Stephen Meskers

******House Bill #5269******

Proud to lend my voice in support of remote meetings at our local municipalities. I think it’s crucial to our democracy to increase participation and provide our electorate with the opportunity to move our democracy to a better place. I thank the members of the delegation that supported this wonderful measure.

******House Bill #5474******

I had the pleasure of meeting with Rodney Butler, Chair of the Pequot Tribal Nation. He is an admirable and thoughtful person - he came to thank me for my advocacy on the tax treaty. This will essentially grant the Pequot Tribal Nation their sovereignty on their territory. I was thrilled to be able to support the effort and will support it as the bill comes to the floor. 

Other bills passed:

School faculty and teachers play a key role in identifying potential signs of abuse - HB #5243 will work to ensure that these critical reporters have the tools necessary to not only identify but put a stop to abuse by establishing bystander training and appropriate interaction with children training.
 
HB #5327 helps to build out the in-state energy storage industry and encourage future investments, greatly benefitting Connecticut ratepayers. 

HB #5206 ensures that housing authorities provide contact information and a clear description of their rights to empower tenants in all situations.
 
For underbanked communities, having access to low-cost bank accounts is essential for residents to gain financial freedom and build a more solid fiscal future. With the House passage of HB #5216, state-chartered banks would have to offer checking accounts that offer lower deposit requirements, minimal fees, and no overdrafts.

In response to the pandemic our world went more digital than ever before, and while there were some struggles, we found that offering public meetings both in person and virtually offered increased flexibility and accessibility. With the passage of HB #5269, the House approved the ability to allow for a permanent option to the remote meetings that have helped so many residents more easily access their elected officials.

Our state's nonprofits have helped to guide many of our communities through the past couple years – providing critically needed support even as their own staffing levels and resources were strained. As those same nonprofits work to ensure they can meet the still increasing needs of our communities. In HB #5168, the House took steps to ensure that nonprofit charitable property tax exemptions are protected.

Senior Citizens remain a vulnerable population, with many regularly relying on meal delivery services. The House passed HB #5231 to collect important information to ensure we are providing nutritional resources to those who need it.

Pressurized gas cylinders can pose a serious safety hazard when not disposed of properly. With the House passage of HB #5142, the companies that produce these cylinders will work with transfer stations and big box stores to ensure these cylinders are safely returned and recycled.