Investing in Education, Towns, And Nonprofits – With No Tax Hikes

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Investing in Education, Towns, And Nonprofits – With No Tax Hikes

Senate gives final, bipartisan approval to two-year state budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today joined his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year Democratic state budget that invests in education, cities and towns, and nonprofit social service providers while not raising taxes, remaining well under the state spending cap, and putting an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s historic unfunded pension debt.

The Senate voted 31-4 to pass House Bill 6689, the state biennial budget for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The budget, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives, now heads to Governor Ned Lamont, who is expected to sign it into law.

With a billion-dollar year-end budget surplus, its Rainy Day Fund at historic highs, our state bond rating at its highest level in two decades, and state income tax and federal revenues swelling, Connecticut is well-positioned this year to make major investments in education, town aid, social services, health care, justice-related initiatives and workforce development programs, all the while remaining under our statutory spending cap.

“As we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, our state needs to be prepared for the future, and I’m grateful that I can say this budget does that,” said Sen. Needleman. “It avoids tax hikes while retaining funding in important programs that will directly help people. It advances Connecticut’s education and supports our workforce, vital for the future of the state. It’s prudent and will help support our state’s post-COVID recovery. I’m especially happy to report every town in my district will receive increases in state funding in the next two years.”

The two-year General Fund budget totals $42.46 billion: $20.8 billion in FY 22, and $21.66 billion in FY 23. The budget including all nine special funds (i.e. the Special Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Workers’ Compensation and other funds) totals $46.36 billion, which is a year-over-year 2.6% spending increase in FY 22 and a 3.9% spending increase in FY 23.

Despite all of the state investments in a wide variety of necessary and popular public programs, the budget remains $22.2 million under the state-mandated sending cap in FY 22 and $35.7 million under the spending cap in FY 23, even while making an extra billion-dollar payment toward Connecticut’s unfunded pension debt, which has built up over the past 70 years.

The 12 towns in the 33rd district will receive $38.7 million next year (Fiscal Year 22) and $39 million the year after for a total of $77.75 million. Every town in the district will see an increase in state funding with an increase of $647,000 next year and $983,000 the year after.

The state budget relies on $2.28 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding over the biennium: $1.271 billion in FY 22, and $1.01 billion in FY 23; Connecticut received a total of $2.6 billion in ARPA funds, leaving about $400 million unallocated.

Among the many investments this state budget makes are:

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget recognizes the structural and systemic inequities experienced by our major cities – many of which have over 50 percent of their property as non-taxable – and keeps our promises to municipalities by fully funding the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) formula that was championed by Senate President Martin Looney and passed earlier this session. This budget will provide over $525 million in additional funds to Connecticut cities and towns over the next two years through a combination increased PILOT and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants.
Because of Democratic fiscal policies, in 2020 Connecticut finished its fiscal year with a surplus and reached the 15% threshold in our Rainy Day Fund, allowing us for the first time in 75 years to make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability. This fiscal prudence will also result in a budget volatility cap transfer of more than $1 billion at the end FY 21 to pay down our unfunded pension liability.
The budget increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor people from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%. That tax credit change will provide an additional $40 million in income – $158 million overall – to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.

Education

Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.
Vocational-Agricultural Education – Provides funding to increase the state per-pupil grant for Vocational Agriculture schools by $1,000.
Charter Schools – Provides funding to increase the per-pupil charter school grant from $11,250 to $11,525. The budget also provides funding for grade growth within some charter schools in the state. This will provide parity between traditional public schools and public charter schools.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.

Nonprofits & Nursing Homes

Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies. With additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 in federal funds.
Increased Rates for Home Health, Nonprofits and Waiver Services Providers
Increased the ratio of people providing direct care and social work services to residents in nursing homes
Statutory Increases for Nursing Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities & Boarding Home

Justice & Equity

Community Reinvestment – Provides $14 million from the FY 21 surplus for community investment to fund a variety of initiatives focused on reducing violence and providing support for Connecticut’s cities.
Cost-free communications for incarcerated persons
Inmate Medical Services – Provides additional support to allow for an increase in staffing.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.
Support for the Tourism Fund & Statewide Marketing Campaign- The Tourism Fund, which supports statewide marketing campaigns as well as various arts and cultural programs, is funded solely by an occupancy tax on hotel stays, a revenue source that has decreased dramatically due to the impacts of the pandemic. This provides funds of $15 million in immediate support for statewide marketing efforts in FY 21.

