Newsletter 8/20/2022

August 20, 2022

I hope you are enjoying your week.

In this week's email, you can find information on:

  • CareerConnecCT
  • Isla & Co Ribbon Cutting 
  • CT's Sales Tax Free Week Starts Sunday
  • Proposed Rate Hike Meeting Recap
 careerConnectCT
I am excited to announce that CareerCT, a program I supported to help individuals whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is underway.

The initiative, which will benefit thousands of state residents, is funded with $70 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

More than 19 job training programs are available to help train targeted Connecticut workers mostly underrepresented in the workforce, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, the re-entry population, opportunity youth, veterans, immigrants, and women.

Potential job seekers will have access to several training options including opportunities in manufacturing, information technology, health care, infrastructure and clean energy, and other high-demand sectors.

Each program will include supportive services to promote successful completion of training and connection to employment including childcare, transportation, career advising, and other forms of case management. Training and supportive services will be available at no cost to eligible participants.

Click here to enroll and learn more. 

 
Isla & Co Ribbon Cutting 
It was a pleasure to help welcome Isla & Co to Fairfield earlier this week! They are located immediately next to the Community Theater at the intersection of Post Rd and Unquowa Rd with wonderful outdoor dining. What an exciting edition to our already thriving restaurant scene! I hope you'll check them out. 
 
CT's Sales Tax Free Week Starts Sunday!
Connecticut's 2022 Sales Tax Free Week runs from August 21 to August 27. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.
 
Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, providing consumers with even more savings.

During the one-week sales tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption during Sales Tax Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. The tax holiday applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
 
The sales tax holiday occurs once a year as a result of legislation passed in 2015. However, in 2022, we passed a special act to establish a one-time tax holiday that ran from April 10 to 16 to help ease some of the financial strain on residents. The law also established CT's gas tax holiday and free bus service, which have been extended through the end of November.
 
More information about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of exempt and taxable items, is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.

 
Proposed Rate Hike Meeting Recap
On Monday, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) hosted a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc. Several state officials came out in fierce opposition. The final decision is expected to be published in late August or early September. Click here to read more about the meeting.

The complete meeting can be streamed on CT-N