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…
Posted on May 16, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
Hartford – On Thursday, May 30th, there will be a suit drive held at the State Capitol in order to collect clothing to help veterans prepare for job interviews. Often, veterans do not have the immediate resources to purchase a suit when looking for potential employment options following their service. Consequently, state lawmakers are urging participation in Save-A-Suit, an annual drive to collect business suits, for both men and women. If you have a gently used suit jacket, or suit, please consider…
Posted on May 16, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – On Wednesday, May 22nd, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. there will be a Humvee parked at the State Capitol. Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) is urging residents from all over the state to drop by and help fill the Humvee with goods to help our homeless veterans.
Items needed include:
- Healthcare and hygiene items for men and women
- Tooth brushes
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Socks
- Underwear
- T-Shirts
- Hats
- Gloves
- Boots
- Gift Cards
All donations go directly toward helping homeless veterans and will be distributed…
Posted on April 3, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Representative Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) praised the action of the Government Administration and Election Committee in passing his proposed provision to adopt Atlantic Standard Time, keeping Connecticut in one static time zone, year-round. The committee passed the legislation in bi-partisan fashion, with a final vote tally of 13-2.
“When I first proposed this concept a couple of years ago, nobody in the building took it seriously. I think that the recent action of the GAE Committee…