This week is critically important as the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding as well as the Appropriations Committees decide which bills will advance as potential legislation. Today both committees release their respective budget proposals. Among the key provisions:
- Eliminating certain occupational licenses and renewal fees
- Paying down $150M in the teachers' retirement fund
- Addressing the hospital provider tax
These proposals will continue to be refined in the coming weeks and will be debated on the House and Senate floors before May 6. These are important decisions, shaping how our tax dollars are allocated and what meaningful relief we can deliver to residents and towns.
Many of the bills moving for further debate are centered on affordability: lowering costs for families, easing pressure on municipalities, and finding ways to put more money back in people’s pockets. Below, you will find a few of the key bills under discussion including Senate Bill 1, which be especially important to seniors and families planning for retirement in Connecticut.
When I am not in Hartford, I am out in Wilton, New Canaan, and Ridgefield meeting with residents, answering questions, and hearing firsthand about the priorities shaping this legislative session. Your input is essential, and in the coming weeks I will be hosting community coffees and Zoom conversations to hear directly from you about which proposals matter most and where you think we should focus.
I also want to flag an important consumer alert. The state recently warned residents about an Amazon text scam, one of many scams designed to create panic and trick people into clicking harmful links. A good rule of thumb is this: if something appears out of nowhere and tries to create urgency, pause before responding. Below, I’ll share an example of what the text looks like and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. You can always reply directly to this email, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Savet Constantine
State Representative
| Proposal To Boost School Funding |
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If you’re wondering where I am in the photo,
I’m standing behind the tall man on the right in the beige suit. |
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House Democrats proposed a new plan to add funds to our local public schools across Connecticut, which directly addresses the affordability issue in all towns. This proposal would direct one-time surplus funding to municipalities to help address the increasing costs of education.
For too long, students have faced the effects of chronic underfunding. Our schools and our children deserve better, and this proposal would bring meaningful reform.
By prioritizing student need, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and alleviate the burden on local property taxpayers this upcoming year. |
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| I strongly support the efforts of Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, and the rest of my House Democratic colleagues. We do have more work to do, but this is an important step toward giving every child in Wilton, Ridgefield, and New Canaan the resources and opportunities they deserve. |
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| Key Bills To Address Affordability |
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In addition to proposals that would increase ECS funding and help alleviate pressures on local property taxes, several other bills aim to address the broader affordability challenges families are feeling every day.
- Senate Bill 1 includes several proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, including eliminating the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100, school supplies such as backpacks, and certain grab-and-go grocery items like sandwiches and coffee purchased from supermarkets. It also creates a caregiver tax credit for eligible expenses incurred while caring for a homebound family member. And for many seniors, a full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
- Senate Bill 2, "An Act Supporting Local Commerce," would direct funds back to towns to support local businesses with infrastructure and economic development programs.
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- House Bill 5114 would provide renters with a tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, recognizing that renters also feel the strain of Connecticut’s high cost of living and deserve meaningful relief.
- House Bill 5538 is part of a broader effort to make Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed here. As part of my longer-term project work on the Finance Committee, I have been analyzing Connecticut’s economic competitiveness in our leading industries. I look forward to the results of this study so we can bolster our economy and job growth. I will share more as this bill and others move closer to debate on the House floor.
Together, these proposals reflect a focused effort to ease the financial pressures facing Connecticut families, from lowering everyday costs and providing jobs and tax relief, to supporting seniors, caregivers, renters, and working residents.
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| Bill on School Meals for All |
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| I am proud to co-sponsor House Bill 5144, a measure that takes a meaningful step toward ensuring that no child goes hungry in the classroom. The proposal would provide free breakfast to all students in public schools and free lunch to students who qualify for reduced-price meals. |
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As sixth-grader Alexandria explained during a press conference, no student should have to focus on an empty stomach while trying to learn. When children are well-nourished, they are better able to concentrate, participate, and succeed academically.
By expanding access to school meals, we are not only supporting students’ physical health, but also strengthening their educational outcomes and overall well-being. |
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Investing in universal school meals is an investment in our children, our schools, and our future. Let’s ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without the burden of hunger holding them back.
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| What's Your Rep Been Up To? |
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| Serving as your state representative gives me the opportunity to connect directly with residents in Wilton, New Canaan, and Ridgefield. These conversations allow me to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and bring your voices back to the Capitol. Over the past few weeks, I have had the chance to do just that at several community events. |
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| Let's start at the New Canaan Library where it was a pleasure to partner alongside Senator Ceci Maher, Representative Lucy Dathan, and Representative Tom O'Dea in a thoughtful and productive discussion on affordability, housing, the state budget, and so much more. I am grateful to everyone who joined us at the library. |
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We also had a great conversation with constituents at Ridgefield Library. It is always valuable to hear directly from you and address issues collaboratively. Thank you to our host, the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield, for making this event possible.
As your voice at the Capitol, I carry these conversations with me as I work to better represent our community. I deeply appreciate the engagement and perspectives that you shared. |
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Friends, colleagues, and community members then came together to support the Wilton Library last weekend. The night began with photos and warm reunions, and quickly turned into a celebration including delicious meals, craft cocktails, and live music representing every New England state.
It was inspiring to see such strong community support for our library. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the evening such a success. |
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| Celebrating Women's History Month |
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| March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance. |
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While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.
Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today. |
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| Scam Alert: “Amazon” Text Messages |
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Have you received a suspicious text claiming to be from Amazon? You’re not alone—and it’s likely a scam.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is warning residents about fraudulent messages that:
- Claim an order was “recalled”
- Urge you to click a link to confirm a refund
🚫 Do NOT click the link
📵 Block the number immediately
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🔍 How to Spot the Scam
- Links that look unusual or misspelled
- URLs that do not include the official company name
- Messages creating urgency or asking for quick action
✅ Stay Safe
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking any links.
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