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Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year! 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. May this year bring clarity, growth, and prosperity to all who celebrate. |
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Working for You
Busy week for the people, loving what I do. Standing up for our communities, taking time with youth, interviewing and community meetings. Blessed to try to do the best I can.
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My Committee Assignments this Session
This year along with being appointed Deputy Speaker I will be on the committees of Appropriation, Veterans & Military Affairs, Aging and Internship.
Appropriations Committee - The committee has cognizance of all matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies. Other issues under the committee's jurisdiction include matters relating to state employees' salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers' retirement and veterans' pensions and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees.
Veterans Committee - The Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs shall have cognizance of all matters relating to military and veterans' affairs, except veterans' pensions.
Aging Committee - The Aging committee has cognizance of all matters relating to senior citizens.
Internship Committee - The Committee for Legislative Staff Internships is a statutorily created Committee whose principal responsibility is the development and administration of CGA Legislative Internship Program. The program seeks to offer Connecticut college students the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge about how state government works, through direct experience in the legislative offices.
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Raising Our Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
We recognize the challenges happening at the national level, but our responsibility remains to the people of Connecticut—ensuring strong, effective public policy. On Tuesday, House and Senate Democratic leaders introduced a legislative proposal to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, addressing a long-overdue issue.
A recent state Medicaid Rate Study revealed that Connecticut significantly trails peer states in provider payments under the state's Medicaid program, with many reimbursement rates unchanged since 2007.
Investing in higher Medicaid reimbursement rates is not just necessary—it’s the right thing to do. This is the kind of meaningful progress we are committed to delivering for Connecticut.
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An Important Vote in Session
We had an important vote this week.
This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.
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Deep Dive - HB 6126: An Act Establishing Penalties for Municipalities Failing to Meet the Ten Percent Affordable Housing Threshold
“Let’s talk about an important legislative effort to combat affordable housing crisis:
I introduced the bill, titled: HB6126 AN ACT ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR MUNICIPALITIES FAILING TO MEET THE TEN PERCENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING THRESHOLD, targets towns and cities that are not meeting the state’s goal of having at least 10% of their housing stock designated as affordable under Connecticut’s General Statutes Section 8-30g.”
“This bill establishes financial penalties ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for municipalities that fail to meet this 10% threshold. The idea is simple: if a municipality isn’t doing its part to ensure adequate affordable housing, they’ll face financial consequences. The funds collected from these penalties would then go directly toward supporting affordable housing initiatives statewide. So, not only does this encourage compliance, but it also reinvests into solving the problem.”
The Purpose of the Bill:
“The purpose here is twofold: first, to motivate municipalities to take proactive steps in creating affordable housing options; and second, to use any penalties collected as a funding source for new affordable housing projects. The goal is to create more equitable housing opportunities for all Connecticut residents, regardless of where they live.”
How Penalties Are Determined:
“The bill also introduces a fair system for determining the penalty amounts. Let’s break it down:
1. Size and Population: Larger municipalities with more resources and capacity might face penalties closer to $50,000, while smaller towns could face penalties starting at $25,000.
2. Duration of Non-Compliance: Penalties escalate the longer a municipality is out of compliance. It could start at $25,000 and grow annually until the municipality takes meaningful steps to meet the 10% goal.
3. Effort Made Toward Compliance: If a town shows it’s trying—by rezoning or applying for affordable housing grants—they might face a reduced penalty. On the flip side, municipalities doing little or nothing could face the maximum penalty.
4. Local Impact: Towns in high-demand areas, where a lack of affordable housing creates major market distortions, might face higher penalties because their inaction has greater consequences.
5. Municipal Income Levels: Wealthier towns with the resources to address this issue may face higher penalties, while less affluent municipalities might see penalties scaled down to reflect their fiscal challenges.”
