Senator Kushner Highlights Increased Tax Exemptions for Seniors to Go Into Effect on New Year’s Day
State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today highlighted a key legislative change going into effect on January 1. Seniors will benefit from the state’s phase out of income tax on pension and annuity income for taxpayers earning below certain thresholds, the percent of their income exempt from taxation will grow from 28 to 42 percent. That represents a continuation of important, significant savings that will only continue to accelerate for those impacted when all income becomes exempt in 2025.
From 2019 to 2025, the state is phasing out taxation on pension and annuity income for those earning less than $75,000 in pension and annuity income for single filers, married people filing separately and heads of households, and for those married couples filing jointly and earning less than $100,000. Beginning in 2019, 14 percent of that income became exempt, with an annual increase of 14 percent continuing through 2025 until the income becomes completely exempt. January 1 marks the third step in the process, resulting in less than 60 percent of impacted seniors’ incomes from pensions and annuities being taxable in 2021.
“Simply stated, this puts money back in the hands of seniors who need it most,” said Sen. Kushner. “The many individuals in our community who live on fixed incomes and growing budgets need more stability and deserve our help. That’s what this phase out does. So many of our seniors struggle to make ends meet – I’m happy that the new year will bring a little relief to these families.”
Lopes District
Sixth District
Rick Lopes represents Berlin, Farmington, New Britain.
Use the Google map below to explore the towns in Senator Lopes’ district.
Sen. Slap Welcomes New State Law Requiring Emergency Prescriptions for Insulin and Diabetes Supplies
Sen. Slap Welcomes State Investment in Mixed-Income Apartment Building in West Hartford
WEST HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) welcomed a new state law takes effect on January 1, 2021 requiring pharmacists to dispense a 30-day emergency supply of diabetes-related drugs and devices – with a price cap – for diabetics who have less than a one-week supply of insulin or supplies.
Just under 10 percent of Connecticut residents – about 275,000 people — have diabetes, which is the seventh-leading cause of death in the state, according to the state Department of Public Health
“It’s unconscionable that anyone should have to limit or go without a common and widely-available life-saving drug on an emergency basis in America in 2021. The Connecticut legislature stepped in to help resolve this crisis, and our residents will be better for it,” Sen. Slap said today. “I want to thank Senators Marty Looney and Matt Lesser for raising this issue and making this bill a priority for the 2020 legislative session. We got it done, and we got it done on a pretty bipartisan basis, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. But it was an important bill that needed attention and passage right away.”
House Bill 6003, “An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans,” was introduced in February 2020 by the Senate Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and by a host of other legislators and health advocates.
The bill was passed into law on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis during the July 2020 legislative special session, with just five Republicans voting “no.” The bill had more than 50 bipartisan co-sponsors, including Sen. Slap.
The Health Care Cost Institute reported earlier this year that annual insulin costs for diabetics nearly doubled between 2012 and 2016, rising from an average of $2,865 to $5,700. The Institute also referenced news reports of individuals with diabetes who had to ration their insulin because they couldn’t afford higher prices.
Connecticut’s new law effective January 1 allows for emergency diabetes-related prescriptions once a year, and it covers insulin as well as glucagon drugs and diabetes devices such as blood glucose test strips, lancets and insulin syringes.
The new law requires people to inform their pharmacist that they have less than a week’s supply of diabetes-related drugs or devices remaining, and pharmacists – using their professional judgment and first checking with the state’s electronic prescription drug monitoring program – can then issue the emergency drugs or supplies.
The law limits the patient’s cost either to their insurance plan co-payment or, if they lack insurance, to “the usual customary charge to the public for these items.”
A section of the bill capping out-of-pocket expenses at $100 per year takes effect in another year, on January 1, 2022.
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Senator Anwar Encouraged by State Bond Commission’s Support if East Hartford, East Windsor Projects
Senator Anwar Encouraged by State Bond Commission’s Support if East Hartford, East Windsor Projects
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed and encouraged the State Bond Commission’s release of significant funding for important affordable housing renovations in East Hartford and for transfer of land ownership in East Windsor. These projects will deliver significant improvements to residents in those towns.
“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of important projects benefitting our communities,” said Sen. Anwar. “The investment in Veterans Terrace will provide improved standards of living for members of our community experiencing financial hardship, while the homeowners impacted by the foreclosure of their initial community land trust will be able to regain control and full ownership of their properties. These projects will be strongly beneficial for residents of our towns.”
According to the State Bond Commission’s agenda for its December 18 meeting, the following projects will receive support:
- East Hartford’s Veterans Terrace Communities will receive $1.3 million to support the demolition and new construction of 54 affordable rental units for households at or below 50 percent of the local area median income, the final phase of redevelopment for the property.