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – with No Tax Hikes

Posted on June 9, 2021November 4, 2023 by Webmaster

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – with No Tax Hikes

Senate gives Final, Bipartisan Approval to Two-Year State Budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year Democratic state budget that invests in education, cities and towns, and nonprofit social service providers while not raising taxes, remaining well under the state spending cap, and putting an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s historic unfunded pension debt.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many families across our area and in Connecticut, which raises the importance that we fund important programs that will help families to get back on their feet and plot out a path forward in recovering from COVID-19. This budget reflects that importance,” said Sen. McCrory. “It is an understatement to say schools are a lifeline for students and their families. I’m especially pleased by the additional support this budget will provide to students and their schools. Who have had to navigate the fallout from the pandemic for over the past year.”

Among the many investments this state budget makes are:

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget recognizes the structural and systemic inequities experienced by our major cities – many of which have over 50 percent of their property as non-taxable – and keeps our promises to municipalities by fully funding the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) formula that was championed by Senate President Martin Looney and passed earlier this session. This budget will provide over $525 million in additional funds to Connecticut cities and towns over the next two years through a combination increased PILOT and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants.

Hartford would receive an increase of over $54.5 million in total municipal aid, which includes ECS funding, between fiscal years 2021 and 2023, which is over 10% increase in funding from 2021.

Bloomfield will receive an increase of around $1.25 million in total municipal aid between 2021 and 2023, which is an increase of nearly 10% in funding from 2021. Windsor will receive an increase of slightly over $103,000 in total municipal aid between fiscal years 2021 and 2023.

The budget increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor people from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%. That tax credit change will provide an additional $40 million in income – $158 million overall – to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.
Because of Democratic fiscal policies, in 2020 Connecticut finished its fiscal year with a surplus and reached the 15% threshold in our Rainy Day Fund, allowing us for the first time in 75 years to make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability. This fiscal prudence will also result in a budget volatility cap transfer of more than $1 billion at the end FY 21 to pay down our unfunded pension liability.

Education

Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.

Under the budget, Hartford and Bloomfield would see an increase in ECS funding for the next two fiscal years. Hartford would receive an increase of over $10.3 million the next two fiscal years. Also, Bloomfield will see an increase of over $491,000 between 2021 and 2023.

Charter Schools – Provides funding to increase the per-pupil charter school grant from $11,250 to $11,525. The budget also provides funding for grade growth within some charter schools in the state. This will provide parity between traditional public schools and public charter schools.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.

Justice & Equity

Community Reinvestment – Provides $14 million from the FY 21 surplus for community investment to fund a variety of initiatives focused on reducing violence and providing support for Connecticut’s cities.
Cost-free communications for incarcerated persons
Inmate Medical Services – Provides additional support to allow for an increase in staffing.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.

Nonprofits & Nursing Homes

Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies. With additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 in federal funds.
Increased Rates for Home Health, Nonprofits and Waiver Services Providers
Increased the ratio of people providing direct care and social work services to residents in nursing homes
Statutory Increases for Nursing Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities & Boarding Home

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – with No Tax Hikes

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – with No Tax Hikes

Senate gives final, bipartisan approval to two-year state budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today joined her colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year Democratic state budget that invests in education, cities and towns, and nonprofit social service providers while not raising taxes, remaining well under the state spending cap, and putting an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s unfunded pension debt.

“This budget is really a moral document that addresses many of the issues that were brought before me and the Appropriations Committee over the course of dozens of hours of public hearings,” said Sen. Osten, who has Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee co-wrote the state budget. “This budget protects our private providers, who work with some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents, young and old. It funds our investments in education from pre-K all the way through college. It provides state funding for our cities and towns, which helps local taxpayers. It makes investments in workforce development and in our cities. And it does this all without violating our state spending cap and while making large payments toward our pension debt. Connecticut is in a pretty good financial position due to some fiscal policies we have enacted over the past several years, and our ability to save money and spend money elsewhere and pay down our debt in this budget is a direct result of that.”

The approved budget will bring another $8.48 million in state aid over the next two years to Sen. Osten’s Senate District towns of Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville and Norwich for a total of $198.495 million in state aid – representing year-over-year state grant increases of 3.75% in FY 22 and 5.17% in FY 23 compared to the current 2021 fiscal year funding.

Among the many investments this state budget makes are:

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget recognizes the structural and systemic inequities experienced by our major cities – many of which have over 50 percent of their property as non-taxable – and keeps our promises to municipalities by fully funding the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) formula that was championed by Senate President Martin Looney and passed earlier this session. This budget will provide over $525 million in additional funds to Connecticut cities and towns over the next two years through a combination increased PILOT and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants.
Because of Democratic fiscal policies, in 2020 Connecticut finished its fiscal year with a surplus and reached the 15% threshold in our Rainy Day Fund, allowing us for the first time in 75 years to make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability.  This fiscal prudence will also result in a budget volatility cap transfer of more than $1 billion at the end FY 21 to pay down our unfunded pension liability.
The budget increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor people from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%. That tax credit change will provide an additional $40 million in income – $158 million overall – to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.

