Bob Godfrey

July 1, the beginning of the state's fiscal year when the budget adjustments take effect, is also a day traditionally for other laws. 2022 is not an exception. Here are some of the new laws I'm most proud of:

• The budget includes $650 million in tax relief, including a Child Tax Credit, an increased Property Tax Credit, eliminating the gas tax through November, ending income taxes on pension and annuity payments for certain taxpayers, lower business taxes on unemployment insurance, and free bus service on HART.
• The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.
• The minimum wage increases to $14.00 an hour.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave – continuing the phase-in of this new policy, employers must explain it to their employees, and cannot retaliate
  against an employee for requesting, applying for, or using family medical.
• Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools - Building on my 2003 Safe Schools Act, and in the wake of COVID-19, we will reimburse boards of education or regional education service centers for the costs of installing, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other air quality improvements. $150 million is available for it ($75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $75 million in general obligation bonds). Boards of education must conduct a uniform inspection and evaluation of the HVAC system in each school every five years and fix every problem.
• Fighting thieves - catalytic converters have been the target of thieves looking for the precious metals in them. We made it more difficult to 'fence' the converters, drying up the incentive to steal. Sales are strictly limited to motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop selling to a scrap metal processor or junk dealer with stringent recordkeeping requirements.
• State government agencies cannot charge you fees for using your credit card under an executive order by Governor Lamont.
• Workers' Rights -   You cannot be penalized or threatened by your employer if you choose not to attend a Captive Audience Meeting called to impose on you your employer’s opinion about religious or political matters, including decisions to join or support labor unions.
• Women's Rights – We protected a woman's reproductive rights. I'll be sending you a full explanation of this law.

Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you and continue expressing your views and making your voice heard.