Newsletter 7/16/21

jenn
July 16, 2021
On Wednesday, the General Assembly was called into a special session to reauthorize the governor’s emergency authority. I want to share why I was a "no" vote to continue our state of emergency. First, I want to recognize and commend the Governor for doing an exceptional job navigating us safely through the pandemic. Additionally, I do not think that we are totally done with Covid yet. That said, I also don’t think that our current numbers warrant a state of emergency- and for this, I am incredibly grateful. Despite my “no” vote, the Governor’s powers were extended, and therefore, should the Delta variant, or any other variant, change the nature of our cases, hospitalizations, or death rate, then the administration has the power to continue the practices that have been very successful at keeping CT-residents safe. You can read the Governor’s 11 specific remaining executive orders here. Thankfully, we are not there right now. I hope everyone continues to enjoy their summer.  
 
EXTRA PENSION PAYMENTS 
CT Mirror Article: Extra Pension Payments
This is excellent news for our state. Because of the additional $1.25B payment toward our pension liabilities this year, we will now save $110M annually. If our recently passed budget runs as projected, we will be poised for an additional $2.3B payment (above our annual contribution) by mid-2023. We surely have a way to go before we are out from under this burden but we are headed in the right direction and making meaningful progress. 
 
CHILD TAX CREDIT
The President signed into law the American Rescue Plan, which continues to provide immediate relief to American families and communities. This child tax credit will not only assist nearly all working families across the state and country, but tax credits have been shown to boost child academic and economic performance over time. 

Beginning yesterday, July 15, families will receive monthly payments of $250 to $300 for each child. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single Head of Household.

To check your eligibility, please visit: https://bit.ly/3wCdRjr
Washington Post: Child Tax Credit for Non-traditional Families
Additionally, H&R block has released a child tax credit calculator to tell you how much money you might receive in advance of the monthly payments in 2021 and how much of the credit you’ll claim when you file your return next year.
Child Tax Credit Calculator
 
PEQUOT LIBRARY ROOF RESTORATION
Congratulations to Pequot Library, Stephanie Coakley, the Board of Trustees, and everyone who has worked for the past 5+ years to restore the historic roof on our beautiful library. The entire community will benefit from your work- what a gift. Thank you for ensuring this gem will continue to serve our community for many, many years to come. 
 
FAIRFIELD SIDEWALK SALE
Please join me this Saturday at Fairfield's Sidewalk Sale! This is a great opportunity to shop at your favorite local businesses while exploring all our Fairfield main street has to offer. I hope to see you there!
 
GROCERY STORE SCAVENGER HUNT
This scavenger hunt is a great opportunity to teach our kids about giving, and a great indoor activity while its raining this weekend!

If you are able, please join Operation Hope in helping to feed our neighbors through their children's grocery store scavenger hunt. Enter for prizes by creating a bag with the 10 items listed on the flyer above.