Education

Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.
Vocational-Agricultural Education – Provides funding to increase the state per-pupil grant for Vocational Agriculture schools by $1,000.
Charter Schools – Provides funding to increase the per-pupil charter school grant from $11,250 to $11,525.  The budget also provides funding for grade growth within some charter schools in the state. This will provide parity between traditional public schools and public charter schools.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.

Nonprofits & Nursing Homes

Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies. With additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 in federal funds.
Increased Rates for Home Health, Nonprofits and Waiver Services Providers
Increased the ratio of people providing direct care and social work services to residents in nursing homes
Statutory Increases for Nursing Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities & Boarding Home

Justice & Equity

Community Reinvestment – Provides $14 million from the FY 21 surplus for community investment to fund a variety of initiatives focused on reducing violence and providing support for Connecticut’s cities.
Cost-free communications for incarcerated persons
Inmate Medical Services – Provides additional support to allow for an increase in staffing.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.
Support for the Tourism Fund & Statewide Marketing Campaign- The Tourism Fund, which supports statewide marketing campaigns as well as various arts and cultural programs, is funded solely by an occupancy tax on hotel stays, a revenue source that has decreased dramatically due to the impacts of the pandemic.  This provides funds of $15 million in immediate support for statewide marketing efforts in FY 21.

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – With No Tax Hikes

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Investing in Education, Towns, and Nonprofits – With No Tax Hikes

Senate gives final, bipartisan approval to two-year state budget; district to receive $180 million in state support

HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year Democratic state budget that invests in education, cities and towns, and nonprofit social service providers while not raising taxes, remaining well under the state spending cap, and putting an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s historic unfunded pension debt.

“After the pain and struggles shared by so many in the last year, we need a budget that supports the people of Connecticut. A budget with no tax increases that supports nonprofits and important programs that will benefit the state is just that,” said Sen. Anwar. “This budget fully funds education programs and supplies a debt-free community college program to help thousands of students. It commits a transfer of $1 billion to pay down pension deficits. It invests in our cities and our people. Importantly, it also ensures our district continues to receive key support from the state. It’s a strong effort for the people of Connecticut and I am proud to vote in support.”

The four towns in the 3rd district will receive $89.28 million next year (Fiscal Year 22) and $91.545 million the year after for a total of $180.83 million. Every town in the district will see an increase in state funding with an increase of $4.452 million next year and $6.712 million the year after.

Among the many investments this state budget makes are:

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget recognizes the structural and systemic inequities experienced by our major cities – many of which have over 50 percent of their property as non-taxable – and keeps our promises to municipalities by fully funding the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) formula that was championed by Senate President Martin Looney and passed earlier this session. This budget will provide over $525 million in additional funds to Connecticut cities and towns over the next two years through a combination increased PILOT and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants.
Because of Democratic fiscal policies, in 2020 Connecticut finished its fiscal year with a surplus and reached the 15% threshold in our Rainy Day Fund, allowing us for the first time in 75 years to make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability. This fiscal prudence will also result in a budget volatility cap transfer of more than $1 billion at the end FY 21 to pay down our unfunded pension liability.
The budget increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor people from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%. That tax credit change will provide an additional $40 million in income – $158 million overall – to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.

Education

Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.
Vocational-Agricultural Education – Provides funding to increase the state per-pupil grant for Vocational Agriculture schools by $1,000.
Charter Schools – Provides funding to increase the per-pupil charter school grant from $11,250 to $11,525. The budget also provides funding for grade growth within some charter schools in the state. This will provide parity between traditional public schools and public charter schools.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.

Nonprofits & Nursing Homes

Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies. With additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 in federal funds.
Increased Rates for Home Health, Nonprofits and Waiver Services Providers
Increased the ratio of people providing direct care and social work services to residents in nursing homes
Statutory Increases for Nursing Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities & Boarding Home

Justice & Equity

Community Reinvestment – Provides $14 million from the FY 21 surplus for community investment to fund a variety of initiatives focused on reducing violence and providing support for Connecticut’s cities.
Cost-free communications for incarcerated persons
Inmate Medical Services – Provides additional support to allow for an increase in staffing.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.
Support for the Tourism Fund & Statewide Marketing Campaign- The Tourism Fund, which supports statewide marketing campaigns as well as various arts and cultural programs, is funded solely by an occupancy tax on hotel stays, a revenue source that has decreased dramatically due to the impacts of the pandemic. This provides funds of $15 million in immediate support for statewide marketing efforts in FY 21.

