Several new laws will take effect on Tuesday, October 1^st. Connecticut’s new legislation effective dates are typically July 1^st, October 1^st, and January 1^st. These bills may impact you, your business, or family. I have highlighted a few of the newly effective laws but encourage you to review the new laws in their entirety by clicking here.

Some of the new laws include:

• Added protections for Police K-9’s
  • (click for a summary)
• Tax relief for disabled veterans
  • (click for a summary)
• Online data…
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Be Bear Aware! Officials are warning that Connecticut Black Bears are beginning their end-of-year preparations. This is the time of year when bears start their initial hibernation phases, which requires them to eat a substantial amount of food. The state saw a record number of bear observances and human-bear interactions in 2024. This has increased the possibility for conflict, which is why it’s important to review some safety tips on how to be bear aware this season.

Being Bear Aware:

• CT DEEP Black…
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to promote awareness on this important public health matter and to provide resources to individuals who are potentially seeking help. To truly help ourselves and others, it’s critical to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Overall, the goal is to provide individuals, friends and families with easier access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to know where to…

Barkhamsted – The Transfer Station in Barkhamsted, which serves the towns of Barkhamsted, New Hartford, and Winsted, now features a FOAM CYCLE System! According to State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted), this is the first Styrofoam recycling program in the State of Connecticut!

Due to a recent ban of single-use Styrofoam containers (typically found in school cafeterias, universities, and restaurants) this effort will further help reduce the amount of Styrofoam going into landfills. The FOAM CYCLE helps…

Republicans held a news conference yesterday to unveil progress on a petition process to call the legislature into special session. The call to action outlines five proposals that would provide ratepayers with immediate relief. We will look toward the next session to craft a long-term plan that provides stability and clarity for residents and businesses. To date, all Republican members of the General Assembly have submitted their names to the petition.

To view our news conference from yesterday,…

Consumer Alert – Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Free Week will take place from Sunday, August 18, through Saturday, August 24. This is an excellent time to buy new clothes for back-to-school or to freshen up your wardrobe. Many clothing items that are marked under $100 will be exempt from the state’s sales tax. The exemption applies to retailers that are physically located in Connecticut and to sales that are made from on-line merchants.

• For more information and specifics for what items qualify…
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Many of you have contacted me about the stark increase in your electric bills. I was just as shocked and outraged when I received my bill this month. I want to provide you with information about why electric costs have gotten so high, what we are doing about it, and options you have to help lower your monthly bill.

Background on Rates…

High rates are due to factors like our location and lack of natural resources, infrastructure upgrades, Connecticut’s high business costs, legislative policies,…

Torrington – State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) joined the governor, DOT commissioner, and fellow elected officials at the ceremonial opening the Northwestern Connecticut Transit District (NWCTD)  Facility opening in Torrington on Monday afternoon. The project was funded through state bonding and will provide resources to upgrade the facility to house the NWCTD’s bus fleet.

“An exciting afternoon joining Gov. Lamont, DOT Commissioner Eucalitto, and my fellow elected officials at the ribbon cutting ceremonial…

Hartford – On Wednesday the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) released its 2024 voter record scores for the Connecticut State House and Senate. Its scores were based on action taken on several priority pieces of legislation that had been flagged by the organization because of their expected impact on various business sectors. According to CBIA’s legislative record report, State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) completed the 2024 session with a perfect score, signaling his support and advocacy…

HARTFORD – Each year, the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) publishes a collection of “Acts Affecting” reports. These reports provide a brief explanation of the new state laws impacting various subjects and topics. To date, reports cover the following categories:

• Seniors
• Housing & Real Estate
• Business & Jobs
• People with Disabilities
• Municipalities
• Banking
• Energy & Utilities
• Veterans & the Military
• Town Clerks & Elections
• First Responders
• Animals & Agriculture
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Criminal…
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