Tammy Exum

I am constantly working to update you with important news as it develops, in addition to local and state resources.

This week's updates include:

• Grand Re-Opening for Beanz and Co.
• Back-to-School Food Drive
• Tax-Exemptions Deadline for Veterans
• The Epidemic of Loneliness
• WeHa United in Jazz
• Avon Friends for Equity Community Fest 
• Minimum Wage Increase
• Autumn Arrival
• Yom Kippur
• Special Session on Tuesday

Thank you for reading!

Last Saturday, BeanZ & Co. had its grand re-opening celebration at its new location at 11 East Main Street in Avon. I was honored to join co-founders Kim Morrison and Noelle Alix along with Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw and Sen. Lisa Seminara and plenty of customers to celebrate this inclusive coffee café that employs people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities and "demonstrates the possibilities in all of us."

It is so great to have this space open again!

Rep. Kavros DeGraw and I will team up with Avon’s Town Council for a Back-to-School Food Drive for Gifts of Love CT at the Town of Avon Senior Center. If you are able, please drop something off at the Avon Senior Center Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Thank you in advance!

The Town of West Hartford Assessment Office is reminding honorably discharged veterans and residents currently in active-duty military service that they may be eligible for tax exemptions. Resident veterans who already filed for their exemption and are not disabled or do not meet the income requirements, do not need to file again. The filing period ends September 29.

Veterans and active-duty military persons may be entitled to state additional exemptions if their income does not exceed $40,300 for a single person and $49,100 for a married couple. Such individuals may also be entitled to the local additional exemptions, if their income does not exceed $65,300 for a single person and $74,100 for a married couple.

Veterans must have served 90 cumulative days active duty during a war period and file an original or certified copy of their DD214 with the Assessment Office. A copy of a 2022 federal income tax return and 2022 Social Security 1099 form is also required. The application for these programs is located on the Assessment webpage at www.westhartfordct.gov/assessment under “Tax Relief Programs.” Please direct all questions pertaining to this program to the Assessment Office at (860) 561-7414.

Disabled veterans must also file their disability-rating letter from the Veteran’s Administration with the Assessment office. Once filed, no other filing is necessary unless a disability rating changes. At age 65, filing is no longer required as all disabled veterans older than 65 are entitled to the 100% disability rating reduction. 

Disabled veterans who have motor vehicles specially equipped or adapted to accommodate their disability are eligible for a 50% assessment exemption on their vehicles. Annual filing is required for all specially equipped motor vehicles by November 1 of each year.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy will speak at Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford on September 29 at 6 p.m. about his initiative to combat loneliness and rebuild America’s sense of community. Come join the conversation at this free event. 

Why does loneliness matter? According to studies:

• Being socially disconnected is associated with a higher risk for health problems, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and suicide
• Prolonged social isolation is associated with a greater likelihood of early mortality and can have health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
• 36% of all Americans, including 61% of young adults, feel “serious loneliness”
• 54% of gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, and more than half of all suicide deaths are by gun

Loneliness has become a public health crisis, so please come out to this event to hear Sen. Murphy talk about how he believes our government and our organizations, particularly faith organizations, can step in to combat the epidemic.

On October 8 from 2-5 p.m., WeHa United in Jazz will bring top jazz musicians to Blue Back Square for a day of music, engagement and education. The event is free and open to all.

WeHa United in Jazz is funded through a grant given to the Bridge Family Center’s "Turning Points" program for at-risk youth and young adults. The goal of the program is to connect youth with their greater community and help youth improve their academic performance and avoid high-risk behavior.

During the event, West Hartford’s Prevention Partnership will share resources and information.

Parking is available in the Isham and Memorial municipal garages, Town Hall municipal lot and on street. Fees apply.

Avon Friends for Equity is hosting a third annual Community Fest on Saturday, October 14 from 1-4 p.m. at the Sycamore Hills Recreation Area to celebrate the diverse community at Avon Public Schools. Enjoy flavorful fall favorites like cider and donuts in addition to music and fun!

All students, families and staff are welcome for this special annual event to celebrate a new school year, make connections and form friendships that strengthen the community.

For more information, and to RSVP, please visit AvonFFE.org/events.

Effective January 1, 2024, the state's minimum wage of $15 will increase to $15.69 as part of its first-ever economic indicator adjustment. 

This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1.

Providing livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help them make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills. Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the Current Population Survey, calculated by the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

No one should be forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I stand in strong support of this pay adjustment and the workers who will benefit from it. 

Who's ready for another beautiful fall in New England? Autumn officially arrives on Saturday!

Chag sameach! Wishing all who celebrate a blessed Yom Kippur.

I will be in the House of Representatives for a special session on Tuesday. Watch on CT-N.com.