Senator Haskell Named Senate Chair of Transportation Committee
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) was named Senate Chairman of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee, a shift in responsibilities due to the recent election of State Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), who will be sworn in this afternoon. Sen. Haskell will leave the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, where he has served as Senate Chairman for just over two years.
“I’m honored by this opportunity to help shape Connecticut’s future,” said Sen. Haskell, “For the last two years, I’ve kept a Metro-North timetable from 1970 on my desk in the Senate. Over the last five decades, those trains have gotten slower, not faster. It’s time to reverse that trend by investing in green infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs and helping our constituents get where they need to go. I’ll miss my colleagues and friends on the Higher Education Committee, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together. But I know that Sen. Slap will excel in the role.”
As the youngest member of the General Assembly, Sen. Haskell spearheaded a focus on college affordability during his time chairing the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. Since January of 2019, the committee has:
- Established PACT CT, a program that provides debt-free community college to students who would otherwise be unable to afford higher education. Recently, Governor Ned Lamont pledged that the state budget will provide long-term funding for this program that benefits thousands of students.
- Partnered with the Banking Committee and Finance Committee on a new tax credit to address student loan debt. This tax credit rewards employers who make loan payments on behalf of their employees.
- Advanced the healthy and safety of students, prioritizing mental health services, sexual assault protections and a social safety net on campuses.
Dignity in Death Bill, Co-Sponsored by Senator Haskell, Passes Public Health Committee
Dignity in Death Bill, Co-Sponsored by Senator Haskell, Passes Public Health Committee
Nearly a decade after it was first introduced, legislation today passed the Public Health Committee that would supply individuals who are suffering from a terminal diagnosis with the opportunity to voluntarily request medical assistance and comfortably end their lives. Cognizant of the issue’s long history in the General Assembly, and having heard countless stories of pain and anguish from constituents who have faced these terminal diagnoses themselves or watched their loved ones suffer, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) voted for the bill and will work hard to pass it into law.
“After hearing from so many constituents who have been touched by this issue within their own family, passing this legislation is among my highest priorities. We simply need to get this done,” said Sen. Haskell. “This bill is about providing options to those who are facing the tragic reality that they have less than six months more to live. They want a chance to spend their final days in dignity and write their own last chapter. I’m grateful that the majority of my colleagues on the Public Health Committee believe that we should give them that choice. And I’m so thankful for all of the advocates and lawmakers who have worked on this issue over the course of many years. Today’s progress would not have been possible without their voices.”
House Bill No. 6425, “An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients,” would establish strict protections to ensure that this option remains entirely voluntary and is only available to adults who are of sound mind and come to the decision on their own. Patients would be required to make three total requests to their physician, two verbal and one written, with at least 15 days between the requests, and would need multiple witnesses for the requests. They could also rescind their request at any time before medical aid is administered. A second physician would need to review the request and confirm that the patient is of sound mind and has less than six months left to live.
Nine states currently have dignity in death laws, with Oregon’s perhaps being the most notable. In 2019, according to Oregon’s annual report, 290 people received prescriptions through the program and 188 chose to end their lives. Of the individuals who chose to receive prescriptions, 75 percent were over the age of 65. Their diagnoses differed; 68 percent had cancer, with another 14 percent having neurological disease and 7 percent with respiratory disease. They largely reported loss of ability to participate in activities making life enjoyable, loss of autonomy and loss of dignity, and 89 percent lived in hospice settings. That 102 people, 35 percent of applicants, chose not to take their medication further speaks to the voluntary nature of the program.
Sen. Flexer, Rep. Fox, Sec. Merrill Laud Passage of Voting Rights Bills
Sen. Flexer, Rep. Fox, Sec. Merrill Laud Passage of Voting Rights Bills
HARTFORD – State Senator Mae Flexer and state Representative Dan Fox (D-Stamford), Co-Chairs of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, today celebrated the passage of several popular Democrat-led voting rights bills that were approved today by the GAE Committee despite strenuous Republican opposition.
The GAE Committee voted to approve various voting-rights bills that would allow for no-excuses voting in Connecticut, early voting in Connecticut, and extending the existing COVID-19 voting protocols through June 30.
