Capitol Update: River Clean Up, Legislative Status

Greetings!

This is a quick update from the Capitol and the 62^nd House District.

New Hartford Resident Nominated to CTECS Board 

Congratulations to Dr. Christine Benz of New Hartford who was nominated by Governor Lamont to serve on the Connecticut Education and Career Systems (CTECS) Board which oversees technical schools. Here is a link to my speech on the House floor supporting her nomination, which is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Farmington River Earth Day Clean Up

Please join me on Saturday, April 22, for the Farmington River Anglers Association 3rd Annual Earth Day Cooperative Farmington River Clean up. It starts and ends at the lower parking lot at 37 Greenwoods Rd (by the Ovation building) in New Hartford and runs from 9 am – 1 pm. There’ll be prizes and an after party at Brewery Legitimus. You can just show up and sign up. If you want to be part of my team, then send me a message, text (860-200-7300), or e-mail (mark.anderson@cga.ct.gov). Let’s keep our river beautiful. Hope to see you then!

Legislative Updates

Most committee work is done and there are hundreds of bills to be taken up by the Legislature before session ends on June 7. Some of the issues/bills that constituents have contacted me about recently:

Universal Minimum Wage

• Senate Bill 1177 – An Act Concerning One Fair Wage. “This bill removes the law’s “tip credit” provision, which currently allows employers to pay hotel and restaurant staff and bartenders who customarily receive tips less than the minimum wage, as long as their tips make up the difference.” If passed, this would result in higher wage costs for restaurant owners, higher menu prices for consumers, and lower tips for wait staff. It also requires payment of minimum wage to minors and apprentices.

Early Voting Implementation

• House Bill 5004 / Senate Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 1057 – Early voting is required under a newly passed constitutional amendment which did not define the number of days. These bills envision early voting of ten or fourteen days and will place a significant burden on town personnel and municipal budgets.

Cannabis and Hemp Regulation

• House Bill 6697 – An Act Concerning The Department of Consumer Protection’s Recommendations Regarding Cannabis Regulation. This bill makes various changes to the laws around adult-use cannabis, hemp, and medical marijuana. Although intended to regulate intoxicating cannabis products, as written, it may prohibit some non-intoxicating hemp-derived products, from which some believe they derive health benefits, thus depriving consumers and harming Connecticut Hemp grower/producers.

Your feedback on this and other upcoming legislation is welcome and appreciated. The next scheduled session day is April 27. You can watch on your local cable provider or CT-N.