Happy New Year, New Laws, and Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway

December 30, 2024

I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year! As we celebrate the start of 2025, please be aware that police are stepping up patrols for everyone's safety. Please read below to learn what steps you can take to ensure a safe holiday season.

Speaking of the new year, some new laws that we passed are taking effect on January 1. Please keep scrolling to learn how we're improving the quality of life in our state with new legislation. 

A brand-new student loan reimbursement program for Connecticut residents opens on January 1. There are strict requirements to determine eligibility. Read below for those important details.

I encourage you to join a celebration and toy giveaway on Three Kings Day in Hartford. I'll let you know when and where you need to be to take part in this amazing tradition and see the three wise men on camels.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • New Laws Effective January 1
  • Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 
  • SAMA's Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway
  • Provide Feedback in Person at West Hartford Session Preview
  • Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program
 
New Laws Effective January 1
A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect Wednesday, January 1.

One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.

It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.

We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.

Other laws going into effect Jan. 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

New laws starting January 1, 2025
As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol!
 
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

From now through January 1, 2025, drivers across Connecticut can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads to prevent impaired driving and keep roads safe for everyone.

During the holiday season, drunk driving is a significant threat.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation urges the public to take proactive steps to ensure a safe holiday season:

  • Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, plan a safe way to get home. Use a ride share service, public transportation, or designate a sober driver.
  • Stay Alert on the Roads: Keep a safe distance from drivers who appear impaired. Report dangerous drivers by calling 911.
  • Intervene When Necessary: If you see someone attempting to drive impaired, take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.

Driving under the influence of any substance, whether alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs, is illegal and dangerous. Impaired driving can lead to jail time and fines.

Click here for more information
 
SAMA's Three Kings Day Toy Giveaway
You’re invited to bring the entire family to a Three Kings Day celebration on Monday, January 6 in Hartford. You will see a procession featuring the three wise men on camels at 10 A.M. at 95 Park Street. Organizers will then give out toys to children in need at 11 A.M. at the Arroyo Center at Pope Park. There will also be camel rides, cultural dances, and much more.

Hartford Public Schools are closed on Three Kings Day, and this event is a great opportunity to celebrate this annual tradition with friends. I hope to see you there!

I am grateful to the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA), the Park Street Special Services District, the Institute for the Hispanic Families/Catholic Charities, and everyone else for organizing this wonderful event in our community.

 
Provide Feedback in Person at
West Hartford Session Preview
Mark your calendars for a chance to connect with me and the rest of the West Hartford Delegation. We will host a legislative session preview event on Wednesday, January 8 from 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at West Hartford Town Hall after we are sworn into office for another term.
As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influence these new laws. Please continue to share your views with us!
 
Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program
This is a reminder that you can apply for the state’s new Student Loan Reimbursement Program starting on January 1. Eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years and will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

The requirements are the following:

  • Must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut with a bachelor’s or associate degree
  • Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
  • Must have an income below $125,000 if filing single in 2023
  • Must have an income below $175,000 if filing married in 2023
  • Must have made payments towards student loans
  • Must have 50 hours of volunteering time after January 1, 2024

This is an opportunity to support the people of Connecticut and to spur economic growth across our state.

Click here for more information or to apply in January