Melissa Osborne

It was great to return to the Capitol this week to again begin the work of the People. I am looking forward to the work ahead as we start a new legislative session. I will share how the bill we approved this week will make a lasting impact.

Please join me at my coffee hour this week! Keep scrolling to see when and where you can share your questions and concerns directly with me.

Farmers were concerned about the potential of significant tax hikes on their land. I'll break down how the state stepped in to provide meaningful relief.

Here are the sections in this email:

• Start of 2026 Legislative Session
• Meet Me In Person Over Coffee
• Stay Indoors During Dangerous Cold
• Farmland Tax Adjustment
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Community Events

 

Start of 2026 Legislative Session

It was an honor to join my colleagues on Wednesday at the State Capitol as we officially began a new legislative session. There was a strong sense of camaraderie as we came together with a shared commitment to passing meaningful legislation that strengthens Connecticut and supports our communities. We will work diligently to turn those priorities into action over the coming months.

On Opening Day, I had the joy of welcoming my son, William, who was visiting from Denver, to the House Chamber. As every empty nester can relate to, I will take every minute I can get with my kids when they’re home, so it was a special moment and one that will always be a cherished memory for our family.

Governor Ned Lamont then delivered his State of the State Address on Wednesday, highlighting Connecticut's continued fiscal responsibility, including progress in paying down long-term pension debt and maintaining a strong financial foundation.

On Thursday, I joined the General Assembly in approving legislation to continue using the Emergency State Response Reserve through the end of the 2027 fiscal year. We passed the bipartisan $500 million fund, created during a special session, to help offset federal cuts to vital services that protect our most vulnerable residents. So far, the state has allocated more than $185 million to backfill unexpected cuts from Washington including:

$2 million to expand the impact of community health workers who will help residents navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. This funding ensures individuals and families stay connected to benefits through June 2027 Nearly $11.5 million for Department of Social Services system upgrades to implement the new federal eligibility changes

As the session gets underway, I remain focused on protecting essential services, strengthening our economy, and delivering results that make a real difference for families across our district and the state.

Meet Me In Person Over Coffee

I invite you to join me for a coffee and conversation this Sunday, February 8 from 10 – 11 a.m. at The Coffee Spot (750 Hopmeadow Street). This is an opportunity to share your priorities, ask questions, and provide feedback for the 2026 legislative session.   Your input helps shape the work I do on your behalf at the State Capitol. Come by, grab a cup of coffee, and be part of the conversation. I look forward to seeing you there!

Stay Indoors During Dangerous Cold

Warming centers will remain open as this unbearable stretch of dangerously frigid weather continues across Connecticut. The state is extending the Severe Cold Weather Protocol until noon on Tuesday, February 10. It has been in effect since January 23, marking the longest activation of this protocol since 2015.  Speaking of warming centers, Simsbury Public Library welcomes anyone who needs to get out of the cold during business hours. The facility at 725 Hopmeadow Street is open: Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you or someone you know is at risk due to the extremely low temperatures, please call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at (860) 658-3283 on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Additionally, you can visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find a warm place to stay. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Farmland Tax Adjustment

Simsbury is home to several farms, and they have been understandably concerned about sharp increases in property tax assessments on their land and open spaces. The sudden sticker shock came from a recent update to land valuations by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, based on a formula established under Public Act 490. In response to mounting pressure from farmers across the state, Governor Ned Lamont took swift action to prevent dramatic tax hikes on farmland, forests, and open space. The state will reinstate the recommended land use values from 2020, providing immediate relief and stability.

Originally passed in 1963, Public Act 490 was designed to assess farmland and open space based on how the properties were used, not its development potential. Land values vary depending on whether the property is used for crops, livestock, forest, or wetlands. The governor has also directed the state to convene a working group to improve data collection, ensuring tax policies support farmers who preserve our open spaces.  Stabilizing farmland taxes doesn’t just help farmers. It strengthens the entire local food system and the community organizations that depend on it.

Celebrating Black History Month

From local organizers to national trailblazers, Black history lives in every corner of Connecticut. This month, we reflect, learn, and honor the rich cultural heritage of our Black community members and recognize their lasting contributions to our society. We also remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s strong ties to Simsbury, a reminder that our town holds an important place in the broader civil rights story.

Community Events

Simsbury High School presents "Urinetown The Musical" on Friday, February 6 – Sunday, February 8. Tickets are available for all three shows. CLICK HERE to get yours.

You're invited to bring a card or fill a good luck skate for Simsbury Olympian, Max Naumov, as the community supports him during his journey in Italy! The International Skating Center of Connecticut is hosting a public skate in his honor on Saturday, February 7 at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. Please wear red, white, and blue  as we cheer on this figure skating superstar! Max will read your cards upon his return from the Olympics.

The community is invited to go ice skating for free at Simsbury Farms on Sunday, February 8 from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. First Church of Christ Simsbury is sponsoring the event, which will include hot chocolate and cookies! Organizers suggest you arrive at 12:15 p.m. to get ready for the free skate.

Click here to learn more and register

You can join the community for an evening of crafting, homemade baked goods, and cozy chairs. The event will be held Thursday, February 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Coffee Spot (750 Hopmeadow Street).

Students have an opportunity to join an interactive, youth-led workshop focused on building healthy relationships and raising awareness about teen dating violence. This free event will be held at Simsbury Public Library on Friday, February 13 at 12 p.m. Guided by trained staff from Interval House, this session creates a safe, inclusive space where teens can learn, share, and ask questions at their own pace. CLICK HERE to register.

You can learn more about the history behind the Declaration of Independence. Four actors representing the Connecticut signers will read the document on Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library. It will be followed by a fun interactive question and answer discussion. The event is free. Registration is required.