Posted on February 19, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
Hartford – State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) spoke in favor of legislation that would require the State of Connecticut to adopt Atlantic Standard Time as its static time zone. Effectively, this new law would extend daylight during the winter months. Rep. Vail testified with Scott C. Yates who authors the blog, Lock the Clock Movement, to help provide additional educational resources to committee members about the time zone issue.
“This legislation would have a positive impact on all of Connecticut’s residents. There are numerous studies that show there are negative health effects associated with turning the clocks back an hour, and then jumping ahead an hour biannually. It’s disruptive and it’s also negative for businesses that could benefit from it being light out later in the day,” explained Rep. Vail.
Scott C. Yates explained the current situation, “This issue is the very definition of nonpartisan one. No matter where you are politically, this issue defies any political bent. It’s one of those weird ones that nobody can quite figure out why it’s an issue at all, why it hasn’t been fixed. The answer, I’m afraid, is simply inertia. We do it because we’ve always done it.”
Posted on January 31, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – Several Republican legislators stand in opposition to a proposal that could potentially alter existing state laws regarding local racing rules. State Representatives Kurt Vail (R-Stafford), Rick Hayes (R-Putnam), Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford), and State Senator Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) expressed issues with unintended consequences of the newly proposed bill, H.B. 6591, because it seeks to regulate the times during which motor vehicle racing can take place.
“Stafford Motor Speedway is a staple to our community and is a top economic driver. There’s no reason to change the way we currently regulate how the track operates, which could limit the track’s viability and overall success. In a day and age when we need to be more business-friendly, this type of legislation sends the wrong message,” explained Rep. Kurt Vail.
Rep. Vail explained that throughout his life he has regularly attended events at the local racetrack and noted that that the legislation was proposed by Maria Horn (D-Salisbury), a freshman Democratic state representative from the state’s northwest corner.
Posted on January 24, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
I have put together a legislative survey based on issues that will likely come before us at the legislature this year. I encourage you to take the survey by clicking here.
To learn a little more about the survey, please review a short video that can be found by clicking the image below or by clicking here.
I would like to have your input on these critical questions because it will help me be a more effective representative of our district. Please note, your responses will be kept confidential but I will be communicating aggregated results when the survey closes on Friday, February 1st.
If you have any questions or concerns about state government, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Posted on January 10, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Representative Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) was sworn into her third term as state representative. Rep. Vail will continue to represent the 52nd Assembly District, which is comprised of Somers and Stafford.
“It is my goal in Hartford to stabilize the state budget so that our businesses and families have the confidence to grow and prosper here in Somers and Stafford. In order to combat mounting deficits, it is imperative that the legislature work with job creators to boost the stagnant economy. I will be working with colleagues from both sides of the political aisle to craft common sense public policy. It is an honor to continue serving the residents of the 52nd District,” stated Rep. Vail.
The legislature will be in session for a five-month period, adjourning on Wednesday, June 5.
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Posted on January 4, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
Friends and Neighbors,
The state’s captive insurance company, created to help homeowners affected by a crumbling foundation, will begin accepting applications for assistance on Thursday, January 10th.
All potentially affected homeowners and prospective home buyers are highly encouraged to review the guidelines and frequently asked questions on the captive insurance company’s website: www.crumblingfoundations.org
Though paper and in-person applications will be accepted, the Capitol Region Council of Governments is urging homeowners to file online so that applications can be electronically time-stamped to assign homeowners a place in line. For more information on how to apply, click here.
If you have any questions, it is best to contact the captive insurance company directly at the website above.
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