Weekly Capitol Update 1-31

January 31, 2025


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! The 2025 legislative session is underway. My colleagues and I have broken out into our respective committees and are making sure bills are ready for the next part of the legislative process. 

I want to take a moment and wish a speedy recovery to the two officers who were injured earlier this week. Thank you for your service and for protecting our community.

Please see below to see what I've been up to in Hartford and in the 117th district! 
 
Around the 117th District
Yesterday, I attended a ribbon cutting for Royal Spice Fine Indian Cuisine, a new restaurant in Orange. Congratulations to Jijin Jimmichan and Vigil Padinhare, who have worked to prepare their establishment for their grand opening. It’s always wonderful to see new businesses bringing diversity and flavor to our community. Wishing you great success!
 
At the Capitol
On Tuesday, I joined over 60 House Democrats for a press conference to support HB 5986 - An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit against the Personal Income Tax.  

Connecticut is one of the only high cost-of-living states that does not adjust personal income tax for the number of children or childcare expenses. HB 5986 would change that by establishing a permanent refundable child tax credit against the personal income tax for up to three children, in the amount of $600 per child, for tax filers with a federal adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less for single filers or $200,000 or less for married individuals filing jointly. For every $1 in child tax credits, a family spends $1.38 in the local economy.

Nearly 40% of Connecticut families are struggling financially – HB 5986 will provide much needed relief to those who need it.
Later that day, the House of Representatives was in session. It’s always a privilege to join my colleagues in the chamber, working together to serve and deliver for the people of Connecticut.
The West Haven Delegation!
In addition to voting on judicial nominations, we passed legislation that was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
 
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.
 
Upcoming Events

The West Haven Delegation will hold a town hall on Wednesday, February 7 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. We will be available to listen to your concerns, as well as answer any questions you may have about the legislative process. Hope to see you there! 

May be an image of 5 people and text
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for a new program that will  support Connecticut communities pursuing funds through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. This new matching grants program is a component of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund, which helps communities invest in projects that address vulnerabilities to extreme weather and reduce impacts to critical infrastructure. 

DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA, BRIC program is open to municipal governments, local public utilities, federally recognized Tribal nations, and other entities eligible for FEMA BRIC funding. 

DEEP will hold office hours to give applicants opportunities to ask questions: 

Applications are due by midnight on March 3. 
Attention United Illuminating customers - PURA is currently reviewing an application for the company to adjust their rate case. There will be two public comment hearings over the next few months:
  • Monday, March 10 @ 5:30PM - Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
  • Tuesday, March 18 @ 12PM - REMOTE ACCESS: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Customers are encouraged to go on the record with comments by attending a public hearing or submitting comments in writing in the proceeding.

Click here if you want to learn more about rate cases. 
 
Attention small business owners - the Women's Business Development Council will begin accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development starting Monday, February 3. 

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:

  • Be in operation for at least two years
  • Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application will remain open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant HERE.   
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE. 

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!
 
Celebrate Black History Month at the West Haven Public Library! They will hold a weekly Take & Make craft event every Tuesday. Please see the flyer below for more information. 
The library will also hold a program about Black history in Connecticut on February 8 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to view items from the the CT Museum of Culture and History. 

Registration is required. Visit https://westhavenlibrary.libcal.com/event/13634258 or contact the Reference Department to register.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce has restarted their Lunch N' Learn Workshops. 

On Wednesday, February 19th, the organization will collaborate with Southern Connecticut State University about how to protect your business from cyber attacks. This event will be free for chamber members and $15 for the general public. Click here to register. 
Registration for April Vacation Camp is now open! Please see the flyer below for more information. 
 
The work we do here in Connecticut has never felt more important. One thing that undoubtedly makes our work better is when we hear from you – so I hope you’ll take my survey and reach out to me directly if I can ever be of any help.

Click here to access my survey. 
Sincerely,

MJ Shannon
State Representative
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences