Senator Cohen and Representative Parker Welcome $4.1 Million in State Bonding for Madison Projects
MADISON – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and State Representative John-Michael Parker (D-Madison) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $4 million for the conversion of the former Academy School into a new community center, and another $150,000 for the local American Legion post to renovate its meeting hall, when the Commission meets next week in Hartford.
Sen. Cohen and Rep. Parker worked with local officials over recent months to make the state bonding a priority for Madison residents.
“The Academy building is an iconic structure in downtown Madison, adding to the town’s beauty and charm. I had family fortunate enough to attend school at Academy, but over the past many years, it has laid dormant. I am thrilled that the voices of Madison residents voted in favor of Academy’s conversion to a space that the entire community can visit, congregate and recreate,” Sen. Cohen said. “And while this referendum resulted in a significant financial undertaking, I am so glad that we were able to secure about 25% of the project with state funding. This is an incredibly exciting development for Madison and will truly represent an epicenter of the community. Additionally, I am grateful that we will be securing $150,000 to award to the veterans of the American Legion Post 79. With the exterior renovation all but complete and fundraised within the town, there was a gap in funding necessary to fill in order to revive the interior. The online fundraiser of the American Legion has secured additional funds of $1,000 in recent months, but the state funding will supercharge those donations and enable our veterans to have a beautiful facility once again. ”
“Since my days as a third-grader at Academy School in 1996, I’ve known how important this building—and what it symbolizes for our community—has been to the town of Madison,” said Rep. Parker. ”The journey of preserving this extraordinary historic resource and turning it into a community center has been a labor of love over many years by countless citizens, town leaders, and volunteer advocates, and I’m so proud to see that work come to fruition. With resounding support from the voters at referendum just last month, the Academy Community Center will offer important resources to our town, not only through artistic, creative, and recreational space and amenities, but through critical expanded capacity for our thriving municipal government. Also, the American Legion Post 79 building is an important resource not only for the heroes who have bravely served our country, but for our entire community. Located in the heart of Madison, the Legion hosts a number of important community events—and provides continued support to our servicemen and women. I’m so grateful that Governor Lamont has recognized the special value of these projects in our community and has chosen to make an historic investment in Madison.”
“These state funds we are approving for Madison will help ensure that infrastructure for several valued resources in the town remain modernized and in a good state of repair, and I am glad that we can partner with them on these projects,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
“We are very grateful and excited to see that the state will be approving bond funding support for Madison’s Academy Community Center project and the renovation of the American Legion Hall,” Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said. “Last month, Madison voters overwhelmingly approved the repurposing of the Academy building from a former school into a center for arts, education, recreation and culture. State funding will help us achieve that goal while also reducing the cost burden on local taxpayers. This historic building, which lies in the heart of our community, is a treasured town asset that has played an important role in our history, and will be transformational for our downtown after sitting vacant for many years. The American Legion facility is an important lifeline for our veterans and these funds will help make some necessary improvements. Thank you Governor Lamont for your incredible support for Madison and these important community driven projects. Thank you Senator Cohen for your leadership and guidance in advocating for our veterans and for supporting the landmark Academy project. And thank you to Representative John-Michael Parker for your dedicated work on the development of the Academy project and continued assistance in ushering it from concept to approval.”
“The American Legion is very grateful for Senator Cohen’s and Representative Parker’s initiative to secure state bonding, and we look forward to its approval next week,” said Charlie Corso, commander of the American Legion Griswold Post 79. “The building was built in 1936 and it hasn’t had any renovations since 1952, when an addition was put on to serve veterans returning from World War Two. The interior of the building is going to need major surgery – open it up, new bathrooms, and more. We’ve been keeping our fingers crossed for more funding.”
The former Academy School, built in 1921, was closed by the Board of Education in 2004 and handed over to the town in 2011. The idea for a community center came from a public opinion poll completed in 2018. However, the building is not ADA compliant; it needs to be made fully handicapped accessible, and for asbestos and environmental hazards in the building to be removed. When compete, the new community center is expected to feature a large gymnasium with a stage, social lobby/lounge with a cafe, various community spaces, and an auditorium/meeting room. The Beach and Recreation and Youth and Family Services offices would be moved to the building, and additional parking would be added.
