Posted on January 9, 2019 by admin

Also Receives Committee Leadership Assignment

HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) joined legislative colleagues today, Opening Day of the 2019 Legislative Session, to be sworn in to his third term at the State Capitol. He will serve for two more years as the State Representative for the 42^nd General Assembly District of Ledyard, Preston and Montville.

“I sincerely appreciate the support of my constituents and it is truly an honor to serve another term as your voice at the State Capitol,” said Rep. France. “As the legislative session proceeds, I encourage you to contact me with questions or concerns about state government, especially how it affects you, your family or your community, as well as ideas for new legislation. I look forward to advocating for the changes that best serve you, the residents of Ledyard, Preston and Montville.”

Rep. France with his wife, Heather, their daughter, Brittney, and friend Jennifer.

To follow Rep. France’s proposed and supported legislation, visit his website (www.RepFrance.com) and click on the “Legislation” tab, or sign up for his email updates. To follow committee meetings and House debates as they unfold live on Connecticut’s public affairs television network, CT-N, tune your TV to Channel 95 in Ledyard, Channel 97 in Preston, or Channel 23 in Montville; or stream the proceedings online at www.ctn.state.ct.us.

This “long” session allows for bills on a variety of issues to be introduced, debated and voted on in committees and both legislative chambers. Most importantly, the General Assembly will be facing significant budget challenges during the 2019 Legislative Session. House and Senate Republican budget priorities for the 2019 Session continue to include implementing long-term structural changes to restore sustainability and predictability to the budget, as well as the “Prioritize Progress” transportation plan to fund and protect the Special Transportation Fund without tolls or tax increases.

Rep. France also received his legislative committee assignments for this term. He has been appointed as Ranking Member of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, which has cognizance on all matters relating to state government organization, structures and procedures, leasing, construction, maintenance, purchase and sale of state property and facilities, state and federal relations, interstate compacts, compacts between the state and Indian tribes, constitutional amendments, and all matters relating to elections and election laws. As Ranking Member of this Committee, Rep. France will lead his caucus members on these issues.

In addition, he will again serve on the Appropriations and the Planning & Development committees. The Appropriations Committee holds jurisdiction over all appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, including state employees’ salaries, benefits and retirement, teachers’ retirement and veterans’ pensions, and collective bargaining agreements and arbitration awards for all state employees.

The Planning & Development Committee deals with matters relating to local governments, housing, urban renewal; fire, sewer and metropolitan districts; home rule, planning and zoning, regional planning and development activities, the State Plan of Conservation and Development, and economic development programs impacting local governments.

Rep. France can be reached at Mike.France@housegop.ct.gov or 800-842-1423. Constituents can also reach him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepFrance.

The 2019 Regular Legislative Session will adjourn at midnight on June 5th.

Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin

New legislation effective dates are typically January 1st, July 1st, and October 1st throughout the calendar year. As 2018 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting tomorrow, January 1, 2019.

These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some noteworthy new laws below and encourage you to take a look at the full list. Please contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these new laws.

AN ACT CONCERNING DUAL ARRESTS AND THE TRAINING REQUIRED OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITH RESPECT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This new law, PA 18-5, will reduce the number of dual arrests that occur in domestic violence cases and enhance domestic violence training offered to state and local law enforcement agencies. For a summary, click here.

AN ACT CONCERNING MAMMOGRAMS, BREAST ULTRASOUNDS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BREASTS

This new law, PA 18-159, redefines mammogram, and eliminates copayments and deductibles for certain breast ultrasounds. For a summary, click here.

AN ACT AUTHORIZING PREGNANCY AS A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS

This new law, PA 18-43, permits certain pregnant individuals to enroll in a health insurance policy or plan not later than thirty days after the individual’s pregnancy has been certified by a licensed health care provider. For a full summary, click here.

Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut.

Posted on December 4, 2018 by admin

HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) invites his constituents to join him for a town-hall style meeting at the Ledyard Town Hall Annex on December 11^th for a Pre-Session discussion of legislative priorities and other issues of interest. On December 15^th, he will be holding a second Pre-Session discussion at the Preston Public Library. Rep. France will be available to answer your questions concerning what’s happening up in Hartford, new laws that went into effect this fall, and proposed legislation for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session.

LEDYARD

WHEN: Tuesday, December 11^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ledyard Town Hall Annex, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

PRESTON

WHEN: Saturday, December 15^th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Preston Public Library, 389 Route 2

“Some of the best ideas for legislation come from the people I serve,” said Rep. France. “Please meet with me to discuss any potential bills or concerns for this upcoming legislative session so I can continue to serve your best interests in Hartford.”

These events are free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend but would still like to connect with Rep. France, please do not hesitate to contact him at Mike.France@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423. If either meeting needs to be cancelled or postponed, a notice will be posted on Rep. France’s website at www.RepFrance.com and his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepFrance.

Posted on December 3, 2018 by admin

HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) will be at the Preston Transfer Station on Saturday, December 8^th to make himself available to constituents to answer your questions concerning what’s happening up in Hartford, new laws that went into effect this fall, and proposed legislation for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session.

WHEN: Saturday, December 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Preston Transfer Station, 108 Ross Road, Preston, CT

“Some of the best ideas for legislation come from the people I serve,” said Rep. France. “Please meet with me to discuss any potential bills or concerns for this upcoming legislative session so I can continue to serve your best interests in Hartford.”

This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend but would still like to connect with Rep. France, please do not hesitate to contact him at Mike.France@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423. You can also follow his legislative activity on at www.RepFrance.com or www.Facebook.com/RepFrance.

Posted on November 23, 2018 by admin

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is continuing their tree and vegetation removal work in Southeastern Connecticut along I-95 Northbound. The next location will be at the Exit 82A off-ramp in Waterford on Tuesday, November 27th. The rain date will be Wednesday, November 28th.

This exit ramp for the Frontage Road in New London will be closed on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please expect traffic delays. Crash attenuator vehicles and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists around the work zone.

Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Please maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.