- The Department of Housing will receive approval to convey the Community Housing Land Bank and Land Trust property on Phelps Road in East Windsor to the Town of East Windsor, allowing the municipality to take ownership of a parcel of land containing 16 homes. The land was formerly owned by a community land trust nonprofit, which went through foreclosure roughly seven years ago. By taking ownership of the property, the town will be able to subdivide the property, ensuring each of the 16 homes’ owners are transferred ownership of their specific sections of the parcel.
Sen. Slap Welcomes State Investment in Mixed-Income Apartment Building in West Hartford
Sen. Slap Welcomes State Investment in Mixed-Income Apartment Building in West Hartford
WEST HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) today welcomed a $2.95 million state investment with Five Forty New Park, LLC to assist the private developer with building a new 52-unit mixed-income apartment building in West Hartford on the two-acre site of the former Acme Auto Parts building.
The deferred loan, which was approved today by the State Bond Commission, is provided at 0% for 32 years in order to build a $20.6 million, mixed-use residential and retail development with 41deed-restricted affordable units and 11 market-rate units.
The development site is equidistant from the Flatbush and Elmwood CTfastrak stations.
“This project is happening because the state and federal government invested in mass transit near the site. We now see it forming the hub for private-sector investment in housing and retail, and it’s been fantastically successful. The last project this developer did down the street a few years ago is 100 percent occupied,” Sen. Slap said. “There’s a need for this type of housing all across the state, and when Connecticut can partner with private developers, we get things built faster and occupied faster and that’s a benefit to everyone. The next step is to build a commuter rail station here so we can leverage even more private investment and economic activity.”
The State Bond Commission today also approved $5 million for the Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program – the so-called Houses of Worship security grant program – that Sen. Slap helped write and pass in 2019.
Under the program, the state can make grants to non-profits that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime or violent act to make security improvements such as reinforced entryways or the installation of ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, computer-controlled electronic locks, remote locks on entrances and exits, and closed-circuit television monitoring.
Sen. Kasser Welcomes State Funding for Armstrong Court
Sen. Kasser Welcomes State Funding for Armstrong Court
GREENWICH — State Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich) is pleased to announce that today nearly $3 million in funding from the state was allocated to Greenwich for the complete renovation of buildings 2, 4 and 5 at Armstrong Court.
Earlier this year, Sen. Kasser joined other town leaders to unveil 18 new townhomes built at Armstrong Court, all with funding from the state. When the projects are completed, the State of Connecticut will have invested over $40 million in this project.
Today, the State Bond Commission approved a $2,983,300 zero-percent, 40-year loan to the Armstrong Court Phase III Limited Partnership to continue developing affordable housing and help cover the cost of its $21 million renovation project.
“Every town and city in Connecticut needs updated, affordable and safe housing options so that people who work in or near those communities can also afford to live there. I applaud the Greenwich Housing Authority for their work rebuilding and renovating Armstrong Court to provide more housing opportunities in Greenwich,” Sen. Kasser said. “The State of Connecticut has invested millions into these projects, and this new state loan will have a substantial and positive impact on peoples’ lives. It’s a great investment in Greenwich and our growing community.”
Armstrong Court recently added 18 new townhouses, and now work will begin on some of facility’s other six buildings, which contain a total of 144 units. All of the buildings will be completely renovated, with the goal of creating more three-bedroom units.
State Senator Marilyn Moore Welcomes State Funds to District 22
State Senator Marilyn Moore Welcomes State Funds to District 22
Today, State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) welcomed funding to Bridgeport after the State Bond Commission announced they will be allocating $3,770,000 to continue to finance the Cherry Street Lofts Development. The funds will help finance investigation, remediation, and clean up needed to support Phases III and IV of the Cherry Street Lofts Development around the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Hancock Avenue in Bridgeport.
This project is part of a new construction commercial development project that follows a previous authorization of $1 million made by the State Bond Commission in September of 2018 for this purpose.
The development has been in the works since 2013. The area was originally filled with factory buildings and industrial spaces. Over the years, the property lacked upkeep and has since been transformed into modern loft-style apartments.
Following the first two phases of construction, new tenants were able to move into the apartments in 2018. Among the affordable apartment units, 19 were reserved for tenants with disabilities. Phases III and IV of the Cherry Street Lofts project are part of an adaptive re-use housing and new-construction commercial development project.
“This funding allows for continuation of the project,” said Sen. Moore. “Projects of this size have a great impact on the economic conditions and brings beautification to the city. It’s a unique, safe, and innovative development combining living space and an educational facility in what was formerly abandoned factories.”
Senator Moore also welcomed additional funding to Bridgeport as well as funding to Monroe and Trumbull. Funding is being provided for distressed municipalities in Bridgeport. Municipalities receive this designation based on their property tax base, the personal income of residents, and the social service needs of residents. Distressed municipalities in Bridgeport will be receiving $301,771.43.
The State Bond Commission has approved funding for the Town Aid Road Program with the Department of Transportation. Under this program, Towns in Senator Moore’s district will all be receiving funding. Trumbull has been allocated $461,303, Monroe has been allocated $351,306, and Bridgeport has been allocated $1,385,123.