The American Legion Griswold Post 79, which has been located at the corner of Bradley Road and Academy Street since 1936, launched a fundraiser last year to renovate the facility. The 130 Post members will expand the front porch, move the handicapped ramp, remove all the siding and window trim, and upgrade the interior.
West Hartford’s Plan to Replace Tennis Courts at Both High Schools Gets Boost From the State
West Hartford’s Plan to Replace Tennis Courts at Both High Schools Gets Boost From the State
West Hartford legislative delegation says state investment will benefit entire town for decades
Today, West Hartford legislators including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford), State Representative Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford), State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) and West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor celebrated the State Bond Commission placing $3 million in funding for renovations of tennis courts at Conard High School and Hall High School on its agenda for its March 31 meeting. The funding will support the renovation of 24 tennis courts, 12 at each school, which are used as sites for state high school tennis championships and members of the local community in addition to the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams for the spring season at the respective schools.
“I want to thank Gov. Lamont for his support of this project and working with us to ensure it can move forward quickly,” said Sen. Slap. “The tennis courts at both Conard and Hall high schools are in rough shape and the time to replace them has finally arrived. We all know how important recreation is for the physical and mental health of adolescents and adults – so this is a smart investment. Everyone in town – not just students – can benefit from this project for decades to come.”
“Athletic facilities at Hall and Conard High Schools have needed upgrading for quite some time now,” Rep. Exum said. “I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to help secure the funding and would like to thank Governor Lamont for approving this much-needed project.”
“Thank you to Governor Lamont, State Rep. Borer, and the entire Connecticut State Bond Commission for supporting this project to offer our residents and student-athletes safe and modern facilities to play a life-long sport,” said Rep. Farrar. “This is great news for the health and wellness of our community. I am pleased to have worked alongside town leaders and my colleagues in the West Hartford delegation to secure these funds for our town.”
“I want to thank the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their consideration of this project. Conard and Hall High School are long overdue for an update to their tennis courts,” said Rep. Gilchrest. “I am hopeful that this will pass in the Bond Commission vote and excited to see this project get underway so students and members of the West Hartford community can enjoy this recreational space for years to come.”
“The state bonding for the tennis courts at our two public high schools is greatly appreciated and is an investment in the health and well being of our students and community,” said Mayor Cantor. “I want to thank Senator Slap and Governor Lamont for their support for our community and our students.”
The $3 million, which needs final approval by the Bond Commission during its March 31 meeting, will go toward replacing current asphalt courts with tension concrete courts, with new exterior fencing and nets. The courts would have a 20-year warranty from structural cracking, heaving and settling and a 10-year warranty from bubbling and peeling.
Currently, the asphalt surface of the courts over time dry out and shrink, which leads to cracks that can be hazardous for players. Annual repairs, including resealing the courts, cost roughly $60,000. The courts have a surface age of roughly 25 years, nearing the end of service life.
Sen. Anwar Welcomes Bond Commission Support of East Hartford, East Windsor Projects
Sen. Anwar Welcomes Bond Commission Support of East Hartford, East Windsor Projects
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the State Bond Commission placing $3.8 million in total funding for projects in East Hartford and East Windsor on the agenda for its March 30 meeting. The funding will support East Hartford’s Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and support significant park improvements in East Windsor.
“I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting these important projects in our district, especially given their positive impact on the local community,” said Sen. Anwar. “The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology plays a vital role in educating the manufacturers of tomorrow in the most cutting-edge advances; funding its apprenticeship programs will play a significant role in supporting the workforce of tomorrow. As well, heavy investment in East Windsor’s parks will provide local residents with safer, improved resources for outdoor recreation. I look forward to seeing these projects receive this funding; it will bolster what they can offer to Connecticut.”
“These state funds for East Hartford and East Windsor will help ensure that the towns can continue supporting the needs of those who live the community, and I’m glad that we are able to partner with them on these projects,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission.
According to the State Bond Commission’s March 30 meeting agenda, the following funding distributions will be made, pending final approval:
- In East Hartford, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology will receive $3 million in grants for projects recommended through the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, most prominently supporting apprenticeship programs.
- In East Windsor, $800,000 will be invested in town parks, including installing lighting and irrigation among other upgrades.
Senator Moore Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Senator Moore Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
HARTFORD – On a day when regular gasoline prices hovered over $4 a gallon across Connecticut, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) voted today to cut Connecticut’s gas tax by 25 cents a gallon for the next three months – saving Connecticut motorists an estimated $90 million between now and June 30.
Sen. Moore also voted today to create a second sales-tax free week on clothing and shoes valued at under $100 to take place in April; the move is expected to save Connecticut consumers $3 million.
Today’s vote also saves Connecticut commuters an additional $8.1 million providing free public bus service transportation in Connecticut through June 30.
“Passing this legislation helps save money for residents in our state including people in my district who rely on public transportation to get to work and school,” said Sen. Moore. “I have seen how many people ride the bus every day and several will benefit from the free transportation. Those who don’t take transportation, but drive will also be given a break when they see the prices at the pump decrease. My colleagues and I are working to give our community a break after these past few weeks of increased pricing, including a second sales tax free week will help people save more money when buying new clothes for the warmer months ahead.”
Sen. Moore approved the combined $101.3 million in savings for Connecticut residents today by joining the bipartisan vote for House Bill 5501, “AN ACT SUSPENDING CERTAIN GAS TAXES AND SALES AND USE TAXES ON CERTAIN CLOTHING AND ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR FREE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES.” The bill had passed the House of Representatives earlier in the day and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.
House Bill 5501 requires retail gas dealers to reduce their pump prices by 25 cents per gallon or face charges of unfair or deceptive trades practices. The $90 million gas tax cut will not affect Connecticut’s General Fund budget – which is now enjoying a $1.7 billion surplus – or its record-setting $3 billion Rainy Day Fund; the money will only affect the state’s Special Transportation Fund, where gasoline taxes are routinely deposited
The April sales tax holiday on clothing under $100 is designed to provide families with economic relief in the face of rising inflation, and it will be in addition to Connecticut’s annual tax-free week on apparel that traditionally takes place in August. Under sales-tax free week, clothing and shoes with retail prices under $100 will be exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.
Items included in the sales tax holiday include socks, hats, belts, blouses, diapers, dresses, employee uniforms, cress or work gloves, golf jackets and shirts, jeans, sweat suits, underwear, jackets, scarves, many types of shoes, sleepwear and swimsuits. Items that remain taxable include specialty boots for fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and firefighting; specialty gloves including athletic, garden, golf, tennis and rubber gloves; handbags; headbands; ice skates; martial arts attire and sports uniforms and helmets; safety equipment; specialty shoes including ballet, bicycle, bowling, football, golf, track and jazz shoes; ski pants; wallets; and wet suits.
Senator Maroney Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Senator Maroney Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
HARTFORD – On a day when regular gasoline prices hovered over $4 a gallon across Connecticut, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted today to cut Connecticut’s gas tax by 25 cents a gallon for the next three months – saving Connecticut motorists an estimated $90 million between now and June 30.
Sen. Maroney also voted today to create a second sales-tax free week on clothing and shoes valued at under $100 to take place in April; the move is expected to save Connecticut consumers $3 million.
Today’s vote also saves Connecticut commuters an additional $8.1 million providing free public bus service transportation in Connecticut through June 30.
“I know how hard a morning commute can be for those who have to take public transportation, so with this free service, I am hoping it will ease their experience a bit,” said Sen. Maroney. “This also allows folks to save money if they prefer to take public transportation instead of driving with the expense of gas and car upkeep. And this second week allowing for sales tax to be waived lets our residents shop without having to worry about an added expense. With prices increased everywhere, it gives customers a sense of hope knowing they will be able to save some money if they are in need of new clothes for themselves or their children.”
