Dominique Johnson

My colleagues and I delivered on our promise to lower taxes for those who need the most help. According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Connecticut is a leader on tax relief for low- and middle-income earners. While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.
 
Below are some of the highlights of tax relief we passed this year:

• Lowering the income tax rates to save many middle-class households $300-$500 a year
• Raising the state income tax credit from 30.5% to 40% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit - providing $210 on average for households earning less than $60,000 per year

Expanding an existing exemption for certain pension and annuity earnings, providing additional financial security for retirees and those close to retirement.

We know that when our most vulnerable get the support they deserve, they can support Connecticut's continued growth.

To further protect reproductive rights in our state, a number of items we passed last session were recently signed into law including: 

• Public Act 23-128, which enacts protections for Connecticut medical providers who offer reproductive health care services against adverse actions taken by another state;
• Public Act 23-52, which allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control;
• Public Act 23-41, which increases access to reproductive health care services by college students at public institutions of higher education; and
• Public Act 23-56, which establishes safeguards against the collection, sharing, and selling of personal data online, including health-related information.
• Public Act 23-147, which improves maternal healthcare by expanding birthing hospitals in Connecticut. 

Individuals seeking abortion services can call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or visit the website by clicking here below to find providers available in their area, community services, and other useful resources.

Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's fundamental right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being.

I am overjoyed that this bill has been pushed across the finish line. Coming into this session, establishing a Green Jobs Corps was one of my legislative priorities. Meeting our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals will greatly benefit the planet, and developing a dependable workforce in that field will make a tremendous difference.

The passage of this bill truly was a collaborative effort. I am grateful for all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked alongside me to craft and perfect this piece of legislation.

Attention Probate Court-appointed kinship guardians caring for children - you may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants to help with housing, food and transportation, as well as summer camp and other enrichment activities. 

The Kinship Fund awards grants of up to $550 a child -- or $2,200 a family – a year to help pay for necessities such as eyeglasses and clothing, or for enrichment activities such as summer camp, art supplies or creative books.

The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. These grants are capped at $2,200 a year.

Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required. Amounts awarded to residents are determined by their local Probate Court.

You can find grant applications online or by contacting your local Probate Court.

Click here for additional information.