New State Budget Invests in Education, Towns and Health Care, and Pays Down Debt

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

New State Budget Invests in Education, Towns and Health Care, and Pays Down Debt

Senate gives final, bipartisan approval to two-year state budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) today joined his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year Democratic state budget that invests in education, cities and towns, and nonprofit social service providers while not raising taxes, remaining well under the state spending cap, and putting an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s unfunded pension debt.

The Senate voted 31-5 to pass House Bill 6689, the state biennial budget for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The budget, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives, now heads to Governor Ned Lamont, who is expected to sign it into law.

“This budget will help Connecticut continue its comeback from the pandemic,” Sen. Slap. “We make critical investments in education, healthcare, our towns, workforce, and our seniors. At the same, we are making our budget fairer by increasing tax relief for working families through an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit. This budget also keeps Connecticut on the path to fiscal health. Our Rainy Day Fund is strong, our bond rating is higher for first time in decades, and we’re paying off more than $1 billion in debt. I’m pleased that many of our Republican colleagues joined us in voting yes. If there was ever a time to come together, it is now.”

The approved budget will bring another $7 million in state aid to Sen. Slap’s Senate District towns of Bloomfield, Burlington, Farmington and West Hartford over the next two years, for a total of $82.66 million – year-over-year state grant increases of 8.47% in each year compared to the current 2021 fiscal year funding.

Among the many investments this state budget makes are:

Fiscal Responsibility

This budget recognizes the structural and systemic inequities experienced by our major cities – many of which have over 50 percent of their property as non-taxable – and keeps our promises to municipalities by fully funding the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) formula that was championed by Senate President Martin Looney and passed earlier this session. This budget will provide over $525 million in additional funds to Connecticut cities and towns over the next two years through a combination increased PILOT and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants.
Because of Democratic fiscal policies, in 2020 Connecticut finished its fiscal year with a surplus and reached the 15% threshold in our Rainy Day Fund, allowing us for the first time in 75 years to make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability.  This fiscal prudence will also result in a budget volatility cap transfer of more than $1 billion at the end FY 21 to pay down our unfunded pension liability.
The budget increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor people from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%. That tax credit change will provide an additional $40 million in income – $158 million overall – to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.

Education

Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.
Vocational-Agricultural Education – Provides funding to increase the state per-pupil grant for Vocational Agriculture schools by $1,000.
Charter Schools – Provides funding to increase the per-pupil charter school grant from $11,250 to $11,525.  The budget also provides funding for grade growth within some charter schools in the state. This will provide parity between traditional public schools and public charter schools.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.

Nonprofits & Nursing Homes

Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies. With additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 in federal funds.
Increased Rates for Home Health, Nonprofits and Waiver Services Providers
Increased the ratio of people providing direct care and social work services to residents in nursing homes
Statutory Increases for Nursing Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities & Boarding Home

Justice & Equity

Community Reinvestment – Provides $14 million from the FY 21 surplus for community investment to fund a variety of initiatives focused on reducing violence and providing support for Connecticut’s cities.
Cost-free communications for incarcerated persons
Inmate Medical Services – Provides additional support to allow for an increase in staffing.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.
Support for the Tourism Fund & Statewide Marketing Campaign- The Tourism Fund, which supports statewide marketing campaigns as well as various arts and cultural programs, is funded solely by an occupancy tax on hotel stays, a revenue source that has decreased dramatically due to the impacts of the pandemic.  This provides funds of $15 million in immediate support for statewide marketing efforts in FY 21.

State Senator Matt Lesser Leads Passage Of Major Health Care Reform Bill

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

State Senator Matt Lesser Leads Passage Of Major Health Care Reform Bill

Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, led debate on a major health care reform bill. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support, after clearing the House earlier in the day.

House Bill 6687, ‘An Act Concerning Medical Assistance For Children And Adults Without Health Care Coverage,’ will guarantee prenatal coverage for low and moderate women in Connecticut, health insurance coverage for children 8 years and younger and one year of post-natal coverage regardless of immigration status.

The bill now heads to Governor Lamont, who is expected to sign it.

“It’s not every day that you get to offer prenatal coverage to every woman in Connecticut,” said Sen. Lesser. “Expanding access to health care to pregnant women and young children, regardless of immigration status, is obviously the right thing to do – but it’s also fiscally responsible. It relieves pressure on our hospitals, allows people to get the care they need and brings in federal funding. This is landmark legislation that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of Connecticut residents.”

