Tax Relief and State Funding for Youth Violence Prevention

July 21, 2023


 

I hope you are enjoying the summer season. Below you will learn how much funding is coming to our district to prevent youth violence, how our state is providing tax relief, and how you can support Stonington's championship little league team!

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WHAT'S OUR REP BEEN UP TO?
It was an honor to attend the Change of Charge Ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base at New London Museum's Nautilus Pier. Lieutenant Commander Derek Sutton passed the responsibility of the Historic Ship Nautilus (HSN) and the Submarine Force Museum (SFM) to Lieutenant Commander Bryan Chapman.
Lt. Cmdr. Sutton, as Officer-in-Charge, has successfully overseen the restoration and dry-docking of HSN from October 2021 to August 2022. This impressive preservation project was completed ahead of schedule ensuring the historic ship will continue to enlighten, educate, and engage the public!
 

I recently toured Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton with the Southeastern Connecticut legislative delegation. We boarded the USS Oregon, visited the dive locker, and stopped by key sites related to energy and climate resiliency.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to service members describe their experiences in the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Thank you to Capt. Kenneth Curtin and the SUBASE team for hosting us.

 
We had an amazing conversation about climate on Wednesday morning in Mystic with Representative Greg Howard and Senator Heather Somers. We had an engaging discussion on climate action and shared the work we did on environmental quality, conservation, and resilience this past legislative session. 
Thank you to the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund for hosting such a great event. CLICK HERE to donate to the fund, which supports climate action in our state.
 
I met with the amazing team at Mystic Aquarium to talk about some community initiatives, opportunities to collaborate, and the importance of saving as well as restoring our natural habitats. I am proud to represent a district with institutions dedicated to addressing climate change head-on!
 
FUNDING FOR YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION
I’m proud to announce that I secured a $25,000 state grant to provide much-needed resources to prevent youth violence. I met with members of the Groton Mystic Falcons Youth Football & Cheer League to talk about how the funding will keep our kids safe and healthy. I’m thrilled to support this amazing organization!
 
TAX RELIEF LEADER

My colleagues and I delivered on our promise to lower taxes for those who need the most help. According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Connecticut is a leader on tax relief for low and middle-income earners. While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.

Here are some of the highlights of tax relief we passed this year:

  • Lowering the income tax rates to save many middle-class households $300-$500 a year
  • Raising the state income tax credit from 30.5% to 40% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit - providing $210 on average for households earning less than $60,000 per year
  • Expanding an existing exemption for certain pension and annuity earnings, providing additional financial security for retirees and those close to retirement
Learn More About Tax Relief in CT
We know that when our most vulnerable get the support they deserve, they can support Connecticut’s continued growth.
 
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS IN GROTON
Groton Public Schools are offering free breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and younger on weekdays from now through August 11 at the following locations:

Groton Public Library - 52 Newtown Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Anchors Landing - 124 Gungywamp Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Branford Manor - 37 Mather Ave.
Breakfast: 9:15 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.
Lunch: 11:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
 
Dolphin Splash Pad
 - 100 Tern Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M
 
Poquonnock Plains - 1 Central Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M.

 
STONINGTON LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPS!
The Stonington Little League Senior Boys Baseball Team won the state title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year! This group is now in Bangor, Maine representing Connecticut at the Eastern Regional Tournament. The team needs your help to cover some of the costs of the trip including travel, food, and lodging. Best of luck!
Click Here To Donate
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Bill Memorial Library invites kids for games, crafts, snacks, and more to celebrate dragons and unicorns. For more information call the library at (860) 445-0392. No registration is required.