Legislative & Local Updates for the 149th District - June 29

June 29, 2023
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the summer.
 
Thank you to those who completed the survey on my website. I am happy to note that this legislative session we passed bills that address many of your primary concerns. These include:
 
Taxes. The biennial budget decreases the bottom two marginal income tax rates from 3% to 2% and 5% to 4.5%; it also gradually reduces the exemptions for taxpayers on pension and annuity income from the state’s income tax; and increases the earned income tax credit from 30.5% to 40%. 
 
Managing energy and utility costs. SB 7 changes how the state’s regulatory authority (PURA) regulates utility companies. It prohibits utilities from passing on some costs to consumers and gives PURA greater discretion to determine how electric distribution company earnings are returned to customers. Both of these measures will go a long way in increasing the accountability of utility providers to ensure that customers are not paying more than they need to.
 
Affording health care and insurance. The budget expands access to Husky C, which provides Medicaid coverage to people who are 65 and older, blind, or living with a disability. In addition, HB 6669 tasks the State Comptroller with the creation of a Drug Discount Card program designed to lower the costs of prescription drugs for consumers. The bill also prohibits hospitals or health systems from charging facility fees for certain procedures that are frequently provided in-house and addresses anti-competitive healthcare practices. 
 
Increased environmental protections and funding for green energy. SB 1147 prevents new factories, waste plants and other polluters from being located in communities that have historically dealt with high levels of pollution. HB 6853 allows the state to build more green buildings by expanding eligibility to participate in the Microgrid and Resilience Grant and Loan Program. And SB 100 provided additional funding to towns to deal with cancer-causing PFAS and other toxic chemicals.
 
A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state will take effect in Connecticut on July 1. Scroll down to see these laws.
 
Wishing you a very Happy 4th of July!
 
Video Update: Food Has the Power
to Heal or Harm
 
 
Bond Funding Anticipated for Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich
Friday morning, the State Bond Commission will meet to discuss a variety of projects to fund across the state. Among the projects on the agenda is an expenditure for critical renovations of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG)’s Clubhouse. 

The bonding is essential to complete the facility renovations and expansion to meet the growing demand for BGCG’s programs and services.

The Boys and Girls Club has been an indispensable part of the community for many years, and I am pleased we are able to help with funding for expansion and renovations to enhance services. I am looking forward to the work ahead and thank our leadership and Governor Lamont for prioritizing this item on the agenda.
 
Roundtable on Economic Mobility
Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited by State Senator Ryan Fazio and State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, to participate in a bipartisan roundtable on issues of economic mobility. During our legislative session, we passed SB 1124, which directs the state to identify state jobs where college degree requirements could be rolled back, opening up opportunities to more workers. We used the occasion to discuss strategies to create economic mobility in our state in a bipartisan fashion. 
 
Independence Day Fireworks & Events
June 30, 2023 - Stamford Cummings Beach. More information HERE. 
 
July 1, 2023 - Greenwich Point Park and Binney Park. More information HERE. 
 
July 4, 2023 - The Town of Greenwich will host its annual Independence Day ceremony at 9 a.m. Town officials will raise the American flag to celebrate Independence Day and salute the patriots who served the cause during the American Revolution.
 
New Laws Effective July 1

A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.

Below are a few of the highlights:

 

 

Early Voting

Connecticut was one of the few states in the country that did not allow early voting which provides voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries. This starts with elections in 2024.  
 

Voting Rights Act

Our state has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This new law prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court.
 

Debt-Free Community College Eligibility Changes

The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college and awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months, thus allowing returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
 

Baby Bonds

Under the law, $3,200 would be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, starting July 1. Those investments would grow over time and recipients could access that money between the ages of 18-30.
 

Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program

Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed condition. For those suffering from this condition, endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.
 

Menstrual Products

Certain public agencies will start providing free menstrual products including public colleges and universities, and homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid.

 
New Laws July 1

 
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input and please continue expressing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Milling and Resurfacing Project: Route 1 in Greenwich
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced a milling and resurfacing project that will be performed on Route 1 in Greenwich from Sunday, July 9 through Tuesday, August 1.
 
The project consists of milling and resurfacing 1.18 miles of Route 1 in Greenwich. This project is scheduled to occur Sunday, July 9 through Tuesday, August 1. The milling segment of this project is anticipated to be performed on Sunday, July 9 through Monday, July 17. The resurfacing segment of this project is anticipated to be performed on Sunday, July 23 through Tuesday, August 1.
 

LANE CLOSURE INFO 

Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 1 from Dayton Avenue to Old Post Road.  Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The night work schedule for this project is 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning.
 
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.