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…
Posted on March 13, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) welcomed members of the American Legion today at the State Capitol. It is the organization’s 100th Anniversary, when it was established by congress in 1919 following World War I.
During the ceremony, Rep. Vail presented the American Legion’s Vice Commander, Paul Spedaliere, a legislative citation in recognition of the legion’s advocacy and impact on our state’s veterans.
Rep. Vail, Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, “It was wonderful…
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.”
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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.
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