“Across our nation, especially since November 2020’s historic election, we have seen Republican state legislatures try to restrict the right of American citizens to vote, and to vote easily. Today in Connecticut we stood firmly on the side of democracy, on the side of fairness, and on the side of voting being a fundamental right for all Americans,” Sen. Flexer said. “Today, members of the GAE Committee passed bills that are supported by the vast majority of Connecticut residents, whether they be Democrats, unaffiliated voters or Republicans. The committee represented the will of the people. Today we honored our commitment to democracy and to free and fair elections.”
“Each of these four bills goes towards helping to increase participation in elections – the keystone of our democracy,” Rep. Fox said. “I strongly support each of these measures and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move these bills through the legislative process.”
“This is an important first step in bringing Connecticut in line with 43 other states in allowing its voters to conveniently cast their ballots prior to Election Day,” Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said. “I look forward to the passage of these amendments in the House and the Senate so the voters of Connecticut can decide if they want the choice to vote early in-person, in-person on Election Day, or by absentee ballot without needing an excuse.”
- House Joint Resolution 58, A resolution proposing a state constitutional amendment to allow for no-excuse absentee voting, passed on a party-line vote of 13-6, with all Democrats voting “Yes” and all Republican committee members voting “No.” 73% of Connecticut voters support no-excuse absentee voting, including half of all Republicans, 75% of unaffiliated voters and 90% of Democrats. 43 U.S. states currently allow their voters to vote in person prior to Election Day or to vote by absentee ballot without an excuse. Connecticut is one of just a handful of states – including Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and South Carolina – that require their residents to vote in-person on Election Day, unless they have a valid reason for not appearing (i.e. illness or being out of town all day).
- House Joint Resolution 59, A resolution approving an amendment to the state constitution to allow for early voting: The bill passed 15-4, mostly along party lines, with 13 Democrats and two Republicans voting “Yes,” and four Republicans voting “No.” 79% of Connecticut residents support early voting, including 70% of Republicans, 80% of unaffiliated voters, and 85% of Democrats. A record number of Americans – more than 101 million people — voted early in the 2020 presidential election, including 36 million in-person early votes and more than 65 million ballots cast by mail or absentee ballot.
- Senate Bill 901, an act extending to June 30, 2021 the changes implemented for the 2020 state elections as a result of COVID-19, passed on a party-line vote of 13-6.
- A similar bill, House Bill 6464, an act extending to May 31, 2021 the changes implemented for the 2020 state elections as a result of COVID-19, passed 16-3, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in voting “Yes,” and three Republicans voting “No.”
Because the House Joint Resolutions seek to amend the state Constitution, they must follow a different path than typical legislation.
The language in H.J. 59 already passed the legislature in 2019 without a supermajority in both chambers, so it needs to pass again by a simple majority in the General Assembly before voters can vote on the measure at a referendum during the 2022 statewide elections.
H.J. 58 is the first time this amendment has come before the General Assembly, so it needs a supermajority vote of 75% in favor in each chamber before voters can vote on it at referendum in 2022.
Housing Committee Holds Public Hearing on Key Legislation Introduced by Sen. Anwar
Housing Committee Holds Public Hearing on Key Legislation Introduced by Sen. Anwar
Today, the Housing Committee held a public hearing on several key pieces of legislation introduced by State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) allowing members of the public to advocate and give their support to efforts making housing access in Connecticut easier and creating protections for individuals who could be negatively impacted in certain situations.
“Today’s public hearing allowed the public to add their voices to the many saying we need more housing protections in Connecticut,” said Sen. Anwar. “In addition to the effort to provide a Right to Housing, ensuring stability and comfort for numerous renters and owners struggling to make ends meet today, we need to protect victims of violence and assault and prevent landlords from taking advantage of businesses like child care homes. As well, by focusing on workforce housing development and increasing housing in the state, we can provide affordable options for the men and women in our communities working hard every day. I’m grateful to see these bills heard today and plan to vote in support upon their arrival to the Senate floor.”
Today’s public hearing focused on a number of housing bills, with some of the most prominent, all introduced by Sen. Anwar, including:
- Senate Bill 194, “An Act Establishing A Right To Housing,” would establish a right to stable housing for Connecticut residents, fighting housing loss, increasing access to affordable housing and ensuring housing meets residents’ basic needs. Specific steps taken include funding homelessness response systems, providing counsel to individuals facing eviction or foreclosure and ending exclusionary zoning.
