We are so lucky to live in Simsbury, and I am so grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who have made our Town such a special place! |
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| We had so much fun and food as I helped judge the baking category at Simsbury Grange No. 197. It was tough picking the winners, but my fellow judges and I muddled through somehow! Congratulations to all the participants on jobs very well done! |
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| UPCOMING HOLIDAY FIREWORKS |
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There's no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than by gathering with friends and family to watch fireworks! Simsbury is hosting the Talcott Mountain Music Festival on Friday from the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows. Here's what you need to know:
- Gates open at 6 P.M.
- Concert starts at 7:30 P.M.
- Fireworks start after concert
- Rain date on July 1
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| UCONN HEALTH SIMSBURY OPENING |
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| Courtesy: Lauren Woods, UConn Today |
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| A big welcome to UConn Health, which had its grand opening at the Andy’s Plaza a couple of weeks ago. Having vital health services in many specialties right in the heart of our downtown is a big part of creating a sustainable and carbon friendly community! |
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| FAMILIES IN THE PARK PROGRAM |
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| Do you know about the Families In The Parks Program? Enjoy time together and reconnect with the outdoors, nature and each other with FREE & FUN activities like:
Fishing
Boating
🦅 Birding/Wildlife
🥾 Hiking
Nature Centers
🏛️ Historic Building and Museums
Family Day in the Park & more!
Learn more about the Families In The Park and No Child Left Inside programs by clicking here.
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| SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE |
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| Congratulations Nana-Poku Boakye for winning first place in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition! His original photo, “Silenced,” is simply breathtaking. |
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Nana traveled to a national reception in June at the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C., where crews will put his work on display in the Cannon Tunnel for the next year.
Nana, your art is making a difference in the world around you. Thank you for sharing your talent, and congratulations to the Simsbury ABC Program for guiding Nana on this amazing journey.
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