More Tax Relief for CT Families

session
December 2, 2022
As we head into the holiday season, we are reminded that many families in Connecticut are still facing added financial strain.
 
To continue our efforts in easing the burden on families, my colleagues and I Monday, voted to extend sweeping tax relief for the state, provide additional funding for energy assistance programs, and continue premium pay for frontline workers.

With the previous benefits expiring on November 30th, the legislature needed to take quick action on these items. I look forward to having more in-depth conversations with all of my colleagues about additional measures we can take to support Connecticut residents.
How will this relief affect you?
 
$90M Cut in Gas Taxes
The current suspension of the 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax was set to expire in two days – November 30. With numerous factors still causing increased gas prices, my colleagues and I voted to cut $90 million in gas taxes by extending the gas tax suspension for an additional month, then offering reduced gas tax prices through April 2023.
 
Gas Tax Schedule:
  • November 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 --> $0
  • January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023 --> $.05
  • February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023 --> $.10
  • March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023 --> $.15
  • April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023 --> $.20
 
Free Bus Service
Free Bus Service was also scheduled to end on November 30. The bill we passed extends the Free Bus Service through March 31, 2023.
  • Because fares were halted in April 2022, collection must resume on April 1, 2023, to remain compliant with federal rules
 
Energy Assistance
Every Connecticut family should have the resources they need to stay warm throughout the winter. I am proud to share that we approved $30 million in additional ARPA funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
 
My colleagues and I remain committed to providing any and all assistance we can to ease any added burden from Connecticut Families. To learn more and apply for energy assistance, click the button below:
Learn More & Apply for LIHEAP
We also voted to increase funding for Operation Fuel, an additional energy assistance resource for qualifying low-income families. The increase in funding is sourced by requiring PURA to direct at least 95% of specified proceeds to Operation Fuel, which is expected to roughly double the resources available.
 
To learn more about Operation Fuel, or to apply for upcoming assistance beginning December 19th, please click the button below:
Learn More & Apply for Operation Fuel
 
Premium Pay for Frontline Workers
I was proud to support premium pay for the over 100,000 Connecticut workers who were on the front lines throughout the pandemic. Our goal is to provide the most low-income essential worker applicants with the majority of the financial aid.
 
Winter Festivities

Derby: 

Orange: 

Woodbridge: 
 
Saying Goodbye to a Capitol K-9
On Wednesday I was able to pay my respects and give lots of good scratches and treats to a very good boy, K-9 Officer Cutter, at his retirement party! Congratulations Cutter and OFC. Bermudez!
 
Upcoming Roadwork Virtual Meeting
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, December 15 at 7PM, concerning the proposed installation of an operational lane (two-way left-turn lane) on Route 1 in Orange:
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.