Why This Matters:
“This bill is about fairness and accountability. Connecticut has a growing housing affordability crisis, and some municipalities are falling short in contributing to the solution. By implementing these penalties, we’re encouraging towns to step up while creating a dedicated funding source to build and maintain affordable housing.”
“Ultimately, this is about ensuring that everyone in Connecticut has access to safe, affordable housing. If you want to learn more or get involved, stay tuned—we’ll be discussing affordable housing policies and what they mean for our communities in future episodes.”
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Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs Public Hearing
This week we had great attendance to the Public Hearing of Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs. Big Shout It Out to our new leadership for such a great meeting. Great conversation on many of the bills below up for review. Looking forward to next meeting. Thanks everyone.
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Husky 4 Immigrants Advocacy
Had the great opportunity to speak on HUSKY 4 IMMIGRANTS, Connecticut Residents, workers and children of tax payers who lack health coverage. Husky Should Be For all. I hope to see legislators up the age especially to cover all children that attend our schools.
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Snapshot of Our Session
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s ahead for the 2025 legislative session! With 101 Democrats and 49 Republicans in the CT House, we’re ready to work together to tackle important issues for our state.
Some upcoming dates to keep on your radar:
- February 5: Governor’s budget presentation
- June 4: Last day of session
- July 1: New budget year begins
Let me know what matters most to you.
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Minority Construction Council
Big thanks to The Minority Construction Council for the opportunity to speak, and to hear about was pleased to 2025 Minority Construction Council, Inc. Legislative Breakfast this week. It was incredibly important to hear the open dialog and conversation about the great work MCC is doing. I look forward to working with you to enlarge your territory to do more, especially for our senior and veteran community.
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The fifth annual “National Unclaimed Property Day” will be observed on Saturday, February 1. This is a day when people around the country are reminded to see if they have money waiting for them.
Connecticut’s Unclaimed Property program is managed by the state Treasurer’s office. Treasurer Erick Russell encourages everyone to take a moment on Saturday to go to CTBigList.gov and search for money that belongs to them.
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Power 2 the People Social Justice Workshop
REMINDER TONIGHT: A Workshop that will delve into to understanding and building the foundations for change in our community! POWER 2 THE PEOPLE: SOCIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZING 101  
Tonight, Friday, 01/31/2025
@ 6:30pm
32 Broad Street, NL
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Women's Business Development Council Grants
FYI: The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) has announced the next round of their Ignite & Child Care Business Grant Programs will open on Monday, Feb. 3!
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses and offers grants of up to $10k.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25k to qualified licensed & aspiring child care businesses.
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Department of Children and Families: Spotlight on What's Right
Keep getting updates: Check out The "Spotlight on What's Right" highlights and celebrates families, our communities, and staff with CT Department of Children and Families
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Federal Preparedness Workshop
FYI: The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is hosting a federal preparedness workshop on Tuesday, February 11th from 8am - 4pm at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
This is your chance to learn from top experts in emergency response and disaster management. Whether you're a first responder, a government official, or interested in being prepared, this workshop is for you.
Get hands-on training, network with professionals, and gain valuable insights to keep your community safe. Don't miss out!
Register for this FREE workshop below:
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The Neighborhood Academy, Class of 2025
Great Academy opportunity: Office of Development and Planning, Community Development Division, are thrilled to announce the return of The Neighborhood Academy, Class of 2025!
This is a chance for New London residents to learn, connect, lead, and mobilize.
This is a chance to sit down face-to-face with City department heads and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the City of New London operates. Residents will gain the knowledge and tools you need to become an effective community leader and make a lasting impact in your neighborhood and beyond!
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Enhancing You Business Presence
New London Business Owners - Enhance your business presence on the Explore New London app!
Begin managing your business listing today. Users can easily mark businesses as their favorite and opt-in for their notifications.
Download the Explore New London app to learn about our businesses and upcoming events.
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This is a full-time, non-exempt union position. United Way provides excellent benefits, retirement once qualified, and paid time off. Wage range begins at $26.21 per hour.
United Way is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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