Duff Praises New State Bonding for Norwalk Transportation
Duff Praises New State Bonding for Norwalk Transportation
State Funding Will Support Improvements on I-95 and Local Road Work
HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed new funding for Norwalk’s transportation system. The State Bond Commission approved the allocation of over $38 million in state funds to finance safety improvements to 2 miles of I-95 from exit 16 in Norwalk to Exit 17 in Westport and over $900,000 for the City of Norwalk to assist in local transportation repairs and improvements through the Town Aid Road municipal grant fund.
“While we all were digging out this week Norwalk DPW plows were on the streets making sure the roads were clear and safe,” said Senator Duff. “This work is critical to keeping Norwalk up and running but it is also expensive. This state grant of $903,271 to the city of Norwalk will help pay for local transportation work like snow plowing and road repair and maintenance. In addition, the improvement of I-95 in our area has been a big focus of mine. We have all lost too many hours stuck in traffic on the highway and the recent widening and improvements have helped cut down commuting time. This installment of $38 million from the state to this long-term project of improving I-95 in our area is a tremendous win for all Norwalk residents. I want to thank Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to transportation especially here in Fairfield County.”
Special tax obligation bonds totaling $38,828,239 will finance safety improvements to 2 miles of I-95 from exit 16 in Norwalk to Exit 17 in Westport. The project includes providing a concrete median barrier, shoulder reconstruction, pavement rehabilitation, resurfacing and improvements to bridge numbers 61, 62 and 64.
Norwalk will receive $903,271 in Town Aid Road grants. The grant funding helps municipalities cover costs for snow removal, road repairs, and tree-clearing on public streets. The formula that determined the grant amount Norwalk would receive were set in the 2020-21 budget passed by Democratic legislators in the state Senate and state House of Representatives.
Looney Applauds New State Bonding for New Haven & Hamden
Looney Applauds New State Bonding for New Haven & Hamden
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of state funds for the City of New Haven and Town of Hamden for the development of new housing and infrastructure improvements.
“The need for affordable, quality housing is rising due to the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut residents. The redevelopment of the Antillean Manor Co-op will improve quality of life and ease financial hardship for residing families,” said Sen. Looney. “The clearing of snow and repair to roads is a concern of every neighborhood. I’m pleased cities and towns will receive assistance in paying for these necessary municipal services. Plus, the state’s investment will benefit the continued improvement of local transportation infrastructure. Thank you to Governor Lamont and members of the bond commission who approved these funds that will support the short and long-term needs of our area’s residents and businesses.”
Antillean Estates will receive $3.1 million in a zero-interest loan to raze the existing Antillean Manor Co-op in New Haven and build in the same place a new 31-apartment unit development for low-income residents. Five one-bedroom apartments will be reserved for individuals or families at 25% area median income. The remaining 11 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom, and one four-bedroom apartments will be set aside for families at or falling below 50% of area median income. The existing long-term housing payment assistance contracts ensure residents will not experience an increase in rent and will continue to pay no more than 30% of income toward rent payments.
A project to replace a bridge carrying Ferry Street over the Amtrak train line will be awarded $7.3 million in total funds. The close to $6 million in federal funding was made possible by the federal government matching the state’s contribution of almost $1.5 million toward the project.
New Haven will receive $1,254,250 and Hamden will get $672,164 in Town Aid Road grants. The grant funding helps municipalities cover costs for snow removal, road repairs, and tree-clearing on public streets. The formula that determined the grant amounts New Haven and Hamden would receive were set in the 2020-21 budget passed by Democratic legislators in the state Senate and state House of Representatives.
Senator Haskell Supports State Bond Commission Funding of Safety Improvements on Interstate 95
Senator Haskell Supports State Bond Commission Funding of Safety Improvements on Interstate 95
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) supported the State Bond Commission’s release of funding to support projects statewide, including a significant investment in the safety of Interstate 95 spanning from Exit 16 in Norwalk to Exit 17 in Westport.
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support,” said Sen. Haskell. “This funding will provide significant safety improvements on a stretch of highway that thousands of my constituents travel on every day. I’m hopeful that this project is only the beginning of a much larger project to overhaul Fairfield County’s transportation system, a regional system that has too often been neglected at the state and federal level.”
Among the numerous projects supported by the Bond Commission’s latest approval of funding December 18 was the Interstate 95 safety project, financing safety improvements on a two-mile span of the highway. The project will provide a concrete median barrier in the area as well as reconstruction of the road’s shoulder, rehabilitating pavement in the highway span, and resurfacing and improving bridge numbers 61, 62 and 64. The project will cost a total of $70 million. The state bond commission will release $38.83 million, with an additional $28.05 million in federal funding and $3.12 million in Interstate Highway Program Funds committed to the project’s completion.