Sen. Maroney approved the combined $101.3 million in savings for Connecticut residents today by joining the bipartisan vote for House Bill 5501, “AN ACT SUSPENDING CERTAIN GAS TAXES AND SALES AND USE TAXES ON CERTAIN CLOTHING AND ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR FREE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES.” The bill had passed the House of Representatives earlier in the day and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.
House Bill 5501 requires retail gas dealers to reduce their pump prices by 25 cents per gallon or face charges of unfair or deceptive trades practices. The $90 million gas tax cut will not affect Connecticut’s General Fund budget – which is now enjoying a $1.7 billion surplus – or its record-setting $3 billion Rainy Day Fund; the money will only affect the state’s Special Transportation Fund, where gasoline taxes are routinely deposited
The April sales tax holiday on clothing under $100 is designed to provide families with economic relief in the face of rising inflation, and it will be in addition to Connecticut’s annual tax-free week on apparel that traditionally takes place in August. Under sales-tax free week, clothing and shoes with retail prices under $100 will be exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.
Items included in the sales tax holiday include socks, hats, belts, blouses, diapers, dresses, employee uniforms, cress or work gloves, golf jackets and shirts, jeans, sweat suits, underwear, jackets, scarves, many types of shoes, sleepwear and swimsuits. Items that remain taxable include specialty boots for fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and firefighting; specialty gloves including athletic, garden, golf, tennis and rubber gloves; handbags; headbands; ice skates; martial arts attire and sports uniforms and helmets; safety equipment; specialty shoes including ballet, bicycle, bowling, football, golf, track and jazz shoes; ski pants; wallets; and wet suits.
Senator Miller Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Senator Miller Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), called on the Darien Board of Education to reconsider the Open Choice Program. This week the Darien Board of Education voted to not participate in the Open Choice Program and not receive students from Norwalk this fall. Senators Duff, Miller, and Haskell have released the following statement in response to this action:
“Last legislative session we were proud to expand the successful Open Choice program to include Norwalk, opening the door for students to attend public schools in surrounding towns, including Darien. Open Choice is a win-win, allowing both urban and suburban students to gain exposure to new communities and experiences. Strengthening the understandings of diversity and inclusion among our young people cannot be done with just a mission statement. Diversity and inclusion are lived, not just promised. We call on the Darien Board of Education to reconsider their rejection of the Open Choice Program and do what is best for both Darien and Norwalk students.”
The Board of Education voted 5-4 last night against the Open Choice Program, with all ‘No’ votes coming from Republican board members. The four ‘Yes’ votes came from three Democratic board members and one Republican board member.
The Open Choice program allows urban students to attend public schools in nearby suburban towns. Enrollments are offered by school districts on a space-available basis in grades K-12. If the program was to move forward, it would have allowed 16 kindergartners from Norwalk to attend Darien’s four elementary schools this fall.
According to the U.S. Census report, 91% of the population in Darien is white, 0.9% is Black or African American, 5.6% of the population is Asian, 0.1% is Native Hawaiian, 4.1% is Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% is two or more races. The Open Choice program helps to diversify the classrooms which leads to better education outcomes for students. Young children benefit from different perspectives and a variety of backgrounds in the classroom. Without a program such as Open Choice, young children lose out on opportunities that make for a successful future.
Sen. Cabrera Joins Colleagues to Ensure Outdoor Dining Can Continue Without Interruption Through 2023
Sen. Cabrera Joins Colleagues to Ensure Outdoor Dining Can Continue Without Interruption Through 2023
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted in favor of legislation ensuring outdoor dining, a practice that grew in popularity during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic allowing restaurants to safely offer their services, will continue without interruption through 2023. In doing so, an initial target for municipalities to allow outdoor dining in perpetuity was shifted from this year to 2023, a precaution taken due to the continued uncertainty posed by rapidly shifting pandemic dynamics.
