Author: Devin James

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES PROPERTY TAX CUT FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES PROPERTY TAX CUT FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS

Longtime military veterans’ advocate State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the Senate passage of a bill that she has been working on for years: fully exempting local property taxes on the primary residence and any motor vehicle belonging to a former member of the armed services who has a permanent and total 100% disability rating.

House Bill 5491, “An Act Establishing A Property Tax Exemption For Veterans Who Have A Service-Connected Permanent And Total Disability Rating,” passed the Senate late Tuesday night on a unanimous and bipartisan basis and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

It’s estimated that there are 1,209 veterans in Connecticut with a permanent and total disability, and that the tax breaks allowed under the new bill will save them $4.9 million a year.

“The concept of sacrifice for one’s country needs to be remembered and honored. One of the many ways we can do this for our veterans is to remove the burden of property taxes from veterans who are totally disabled,” said Sen. Osten, who is a U.S. Army veteran and American Legion Post commander. “Historically, over a century ago, Connecticut did much more for its veterans when it came to property taxes. Since then, we haven’t really come close to keeping up with those levels of tax breaks. This bill makes some headway for permanently disabled veterans. It’s a good first step, but the work honoring our veterans will continue.”

Under existing state law, former service members who have disability ratings of at least 10% are eligible for a partial property tax exemption. Those who have a 100% disability rating

(regardless of whether it’s permanent) are eligible for a property tax exemption of at least $3,500.

Connecticut first directed municipalities to exempt a portion of property tax for certain veterans in 1875. A few years later, in1890, state law exempted $1,000 of a home’s assessed valuation from taxation. At the time, an average home was worth about $3,000, so essentially veterans were saving 33% on their property taxes. As of March 2024, the median sales price of a home in Connecticut was $389,000.

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SENATOR MARX CHEERS AS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS TO BECOME LAW

Posted on by Devin James
May 8, 2024

SENATOR MARX CHEERS AS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS TO BECOME LAW

As the 2024 legislative session nears its end, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) cheered as legislation that will provide a property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected total disability ratings passed both the House and Senate and will be signed into law in coming weeks. As Senate Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, Sen. Marx was excited that these veterans will receive important financial relief.

“Our veterans who made sacrifices for our country deserve continued support, and this bill will help relieve financial pressures that negatively impact their lives,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m proud that my colleagues and I were able to move this important aid forward.”

House Bill 5491, “An Act Establishing A Property Tax Exemption For Veterans Who Have A Service-Connected Permanent And Total Disability Rating,” will fully exempt a veteran with a permanent and total 100% disability rating from property tax on their primary residence or motor vehicle. This bill expands existing policies, allowing for increased financial relief for these men and women who sacrificed for the United States and experienced permanent injury in the process.

Under the bill, this full exemption applies to either a primary residence the service member owns, which can include condominiums or units in common-interest communities, or a motor vehicle kept in the state if a service member does not own a primary residence.

Upon its signing into law, the bill will go into effect October 1 and will be applicable to assessment years starting on or after that date.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Fights for Legislation Including More Than $7.5 Million in Support for Bridgeport and Stratford 

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Fights for Legislation Including More Than $7.5 Million in Support for Bridgeport and Stratford

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including roughly $7.5 million in additional resources to support Bridgeport and projects championed by Senator Herron Keyon Gaston.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included $7 million in municipal aid for Bridgeport to support vital services like education and public safety. Senator Gaston, a Democrat who represents Bridgeport and Stratford, also secured resources to fund projects in Stratford, including $50,000 for the Southend Community Center.

“While it’s easy to make empty promises, this $7 million proves that an unwavering commitment to advocating for Bridgeport and Stratford can deliver real and tangible results for our community,” Senator Gaston said. “This funding is unprecedented and shows what can be accomplished when a freshman senator rolls up his sleeves and hits the ground running. I am proud to have secured resources to ensure Bridgeport can meet its budget obligations as well as funding for a dozen other projects enriching the lives of folks across the city and in Stratford.”

  • Stratford – Southend Community Center – $50,000

  • Bridgeport – Pop Warner Football League -$25,000

  • Bethlehem House Bridgeport/Stratford – $30,000

  • New Hope Missionary Baptist Church- $40,000

  • The Dominican American Coalition- $25,000

  • Eastend Popup Market – $10,000

  • Sisters at the Shore – $50,000

  • Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse – $100,000

  • Hoops & Dreams – $75,000

  • Bridgeport Ballerz – $25,000

  • Colors of the World- $10,000

  • Elevate Bridgeport – $100,000

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

In addition to ARPA funding, Senator Gaston also secured $150,000 in Youth Violence Prevention Grants through the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division to support the efforts of Bridgeport and Stratford nonprofits serving young people.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS FINAL PASSAGE IN SENATE OF A BILL TO SUPPORT STRIKING WORKERS AND OTHER NEEDY FAMILIES

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS FINAL PASSAGE IN SENATE OF A BILL TO SUPPORT STRIKING WORKERS AND OTHER NEEDY FAMILIES

State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today led final passage in the Senate of a bill that creates the “Connecticut Families and Workers Account” to be used by the state comptroller to assist low-income workers in the state – including union members who are out on strike.

