Are you following the budget?

budget
April 21, 2023
It was a big week up in Hartford, both the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the Appropriations Committee passed their proposed adjustments to the Governor's Budget we received in February. The process is convoluted to put it kindly, so I have a more in-depth breakdown of the budget process and where we are in that timeline below. You will also find information on upcoming local events, including Earth Day gatherings in the community:

You can click on any of the links above to jump to that section of the email. I hope that you find these resources helpful.
 
Following the Budget
On February 8, Governor Lamont presented his two-year state budget to my colleagues and I in the legislature. From here, on an individual and committee level, we reviewed the proposals and made recommendations.
 
After weeks of holding public hearings, the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding and Appropriations Committees met this week to pass their revised budget proposals in committee meetings. Both committees focus on a different side of the budget, so it is likely that each proposal will differ until negotiations begin.

Next comes a round of meetings that consist of the two committees negotiating with each other and the governor to craft the final budget. The budget bill then goes before the House and Senate, where each chamber must pass the same version of the budget in order for the bill to move to the governor's desk. After being passed by both chambers, the legislature’s final budget must then be signed into law by the governor before the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

Please reference the graphic below to see where we are in the process:
 
Renter's Rebate

Renters have until November 15, 2023, to submit a request for an extension of time to file to OPM for the Renter's Rebate Program! The request for an extension of time to file must be accompanied by a doctor’s letter indicating that the renter had a medical condition that contributed to them not applying during the designated filing period.

Renter's Rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. Application may be made at the municipality social service agency, or the Assessor's Office between April 1st and October 1st.

Eligibility:

  • 65 years of age or older
  • 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a renter who - at the time of the renter's death - had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death
  • 18 years of age or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits
  • Meet the one-year state residency requirement

To learn more and apply, please click the buttons below:
Application
Learn More
 
Earth Day Celebrations
Hamden:

Hamden's 2023 Earth Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10AM - 3PM at Town Center Park.
 
This year's family-oriented, free celebration will feature an array of exhibitors, organizations, and free activities:
  • Recycling Quiz
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Green Scorecard
  • Hamden Middle School Annual Clothing Drive, 8:30AM - 1:00PM
  • CET Business Recycling Sign Up for April 25
  • K9 Demonstration by the Hamden Police Department
  • “Touch a Truck” with the Hamden Fire Department
  • Annual Orchid Awards
  • and other fun and games for kids and families
Orange:

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Orange Recycling Committee will host their twice-yearly “Shredding Day” event at High Plains Community Center from 9AM - 12PM. This event offers residents FREE, secure document shredding as well as collection of household hazardous waste, mattresses and box springs, clothing and household goods. (More information in the Orange Events Section)

In conjunction with the Shredding Day event, the Orange Rotary Club will also be holding a food drive. Please check the images below to see what items are needed for the drive.
 
In the News
 
Distracted Driving
The Hamden Police Department is wrapping up their partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” high-visibility enforcement campaign that ends April 30.

The Hamden Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation strongly urge motorists to stay off their cell phone when getting behind the wheel. If it’s necessary to talk on the phone or text, please park your motor vehicle in a safe location. In Connecticut in 2022, there were nearly 5,200 crashes attributed to distracted driving.

Violating Connecticut’s distracted driving laws can be costly. Drivers who are ticketed are fined $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses. Please drive safe and remember, it can wait!
 
Derby Events Calendar
To see whats going on in Derby, please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Please click any of the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events:
 
Orange Events and Community News
The Orange Recycling Committee is hosting their spring paper shredding, mattress recycling, hazardous waste drop-off, and clothing & household items collection on Saturday, April 22 at High Plains Community Center from 9AM - 12:00PM. Please review the list below of what you can bring to the Hazardous Waste Collection.

For more information, please click the button below:
Learn More
 
The DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10AM - 2PM at High Plains Community Center. All unused/unwanted/expired medications will be taken (including liquids, sharps, and pet medications).

Volunteers from the National Pharmacy Association will be on site to answer any questions, along with the Orange Police Department and CERT. 

 
Woodbridge Event Calendar
There are so many opportunities to get involved in Woodbridge! Explore the community calendar by clicking the button below for more information.
Woodbridge Community Calendar