2021 Legislative Session Begins, Relief for Restaurants/Small Business on the Way
2021 Legislative Session Begins
The 2021 legislative session of the Connecticut General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 6. It is an honor to be serving the towns of New Canaan and Wilton for another term as your state representative, and I thank you for your trust and confidence.
What to Expect this Year
This year, I will be serving as Deputy House Republican Leader, which means I will play a larger role in the formation of our caucus’s policy agenda and will again be assisting with floor debates in the House chamber. During odd-numbered years such as this one, the state legislature convenes for five months (the “long session”), during which time legislators may introduce any bill of a general nature. It is also the year where we craft the biennial state budget.
We also have the very real challenge of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring everyone has quick and easy access to the vaccines as more doses become available. In addition, we must continue helping the small businesses and nonprofits in our communities, and make sure they have the support and resources they need on their path towards economic recovery.
A Virtual Session (at least for now)
This session will be conducted in a virtual format until further notice. This means committee meetings and public hearings will likely take place via Zoom.
To help you better access your state government during this challenging time, House Republicans have created a virtual meeting guide resource page that explains how to follow committee meetings and participate in public hearings. This graphic may also help guide you through this process.
Now more than ever, it is important that I hear from you directly. If you have any ideas for legislation, comments or concerns about major issues, or if you have any general questions about state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to speak with you.
Email: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov
A Call for Unity, Bipartisanship, and Civil Discourse
Lastly, I would like to echo the calls of our House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, as well as our new Speaker of the House and Democratic Majority Leader, for unity, bipartisanship, and civil discourse. The images we saw from Washington D.C. were reprehensible and disturbing, and I want to ensure you that we rise above such behavior in Connecticut.
Disagreement in politics is expected and can often lead to common ground, which is why we must approach all matters with mutual respect for our differences and an open mind towards the opinions of others. Year after year, the Connecticut General Assembly proves this is possible, and I am proud to serve with legislators who defend and embody these values.
Our state government, while not perfect, will continue to serve as a model to the nation of representative government that puts people first.
CT Recovery Program for Restaurants, Small Businesses
Small business grants are now available through Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The program is funded by $35 million in federal aid to be disbursed to about 2,000 Connecticut small businesses that were among the most affected by the pandemic. This includes restaurants, hotels and lodging facilities, theaters, and other entertainment or recreation establishments.
Grants sizes will range from $10,000 to $30,000. There is no application process as grants will be determined based on need. The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has already begun mailing checks, and they should arrive soon.
Payout
Payout will be based on the following point system as listed on DECD’s web portal:
- Businesses are given 1 point if 2019 gross receipts (Jan – Sep) are between $1M and $2M, and 2 points if above $2M
- Businesses are given 1 point if decrease in gross receipts in 2020 v 2019 is between 40-55%, and 2 points if decrease is greater than 55%
- Businesses cannot receive more than 10% of 2020 gross receipts or 20% of 2020 wages (whichever is higher).
Here are the payout amounts based on the point criteria above:
- Businesses with 0 points will get $10,000
- Businesses with 1 point will get $15,000
- Businesses with 2 points will get $20,000
- Businesses with 3 points will get $25,000
- Businesses with 4 points will get $30,000
For a more detailed explanation of eligibility criteria and exclusions, please click here.