Posted on January 9, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD — State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) joined legislative colleagues today, on Opening Day of the 2019 Legislative Session, and was sworn in to her third term at the State Capitol. She will serve for two more years as the House Representative for the 38th General Assembly District of Waterford and a portion of Montville.
To follow Rep. McCarty’s proposed and supported legislation, visit her website (www.repmccarty.com) and click on the “Legislation” tab, or sign up for her 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 23, 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 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, and the “Prioritize Progress” transportation plan to fund and protect transportation dollars without tolls or tax increases.
Rep. McCarty has also received her legislative committee assignments for this term. She has been appointed as Ranking Member of the Education Committee, which has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Education; local and regional boards of education and the substantive law of collective bargaining covering teachers and professional employees of such boards; vocational rehabilitation; the Commission on the Arts; and libraries, museums and historical and cultural associations. As Ranking Member of this Committee, Rep. McCarty will lead her caucus members on these issues.
In addition, she will again serve on the Appropriations and Public Health 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 Public Health Committee deals with programs and matters relating to health, emergency medical services, licensing boards, nursing homes, pure food and drugs, mental health, controlled substances, treatment of substance abuse.
“I am grateful and looking forward to returning to the Capitol for my fifth legislation session,” said Rep. McCarty. “It has been a true privilege and honor serving my district over the past four years. I will continue to work very hard to represent all of my constituents and their best interests during this upcoming term. I am particularly honored to be serving as Ranking Member of the Education Committee. As a parent, former educator and long-standing Board of Education member and chairwoman, I value the importance of a quality education for all of Connecticut’s school children. I am looking forward to working in a non-partisan manner with committee members and other stakeholders to ensure that education is kept in the forefront of public policy. It is essential that all students are prepared for success in meeting the challenges of higher education or the workplace. I will also continue to prioritize and support improvements to healthcare and services to seniors, individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.”
Rep. McCarty can be reached at Kathleen.McCarty@housegop.ct.gov or 800-842-1423. Constituents can also reach her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repmccarty.
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 26, 2018 by admin
WATERFORD – On December 18th, State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) and State Senator Paul Formica (R-20) rang the bell for the Salvation Army outside the Waterford Wal-Mart to raise money for local residents in need. In just an hour, the lawmakers raised nearly $200 – all of which was donated directly to the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army responds to natural disasters such as wildfires and tornadoes, provides meals and toys to families in need, and conducts research and analyses regarding human needs around the country. They also provide adult rehabilitation, veteran services, elderly services, missing person searches, housing assistance, youth recreation, sponsorship, and support in the fight to end human trafficking.
