State Capitol update for the week of January 31

February 8, 2022

Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of January 31.

With the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session only 5 days away, the pace continues to quicken. The final few office hours for committees have taken place, and now the bulk of the calendar is filled with meetings about legislation in the committees I sit on, particularly in the committee I chair. I am hosting two forums next week, both on February 8, so many conversations relate to those. The first is a Public Safety & Security Committee forum on Mental Health and Law Enforcement, which is a big topic this year.

You can view this event on YouTube.

The second forum on February 8, which I sent a separate email on, focuses on the future of broadband access and what organizations are doing to secure access for communities across Connecticut. In addition to speakers who focus on statewide broadband issues, Wayne Hileman, who is Chairman of the Board of Northwest ConneCT, a regional organization working on improving access to high speed internet in the Northwest Corner, will join the forum. For more information on this event, see the section below.

The week also included many meetings and calls concerning funding for vocational agricultural programs throughout the state, including concerns that a recent proposal on education funding could have a negative effect. I have been assured that this proposal will not take effect (at least with respect to Vocational Agricultural programs affected), but we will continue to keep an eye out. The topic did give me the opportunity to visit one of the newest Agriscience programs in the Region, at Shepaug Valley School, where I met a lot of impressive people, and some charming animals.

Making friends with Peppermint Patty, the very charming greeter at the Agriscience Academy at Shepaug Valley School.

There are also all kinds of non-legislative events at the moment, from a local, national, and global perspective. The 2022 Winter Olympics had their opening ceremony this morning, and as an alpine skiing superfan, I’m hoping to squeeze in some time to watch Michaela Shiffrin tear up the slopes. Locally, Salisbury Winter Sports Association will host Jumpfest at the iconic ski jumps here on the weekend of February 11-13, which I’m hoping to attend (more information on that in the section below).

It’s Black History Month, which was instituted by President Gerald Ford. Black History is American History, but it wasn’t always included in the school curriculum, so February always gives me a chance to learn something new. This month I’m reading (and listening to) The Warmth of Other Suns: the Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson. Widely acclaimed, and award-winning, it’s also a compelling story of the movement of Black Americans out of the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West from approximately 1915 to 1970. Wilkerson interviewed over 1,000 people for the book, and tells the story largely through the lives of three individuals who made that trek. It is a gripping read and I recommend it highly. (For more information on Black History Month, see the section below.)

It’s gun violence survivors’ week. I’ve been speaking with other legislators and advocates about what we can do to prevent gun violence, including studying what kinds of violence intervention programs really work. (For more information on related events, see the section below.)

We are undergoing some tricky weather at the moment, and the Governor has activated the severe cold weather protocol, so I hope you can keep safe, warm, and off the roads as much as possible this weekend.

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

COVID-19 Weekly Update. Click Here
Broadband Access Forum on February 8 at 6:00 pm. Click Here
Governor Lamont Activates Severe Weather Protocol. Click Here
Governor Lamont Appoints Karen Dubois-Walton as Chairperson of the Connecticut State Board of Education. Click Here
Governor Lamont Tax Cuts Proposal. Click here
Connecticut distributed another 900,000 COVID-19 self-tests this week. Click here
February is Black History Month. Click Here
This week is National Gun Violence Survivors’ Week. Click here
Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Jumpfest is February 11-13. Click here
Website launched for newly formed Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council. Click here
Federal disaster declaration from Hurricane Ida amended to include Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. Click here
Josh Geballe to leave state service for private sector; Michelle Gilman will become Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services. Click here
Paul Lavoie appointed as Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer. Click here
Housatonic Musical Theatre Society presents Into the Woods. Click here
Providing information to Connecticut residents. Click here

covid-19 weekly data

Click here for more information.

Broadband Access Forum on February 8 at 6:00 pm

You can register for this event here. I will also stream this on my Facebook page.

broadband forum

Governor Lamont activates severe cold weather protocol from Saturday to Sunday

As temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits on Saturday night, the Governor is directing the State of Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated beginning at noon on Saturday, February 5, 2022, and remaining in effect through noon on Sunday, February 6, 2022.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Karen Dubois-Walton appointed Chairperson of the Connecticut State Board of Education

Governor Lamont appointed Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton of New Haven to serve as chairperson of the Connecticut State Board of Education.

