Posted on September 16, 2022
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) recently announced their annual “Stand Down” event for Veterans scheduled for Friday, September 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at five locations across the state.
These events are a one-stop location for Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families to access DVA services and programs from federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based…
Posted on September 8, 2022
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
As you may be aware, the federal funding for Connecticut’s home heating assistance program (LIHEAP) was reduced this year, even though costs have skyrocketed. On Monday, Republican members of the Appropriations, Energy, and Human Services committees proposed an amendment to supplement $79.2 million in expected federal LIHEAP funds to increase total home energy assistance to $191.5 million. The supplemental funds would come from leftover federal funding the state received…
Posted on September 8, 2022
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
With school starting and thousands of children soon waiting at the end of their driveways or on the side of a road for the bus, I wanted to remind everyone to be careful on our public roadways. When school is in session, drivers should use extra caution, especially near bus stops, schools, playgrounds, and athletic fields.
Safety tips for drivers:
- State law prohibits passing a school bus with its lights flashing. Some school buses are equipped with cameras to record passing…
Posted on August 25, 2022
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
In early June, my Republican colleagues and I raised concerns about the financial pressure residents would experience this fall as they faced the skyrocketing expense of heating their homes. We proposed a plan to use some of the state’s significant surplus funds to provide additional home heating assistance to those who most need it – most often families and seniors. Our plan fell on deaf ears. Our concern on this subject continues as the legislature grapples with the reality…
Posted on August 25, 2022
WINDSOR LOCKS – On Tuesday, August 23rd, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) toured the New England Air Museum Restoration Hangar with Restoration Coordinator Bob Vozzola.
The restoration team consists of dozens of volunteers with roughly 35-40 working on Tuesdays and Thursdays any given week. The volunteers operate out of an 11,200 square foot hangar which includes areas for machining, metal fabrication, welding, and engine restoration.
“I was impressed by the skill, patience and attention…
Posted on August 15, 2022
EAST GRANBY – State Representatives Tami Zawistowski (R-61) and Mark Anderson (R-62) as well as First Selectman Eden Wimpfheimer recently toured Pioneer Optics with company President Ronald Hille.
“Learning firsthand from local employers is important as we try to move our state forward and build a successful climate for business growth,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “I was excited to learn about the products built by Pioneer Optics and their recent growth. I hope they will continue to expand in East Granby…
Posted on August 12, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
From Sunday, August 21, through Saturday, August 27, there will be a tax-free holiday on clothing and footwear. Items sold at $100 or under will not be subject to the state’s sales tax during this time. This is the 22nd annual sales tax free week which typically occurs during the third week of August.
Earlier this year we passed legislation – HB 5501 “An Act Suspending Certain Gas Taxes and Sales and Use Taxes on Certain…
Posted on August 3, 2022
The Connecticut Insurance Department is considering substantial proposed rate increases for individual and small group (for employers with 50 or fewer workers) insurance markets. The average of the proposed rate increases is 20%. Nine health insurance providers covering approximately 206,000 people have filed for increases. The filings are for both the state-sponsored health insurance exchange, Access Health CT, and off-exchange plans.
According to the Insurance Dept.,
- The proposed average individual rate request is a 20.4 percent increase, compared to 8.6 percent in 2022 and ranges from 8.6 percent to 25.2 percent.
- The proposed average small group rate request is a 14.8 percent increase, compared to 12.9 percent in 2022 and ranges from 3.6 percent to 29.3 percent.
The Insurance Department Announced a Public Hearing on Rate Requests for August 15th
…
Posted on July 29, 2022
At the conclusion of each legislative session, the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research compiles reports on public acts organized by topics. These reports include various topics such as “Acts Affecting Seniors,” “Acts Affecting Education,” “Acts Affecting Business and Jobs,” and much more.
Follow the link below to access the full range of reports:
Posted on June 23, 2022
The rising cost of diesel increases prices on everyday goods driving inflation even higher. On July 1st, taxes on diesel fuel are scheduled to increase by 23% or 9.1 cents per gallon, bringing the total tax to 49.2 cents, up from 40.1 cents. The tax on diesel includes a flat 29 cent per gallon rate and a variable tax set each year on July 1st that is calculated by multiplying the prior year’s average wholesale price by 8.1%.
In March, House and Senate Republicans initiated the call for tax relief…