Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck) received the AARP 2017 Capitol Caregiver Award on August 7th, 2018 for her advocacy for caregivers across Connecticut. Rep. Rebimbas was also an honoree in 2015.
The award is given to legislators who have advocated on behalf of caregivers, understand the obstacles faced by professionals and family members, and those who have provided them with the support they need. Legislative efforts aim to increase usage of telehealth services, provide more training opportunities for family members, advocate for better family leave policies, and protect and expand access to in-home care, among other initiatives.
“Caring for a loved one who is ill can present major challenges for family members,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “It can be both a financial burden, as well as an emotional one, and I want to make sure the legislature is lending its full support to these selfless individuals.”
Rep. Rebimbas was selected because of her passion for helping those caring for elderly family members and for her cosponsoring of Senate Bill 976, An Act Concerning Conservator Accountability, which eventually became Public Act 17-7 after passing both chambers unanimously. This legislation provides court appointed caregivers with the power to manage a loved one’s healthcare and financial affairs, while subjecting such accounts to random audits to increase transparency and protect the patient.
Posted on August 7, 2018 by admin
“Tax-Free Week” is right around the corner! Each year Connecticut residents receive a much-needed break from the hefty sales tax we pay for consumer goods.
From Sunday, August 19, through Saturday, August 25, shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase select items under $100, TAX-FREE. With the start of school just around the corner, this is a great opportunity for some back-to-school shopping for the kids while saving money for families.
Tax-Free Week was first enacted in 2000, and applies to most clothing and footwear purchases intended for everyday use, including items put on layaway.
Goods not covered under the program include, but are not limited to:
The Connecticut sales tax rate is currently 6.35%, which can add up quickly when buying multiple items.
Please consult with your local retailer, or contact the Department of Revenue Services for a full list of qualifying and non-qualifying items.
As always, Rep. Rebimbas can be reached at 1-800-842-1423 or Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov if you have any questions regarding state government.
Posted on August 1, 2018 by admin
NAUGATUCK –State Representatives Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck), Dave Labriola (R–Oxford, Naugatuck, Southbury) and State Senators Joan Hartley (R-Waterbury, Middlebury, Naugatuck) and George Logan (R- Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge) will present a General Assembly Citation to Emidio C. Cerasale on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 in recognition of his work and advocacy on behalf of grandparents’ rights. Mayor Hess will also present Emidio with the Borough of Naugatuck Citation. Emidio’s granddaughter will perform “God Bless America.”
“It is a true honor to present this citation to Emidio on behalf of everyone who supports grandparent rights,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Through his tireless efforts, he has brought much needed public attention to this issue. I’d like to thank the Naugatuck Arts Commissions, the Naugatuck Delegation and the mayor’s office for making this event possible.”
“As a grandparent myself, I understand how critical this issue is for grandparents who are denied visitation,” said Rep. Labriola. “I commend Emidio’s advocacy on behalf of grandparents’ rights.”
“This recognition of Grandparents Advocate of America, led by President and Founder Emidio Cerasale, is of vital importance to supporting and promoting family in the lives of our children,” Sen. Hartley said.
“Emidio is a tremendous advocate for improving the quality of life for grandparents across Connecticut,” Sen. Logan said. “He is a true leader and role model, and his enthusiasm and positive energy are inspiring. We are proud to honor this selfless Naugatuck resident, and we hope he continues to inspire people throughout our state.”
Emidio is the founder of Grandparents Advocate of America, an organization which supports the preservation of the complete family. The group proposes legislation and works on behalf of grandparents nationwide to promote family unity and visitation rights. Emidio is a past director of Grandparents Rights Association of CT, which operates under the umbrella of the national organization Grandparents Rights Association of the USA.
The event, which will be held on the Naugatuck Town Green, is open to the public and will begin promptly at 6:45 p.m. on August 7th, 2018. In the event of inclement weather, an alternate location will be announced in advance.
Posted on July 24, 2018 by admin
Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, Co-Chair of the Waterbury Line Caucus, along with fellow area legislators, sent the following letter to CT DOT Commissioner James Redeker regarding a recent report detailing the poor on-time performance of the Waterbury Line.
Dear Commissioner Redeker,
We are writing to you for information and an explanation regarding a recent report from the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council concerning the Waterbury Branch Line.
According to the June 2018 report the line had an On-Time Performance (OTP) percentage of 65.2 percent. This number is unacceptable. When compared to other branch lines Waterbury is approximately 20 percent lower in OTP compared to the New Canaan Line, Danbury Line and Shore Line East.
As you know OTP impacts ridership, when residents don’t feel like they can rely on rail they will take their car into work – again clogging up Connecticut roadways. This is clearly shown with an almost 2 percent decrease in ridership when compared to earlier months. This unacceptable performance prompted us to ask the questions below:
While we understand that ridership and OTP fluctuate, such a significant drop is disturbing. In a time where commuter rail is so vitally important to our economy, we must take immediate steps to ensure its success.
We look forward to your response regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas
House Republican Leader Themis Klarides
State Representative David Labriola
State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria
State Representative Stephanie Cummings
State Representative Jason Perillo
State Representative Ben McGorty
State Representative Tony D’Amelio
State Senator Joan Hartley
State Senator George Logan
State Senator Eric Berthel
State Senator Kevin C. Kelly
Posted on July 18, 2018 by admin
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Early this year, House Democratic leadership decided not to call votes on four toll proposals because they determined they did not have the support to advance the legislation. Republican opposition was largely to thank for killing the bills, and I was proud to be a part of that opposition.
Unfortunately, just yesterday, Governor Malloy signed an executive order demanding that the state make available a $10 million bond to study the implementation of electronic highway tolls in the State of Connecticut. For someone who has raised our taxes for years and has subjected the state to more reckless spending than we can afford, this comes as no surprise, but it is unacceptable nonetheless.
The state has conducted studies and has held hearings on the subject, but there is simply not enough support for tolls right now. The toll proposals presented to date have been vague. Some would require up to 80 tolling locations across the state, far more than the 14 locations we previously had before they were decommissioned. Additionally, it’s been estimated that 70 percent of the toll revenue collected will come from Connecticut residents rather than drivers passing through.
This state government is capable of funding critical transportation projects using existing revenue sources. We do not need to install tolls. They are nothing more than an additional tax on residents, commuters, and tourists. Our state’s economic situation is too fragile to even consider something that could drive more businesses and employers from Connecticut. Enough is enough.
The Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. I encourage you to contact the members and express your concerns before then. Their names and contact information can be found below:
As always, you may contact me with any questions at (800) 842-1423 or rosa.rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov.
Regards,
Rep. Rosa C. Rebimbas
70th Connecticut House District
Posted on July 16, 2018 by admin
Sens. Logan, Hartley and Rep. Rebimbas invite all Naugatuck residents to attend Pizza and Politics this Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bellissimo’s Pizza.
Bellissimo’s Pizza
40 Cherry Street, Naugatuck, CT
This Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity for residents to address questions about the 2018 Session including the state budget adjustment, important legislation and the recent veto session. The senators and Rep. Rebimbas will provide a brief overview of major 2018 highlights, but the majority of the event will be devoted to questions from attendees.
The event is free and open to the public.
If you cannot attend, but still have questions or concerns relating to state government, please contact Rep. Rebimbas at 1-800-842-1423 or Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov.