Posted on January 2, 2024
Several new laws took effect on January 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below.
An expanded list of those enacted on January 1st, along with summaries, can be accessed here.
Tax Cuts
The state budget, adopted in June, cuts the bottom two marginal income tax rates for all filers from 3% to 2% and from 5% to 4.5%. Income taxes on the first $50,000 in taxable income will be lowered for single filers and married people filing separately,…
Posted on December 15, 2023
NEW CANAAN – Deputy House Minority Leader Tom O’Dea on Friday led applause from state lawmakers, local officials, and community leaders over a $2,000,000 allocation by the State Bond Commission for facility improvements at the New Canaan Playhouse theater.
“I am appreciative of this decision from the Governor, his team, and commission members to recognize the need and demand to invest in this project, and for the work of local leaders and community voices who have continued to pursue their vision…
Posted on October 31, 2023
Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized State Representative Tom O’Dea with a perfect voting score on key bills impacting Connecticut’s economic growth and business climate during the 2023 legislative session.
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) ranked all state lawmakers based on their support for the business community’s positions on 10 important policies. The bills all affect job creation, small business growth and economic stability in Connecticut.
The scorecard…
Posted on October 10, 2023
“The recent terrorist attacks in Israel are heartbreaking – and they must be strongly condemned. I mourn those lost, pray for their grieving families, and stand with Israel and its people in their fight to protect their right to exist in peace. As a community, let us amplify our support for Israel and its people, and our Jewish neighbors in Connecticut and everywhere. These terror attacks by Hamas exhibit a serious threat to our strongest allies and advocates for peaceful democracy in a violent region.”…
Posted on September 22, 2023
Grace is a young New Canaan resident who last year was diagnosed with Leukemia. She has been receiving treatment and is doing well. Since then, another young girl from New Canaan has been diagnosed with Leukemia and in addition, a Saxe Middle School teacher has received the same diagnosis for her daughter.
That’s why Grace’s family created the Gracie Fund for Pediatric Cancer. The Gracie Fund has partnered with Yale Children’s Hospital and their Director of Pediatric Oncology, Dr. Stephanie Massaro…
Posted on September 19, 2023
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a series of four public hearings to gather input on the proposed rail and bus service changes, as well as proposed rail fare increases.
Proposed rail service changes include:
Posted on July 26, 2023
The fully affordable 100-unit complex is a “landmark” for New Canaan as it combats an affordable housing shortage.
NEW CANAAN – On July 25th, State Representative Tom O’Dea (R-125) joined Governor Lamont, fellow New Canaan state lawmakers, local elected officials, industry leaders in finance and development, and community members to celebrate the re-opening of Canaan Parish – New Canaan’s newly renovated affordable housing complex.
Located on Lakeview Ave, the 100-unit complex features state-of-the-art…
Posted on June 21, 2023
NEW CANAAN – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) AND State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) hosted a legislative update event to break down the recently-concluded legislative session.
Over three dozen residents joined the New Canaan state lawmakers in the Town Meeting Room at Town Hall to provide updates on legislative priorities and ask questions on issues like housing, development, state finances, education, and more.
“Thank you to the dedicated community members who fostered a positive and productive…
Posted on June 6, 2023
HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) voted to adopt the FY 2024-2025 Connecticut state budget, headlined by a historic cut to the state income tax for middle- and low-income earners and families.
The fully balanced bipartisan budget features more than $150 million for local education, investments in public safety, strict adherence to fiscal guardrails established in the 2017 budget agreement, and establishes a phase-out on pension and annuity taxes. Each of these key initiatives were…
Posted on June 5, 2023
During a House session spanning into the early morning hours, lawmakers debated an omnibus housing bill, S.B. 998, which featured some aspects of “Fair Share” and other state mandates that attempt to undermine local control of zoning.
Due to pushback from the public and many Fairfield County legislators, the bill that eventually passed was stripped of many of its enforcement mechanisms and instead empowers the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to conduct studies on each city…