Hamden Town Hall Recap, Fundraiser for Local Business, and More

February 11, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Thank you to everyone who attended the Hamden Town Hall earlier this month! We had a great discussion about our goals for the legislative session and beyond. 

If you were unable to attend and have a question, comment, or concern you would like to share, please reach out to my office. 
 
Attention veterans – I'm reaching out with an invitation to an important public hearing hosted by the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 1C of the LOB, with virtual access via Zoom and YouTube Live.
 
There will also be a FREE tour of the CT Legislative Office Building and the Capitol at 9:15 a.m.

This hearing will address several key legislative proposals directly impacting veterans, including:

  • Property Tax Exemptions (SB 1091, SB 1276) for veterans, including those who are 100% disabled
  • No-Cost Driver’s License Renewals for veterans (SB 1150) and Free Ridership on Veterans Day (HB 6728)
  • Affordable Housing for Disabled and Elderly Veterans (SB 1277, HB 6764, HB 6768)
  • Reimbursement of Fees and Specialty License Plates for veterans (HB 5787, HB 6722, HB 6734)
  • Recognition & Support Initiatives (HB 5787, 6722), including Veterans' Month designation (HB 6723) and protections against predatory benefit claims assistance (HB 6874, HB 6909)
  • Support for the CT Veterans Cemetery (HB 5117)
  • Dental Support for Veterans (HB 6755)
  • and more

Your testimony on this legislation - whether sharing personal experiences, advocating for better resources, or supporting fellow veterans - can make a significant impact. You can participate in person, via Zoom, or by submitting written testimony.

How to Get Involved:
 
I am proud to announce that I will serve as the Vice Chair of the newly formed End Homelessness Caucus. The caucus will explore policies necessary to address the complex factors contributing to homelessness and work towards its eradication. The End Homelessness Caucus will also include service providers in the problem-solving process and advocate for policies necessary to secure housing and life-changing services for those who are currently unhoused.

Rep. Kadeem Roberts, who represents Norwalk, and I decided to form this caucus to push for solutions to an ever-growing problem. Homelessness in Connecticut increased about 13% from 2023 to 2024 – this is unacceptable, and this number will continue to soar unless something is done. I am proud to be a founding member of this caucus and eagerly look forward to working towards our goal.
 
Earlier this month, I attended 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. This bill 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.

HB 5986 would provide much needed relief to families that are struggling financially. I am proud to co-sponsor this piece of legislation and look forward to following its progress through the legislative process.
 
Best Video, a film and cultural center located in Hamden, is holding a fundraiser to help keep their doors open. Click here if you are interested in making a donation. 
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden 
Sincerely,

Laurie Sweet
State Representative
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