“Outdoor dining has not only helped restaurants in Connecticut, but also folks hoping to get a taste of normalcy in the early days of the pandemic and now is a viable and convenient option for everyone,” said Sen. Cabrera. “We’ve got some great restaurants in our community and this extension will make their lives easier and enable them to serve even more customers. I’m proud to support this passage.”
House Bill 5271, “An Act Concerning The Provision Of Outdoor Food and Beverage Services and Outdoor Displays of Goods,” extends laws passed last year to allow the continuation of outdoor dining and retail activities initially authorized during the pandemic. Those laws are extended through April 30, 2023. On May 1, 2023, businesses seeking to continue outdoor dining operations would need to seek local approval.
Studies and surveys show that outdoor dining as an option has shown strong benefits for restaurants and demand for restaurant patrons. The National Restaurant Association reported in October 2021 that, as the Delta variant spread across the United States in early fall 2021, nearly 10% more restaurants offered outdoor dining than in prior months. Restaurants found that outdoor dining comprised a significant swath of sales – 60% of restaurants saw at least 21% of sales coming from outdoor dining – and 71% of full service restaurants saw increased customer demand for outdoor seating.
Outdoor dining is a valuable tool to aid restaurants as the pandemic continues to cause tumult in the industry. As of March 2021, more than 10% of restaurants in the United States had closed permanently, impacting millions; flexible options like outdoor dining allow businesses to diversify their offerings and appeal to cautious diners. Many downtown and central areas of towns saw outdoor offerings bring new foot traffic and interest as well.
Senator James Maroney Joins Colleagues to Ensure Outdoor Dining Can Continue Without Interruption Through 2023
Senator James Maroney Joins Colleagues to Ensure Outdoor Dining Can Continue Without Interruption Through 2023
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in favor of legislation ensuring outdoor dining, a practice that grew in popularity during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic allowing restaurants to safely offer their services, will continue without interruption through 2023. In doing so, an initial target for municipalities to allow outdoor dining in perpetuity was shifted from this year to 2023, a precaution taken due to the continued uncertainty posed by rapidly shifting pandemic dynamics.
“Outdoor dining proved to be a great asset last year to many restaurants during the pandemic,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am thrilled local businesses around our state will get to take advantage of this once again and allow customers the ability to dine outside. It adds a sense of community and excitement for customers and allows restaurants to thrive.”
House Bill 5271, “An Act Concerning The Provision Of Outdoor Food and Beverage Services and Outdoor Displays of Goods,” extends laws passed last year to allow the continuation of outdoor dining and retail activities initially authorized during the pandemic. Those laws are extended through April 30, 2023. On May 1, 2023, businesses seeking to continue outdoor dining operations would need to seek local approval.
Studies and surveys show that outdoor dining as an option has shown strong benefits for restaurants and demand for restaurant patrons. The National Restaurant Association reported in October 2021 that, as the Delta variant spread across the United States in early fall 2021, nearly 10% more restaurants offered outdoor dining than in prior months. Restaurants found that outdoor dining comprised a significant swath of sales – 60% of restaurants saw at least 21% of sales coming from outdoor dining – and 71% of full service restaurants saw increased customer demand for outdoor seating.
Outdoor dining is a valuable tool to aid restaurants as the pandemic continues to cause tumult in the industry. As of March 2021, more than 10% of restaurants in the United States had closed permanently, impacting millions; flexible options like outdoor dining allow businesses to diversify their offerings and appeal to cautious diners. Many downtown and central areas of towns saw outdoor offerings bring new foot traffic and interest as well.
Sen. Cabrera Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Break Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Sen. Cabrera Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Break Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Over $100 million in tax savings for CT residents
HARTFORD – On a day when regular gasoline prices hovered around $4 a gallon across Connecticut, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted today to cut Connecticut’s gas tax by 25 cents a gallon for the next three months – saving Connecticut motorists an estimated $90 million between now and June 30.
