Posted on January 22, 2019 by admin
State Representatives Jesse MacLachlan and Devin Carney voted in favor of a public-private partnership with Connecticut banks today that will aid Connecticut federal employees who are currently not receiving pay because of the Federal Government shutdown.
Under the bill, affected employees are eligible for up to three loans from a bank, each equal to their monthly after-tax pay, up to $5,000, less unemployment benefits. The bill prohibits interest on the loans for 270 days after the shutdown ends.
“It’s unacceptable that the Federal Government isn’t paying workers that are working important jobs that protect our country and state,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “We should be looking at more ways we can implement public-private partnerships to make our state more affordable for hard-working families. I encourage residents who are concerned with the federal shutdown to contact our Congressman and U.S. Senators.”
“There are currently 1,500 eligible workers impacted by the Federal Government shut down in Connecticut, and roughly 200 of them are deemed essential and cannot collect unemployment, which is just not right. For example, Coast Guard employees are not getting paid, but they are still carrying out essential duties like tending to public safety and performing search and rescue operations – just to name a few. These individuals and all that they do are absolutely critical to shoreline communities like the ones I represent, and for this reason I voted in favor of this measure,” said Rep. Carney.
The bill also authorizes municipalities and municipal subdivisions to establish a tax-deferment program for such employees’ real and personal property or motor vehicles taxes, or water.
In addition, if federal law or guidance allows them to do so, authorizes such employees to receive unemployment compensation benefits (generally, federal employees that must work without pay during a shutdown are ineligible for unemployment benefits).
Posted on January 22, 2019 by admin
State Representatives Devin Carney and Jesse MacLachlan talked with constituents at the Westbrook Public Library on Thursday night about the start of the legislative session and legislation they see being debated in the House and Senate.
“It is always helpful to hear ideas and opinions from constituents regarding issues that may arise during the legislative session,” said Rep. Carney. “Once again, I look forward to accurately representing the folks in the 23rd District on a wide variety of proposals and working to improve Connecticut’s economy. I hope to hear from you, my door is always open for comments, questions, and concerns.”
“I want to thank the residents that came out to talk to us about their concerns and ideas on how to move our state in a better direction,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “I will be working on a number of key proposals this session that if passed will make government more efficient and affordable and I look forward to collaborating with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.”
A new governor, Ned Lamont, has officially taken over and the lawmakers are now meeting in their assigned committees to go over legislative proposals explained Reps. MacLachlan and Carney.
Rep. MacLachlan will be sitting on the Transportation, Education, Environment committees. And, Rep. Carney will be sitting on the Transportation, Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committees and will help House Republican leadership screen proposals before they make their way to the House.
In addition, the lawmakers discussed tolls, $15 minimum wage increase, paid family leave, and the legalization of marijuana.
Reps. Carney and MacLachlan encouraged residents to contact them and to follow their frequent updates on their websites and social media accounts, which can be found at RepCarney.com and RepJesseMac.com.
Posted on January 15, 2019 by admin
I invite you to join me for Office Hours in the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. These events are an opportunity to meet with me in a relaxed setting and discuss any legislative or local issues, including the 2019 legislative session, which convened on January 9.
I hope to see you at my Office Hours TONIGHT in Lyme and on THURSDAY in Westbrook. Please see the schedule below for additional details.
Office Hours within the 23rd District are as follows:
Lyme Office Hours
TODAY, January 15
Lyme Public Library
482 Hamburg Road
Community Room
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Old Lyme Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Monday, February 11
Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
2 Library Lane
Community Room
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Old Saybrook Office Hours with State Senator Paul Formica
Tuesday, January 29
Acton Public Library
60 Old Boston Post Road
Friends’ Conference Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Westbrook Office Hours with State Representative Jesse MacLachlan
THURSDAY, January 17
Westbrook Public Library
61 Goodspeed Drive
Community Room
6:30 -7:30 p.m.
These events are free and open to the public.
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The state’s non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has issued its report on important issues that the General Assembly may face during the 2019 legislative session. I will be handing this report out at my office hours, so please feel free to take a look and contact me with any questions or concerns.
You can also view or download the report by clicking here.
As always, if you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
Follow my legislative activity and sign up to receive my newsletter at: www.RepCarney.com
