Nick Menapace

Some real wins out of the Finance Committee recently:

• Family Caregiver Tax Credit — helping the people who shoulder the cost of caring for loved ones at home.
• Renters’ Relief — a refundable credit to ease the burden on residents paying a huge share of their income in rent.
• Affordability Measures in SB 1 — targeted steps like expanding the property tax credit and exempting essential items from sales tax to help lower everyday costs.
• Lower energy costs for small businesses
• More meals‑tax dollars reinvested in our towns
• Expanded Tax‑Free Week (up to $300 + backpacks!)
• Income tax brackets that adjust with inflation

Grateful to keep doing the work that strengthens our towns and supports the people who make them thrive. That includes practical, targeted changes that move us toward a tax system that works for regular people

Here is my latest letter to the editor to The Day.

In Connecticut, we’re often told we must choose between building housing and preserving open space — but that’s simply not true. Limiting development to large-lot, single-family homes doesn’t stop growth; it spreads it out, increasing infrastructure costs and, over time, putting pressure on property taxes.

A smarter approach is to focus on thoughtful infill development—building near existing infrastructure, in village centers, and along transit corridors. This allows us to protect open space while supporting local businesses and creating housing options for families, seniors, and working residents.

However, inconsistent decision-making in local approvals can make it harder to plan responsibly. By aligning our policies with these goals, we can grow efficiently and sustainably—without sacrificing the character of our communities.