Posted on September 29, 2023
Several new laws will be taking effect on October 1st. I have highlighted a couple of these new laws but encourage you to review the entire list by clicking the button below.
- Municipal Veterans Services – This bill reorganizes the laws requiring municipalities to establish veterans’ representative programs and makes various changes to them, including allowing municipalities to jointly carry out their program related duties.
- Wrong-way Driving Prevention – DOT will implement measures to stop the uptick…
Posted on September 15, 2023
The CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs will be hosting STAND DOWN 2023 on Friday, September 22, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to provide access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the State.
The regional sites include:
- Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
- Bristol: Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
- Danbury: Danbury War Memorial…
Posted on August 15, 2023
Beginning Sunday, August 20, and concluding on Saturday, August 26, clothing items and footwear sold in Connecticut (under $100 per item) will be exempt from the state’s sales tax. This tax holiday was established by the Connecticut General Assembly and will be celebrated for the 23rd time this year.
This is a good time to revamp your wardrobe or take your students back to school shopping. The exemption also applies to sales completed on-line.
For additional information on Connecticut Tax Free week,…
Posted on August 2, 2023
The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has published several “Acts Affecting” reports. These reports provide an overview of major topics that the legislature addressed during the 2023 session. Some of these topics include taxes, transportation, and business & jobs.
The entire collection of reports can be viewed by clicking here. A selection of the reports can be found below.
- Personal income tax rate cuts (pg. 5)
- Retirement Income Tax Exemption ‘Cliff’ (pg. 5)
- Freeze on diesel…
Posted on July 17, 2023
Unemployment claim fraud is on the rise – an alarming trend that can be detrimental to one’s identity integrity. The CT Dept. of Labor has several resources available, for both employers and employees, to protect identity and limit instances of fraud. There are also resources to use in the event you believe that you, or your company, may be a victim of fraud.
You can learn more about CTDOL’s Integrity Unit by clicking here.
If you believe you are a victim of a fraudulent claim, you can access the…
Posted on June 29, 2023
Several new laws will be taking effect on Saturday, July 1. These laws cover a range of topics, from improving accessibility of developmental programs, further protecting victims of domestic violence, to expanding the eligibility of critical health services. I have highlighted some of the major acts below and encourage you to review all the newly effective laws.
Laws Effective July 1st (click here)
Accessing Developmental Programs – Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities will…
Posted on June 20, 2023
The Office of Legislative Research, with assistance of the Office of Fiscal Analysis, have comprised the annual Major Public Acts report. This report provides summaries of the major pieces of legislation that were approved by the legislature in 2023. The report covers many topics, including:
- Budget and tax information
- Enhanced financial protections for seniors
- New social media policies for minors
- Anti-theft measures to reduce catalytic converter thefts
- Job programs for those with intellectual and…
Posted on June 14, 2023
HARTFORD – State Rep. Kurt Vail continued his service on the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee this session as Ranking Member. The Ranking Member is the highest-serving member to the committee of the legislature’s minority party. The committee worked tirelessly over the course of the last six months to deliver better services for Connecticut’s veteran population.
Veteran Service Officers
Vail has been in constant contact with those who have served our country but are frustrated from obstacles…
Posted on May 2, 2023
House Republicans proposed their two-year state budget plan on Tuesday morning. The balanced budget proposal is comprised of broad-based tax cuts, totaling over $1 billion, and funds core government services.
Click here to review the news conference in its entirety.
Tax Relief Budget…
The document champions historic funding levels for education and nonprofit organizations, strengthening the safety net and ensuring social services are readily accessible to residents who will greatly benefit from…
Posted on April 28, 2023
HARTFORD – The last full week of April is nationally recognized as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). The advocacy week is structured to give a voice to victims and their families, which has far too often been quieted. Rep. Vail (R-52) recently voted against the reappointment of Carleton Giles, the former chair of the state’s Board on Pardons & Parole.
Vail voted against Giles because he was the main orchestrater of a dangerous increase in the amount of state commutations over the last…