Several new laws will take effect on Tuesday, October 1^st. Connecticut’s new legislation effective dates are typically July 1^st, October 1^st, and January 1^st. These bills may impact you, your business, or family. I have highlighted a few of the newly effective laws but encourage you to review the new laws in their entirety by clicking here.

Some of the new laws include:

• Added protections for Police K-9’s
  • (click for a summary)
• Tax relief for disabled veterans
  • (click for a summary)
• Online data…
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Be Bear Aware! Officials are warning that Connecticut Black Bears are beginning their end-of-year preparations. This is the time of year when bears start their initial hibernation phases, which requires them to eat a substantial amount of food. The state saw a record number of bear observances and human-bear interactions in 2024. This has increased the possibility for conflict, which is why it’s important to review some safety tips on how to be bear aware this season.

Being Bear Aware:

• CT DEEP Black…
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to promote awareness on this important public health matter and to provide resources to individuals who are potentially seeking help. To truly help ourselves and others, it’s critical to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Overall, the goal is to provide individuals, friends and families with easier access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to know where to…

Republicans held a news conference yesterday to unveil progress on a petition process to call the legislature into special session. The call to action outlines five proposals that would provide ratepayers with immediate relief. We will look toward the next session to craft a long-term plan that provides stability and clarity for residents and businesses. To date, all Republican members of the General Assembly have submitted their names to the petition.

To view our news conference from yesterday,…

Consumer Alert – Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Free Week will take place from Sunday, August 18, through Saturday, August 24. This is an excellent time to buy new clothes for back-to-school or to freshen up your wardrobe. Many clothing items that are marked under $100 will be exempt from the state’s sales tax. The exemption applies to retailers that are physically located in Connecticut and to sales that are made from on-line merchants.

• For more information and specifics for what items qualify…
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Electric bills are on the rise. If you haven’t gotten your July bill yet, there will be an increase to it. I’ve provided information on the background of rates, what our proposals are to address it, and resources for you to consider – a third-party supplier might help you cut down your bill.

Background on Rates…

High rates are due to factors like our location and lack of natural resources, infrastructure upgrades, Connecticut’s high business costs, legislative policies, and decisions by state…

Union – The Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) forestry division maintains the state forests throughout Connecticut. State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) joined state foresters on a walking tour of Nipmunk State Forest’s Breakneck Block. The division has marked several trees in the block for a potential lumber harvest.

“I appreciated the opportunity to see how the state foresters mark and identify trees to be harvested. The harvests are intended to keep the environment as diversified…

Hartford – State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) achieved a 100%, perfect voting record score in support of Connecticut’s businesses. This score is tabulated by the CT Business & Industry Association, the largest lobbying group for Connecticut’s registered business groups.

“CBIA, the state’s leading business advocacy organization, tallied voting records for all lawmakers in the House in Senate. I was proud to score 100% in support of Connecticut’s businesses, and to fight for issues that matter to them…

UNION – Join me in my latest edition of Behind the Vail, which brings us to Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union. The park is open year round and visitors have access to both Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake. Opportunities for recreation are plentiful, with excellent multi-use trails for hiking and biking. There is also swimming, boating, and scuba diving.

Click here to check out my tour, coordinated by the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

I want to recognize the efforts of DEEP’s…