In addition to HB 6687, the state budget expected to pass Wednesday expands health care coverage for low and moderate income citizens and permanent residents, a measure championed by Lesser. HUSKY eligibility is expanded through an innovative partnership between Medicaid and AccessHealth, the state’s Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Exchange.

HB 6687 requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) to expand eligibility for medical assistance to groups of people regardless of their immigration status. It extends health care coverage to children under age 9 regardless of immigration status, effective January 1, 2023.

Additionally, this bill will require the DSS to develop plans to phase in medical assistance income-eligible children ages 9 to 18, regardless of immigration status. Currently, six states in the U.S., including neighboring states New York and Massachusetts, provide this crucial health care coverage to all children regardless of immigration status. Just this year, Illinois decided to cover adults 65 and older, regardless of immigration status. With public insurance. California covers all immigrants up to age 26 in their Medicaid program.

Currently undocumented immigrants are prevented from receiving coverage under Medicaid and Medicare, and are also unable to purchase health insurance from Access Health CT’s exchange. This means that many immigrant survivors are unable to access healthcare because their undocumented status makes them ineligible. This is true for thousands of undocumented immigrant families in Connecticut who are blocked from obtaining healthcare coverage under these state-funded programs. Providing medical assistance to undocumented immigrants means not only safeguarding their individual wellbeing, but potentially that of the community as a whole.

HB 6687 also provides medical assistance for prenatal and postpartum care to women for 12 months after they have given birth, regardless of their immigration status. This is a policy that many states already implement, including states that are predominately Republican, like Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Prenatal care is important for women to help keep their babies healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care. Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.

Current policy in Connecticut requires an emergency room to treat someone if their life is in danger, regardless of immigration status.

Investing in Connecticut’s Future – With No Tax Hikes

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Investing in Connecticut’s Future – With No Tax Hikes

Senate gives final, bipartisan approval to two-year state budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today joined his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a bipartisan, two-year state budget that invests in education, towns, and nonprofit social service providers without raising taxes. This budget remains well under the state spending cap and allocates an extra $1 billion toward paying off Connecticut’s historic unfunded pension debt.

With a billion-dollar year-end budget surplus, the Rainy Day Fund at a historic high, our state bond rating at its strongest level in two decades, and state income tax and federal revenues swelling, Connecticut is well-positioned to make major investments in education, town aid, social services, health care and workforce development programs.

“This is a budget that paves the way for a better future in Connecticut,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m especially proud that it expands the Open Choice program in our region, enabling towns to welcome students from nearby urban districts that struggle with overcrowding. I’m also thrilled to know that the PACT program is fully funded, setting up Connecticut’s debt-free college system to assist thousands more students pursue a degree. It accomplishes all this and so much more without raising taxes, and I was happy to support it.”

The two-year General Fund budget totals $42.46 billion: $20.8 billion in FY 22, and $21.66 billion in FY 23. The budget including all nine special funds (i.e. the Special Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Workers’ Compensation and other funds) totals $46.36 billion. This remains $22.2 million under the state-mandated sending cap in FY 22 and $35.7 million under the spending cap in FY 23, all while making an extra billion-dollar payment toward Connecticut’s unfunded pension debt.

The seven towns in the 26th district will receive $11.62 million next year (Fiscal Year 22) and $11.667 million the year after for a total of $23.288 million. Every town in the district will see an increase in state funding with an increase of $324,590 next year and $371,222 the year after.

Highlights of the state budget include:

For decades, poor fiscal planning in Connecticut has led to ballooning unfunded pension liabilities. The cloud hanging over the head of today’s taxpayers is costly and unfair, and this budget ensures that the next generation does not face a similar headache. For the first time in 75 years, Connecticut will make a bulk payment of $63 million toward our unfunded pension liability.
The budget increases the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, the most successful anti-poverty program in American history. By increasing the tax credit from the current 23% of the federal income tax to 30.5%, this budget will put money back into the pockets of working families, providing an additional $40 million in income to nearly 195,000 Connecticut households.
Education Cost Sharing Grant – This budget keeps our promises related to local education funding and maintains the current roll-out of the ECS formula providing cities and towns with additional $130 million over the next two years, while holding harmless towns that would have otherwise lost funds. It also provides additional funding to school systems with higher numbers of low-income students and English Language Learner students.
Debt-Free Community College – Provides $14 million in FY 22 and $15 million in FY 23 to fully implement debt-free community college. This makes community college free and accessible to all students in Connecticut and leverages federal dollars brought in by additional student enrollment to help ensure the long-term success of our community college system.
Direct Support for Nonprofits – Provides $50 million in support from the FY 21 surplus to the non-profit providers of health and human services that contract with state agencies. In addition, it provides an additional $30 million in FY 22 and FY 23 to these agencies.
Supports Survivors of Domestic Violence – Provides funding for staff positions to implement new domestic violence laws and for a grant program to provide legal representation to applicants for restraining orders.