- Senate Bill 48, “An Act Concerning Additional Housing Protections For Victims Of Family Violence Or Sexual Assault,” would allow someone with a valid order of protection to request their landlord change the locks to their home or be permitted to change the locks themselves.
- Senate Bill 49, “An Act Increasing Opportunities For Workforce Housing Development In The State,” would establish a workforce development program in opportunity zones and use tax credits, fee waivers and property tax abatements to create additional opportunities for development. Workforce housing is defined as housing affordable to households earning between 60 and 120 percent of area median income, which includes community members such as teachers and first responders.
- Senate Bill 87, “An Act Concerning Certain Protections For Group And Family Child Care Homes,” would enforce protections for licensed group and family child care homes, preventing landlords from placing restrictions on their operations.
Additionally, the hearing included an additional bill co-sponsored by Sen. Anwar:
- House Bill 6531, “An Act Concerning The Right To Counsel In Eviction Proceedings,” would give individuals involved in eviction proceedings against them the right to seek counsel, including being provided legal representation if they are unable to afford it themselves.
Higher Ed Committee Recommends Passage of Bill Creating Prison Education Program Office
Higher Ed Committee Recommends Passage of Bill Creating Prison Education Program Office
Today, the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee voted to recommend the passage of legislation that would create a prison education program office, facilitating prison education programs in correctional facilities statewide, while also providing students with protections against discrimination or judgment during the college admissions process.
House Bill 6228, “An Act Prohibiting Institutions of Higher Education From Inquiring About A Prospective Student’s Criminal History During The Admissions Process And Establishing A Prison Education Program Office,” would establish the Prison Education Program Office within the Department of Correction. That office would be tasked with allowing higher education to host education program at state prisons, creating partnerships with colleges and universities for such programs and providing access to resources needed for completing such education programs such as classrooms and study areas.
The Prison Education Program Office would also work with colleges or universities to develop academic and student service plans for such a program, find financial aid solutions for students, provide educational accommodations for students with disabilities and provide reentry services for students so they can access education upon release from prison.
Additionally, unless otherwise required by state or federal law, no college or university in Connecticut would be allowed to ask about an applicant’s prior arrests, criminal charges or convictions upon application or enrollment, or consider such history in the admissions or financial aid process.
“We need to prevent recidivism by preparing incarcerated people for success after they are released. That means providing opportunities to pursue higher education, since we know post-secondardy degrees are increasingly critical in a 21st century economy,” said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “By creating an office of post-secondary prison education, we can make sure that federal pell grants are put to good use here in Connecticut. Banning the box in college applications will help make sure that no one suffers from a lifetime sentence of discrimination after having served their time.”
“The road to rehabilitation requires us to give people the tools to succeed,” said State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “The Prison Education Program Office will further our goal of giving people in correctional facilities a better chance at obtaining the skills they need to reenter society. I thank the committee for moving this critical bill forward today.”
“It is the state’s responsibility to uplift and support its citizens as they re-enter society,” said State Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden), who introduced the bill. “Access to education is fundamental to success in society today; and it is, therefore, essential that we provide the necessary educational support for a successful re-entry. In addition, this bill is particularly important to providing equity within communities of color, which are disproportionately targeted by the justice and prison systems. Right now, our system is set-up in a way which does not advance the futures of those impacted by the justice system. We need a system that levels the playing field and puts them on a path to prosperity.”
“The lens with which we view incarceration is changing,” said State Rep. Josh Elliott (D-Hamden), House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “95 percent of folk who end up in prison will re-enter society, and it is the State’s prerogative to ensure that they are successful. Increasing access to higher education in our prison facilities means that people will be less likely to recidivate – but more importantly, they will re-enter the workforce with skills and direction increasing the likelihood of success.”
The legislation now heads to the House and Senate floors.
Higher Ed Committee Recommends Passage of Bill Creating Prison Education Program Office
Higher Ed Committee Recommends Passage of Bill Creating Prison Education Program Office
Today, the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee voted to recommend the passage of legislation that would create a prison education program office, facilitating prison education programs in correctional facilities statewide, while also providing students with protections against discrimination or judgment during the college admissions process.
House Bill 6228, “An Act Prohibiting Institutions of Higher Education From Inquiring About A Prospective Student’s Criminal History During The Admissions Process And Establishing A Prison Education Program Office,” would establish the Prison Education Program Office within the Department of Correction. That office would be tasked with allowing higher education to host education program at state prisons, creating partnerships with colleges and universities for such programs and providing access to resources needed for completing such education programs such as classrooms and study areas.