Sen. Cabrera’s also voted today to create a second sales-tax free week on clothing and shoes valued at under $100 to take place in April; the move is expected to save Connecticut consumers $3 million.
Today’s vote also saves Connecticut commuters an additional $8.1 million providing free public bus service transportation in Connecticut through June 30.
“It can be challenging and stressful enough balancing a budget for one, let alone the many hard-working families who have been negatively impacted by the high cost of gas,” said Sen. Cabrera, Vice Chair of the Labor and Public Affairs Committee. “Today, I joined my colleagues to vote in favor of giving folks across the state a break. Not just a break at the pump with the suspension of the gas tax, which will save about $100 million for Connecticut motorists, but also a break in the marketplace with a week-long sales tax break on clothes and shoes in April and free bus rides for the duration of the gas tax break. These interventions will provide Connecticut residents with much-needed and deserved relief for the near future.”
Sen. Cabrera approved the combined $101.3 million in savings for Connecticut residents today by joining the bipartisan vote for House Bill 5501, “AN ACT SUSPENDING CERTAIN GAS TAXES AND SALES AND USE TAXES ON CERTAIN CLOTHING AND ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR FREE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES.” The bill had passed the House of Representatives earlier in the day and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.
House Bill 5501 requires retail gas dealers to reduce their pump prices by 25 cents per gallon or face charges of unfair or deceptive trades practices. The $90 million gas tax cut will not affect Connecticut’s General Fund budget – which is now enjoying a $1.7 billion surplus – or its record-setting $3 billion Rainy Day Fund; the money will only affect the state’s Special Transportation Fund, where gasoline taxes are routinely deposited
The April sales tax holiday on clothing under $100 is designed to provide families with economic relief in the face of rising inflation, and it will be in addition to Connecticut’s annual tax-free week on apparel that traditionally takes place in August. Under sales-tax free week, clothing and shoes with retail prices under $100 will be exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.
Items included in the sales tax break include socks, hats, belts, blouses, diapers, dresses, employee uniforms, cress or work gloves, golf jackets and shirts, jeans, sweat suits, underwear, jackets, scarves, many types of shoes, sleepwear and swimsuits. Items that remain taxable include specialty boots for fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and firefighting; specialty gloves including athletic, garden, golf, tennis and rubber gloves; handbags; headbands; ice skates; martial arts attire and sports uniforms and helmets; safety equipment; specialty shoes including ballet, bicycle, bowling, football, golf, track and jazz shoes; ski pants; wallets; and wet suits.
Sen. Cabrera Takes Action to Make Voting Easier By Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots
Sen. Cabrera Takes Action to Make Voting Easier By Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) acted to make voting easier by expanding access to absentee ballots, making it easier for residents to participate in elections by that method. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, absentee ballots have provided a safe and simple way for residents concerned for their health to cast ballots; today’s vote on House Bill 5262 solidifies their options to do so.
“We know how integral participation is to our democracy and I have long-since been a supporter of making voting easier for everyone in our state,” Sen. Cabrera. “At a time when we are becoming more aware of the fragility of democracy and freedom both at home and abroad, it is important to protect and make stronger the rights of all people to participate in the democratic process. This remains especially important as we continue to navigate the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
House Bill 5262, “An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes,” expands two of the six reasons why qualified voters can participate in an election via absentee ballot. Under the bill, qualified voters may vote by absentee if they are unable to appear in person because of “sickness,” instead of their own illness, and due to “physical disability,” instead of their own physical disability. The bill also allows voters to cast ballots via absentee if they are unable to appear at their polling place due to absence from the town they are registered to vote in, updating language allowing that reason only in cases where a voter is absent during all hours of voting.
The bill also modifies language to apply reasons for voting absentee to qualified voters who are unable to appear at their polling place during the day of an election, primary or referendum, expanding current language that only applies to those unable to appear during all hours of voting on that day.
The changes this legislation provides will be in place permanently.