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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you and your family well.
There is some exciting news for the Quiet Corner, including state funding for Eastford Independent Fire Company and the potential purchase of Day Kimball Hospital by UConn Health. The Public Safety and Security Committee recently held a hearing about long-term planning for Connecticut's fire services. On October 1st, new state laws will take effect across the state. Read more on these topics below. |
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| Eastford Independent Fire Company |
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I am excited to share $75,000 was allocated to the Eastford Independent Fire Company (EIFC) in the Biennial State Budget passed by the legislature during the 2025 session. This funding is a significant win for the fire company, which is facing structural damage to its building and is in need of crucial repairs. This funding will help the fire company complete critical improvements to the facility.
I am thrilled to see EIFC receive this funding, as well as a larger $647,00 approved to police and fire departments across the state. This funding makes a huge difference to not only EIFC, but the whole community, who rely on their services every day and night. Rural communities, like the Quiet Corner, rely on state funding like this to continue to fully serve residents. |
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| Day Kimball Hospital & UConn Health |
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You may have heard the recent news of UConn Health's potential purchase of Day Kimball Hospital. Senator Mae Flexer and I have endorsed UConn Health's proposal to include Day Kimball in their purchase of financially troubled Connecticut Hospitals. We have led conversations for several years to gain the support of UConn Health. Day Kimball is privately owned and has had previous unsuccessful mergers. Although details of the negotiations, costs, and timeline haven't been discussed, this purchase would benefit residents in the Quiet Corner.
UConn Health is known for its top-quality care, and expanding this program to Day Kimball will improve medical services and allow the hospital to thrive in the area. Bringing quality services to our residents remains a top priority of mine, and I will keep you all updated as this proposal moves forward. |
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| Long-term Planning for Connecticut's Fire Services |
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This week, I had the honor of chairing a hearing of the Public Safety and Security Committee to review the results of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Division of Fire Services Administration’s Fire Service Study.
This study is a cornerstone of the Statewide Fire Services Strategic Plan.
I have been working on this project for a long time alongside the Joint Council of Fire Service Organizations and the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. Their leadership and expertise have been essential in ensuring that the voices of firefighters—both career and volunteer—are front and center in this process.
The full presentation can be found at this link: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=25363 |
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| With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1. Below is a brief overview of some of these important changes! |
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We’ve updated our motorcycle and e-bike laws to reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads.
A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
New regulations are also being introduced for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
There is also good news for drivers - a new law is changing how towing works in our state, making it harder for cars to be towed from private property and easier for people to get their cars back if they are towed. Right now, state law lets towing companies start the process of selling a towed car worth $1,500 or less just 15 days after the tow, which is one of the shortest timelines in the country. That means if you don’t act fast, your car could be gone for good. The new law doesn’t change that 15-day starting point, but it adds more steps before a car can actually be sold. Now, tow companies have to make a real effort to contact the car’s owner and can’t finalize the sale until 30 days after the tow.
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As your voice in Hartford, I need to hear from you to make informed decisions. I regularly post updates on my social media channels (you can like my Facebook page here) and encourage you to follow them to stay updated. Additionally, you can always email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585 if you have any questions or to share your opinions.
Take Care,
Pat Boyd |
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