The new account is financed with up to $3 million in unexpended funds from the Fiscal Year 2024 State Employees Health Services Costs within the State Comptroller – Fringe Benefits account that will be carried forward into Fiscal Year 2025, which begins July 1.

House Bill 5431 passed the Senate just before midnight Wednesday as the last bill of the 2024 session on a partisan 23-12 vote; it now heads to Governor Lamont for his signature into law.

“There was a lot of discussion over the past few months about the need to level the playing field for striking workers so they could exercise their rights under the law without fear of having to feed their families or maybe losing their homes,” Sen. Kushner said. “Now it’s up to the comptroller to administer this fund in the best way possible, which I’m sure he will do.”

“Labor law is heavily weighted in favor of employers. In fact, they have their thumb on the scale during negotiations,” said Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. “But the General Assembly took a major step towards leveling the playing field for working people by establishing a fund to aid striking workers. House Bill 5431 will allow workers to exercise their right to strike without simultaneously facing foreclosures, evictions and repossessions. It follows the example set by New York and New Jersey who have had similar laws on the books for several years.”

The concept of the “Connecticut Families and Workers Account” is rooted in House Bill 5164, “AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS,” which would have allowed striking employees to access unemployment benefits after a period of two consecutive weeks of striking. The bill received wide support at its public hearing and passed out of the committee on a partisan 8-4 vote.

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Senators Maher and Kushner Secure $405,000 For Ridgefield, Sen. Maher Secures $520,000 For Weston and Wilton

Posted on by Devin James

May 7, 2024

Senators Maher and Kushner Secure $55,000 For Ridgefield, Sen. Maher Secures $520,000 For Weston and Wilton

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $925,000 in projects supporting the 26th Senate District in the 2024 legislative session. State Senators Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) secured $55,000 for Ridgefield, while Sen. Maher secured an additional $520,000 for Weston and Wilton.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday includes $55,000 for the Ridgefield Meeting House. It further includes $500,000 to support Weston emergency operations and $20,000 for dishwasher and utensil upgrades for Wilton High School, a project that Sen. Maher supported thanks to advocacy from Wilton High junior Danny Banashak.

“Our communities benefit from strong support in Hartford,” said Sen. Maher. “It’s rewarding to be able to deliver this funding; knowing these projects will impact so many members of our community is one of the best parts of being a State Senator.”

“The Meetinghouse prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone in the community. I know these funds to construct a handicapped accessible ramp on their new Martinsen Barn will help them further accomplish these goals,” Sen. Kushner said.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Note: A previous version of this press release listed funding of $100,000 to support the Ridgefield Playhouse and $250,000 for the Ridgefield Theatre Barn. Due to staff error, these were mislabeled as funding approved in 2024; they were part of the 2023-24 budget approved in June 2023.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Duff Secures Additional $5 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Bob Duff

Duff Secures Additional $5 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff led passage of House Bill 5523, An Act Concerning Allocations of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds and Provisions Related to General Government, Human Services, Education, and the Biennium Ending June 30 2025, which included an additional new allocation of $5 million in federal ARPA funding for the city of Norwalk.

“I’m proud to have led passage of this critical funding for the city of Norwalk,” said Senator Duff. “With the upcoming property tax revaluation and the shift of the property tax burden from commercial to more residential real estate property, this funding will go a long way to helping relieve the property tax burden on homeowners. This new state grant brings Norwalk’s 2025 state funding total to $32.6 million, which is a $6.4 million increase over last year.”

“I want to thank Senator Duff for his leadership in securing $5 million from the State for Norwalk,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “He always brings millions and millions of dollars to Norwalk and we are immensely grateful.”

Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Milford Delegation Secures More Than $700,000 For Local Projects

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 7, 2024

Milford Delegation Secures More Than $700,000 For Local Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $700,000 for local projects in the 14th Senate District, which State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), State Representative Frank Smith (D-Milford) and State Representative Mary Welander (D-Orange, Derby, Hamden, Woodbridge) gladly welcomed.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Monday, includes $600,000 supporting Milford Public Safety, including support for the Fire Department, acquisition of a boat and a jetski, new fire hydrants, and road improvements toward the town’s boat ramp; $50,000 for the Orange Volunteer Fire Department; and $25,000 each for the Food2Kids food insecurity nonprofit in Milford, the WHEAT food insecurity nonprofit in West Haven and the Milford Boys and Girls Club’s summer programming for students.

