Karen Reddington-Hughes

House Republicans Propose Permanent Property Tax Relief

Connecticut is losing roughly $340 million in tax dollars to New York due to a structural problem called the "convenience of employer" rule or convenience tax. As a result, millions in Connecticut-earned income are sent to New York every year. Under this rule which was implemented during COVID-19, Connecticut residents who are employed by a New York company (but work remotely) are paying income taxes to New York rather than Connecticut. Our plan would bring that money back to the taxpayers of Connecticut through sustainable relief. Click here to read more.

Bethlehem Elementary School students visit State Capitol

I had a chance to meet and talk with some of my younger constituents today who were visiting as part of a school tour. We spoke about how laws start off as a simple idea, what happens as that idea moves along in the legislative process, and what may prevent it from being voted on in the House or Senate. One student even proposed increasing the smoking age to 25. As you can imagine, attending school all year wasn't widely supported. I explained the importance of thoroughly analyzing a bill in order to account for any possible unintentional impact it may have on other individuals, and that bills should be helpful and not harmful. It is always a pleasure to meet with our bright and engaged young minds who take an interest in the better understanding their state government.

Metal Beam Guiderail Upgrades on Route 109 in Morris

The CT Department of Transportation is announcing that guiderail updates will be performed on Route 109 from Route 63 to the Lichfield town line in Morris. The work is expected to begin on Tuesday, April 2 and be completed on Monday, May 11 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO There will be various daytime lane closures on Route 109 during the dates/times mentioned above. No work will be performed on any scheduled holidays. Traffic control signing patterns and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone. Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.

District Repair and Improvement Project (DRIP) program Grants

Within Public Act 25-174, a law I supported last session, established the District Repair and Improvement Project (DRIP) program to assist school districts with funding necessary upgrades. While the state general obligation bonds were authorized last June, it wasn't until this month that the total amounts each would receive were released. I'm happy to report Region 14 School District and Region 20 will receive more than $171,000 through this new program. Reimbursement grants can be used for minor capital repairs, improvements to public school buildings, grounds, and infrastructure. Projects include includes gym floor replacement, HVAC system upgrades, electrical updates, repairing a leaky roof, or improving school facilities for health, safety, or code compliance. Click here to learn more?

DEEP Announces Grant to Town of Woodbury Improve Tree Cover

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the Town of Woodbury has been awarded a grant to enhance tree cover. The Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grants program supports projects that increase tree cover to these areas. In partnership with the DOT, this $114,264 project will assist Woodbury’s high-traffic Route 6 commercial corridor within an aquifer protection area. The town will plant 100 trees to improve stormwater management, reduce heat, and enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Residents will engage through workshops, invasive species removal, and a hands-on tree steward program, while free trees for eligible properties will expand canopy coverage and strengthen long-term community resilience.