The Prison Education Program Office would also work with colleges or universities to develop academic and student service plans for such a program, find financial aid solutions for students, provide educational accommodations for students with disabilities and provide reentry services for students so they can access education upon release from prison.
Additionally, unless otherwise required by state or federal law, no college or university in Connecticut would be allowed to ask about an applicant’s prior arrests, criminal charges or convictions upon application or enrollment, or consider such history in the admissions or financial aid process.
“We need to prevent recidivism by preparing incarcerated people for success after they are released. That means providing opportunities to pursue higher education, since we know post-secondardy degrees are increasingly critical in a 21st century economy,” said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “By creating an office of post-secondary prison education, we can make sure that federal pell grants are put to good use here in Connecticut. Banning the box in college applications will help make sure that no one suffers from a lifetime sentence of discrimination after having served their time.”
“The road to rehabilitation requires us to give people the tools to succeed,” said State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “The Prison Education Program Office will further our goal of giving people in correctional facilities a better chance at obtaining the skills they need to reenter society. I thank the committee for moving this critical bill forward today.”
“It is the state’s responsibility to uplift and support its citizens as they re-enter society,” said State Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden), who introduced the bill. “Access to education is fundamental to success in society today; and it is, therefore, essential that we provide the necessary educational support for a successful re-entry. In addition, this bill is particularly important to providing equity within communities of color, which are disproportionately targeted by the justice and prison systems. Right now, our system is set-up in a way which does not advance the futures of those impacted by the justice system. We need a system that levels the playing field and puts them on a path to prosperity.”
“The lens with which we view incarceration is changing,” said State Rep. Josh Elliott (D-Hamden), House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “95 percent of folk who end up in prison will re-enter society, and it is the State’s prerogative to ensure that they are successful. Increasing access to higher education in our prison facilities means that people will be less likely to recidivate – but more importantly, they will re-enter the workforce with skills and direction increasing the likelihood of success.”
The legislation now heads to the House and Senate floors.
Sen. Cabrera Releases Statement on First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s Visit to Meriden & the Swearing in of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
Sen. Cabrera Releases Statement on First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s Visit to Meriden & the Swearing in of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) released the following statement on First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s visit to Meriden. Cardona, who was most recently the state’s education commissioner, was a fourth-grade teacher, a principal and an assistant superintendent for Meriden Public Schools.
“This is a great moment for Connecticut as one of our own, Miguel Cardona, is sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Education and returns with a fellow educator, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The importance of having someone committed to improving the ways in which we approach education, equity and the best way forward amid a global health crisis cannot be overstated. It is encouraging to see this focus and determination to better our young people and support our educators from the First Lady to Education Secretary Cardona and throughout the Biden administration. Additionally, having a Latino in this position speaks volumes to Black and brown boys and girls that they are capable of achieving their loftiest dreams and aspirations, and most importantly, a pathway exists for them to do so as well.”
Senator Kasser Reports on Passage of Five Bills in State Senate
Senator Kasser Reports on Passage of Five Bills in State Senate
HARTFORD – State Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich) voted for four bills and against one in the State Capitol on Monday.
Sen. Kasser voted for a bill that gives tax relief and certainty to 158,000 Connecticut residents who usually work out of state but have been working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s estimated that this legislation will save residents who telecommute to New York about $440 million in income taxes and save telecommuters to Massachusetts jobs another $60 million.
“The pandemic has changed the way people work. Many residents of Fairfield County who normally commute to New York have been working from home. This could have triggered income taxes in both states, so we passed a bill to avoid that. Connecticut residents who worked from home for an out-of-state employer during the pandemic will now be spared Connecticut taxation,” noted Sen. Kasser.
She added that this situation may change after 2020 because of a pending lawsuit filed by New Hampshire against Massachusetts. “I’m hopeful that the Supreme Court takes that case and decides that a person is only responsible for paying income taxes to the state where they live and work, even if their employer is located elsewhere. That would give Connecticut a significant advantage over New York because our tax rates are lower,” explained Sen. Kasser. “The result of that case will be telling. In the meantime, 158,000 Connecticut residents to whom this bill applies have the assurance of no double taxation for 2020.”