Connecticut Becomes 17th State to Allow Student-Athletes to Benefit From Their Own Name and Likeness

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Connecticut Becomes 17th State to Allow Student-Athletes to Benefit From Their Own Name and Likeness

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) led final passage in the Senate this evening of a bill that will allow college student athletes in Connecticut to be compensated for an endorsement contract or to hire a sports attorney

For several years Sen. Slap has advocated for the right of college athletes to profit from their name or likeness by engaging in paid advertisements – something that is now forbidden by the NCAA, even though that organization is allowing states to write their own rules.

Under a section of a higher education bill passed this evening (House Bill 6402), beginning September 1, college athletes in Connecticut can earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment, and they can hire the legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent.

“This bill really addresses an issue of basic fairness: these students – who are predominantly minority students – have helped the NCAA earn billions of dollars in sports broadcast fees, but until now they could not participate in any of that profit,” Sen. Slap said. “It’s time to give our student-athletes in Connecticut the opportunity to make some money off of their name and their face and their talents. A student who is talented in art or music can make money off of their name, so why not an athlete? We’re fortunate to live in a state where our female athletes also have opportunities to benefit and that’s just one more reason to celebrate its passage.”

The bill has been endorsed by UConn and other state colleges and universities who fear that they could be at a disadvantage to recruit and retain student-athletes without such a policy.

16 states have already passed similar laws, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and dozens of other states are considering similar legislation.

Sen. Slap Leads Senate Passage of Important Changes to Dyslexia Teaching

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Sen. Slap Leads Senate Passage of Important Changes to Dyslexia Teaching

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) today led final Senate passage of a bill that will help identify, screen, train and support students and teachers in dyslexia instruction, and will establish a new Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities in the state Department of Education.

House Bill 6517 passed the Senate on a unanimous and bipartisan vote and now heads to Governor Lamont for this signature into law.

“Connecticut has a wonderful public education system, but for students with dyslexia, too often they can’t take advantage of their educational opportunities until their dyslexia is identified and addressed,” Sen. Slap said. “This bill ensures that all of the plans and the goals that Connecticut has for students with dyslexia can be achieved, and that all students will succeed.”

HB 6517 seeks to support Connecticut’s Educator Preparation Programs in their efforts to implement exisiting legislation that prepares teachers to meet the needs of students who are at-risk for – or who are identified with – dyslexia, by providing a set of core standards to guide teachers in various interventions for students who are at-risk for, and identified with, dyslexia.

The recommendations are the result of a special dyslexia instruction task force that was created by the legislature in 2019. Since 2014, Connecticut’s school population has declined by 3%, but special education prevalence has increased by 15%. Since 2015, Connecticut’s dyslexia prevalence rate has increased by 200%, even though this number represents less than 1% of the state’s total student population.

Sen. Slap thanked the task force – including members Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senator Cathy Osten – for their commitment to students with dyslexia.

Winfield Leads Senate Approval of Cannabis Legalization Bill

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Webmaster

Winfield Leads Senate Approval of Cannabis Legalization Bill

Bill is first step in undoing a generation of racist, failed drug policy

Today, Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), along with Democrats in the state Senate, led passage of transformative legislation that will legalize recreational adult-use of cannabis, along with its sale, taxation, and regulation. The bill passed the Senate on a 19-17 vote.

This legislation contains measures that will begin the necessary and long-overdue work of fixing the damage caused by decades of failed drug policies. It will develop an expediated path for people from the most-impacted communities to be able to participate in and benefit from the introduction of a new business and job sector in Connecticut. Also, it will support the erasure of cannabis convictions, which will help rectify the impact of cannabis criminalization.

Senate Bill 1118, “An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis,” now advances to the state House of Representatives for discussion and a vote.

If recreational adult-use cannabis is legalized, Connecticut would join 18 other states that have legalized such use of cannabis, including New York, Massachusetts, and Maine. According to a recent Sacred Heart University poll, nearly 64% of surveyed Connecticut residents support legalizing cannabis. Also, over 61% of residents support erasure of convictions for recreational cannabis offenses.

