Posted on February 5, 2020 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – On Wednesday, February 5th, the Connecticut General Assembly convened for the 2020 legislative session. State Representative Kurt Vail began his sixth legislative session representing the 52nd Assembly District, which is made up of the towns of Somers and Stafford. The legislature will remain in session for 3-month period. Rep Vail said, “I look forward to continuing my work for the residents of Somers and Stafford. It is a great honor to serve you and our local businesses. This session,…
Posted on January 10, 2020 by Greg MacKinnon
Each year, prior to the start of the legislative session, the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research compiles its “Major Issues” report. This report outlines various points of public policy that the legislature will likely act upon this year. I have highlighted some of the major issues below, with short explanations provided within OLR’s report. In addition to these items, I will be providing more information on some of my personal initiatives in the coming weeks, like new legislation I am working…
Posted on December 30, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
I want to wish you and your families a safe and happy New Year! With 2019 coming to an end, you should be aware of new taxes and laws that will be going into effect on January 1, 2020.
These new taxes, which I opposed when they came up for debate earlier in the year, include:
- Dry Cleaning – Existing state sales tax rate will be expanded to dry cleaning services & laundry services
- Parking – Existing state sales tax rate will be expanded to parking fees
- Interior Design Service – Existing state sales…
Posted on November 7, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
(Hartford, CT) – Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today announced an initiative aimed at helping connect business development resources with businesses owners who are women, military veterans, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities.
An optional online survey will now be offered when owners of Connecticut-based entities form, or submit an annual filing for, their business through the Secretary of the State’s online business portal. The survey asks whether owners of 51% or more of the business…
Posted on November 7, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
As of October 1st, a number of new laws and tax/fee increases have gone into effect. Many of these new items will impact you, your family, your business, and/or our community.
In an effort to continue to keep you informed, I have highlighted several of those items below:
New Tax Legislation
** I did not support the biennium budget passed this legislative session, which featured many of the tax items listed below**
Digital Goods Tax
On October 1, 2019, the rate on digital goods will increase from…
Posted on October 1, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
As 2019 moves along, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting October 1st. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here.
I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws.
An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products,…
Posted on July 10, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – According to State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford), the governor has just signed a new law that will make more resources available to those seeking assistance in the event of a crumbling foundation. The major component of this legislation was to redefine the state’s definition of a “residential home” and to provide incentives for utilizing new technology to fix effected structures.
“I’ve been indicating that this is an ongoing process since it was brought to my attention. This legislation…
Posted on June 28, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
Stafford – State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) and State Sen. Dan Champagne (R-Vernon) hosted an opportunity for residents of Stafford to speak with them about the 2019 Legislative Session. After having taken action on several new laws affecting the area’s working families and businesses, the legislature adjourned its business for the year earlier in the month of June.
About a week prior to the coffee hour in Stafford, Rep. Vail had hosted a similar event in Somers. Sen. Champagne has also hosted several…
Posted on May 30, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Representative Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) co-sponsored legislation that was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening in order to update the Department of Correction (DOC) reimbursement formula in the event an inmate needs to be transported to a hospital for medical care. Prior to the positive legislative action on the bill, municipalities were not being reimbursed for the ambulatory transportation services required for such operations.
“Prior to the passage of this…
Posted on May 21, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – The state legislature established a not-for-profit captive insurance company, or captive insurer, to help homeowners repair or replace crumbling concrete foundations with the lowest possible amount of borrowed funds. On Monday, it was announced that the captive insurance company will receive a $20 million installment allowing it to begin the process of providing financial assistance to affected homeowners. Many House Republican legislators, representing the towns experiencing the greatest…