Doug McCrory

Senator McCrory Joins Senate Democrats to Announce “A Smart and Responsible Connecticut” Agenda

Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus announced “A Smart & Responsible Connecticut,” the third of four legislative agendas for the 2020 legislative session from Senate Democrats. The series of bills outlined the policy proposals from Senate Democrats aim to strengthen our economy, economic competitiveness, and education system.

Among the several legislative proposals announced, Sen. McCrory discussed the proposal to legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale, personal growth and recreational use of cannabis by individuals 21 years of age or older.

“Equity, economic opportunity, expungement, and education are important when it comes to legalizing cannabis,” said Sen. McCrory. “There are a number of individuals who have seen livelihoods destroyed, had families impacted, and have been incarcerated in attempting to participate in the cannabis business we are proposing to make legal. As we move forward on this proposal, we need to make sure every aspect of this industry is equitable for marginalized communities.”

Additionally, Sen. McCrory discussed the proposal of school districts including financial literacy instruction to students enrolled in grades sixth through eighth. “Financial literacy instruction is a necessity when it comes to providing Connecticut students a 21st century education. We cannot expect our children to manage the responsibility of a credit card or taking out loans without providing them the tools to make responsible, informed financial decisions,” said Sen. McCrory.

Additional legislative proposals in the “A Smart and Responsible Connecticut” agenda discussed today include:

ECONOMIC COMPETITION & FAIRNESS

Housing Solutions for Connecticut
To provide for the creation of housing opportunity zones within which certain incentives are available for new construction or substantial rehabilitation of residential units.

21st Century Jobs
To expand existing and establish new incentives for large and small businesses that hire new employees under new and expanded criteria such as unemployed, low income, veterans, or disabled. To support small businesses through cutting unnecessary regulations and red tape.

Legalization, Taxation and Regulation of the Retail Sale and Recreational Use of Cannabis
To legalize, tax and regulate the retail sale, personal growth and recreational use of cannabis by individuals twenty-one years of age or older.

EDUCATION

Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Education in Schools
To provide that the teacher in-service training programs include the warning signs of mental illness, substance-use disorder and suicidal behavior in youth. To also provide mental health awareness to students in grades 6-12.

Mental Health on College Campuses
To enact the recommendations of The Taskforce on Mental Health on College Campuses.

Revamping Behavioral Suspensions
To protect students by curbing school suspensions and finding alternative behavioral solutions.

Financial Literacy in Schools
To require financial literacy instruction for pupils enrolled in grades sixth through eighth and require that a school district incorporate financial literacy instruction to pupils enrolled in those grades.

Mandating FAFSA Completion
To require the completion of the FAFSA for Connecticut high school students to increase the number of students who qualify for and receive federal financial support for college.

Read background information on the proposed legislation here.