“This funding will make an incredible difference throughout our region and throughout our state,” said Sen. Maroney, “and it represents the long hours and hard work my colleagues and I have conducted this year in the legislature working toward a better Connecticut. I look forward to seeing how this funding aids our communities and our state with problems big and small.”

“Funding Milford’s fire department represents a commitment to keeping everyone safe on the road,” said Rep. Frank Smith. “New equipment will allow our first responders to conduct better training, respond faster to emergencies and foster positive relationships with the community.”

“This funding for the Orange Volunteer Fire Association is a crucial investment in public safety,” said Rep. Mary Welander. “Our firefighters are responding to an alarming number of traumatic events and these resources will help them continue to keep our community safe. I am absolutely thrilled that Sen. Maroney and I worked collaboratively to successfully secure this funding in support of the OVFA.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
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Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap

Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Today, Chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Gregg Haddad advocated for and helped to secure much needed investments into higher education funding. The House and the Senate voted on a stabilization bill that allocates $372.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, $160 million of that for Higher Education funding. $80 million will be allocated to UConn and another $80 million will be allocated to the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system. There is an additional $40 million set to be allocated.

“Higher education funding is essential to the success of our students, our workforce and our economy,” said Sen. Slap. “I am so pleased by this substantial investment into Connecticut’s future, especially the expansion of the successful PACT program. Removing barriers to higher education is one of the main charges of the Higher Education Committee and this program will do exactly that. I want to thank President Biden and our Congressional leaders for allocating this funding in the 2021 stimulus package, Senate President Marty Looney for hearing and responding to the needs of students, administrators, parents and staff – and our institutions of higher education for their collaboration and readiness to put these dollars to work.”

“The allocation and authorization of $200 million to UConn, UConn Health, our state universities, and CT State Community College, provides funding that is essential to maintaining quality post-secondary opportunities for students,” said Rep. Haddad. “Without this level of needed support, tuition increases, staffing cuts and program closures were imminent. Instead, students at our public colleges and universities can be assured that the legislature has their backs. Our institutions will continue to face significant fiscal hurdles, so state government must continue to reach for sustainable solutions to guarantee, which Connecticut students have a quality, affordable path to a degree in the future.”

The stabilization bill also:

Expands the Pledge to Advance CT (PACT) program which gives eligible Connecticut high school graduates the opportunity to attend a Connecticut community college debt-free by awarding them grants for the difference between the cost of tuition and fees and their scholarships, grants, and federal, state, or institutional aid. The program will now be available to students who are residents of Connecticut, but did not graduate from a Connecticut high school.

Additionally, the bill increases the program’s minimum awards from $250 to $500 for full-time students, and from $150 to $300 for part-time students and requires all grants made to eligible students under the debt free community college program to be designated as the “Mary Ann Handley Grant.

The bill passed the House 103-48 and the Senate 26-10.
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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 7, 2024

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $1.8 million in projects supporting the 3rd Senate District and $5.5 million that will support several of Sen. Anwar’s foremost health priorities in the 2024 legislative session.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Monday, includes $200,000 to support the South Windsor High School Chemistry Lab, $50,000 for the East Hartford Career Quest Camp, $200,000 for East Hartford Youth Sports, $300,000 each for East Hartford Public Schools Career Training and East Hartford Chestelm All Day All Care adult care, and $650,000 supporting InterCommunity school-based health centers. Another $99,778 will support Ellington vehicle purchases.

The allocation also includes $3.5 million to support urgent care crisis centers in the state, an important health care priority for Senator Anwar, as well as $1 million to support the advancements gained in Senate Bill 1, which will provide increased protections for health care workers in the state among other enhancements and studies of pressing maladies statewide, $260,000 for a grant administrator further supporting that bill, and $1 million to support unhoused residents and fight the continuing problem in the state.

“Much of the work done every year at the state Capitol involves discussing with my colleagues the issues big and small that our communities face and working to solve those problems,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m proud to secure this valuable support for the residents of our district, knowing much of it will support our state as a whole as well.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
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Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

Posted on by Devin James
State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 7, 2024

Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including $1.15 million to support six separate projects across the 33rd Senate District. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was proud to deliver such support to the region as the bill in question passed by a 26-10 vote.

The $1.15 million in funding includes $250,000 for Clinton’s Town Beach; $250,000 for the Lyme Public Library and Town Hall’s HVAC systems; $200,000 for carpet replacements at Colchester’s Bacon Academy; $200,000 for East Haddam’s I-Park Foundation; and $150,000 for the Essex Fire Department. It also includes $100,000 to support the regional Deep River, Essex and Cheshire Dog Pound.

“This funding will play an important role supporting and improving facilities in towns across the 33rd Senate District, and I’m ecstatic to see its approval helping neighbors and friends throughout our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “This is an excellent investment in our towns’ futures.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
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