Dr. DuBois-Walton has served as a member of the board since June 2020, when she was appointed by Governor Lamont. In addition to her service on the board, she is currently the president of the Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH); the Glendower Group, LLC (the development affiliate of HANH); and 360 Management Group, Inc. (the property management affiliate). Through these positions, she is responsible for administrative, programmatic, and policy direction regarding public housing, housing choice voucher programs, finances, and planning and development activities.

Dr. DuBois-Walton previously served as chief of staff and chief administrative officer for Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in New Haven. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and master’s degree and Ph.D. from Boston University. She is actively involved on several nonprofit boards, including the Melville Charitable Trust, ACES Education Foundation, and Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, dedicating time to creating greater equity for those who are marginalized.

Governor Lamont proposes $336 million in tax cuts for Connecticut residents

There are many headlines these days about various proposals for tax cuts, given projections for an operating surplus of $1.48 billion. Governor Lamont unveiled his first package of legislative proposals for the 2022 regular session this week, which includes a series of tax cuts that would provide approximately $336 million in relief for Connecticut residents.

The operating surplus will enable a significant reduction in the one-time revenues built into the enacted budget and will continue to ensure the state has a strong rainy day fund.

The Governor’s tax cut proposal includes five parts:

Restore full eligibility for the property tax credit
(estimated impact: 500,000 people)

The governor is asking the legislature to immediately restore full eligibility for the property tax credit beginning in income year 2022. Under current state law, the property tax credit is limited to those over the age of 65 or those with dependents. Expanding the credit to all adults within the current income limits ($109,500 for single filers/$130,500 for joint filers) will have an estimated fiscal impact to the state of $53 million.

Increase the property tax credit from $200 to $300
(estimated impact: 1.1 million people)

In addition to restoring the property tax credit to full eligibility, Governor Lamont is proposing to increase the credit from its current rate of $200 to a maximum of $300 per filer. Increasing the property tax credit to $300 will have an estimated fiscal impact to the state of $70 million.

Accelerate the planned phase-in of the pensions and annuities exemption from income taxes
(estimated impact: 250,000 people)

The governor is proposing to accelerate by three years – from 2025 to 2022 – the planned phase-in of the pensions and annuities exemption under the state income tax. Under current state law, income year 2022 is scheduled for a 56% exemption as the fourth year of a seven-year phase-in of the exemption, which is scheduled to reach 100% by 2025. Single filers with an adjusted gross income less than $75,000 and joint filers with less than $100,000 qualify for the exemption. Accelerating the exemption three years earlier will have an estimated fiscal impact to the state of $42.9 million in FY 2023, declining to $0 in FY 2026 as the existing phase-in is already assumed in the consensus forecast.

Expand student loan tax credit
(estimated impact: up to 32,000 people)

The governor is proposing to expand a student loan tax credit that he championed and was adopted in 2019, which gives employers a 50% tax credit on up to $5,250 in payments toward an employee’s student loan. The program would leverage business expenditures alongside the state tax credit to significantly expand eligibility to all loans issued by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA). The change would be retroactive to January 1, 2022 and will have an estimated fiscal impact of $9.4 million.

Reduce motor vehicle property taxes
(estimated impact: 1.7 million vehicles, which amounts to 77% of vehicles in the state)

Governor Lamont is asking the legislature to approve a law that will lower the mill rate cap on motor vehicle property taxes from 45 mills to 29 mills and reimburse local governments for the resulting revenue impact. A 29-mill cap on all motor vehicles will provide property tax relief for over 1.7 million vehicles in 103 towns and cities, including 20 of the 25 distressed municipalities. This would continue to apply to passenger, commercial, and combination vehicles. Reimbursements to municipalities would cost an additional $160.4 million above the current appropriation

Connecticut distributed another 900,000 COVID-19 self-tests this week

The State of Connecticut this week distributed another 900,000 COVID-19 self-tests to partner organizations, bringing the total amount it has delivered so far this month to 4.5 million.

The state has been working to procure the self-tests from vendors and distribute them in bulk to partner organizations. The organizations then go on to provide them to their clients and members of their respective communities.

The governor said his administration has thousands more self-tests on order that are in the process of being delivered to the state and will be distributed to partner organizations as soon as they arrive.

February is Black History Month

President Gerald Ford made it official in 1976. And now each February during Black History Month we celebrate the many achievements, accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to this country.

For a list of African American firsts, from Business and Labor, Medicine and Health and more please click here.

bhm

This month is also a good time to shine a light on the struggle, the injustice and systemic racism Black Americans still face today despite their achievements, accomplishments, and contributions.

"But by facing those tragedies openly and honestly and working together as one people to deliver on America’s promise of equity and dignity for all, we become a stronger Nation — a more perfect version of ourselves," President Biden said in his Proclamation on National Black History month earlier this week.

Black history is American history, though it was often ignored, so for me February is an opportunity to learn some history that wasn’t in my school curriculum. This month I’m reading (and listening to, as I’m back in my car a lot) The Warmth of Other Suns: the Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson. Widely acclaimed, and award-winning, it’s also a compelling narrative of the movement of Black Americans out of the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West from approximately 1915 to 1970.

This week is National Gun Violence Survivors’ Week
While Connecticut has the sixth lowest rate of gun deaths in the nation, we still have an unacceptable level of gun violence. Gun homicide in 2021 was at its highest level in 25 years, and disproportionately affects communities of color in our largest cities. More than half of gun homicides happen in Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. We have work to do, and I’m looking forward to working with other legislators on violence prevention efforts, looking at root causes of violence and how to intervene before it happens.
In honor of this year’s National Gun Violence Survivors week - Tuesday, February 1 through Monday, February 7, 2022 - Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action is focused on highlighting the resilience of America’s gun violence survivors, who, despite experiencing incredible trauma, are leading work on the ground to support other survivors and advocating for common-sense measures that save lives. The centerpiece of National Gun Violence Survivors Week is Moments That Survive, a year-round digital storytelling site and campaign in which Americans across the country share details of their experiences, in their own words.

This year will mark the fourth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week — a week when we come together to share and amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day.

For more details:
National Gun Violence Survivors Week
Tuesday, Feb. 1— Monday, Feb. 7, 2022

Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Jumpfest is February 11-13

Salisbury’s iconic ski jumps will be lit up next weekend for the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) Jumpfest, from February 11-13. Here’s the schedule of events, which you can also find here.

Friday Feb 11th
Friday Night Lights Admission $15
Ticket booth opens at 6:00 pm
Target Jumping Under the Lights 7pm
Human Dogsled Races after target jumping

Saturday Feb 12th
Junior Competition on 20M and 30M jumps 9:30 am.
Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition Admission $15
Practice 11 am-noon; Competition 1 pm

Sunday Feb 13th
Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships Admission $15
Practice 11 am-noon; Competition 1pm
The eastern division Junior National Team will be named after Sunday's competition.

Please note: Children 12 and under free to all ski jumping events.
Proceeds from Jumpfest fund SWSA youth skiing programs.

Website launched for newly formed Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council

This week the website for the recently formed Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council launched. Located at portal.ct.gov/hatecrimes, the website provides state residents with information regarding the group, which was created as a result of legislation that Governor Lamont signed into law last year.

The council is responsible for encouraging and coordinating programs that increase community awareness and reporting of hate crimes and to combat such crimes. It also can make recommendations for legislation, including on the reporting, investigation, and prosecution of hate crimes, restitution for victims of hate crimes, community service designed to remedy damage caused by hate crimes, and additional alternative sentencing programs for first-time offenders and juvenile offenders involved in hate crimes.

The council consists of 33 members, 9 of whom are ex-officio and the remainder appointed by the governor. It is housed within the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.

Its next meeting, which will be held remotely, is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2022, at 2:15 p.m. More information on its meetings, including links to watch remote meetings live online, can be found on the council’s website.

To report a hate crime, contact local police or 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously

Federal disaster declaration from Hurricane Ida amended to include Litchfield and Fairfield Counties

Connecticut’s existing major disaster declaration that was approved by President Joe Biden in response to the damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in early September has been amended to include the approval of Litchfield County and Fairfield County for the FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program.

This approval means that municipal governments within those two counties, in addition to state government and certain nonprofit organizations, are eligible to apply for federal reimbursement of 75% of the costs associated with uninsured damage to public infrastructure caused by the storm, as well as costs associated with their response and emergency protective measures.

Previously under this declaration, Fairfield County, New Haven County, and New London County received approval for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program. That program makes private homeowners, renters, and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their property within those respective counties eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline for individuals to apply for assistance under that program was January 28, 2022. Preliminary numbers for assistance received under this declaration include $8 million in individual assistance, $12 million in Small Business Administration loans, and $20 million under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Josh Geballe to leave state service for private sector; Michelle Gilman will become Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services

Josh Geballe – who has been serving double-duty as commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and chief operating officer – has accepted a new job opportunity in the private sector and plans to leave service with the state effective February 14, 2022. The governor will be nominating Michelle Gilman of Colchester to succeed Geballe in the position of DAS commissioner.

Gilman currently serves as deputy chief operating officer in a position that she’s held since March 2020. In this role, she has managed numerous COVID-19 initiatives on behalf of the administration, including overseeing the alternate hospital site initiative to prepare for potential surge capacity, as well as implementation of the state’s nationally recognize free testing program with a strong emphasis on access for vulnerable populations. More recently, she supported the state’s vaccine program roll-out, working closely with medical providers, municipalities, and workforce partners to ensure an efficient, equitable implementation. Throughout the pandemic, she also assisted with PPE, medical equipment, and testing supply management to meet the needs of the state’s residents.

DAS comprises many of the business functions of state government, including information technology, human resources, procurement, facilities and real estate, and construction services, among other areas.

Gilman will begin serving as commissioner-designate immediately following Geballe’s planned departure. Her nomination is being forwarded to the Connecticut General Assembly for its advice and consent.

Paul Lavoie appointed as Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer

Paul Lavoie has been appointed to serve as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, a position that is responsible for coordinating state and private-sector efforts on behalf of the administration to promote growth in the state’s manufacturing sector.

In taking the position, Lavoie will succeed Colin Cooper, who became the state’s first chief manufacturing officer when the position was created in 2019. Cooper recently announced plans to retire.

Lavoie has extensive experience in the manufacturing sector and currently serves as general manager of Carey Manufacturing in Cromwell, where he has worked since 2017. The company is a manufacturer of catches, latches, and handles, as well as electronic hardware. In this position, Lavoie oversees the sales, marketing, production, quality, engineering, financial, and human resource teams. In recent years, Carey Manufacturing has gained attention for successfully reshoring manufacturing jobs to Connecticut from China.

Lavoie will begin serving in the position effective Monday, February 7. It is based within the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Cooper’s final day of state service will be February 25.

Housatonic Musical Theatre Society presents Into the Woods

Mark your calendars! Housatonic Musical Theatre Society will present Into the Woods March 17 -19, 2022. Tickets go on sale on February 28!

into the woods

Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Jumpfest is February 11-13

Friday Feb 11th
Friday Night Lights Admission $15
Ticket booth opens at 6:00 pm
Target Jumping Under the Lights 7pm
Human Dogsled Races after target jumping

Saturday Feb 12th
Junior Competition on 20M and 30M jumps 9:30 am.
Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition Admission $15
Practice 11 am-noon; Competition 1 pm

Sunday Feb 13th
Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships Admission $15
Practice 11 am-noon; Competition 1pm
The eastern division Junior National Team will be named after Sunday's competition.