| I understand there is a lot of uncertainty, anxiety and concern over the recent attempt by the federal government to pause federal grants and loans programs.
What I can say for sure is my colleagues and I will continue to fight to improve the lives of the residents of Danbury and the state.
Toward that end, scroll down and learn more about your rights and what we are doing at the Capitol this legislative session. |
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| Supporting the Child Tax Credit |
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| I'm excited to sign on to HB5986, An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit Against The Personal Income Tax.
With nearly 40% of Connecticut families unable to make ends meet, this bill will benefit 550,000 children in the state.
Connecticut is the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based personal income tax that does not adjust for the number of children or childcare expenses.
House Bill 5986 establishes a permanent refundable child tax credit against the personal income tax for up to three children, in the amount of $600 per child, for tax filers with a federal adjusted gross income of 100,000 or less for single filers or $200,000 or less for married individuals filing jointly.
This is no giveaway; it makes economic sense. For every $1 in child tax credits, a family spends $1.38 in the local economy. |
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| Feeding CT Caucus Launches |
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| The newly launched Feeding CT Caucus held a press conference Wednesday to advocate for the appropriation of more dollars to attack head-on that 1 in 8 residents (468,150) struggle with hunger in Connecticut according to Feeding America. Also, more than 112,000, including 1 in 6 children, are food insecure.
The Feeding CT Caucus will request $10 million for the CT-Nutrition Assistance Program (CT-NAP), which provides fresh food to Connecticut Foodshare, food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters across the state.
Additionally, 15% of the funds would be utilized to purchase produce and other products from Connecticut farmers.
I proudly support these efforts. |
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| Electric Rate Reduction Efforts |
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Despite what you read from some politicians, the complexity of Connecticut’s electric rate issues defies any soundbite solution.
CT News Junkie takes a deep dive into the issue here that I recommend you read.
As the article notes -- from supply, to delivery, to the grid, to usage, to the climate, to regulation -- there are a lot of issues to dissect, some of which are beyond our control. As a state resident and utility ratepayer, I agree with you that rates have to be reined in.
As such, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find ways to bring electric rates down for individuals, families, and businesses across the state. |
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| Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution. The ACLU of Connecticut has prepared a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide below.
Learn more about your rights as an immigrant here and here. |
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| The Connecticut State Department of Education has issued a guidance document to every K-12 public school district in response to questions regarding the impact that recent changes in policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pertaining to immigration enforcement activities may have on school operations, student privacy, and the safeguarding of students while in school.
Please scroll down to view the document. |
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| Increasing Medicaid Reimbursements |
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| On Tuesday, House and Senate Democratic leaders announced on Tuesday a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue. A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007. One goal is to have providers brought up to a 75% to 80% reimbursement rate. Another goal is to create a system of automatic increases so issues like this don't keep recurring.
Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here in Connecticut. |
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| Congratulations Father Scott! |
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| I want to wish my friend, Father Samuel Scott, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, the best of luck as he takes on a new role after 14 years of devoted service here in Danbury.
Last weekend, Father Scott celebrated his last mass in front of a packed house of grateful community members.
Congratulations and thank you, Father Scott!
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| I had an incredible time at Danbury Night with the Danbury Hat Tricks last week!
Kitty and I had a blast enjoying the game alongside the Mayor Alberto Alves, Robyn, their family, and our colleagues. It was a great opportunity to connect with friends and celebrate our vibrant community. Khloë enjoyed accompanying the Mayor for the puck drop.
The Hat Tricks brought the energy with a big 9-3 victory, making the night even sweeter. One of the highlights was nominating my good friend and Vietnam Veteran Jean-Paul Trudel as a Danbury Champion. His recognition as a local hero was truly well-deserved, and it was an honor to see his contributions celebrated.
Thank you to everyone who made the night so memorable — what a fantastic way to come together and show our Danbury pride! |
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As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585, or at Farley.Santos@cga.ct.gov
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Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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