Juan R. Candelaria

Last week, Connecticut transferred more than $1.3 billion to pay down its long-term pension debt.

Since the legislature enacted the state’s “fiscal guardrails” in 2017, more than $7 billion in excess contributions captured from volatile revenue sources have been made to pay down pension debt, resulting in far-reaching savings for Connecticut taxpayers.

Connecticut was lost in the forest at the end of the presidential primary season. During Tuesday’s Special Session, we took this bipartisan proposal and moved the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. This means the presidential primary will occur on the first Tuesday in April.

A number of new laws that are effective on October 1st were passed during the 2023 legislative session that address several issue areas to improve our great state.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, the Connecticut and Puerto Rico Small Business Association offices are hosting a free webinar dedicated to resources and support for small businesses on Friday, September 29 from 12-1pm.

The CHRO and Griffin & Strong ("GSPC") has scheduled a series of 5 virtual Disparity Study public hearings for the first week of October. These hearings are an opportunity for Connecticut businesses to share their thoughts and experiences regarding state contracting with GSPC for inclusion in the Study.

New year, new wage! 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.

The Office of Policy and Management is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program, which provides grants-in-aid to certain profit, nonprofit health and human service organizations.

I wanted to invite you to an upcoming Passport Day Event being held by Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Saturday, October 7 from 10 am - 3 pm at 90 State House Square in the first floor conference center in Hartford.

This program is for those looking to renew their passport, and those looking to apply for their first passport!