Under Senate Bill 1118:

Legal purchase of cannabis for possession and use will be allowed in small amounts (up to 1.5 ounces in possession and additional 5 ounces in the home or vehicle) starting on January 1, 2022
Homegrown cannabis will be allowed for medical patients starting on October 1, 2022, with a limited number of plants allowed. Homegrown of the same allowed number of plants will be expanded to all households in July 2023
Retail sale of cannabis is estimated to begin in May 2022
$50 million in bonding is authorized for allocation by a Social Equity Council that will help targeted communities with loans to develop a business accelerator program and workforce training
Half of initial licenses of each license type (ex. cultivators and retailers) reserved for social equity applicants
The state Department of Consumer Protection will create two lotteries to receive licenses after the first open application period:
- First lottery for only social equity applicants
- Second lottery open to all applicants with social equity applicants able to participate in as well
Support safe driving by banning the driver and passengers in a vehicle from using cannabis when the vehicle is operating. Also, creates a new pretrial impaired driving intervention program
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to sell or provide cannabis to a person under 21 years old. Plus, an individual allowing someone under 21 years old to loiter at a cannabis store will receive a $1,000 fine on the first offense with subsequent offenses as a Class B misdemeanor
Certain drug possession convictions between January 1, 2000 and October 1, 2015 will be automatically erased. Option for erasure of certain cannabis-related convictions outside of this time period will require petitioning
The revenue from a 3% municipal sales tax will go toward the municipality where the retail sales took place. In addition to the 6.35% state sales tax will be placed, the THC content of the product purchased will be taxed by volume. Connecticut will generally have at least a 4% percent lower collective tax rate than New York’s cannabis tax rate

A social equity applicant is an individual or partners that have at least 65% majority ownership in a cannabis establishment and meet both additional criteria:

Have an average household income of less than 300 percent of the state median household income
A resident of a disproportionally impacted area (DIA) for five of the last ten years, or a resident of a DIA for nine years before turning 18 years old
A disproportionally impacted area means a U.S. census tract in Connecticut determined by the Social Equity Council as having a historical conviction rate for drug-related offenses that is above one-tenth and an above 10% unemployment rate.

The legislation provisions regarding social equity applicants in Connecticut’s cannabis industry ensures that communities that have suffered under the criminalization of cannabis are included in the job and economic development benefits of a growing industry across the nation. The United States added over 64,000 full-time, legal cannabis jobs in 2018, according to a joint 2019 report by Leafly, a cannabis industry site, and Whitney Economics. New York estimates its legalization of cannabis will generate between 30,000 to 60,000 jobs.

Senate Bill 1118, “An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis” would enact a series of measures:

Legal Possession and Use – Legal for People 21 Years and Older

Purchase of cannabis for possession and use will be legal for people 21 years and older effective on January 1, 2022. A person is allowed to have up to 1.5 ounces with an additional five ounces secured in the person’s home or vehicle

Homegrown cannabis does not count toward the allowed amount

Homegrown – legal possession and use for medical patients starts on October 1, 2022. A medical patient in Connecticut may have 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants. There is a limit of 12 plants per household

Starting July 1, 2023, any adult in the state may have the allowed amount of homegrown plants

Ensuring Equity in Connecticut’s Cannabis Business and Job Sector

The legislation contains several provisions to start the necessary work of repairing the damage caused by years of failed cannabis criminalization policies. Further, it will work to ensure communities most negatively-impacted by those polices are included in receiving the economic benefits that come from the new business and job sector in the state.

A 15-person Social Equity Council, with an executive director and appropriated funding, will be created. This council will determine the final guidance and rules applying to social equity applicants, and will review their applications.

Social equity applicants will have early access to the licenses to participate in the state’s cannabis industry by having 50% of the first licenses reserved for them. Also, there will be two license lotteries to follow the initial open application period. One of the lotteries is dedicated to just social equity applicants and the second lottery is open to all applicants, including social equity applicants. The state Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) will determine the max number of initial available applications for each license type.

Additional equity and business development provisions in the legislation are:

$50 million in bonding for co-use by the Social Equity Council and the state Department of Economic and Community Development for loans to develop property for cannabis establishments, workforce training and a business accelerator program
A 40% tax credit for angel investors investing in Connecticut cannabis businesses, which is above the usual 25% tax credit for investments in other business sectors
Medical cannabis growers will be allowed to expand their license into recreational production. This expansion would require creating a social equity plan, a workforce development plan, a $500,000 contribution to social equity programs, and a $3 million conversation fee. There are currently four cannabis approved growers (“producers” in statute)
Medical cannabis dispensaries can become hybrid-retailers (licensed to sell both medical and recreational cannabis) with a workforce development plan and $1 million conversion fee

The conversation fee on medical growers and dispensaries will have opportunities available to reduce the fee with social equity ventures.