Another bill that was voted on was a tax incentive for data centers, to attract this industry to Connecticut.
“While I support the goal of this bill – to bring new business to Connecticut – I could not approve the structure of the bill, which contained no economic metrics or environmental safeguards,” explained Sen. Kasser. She spoke on the Senate floor to explain her concern about setting a precedent of giving tax breaks without the assurance of job creation or environmental safety. The bill did eventually pass, but Sen. Kasser was joined by a handful of Democrats and Republicans who also voted “no.”
Sen. Kasser noted that after data centers are built, they only require a skeletal staff to be maintained. “They are run by software, not people,” she explained “Data centers are also notorious polluters and consume enormous amounts of energy. This bill contradicts our commitment to clean energy and creates an even greater burden on our already fragile energy grid.”
But since the bill did pass, Sen. Kasser expressed her hope that it will be improved later – with environmental and economic metrics – and that it will deliver what was promised. “I don’t believe in giving industries a free pass to pollute, or 30-year tax-breaks, without a commitment to job creation, but now that this bill is becoming law, I hope that it succeeds,” she concluded.
A third bill that Sen. Kasser was proud to support was the C.R.O.W.N. Act, which stands for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
“We heard deeply moving and personal stories from colleagues about the pain and shame they and their loved ones have been subjected to,” Sen. Kasser noted “It is unconscionable to discriminate against anyone based on their natural hair or any other characteristic.”
This legislation affirms that hair texture and hairstyles are traits associated with race and are, therefore, protected by anti-discrimination laws. The facts are that Black women are three times more likely to be called “unprofessional” because of their hair, and more than 50% of Black women are likely to be sent home from work because of complaints about their hair. “This legislation affirms the right of every person to be who they are, and to be respected. It affirms that while we are all different, we are all equal. I am proud to stand with Black women,” explained Sen. Kasser.
The other two bills that received final passage in the Senate gave tax relief for welfare recipients and towns and cities that have state-owned properties, universities or other entities that are not subject to property tax.
“I look forward to being back in Hartford soon to vote on more legislation,” Sen. Kasser noted “We have a lot more to accomplish before this legislative session ends in June.”
“I love my natural hair” Senator Moore Speaks in Favor of C.R.O.W.N. Act During Senate Session
“I love my natural hair” Senator Moore Speaks in Favor of C.R.O.W.N. Act During Senate Session
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) spoke in favor of the C.R.O.W.N., or “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” Act, on the Senate Floor, voting in favor of the important anti-discriminatory legislation that prevents anyone from being treated differently for the act of wearing their natural hair.
“It is a sad commentary that in 2021 there is discrimination against how Black people wear their hair,” said Sen. Moore. “Hair is culture, it is pride, for me it’s my crowning glory. I love my natural hair. This legislation will protect wearers of dreads, braids, and other ethnic styles common among Black men and women.”
Senator Moore also said, “denying people to be proud of their culture is a form of oppression that has been a way of forcing Black and brown people into assimilating them into a European culture.”
Senator Moore spoke about how hair is more than just hair. Senator Moore said hair is so important that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, one of her questions is am I going to lose my hair? Senator Moore also said for black women it is about culture and identity, but it does not just hold significance for black women. Hair has significance in every culture.
The C.R.O.W. N. Act, House Bill 6515, seeks to prohibit discrimination on the basis of ethnic hairstyles historically associated with race, specifically adding two key qualifiers to current statute. It expands the definition of “race” in the state’s antidiscrimination laws to be inclusive of traits like hair texture and protective hairstyles, which can include braids, locs and twists, that are historically associated with an individual’s race, and therefore individuals cannot face punishment or different treatment for having them.
This legislation comes at an important time, as currently, up to 80 percent of Black women have said they feel they need to change their natural hair color to fit in at their workplace. Further studies show Black women are more than three times as likely to have their hairstyles called “unprofessional” compared to white women, and that Black women are also 50 percent more likely than white women to have been sent home from the workforce solely due to their hair. This will have multiple positive impacts, not only ending discrimination based on hair but affirming that Black and Brown people do not need to change aspects of their own natural appearance to “fit in,” further removing pressures of discrimination.
