Mark Anderson

June Is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the importance of maintaining brain health throughout life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. While age is the greatest known risk factor, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. Early recognition of symptoms can help individuals and families access support and care sooner. Supporting brain health can include regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, quality sleep, social engagement, and staying mentally active. These healthy habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve overall well-being. This month also honors the millions of caregivers who provide support to loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Their compassion and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, take time to learn about the disease, support those affected, and promote healthy habits that benefit brain health at every age. Resources: Connecticut's Guide for Navigating Dementia Care Alzheimer’s Association

Major Public Acts 2026

The Connecticut General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Research has released its 2026 “Major Public Acts” report. It is an annual overview highlighting the most significant legislation enacted during this year’s legislative session. The report organizes new laws by policy area and provides a helpful summary of the changes that may affect Connecticut residents, families, municipalities, and businesses. I encourage you to take a look, as many of these updates could have a direct impact on your daily life or work. Click here to access the full report.

Supporting Riparian Buffer Zones

HARTFORD - State Rep. Mark Anderson (R-Granby) participated in the off-session working group to study and propose recommendations that will help preserve Connecticut's riparian buffer areas. A riparian buffer is a strip of trees, shrubs, and grasses planted or maintained alongside a waterway (such as a river, stream, lake, or pond). It acts as a natural, vegetated protective zone between land and water, filtering pollutants, stabilizing banks, and providing wildlife habitat. Check out his comments on the floor in support of passing legislation, H.B. 5334 An Act Concerning Riparian Areas.

Anderson Announces School/Taxpayers Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP)

Connecticut’s broken education funding formula has forced cities and towns to make up the difference, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The House Republican School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP) would return $365 million to communities across the state. For the 62nd District, that means: Barkhamsted – $222,064 Granby – $809,503 Hartland – $159,272 New Hartford – $447,582 STRAP is built directly into the state budget, so towns can count on consistent funding year after year—no scrambling, no uncertainty. It provides meaningful, sustainable relief for local property taxpayers while lawmakers continue working to fix the flawed Education Cost Sharing formula for good. More Information Click here to access the STRAP tool and see allocations for each town. Click here for the Pathway to Affordability plan site.

Anderson, Republicans Advocate for Tax Relief

HARTFORD - I joined my fellow House Republicans for a news conference to refocus the conversation on affordability because it remains the number one issue facing Connecticut residents. We highlighted two key areas where action is needed: real tax relief and ensuring Connecticut keeps the tax revenue it rightfully deserves. This session, House Republicans have introduced legislation to deliver permanent property tax relief directly to families. Our proposal would more than double the state property tax credit—from $300 to $650—while expanding eligibility to reach over 800,000 filers. That’s meaningful, lasting relief. We also addressed a major issue impacting thousands of Connecticut workers. Under New York’s “convenience of the employer” rule, remote employees who live in Connecticut but work for New York companies are taxed as if they’re working in New York—even if they never leave home. As a result, New York collects the income tax, and Connecticut loses out. About 80,000 Connecticut residents are affected, and many are paying significantly higher taxes because of it. New York’s top income tax rate is 10.9%, compared to Connecticut’s 6.99%. Even more concerning, some workers risk being taxed twice on the same income. While Connecticut created a tax credit in 2019 to offset this, that’s only a temporary fix, not a real solution. It’s time to bring that revenue back home and deliver the kind of sustainable relief Connecticut families deserve.