Regulation of Licenses and Worker’s Rights

DCP will require licenses and background checks for cultivators, micro-cultivators, packaging facilities, retailers, hybrid-retailer (sells both recreational and medical cannabis), food manufacturers, product manufacturers, and delivery services. Employees would have to be licensed or registered
DCP will develop a data tracking system of cannabis in Connecticut that is produced, manufactured, transported, or sold
Each licensed entity (ex. a cannabis retailer) must have a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization. Also, any licensed entity will have to have a project labor agreement on any $5 million or more construction project

Cannabis Tax Revenue Structure in Connecticut and Regional Competitiveness

The legislation will enact a tax rate structure on retail sale of cannabis that provides a new source of revenue to support Connecticut’s towns and cities. Plus, it places the state on strong footing to compete with neighboring states where cannabis is legal.

A 3% percent municipal sales tax based on gross receipts. Revenue from this tax will be directed to the town or city where the retail sales occurred
6.35% state sales tax
A tax based on THC content of the product:

2.75 cents per milligram of THC for cannabis edibles
0.625 cents per milligram of THC for cannabis flower
0.9 cents per milligram of THC for all other product types

The inclusion of a tax on THC content of the product creates a stable source of tax revenue as the cannabis market progresses in future years.

Also, this retail tax rate structure means that Connecticut will generally have at least a 4% lower tax rate than New York’s cannabis tax rate and the state will be in the same tax rate area as Massachusetts.

Erasure of Convictions, Enforcement, Penalties, and Preventing Underage Use

The following penalties will be applied to those 21 and over for illegal possession or use. These are different than the penalties for violating laws pertaining to growing, manufacturing, illegal sales, and other regulated actions:

Illegal Low Amount: Meaning 1.5 to 5 ounces in possession or 5-8 ounces in the person’s home or vehicle

1st Offense – $100 fine
2nd Offense – $250 fine

Illegal Higher Amount: Meaning above 5 ounces in possession or over 8 ounces in a person’s home or vehicle

1st Offense – $500 fine
2nd Offense – Class C misdemeanor

Several measures will be put into effect to set a framework for erasure of convictions; protect privacy; enforce safe driving; and develop new diversionary programs

People convicted of certain drug possession between January 1, 2000 and October 1, 2015 will have automatic erasure of their convictions

Convictions before and after those above dates, and convictions for cannabis paraphernalia or sale of under 8 ounces of cannabis will have to petition the courts for an erasure

At least a reasonable suspicion of five ounces of cannabis is required to declare probable cause by law enforcement, and law enforcement may not use the smell of cannabis for probable cause
POST (Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) will create standards for law enforcement to use in the field for nontestimonial drug influence evaluations. Also, an accident that results in serious bodily injury will require a law enforcement officer to assess a person suspected of drug influence
Both the driver and passengers in the vehicle are not allowed to use cannabis when the vehicle is operating
Creates new diversionary programs to allow the suspension of prosecution including a pretrial impaired driving intervention program and a pretrial drug education and community service program

If a court finds someone is drug dependent, the court can suspend prosecution with the order that the person enter into a substance abuse treatment program

Discouraging Underage Use of Cannabis and Penalties Against Selling to Underage Individuals

The legislation implements several provisions to dissuade underage (under 21 years old) use of cannabis including:

Banning TV, radio, internet, print, or billboard advertising unless the advertiser has reliable evidence that 90% or more of the audience is 21 years old or above
A person under 21 years old lying about their age or using a fake ID to buy cannabis is a Class D misdemeanor

Also, people under 18 years old found to illegally possess and use less than 5 ounces of cannabis will receive a warning and possible referral to youth services bureau. The second offense would require a referral and following offenses would have the youth adjudicated as a delinquent. If the offense involves more than 5 ounces it is an automatic adjudication as a delinquent.

For illegal possession and use of less than 5 ounces by a person between 18 and 20 years old, the penalties would be a $50 fine on the first offense and following offenses carry a $150 fine with an option to do six hours of community service. If above 5 ounces, then it is a $500 for first offense and offenses after are a Class D misdemeanor.

In addition, a person selling or providing to, inducing the purchase of, and allowing the use in someone’s home of cannabis by someone under 21 years old is a Class A misdemeanor. Also, someone allowing a person under 21 to loiter in a cannabis store will face a $1000 fine on the first offense and is a Class B misdemeanor on subsequent offenses.