Sen. Cabrera Votes for Passage for Various Bills, Including More State Aid for Cities and Towns and an End to Discrimination on the Basis of One’s Hair
Sen. Cabrera Votes for Passage for Various Bills, Including More State Aid for Cities and Towns and an End to Discrimination on the Basis of One’s Hair
HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted for the passage of a variety of bills to improve life in Connecticut, including one bill that provides millions of dollars in new, increased state aid for Connecticut cities and towns and one which provides tax incentives for data centers to assist in attracting new businesses to the state. Another piece of legislation that gained passage ends discrimination based on one’s hair. These bills now head to the governor’s desk to await his signature.
“I am proud to support all of these measures and pleased to see them advance to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Regarding the proposed adjustments to how we fund PILOT, we know many across our state are hurting financially due to the pandemic and need relief. From residents and their families to entire municipalities, increasing state funding for PILOT grants will enable Connecticut taxpayers to keep more money in their pocketbooks and wallets. Another important form of relief that gained passage will end liens being placed on the property of residents on welfare. This outdated practice places yet another roadblock in the path of residents working tirelessly to get out of poverty. As we seek to strengthen our economy, a measure to provide tax incentives to data centers will help our state immensely, attracting more businesses to Connecticut. As we continue our important work to not only strengthen our economy, but be a more equitable state as well, the passage of the C.R.O.W.N. Act will ensure Black and brown women, men and children will no longer be subjected to discrimination due to how they choose to wear their hair. Hair is an integral aspect of one’s culture and should be respected and celebrated. I thank state Representative Robyn Porter and state Senator Julie Kushner for their work on this much-needed bill.”
Higher State PILOT (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) Grants for Cities and Towns
Cities and towns lose out on collecting local property taxes when they have “non-taxable” property in town such as hospitals, airports, private universities, state-owned property and other land. For years, Connecticut has not spent enough on such PILOT grants, setting aside only about 25% of what is needed. That means cities and towns have to either increase local property taxes or cut local services to make up the difference.
In a concept that was first proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney (D-New Haven) in late January, this bill creates three tiers of municipalities for new, minimum state PILOT grants. The bill defines Tier 1 towns as having an equalized net grand list of less than $100,000 per person. Tier 2 towns have an equalized net grand list of between $100,000 and $200,000 per person, and Tier 3 towns have an equalized net grand list of more than $200,000 per person.
The state currently funds PILOT at about 25% of its full formula. Under today’s bill, Tier 1 towns would receive a minimum of 50% of their calculated state PILOT funding, Tier 2 towns 40%, and Tier 3 towns 30%. The state legislature would need to appropriate at least $143 million of additional state funding every year into the future in order to fully implement this new plan.
Tax Incentives For Data Centers
This bill increases Connecticut’s chances of becoming a leader in the creation of new data centers by waiving sales taxes for up to 30 years on data centers that invest at least $400 million in a facility in a qualified opportunity zone, or at least $200 million if the facility is located in an enterprise zone.
Such data centers would also be exempt from any financial transaction tax or fee that may be imposed by the state through trades of stocks, bonds, or other financial products. This exemption would last for 30 years from the date any new facility is completed.
Prohibiting Workplace Discrimination of Hair Styles
This bill, called the C.R.O.W.N. Act, prohibits workplace discrimination against individuals for wearing ethnic hairstyles that are historically associated with race.
The new bill notes that “race” is inclusive of traits like hair texture and protective hairstyles, which can include braids, locs and twists, which are historically associated with an individual’s race.
The bill comes as about 80% of Black women have said they feel they need to change their natural hair color to fit in at their workplace. Black women are also three times more likely to have their hairstyles called “unprofessional” compared to white women, and Black women are 50% more likely than white women to have been sent home from the workforce solely due to their hair.
Ending Placing Liens on the Homes of Welfare Recipients
According to a recent report regrading state liens on the real property of former cash assistance recipients, at least 12 states have laws authorizing or requiring the placement of liens to recover state or federal public assistance paid to a property owner. Connecticut and New York laws cover the broadest range of public assistance programs and are the only states to place liens on family cash assistance.
Such liens are often unknown to the property owner and arise only during refinancing or when the owner attempts to sell the property. These liens undo a lifetime of financial progress and make it more difficult to refinance a home, subjects vulnerable homeowners to pay higher housing costs, and often prevents older residents from retiring when they should.
This bill revokes all such liens as of July 1 and ceases the enforcement on any pending liens by that date as well.