Beginning Sunday, August 20, and concluding on Saturday, August 26, clothing items and footwear sold in Connecticut (under $100 per item) will be exempt from the state’s sales tax. This tax holiday was established by the Connecticut General Assembly and will be celebrated for the 23^rd time this year.

This is a good time to revamp your wardrobe or take your students back to school shopping. The exemption also applies to sales completed on-line.

For additional information on Connecticut Tax Free week,…

The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has published several “Acts Affecting” reports. These reports provide an overview of major topics that the legislature addressed during the 2023 session. Some of these topics include taxes, transportation, and business & jobs.

The entire collection of reports can be viewed by clicking here. A selection of the reports can be found below.

Acts Affecting Taxes

• Personal income tax rate cuts (pg. 5)
• Retirement Income Tax Exemption ‘Cliff’ (pg. 5)
• Freeze on diesel…
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Unemployment claim fraud is on the rise – an alarming trend that can be detrimental to one’s identity integrity. The CT Dept. of Labor has several resources available, for both employers and employees, to protect identity and limit instances of fraud. There are also resources to use in the event you believe that you, or your company, may be a victim of fraud.

You can learn more about CTDOL’s Integrity Unit by clicking here.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraudulent claim, you can access the…

The Office of Legislative Research, with assistance of the Office of Fiscal Analysis, have compiled the annual Major Public Acts report. This report provides summaries of the major pieces of legislation that were approved by the legislature in 2023. The report covers many topics, including:

• Budget and tax information
• Enhanced financial protections for seniors
• New social media policies for minors
• Anti-theft measures to reduce catalytic converter thefts
• Job programs for those with intellectual and…
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HARTFORD – The House of Representatives approved a $51 billion, two-year state budget on Tuesday. State Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) voted in favor of the budget bill that delivers historic levels of tax relief and stays within the legislature’s spending guardrails.

“When we began our initial budget talks, both parties agreed to adhere to our spending and borrowing caps. This framework helped set parameters which ended in a bipartisan agreement. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the…

Hartford – State Representatives Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) and Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) are celebrating the passage of legislation that addresses step therapy.

Step therapy occurs when insurance companies require patients to use a cheaper, generic medication before they’ll pay for the medication deemed most appropriate, which may be more expensive. However, this practice can potentially be harmful to individuals who are suffering from illnesses and conditions that need immediate treatment.…

CROMWELL, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) and local school leaders welcome news that the state Department of Administrative Services has increased the state reimbursement rate for the Cromwell Middle School construction project from 39.64% to 49.64% which could save the Town of Cromwell as much as $7 million dollars.

Last June, Cromwell voters approved constructing a replacement for the current school based on estimates of $58.6 million.…

Hartford – The House of Representatives recently acted on H.B. 6831 An Act Concerning the Override of Step Therapy for Certain Mental Health Conditions and Establishing a Task Force to Study Data Collection Efforts Regarding Step Therapy. State Representatives Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) and Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) introduced this concept as a bipartisan solution to a problem that plagues those with serious mental health disorders.

“This policy puts the needs of patients first and foremost.…

HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell/Portland) and State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) applaud $16,800 reimbursement to the Cromwell Police Department for recording equipment approved by the State Bond Commission today. The bonding item reimburses 14 police departments across the state for the purchase of body cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices.

“The Cromwell Police Department keeps our community safe every hour of every day. Video technology has…

BERLIN – State Rep. Christie Carpino and Portland First Selectman Ryan Curley recently toured a local recycling facility. The elected officials learned about the sorting process, which features state-of-the-art equipment to differentiate the various types of recyclables including glass, plastic, and paper. As the State of Connecticut examines various means to reduce waste and augment sustainable means of recycling, Carpino and Curley have been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on a bipartisan…