Rep. Kennedy June 20 Editorial: “Takeaways from the 2023 Session”
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
At midnight on June 7th, my colleagues and I officially wrapped up the 2023 Legislative Session marking my fifth session in the state legislature. First, I want to thank all my passionate constituents who participated in the legislative process either in public hearings or by contacting my office, because it is so important to make your voice heard! With your influence, our elected officials become more aware of the issues that matter most and can carry out more effective solutions to specifically address your concerns.
So, what were our accomplishments this session? From tax relief to defending local control and protecting victims of domestic violence to advocating for home heating assistance, our House Republican caucus led the fight on countless initiatives that positively affect the communities of Milford and Orange, and state-wide. Below, I highlight our most significant achievements during the 2023 session, while also recognizing that there is still more work to be done.
Our biggest achievement was passing a bipartisan state budget agreement. As discussed in my previous column, the budget is a massive document that, unfortunately like all bills, is never perfect. The three most notable aspects of this budget are as follows: $800 million in tax cuts, eliminating the benefits cliff by phasing out the income tax exemption for pension & annuity income and individual retirement accounts, and reducing the income tax from 5% to 4.5% and 3% to 2% beginning January 1, 2024.
Apart from the budget, I prioritized traffic safety concerns as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee. This year, we passed HB 5917, known as the “Vision Zero” bill, which expands driver education, improves infrastructure, and implements road safety recommendations to reduce speeding in CT. Additionally, we passed HB 6746 which specifically extends these “Vision Zero” goals to preventing wrong-way driving incidents.
Regarding public safety, I could not be more pleased with our considerable improvements supporting victims of domestic and intimate partner violence by passing SB 5, which introduces GPS monitoring of offenders and prohibits perpetrators from receiving alimony from their victim. Unfortunately, other related bills such as HB 6599 and HB 6887, which promote collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Health and law enforcement and also increase offender penalties, both failed to pass this year.
As seen above, some critical legislation failed to make its way to the Governor’s desk this year. One particular bill concerning our police would have financially supported the families of fallen law enforcement officers (HB 5363), especially aiding the families of the Bristol police officers tragically killed last fall. Thankfully, this was a concept supported in the state budget agreement.
Although some issues were tabled this cycle, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in prioritizing the needs of our seniors, families, veterans, students, and non-profits next year. My goal as a representative is to promote our collective interests in Hartford, and during this summer, please be on the look-out for opportunities to meet with me and other legislators for meaningful discussions on this session and more!
The legislative session may be over, but I am always looking to hear from you! I encourage you to reach out to me with your questions, ideas, and concerns by contacting me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or 860-240-8700. Don’t forget to visit RepKennedy.com or my Facebook Page for more frequent updates on events and more!