Posted on January 18, 2019 by jdooley

I wish to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Anjelita Estrada. I am saddened at the news that such a precious life was lost way too soon.  

The death of a young student affects the entire Cheshire and Doolittle School community, and I know that all of us send our most heartfelt expressions of sympathy to the entire Estrada family. 

May we find ways to keep our memories of Anjelita alive forever. Losses like this one remind us about how precious, and sometimes fleeting, life can be. They also remind us of the importance of reaching out to one another to offer strength and support and to seek help when needed. 

As a mother of an eleven year old daughter, this sudden, heartbreaking tragedy hits home for me and my family. 

According to reports, the State Child Fatality Review panel will review Anjelita’s death. The panel is part of the state Office of the Child Advocate and normally examines untimely and unexplained juvenile deaths.  

I stand ready to work with Cheshire school officials, educators, parents and other state officials to make sure every student feels safe with the school culture and climate.

I encourage anyone who is seeking services for themselves or someone else to please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. For those who are worried a loved one is considering suicide can also get advice at www.preventsuicidect.org. 

Locally, services are available at Rushford Center, the Community Health Center and MidState Medical Center for emergencies.

Posted on January 18, 2019 by jdooley

HARTFORD- State Senator Rob Sampson (R-16) State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) will be hosting a legislative coffee hour at the Dairy Bar in Prospect.

The Coffee Hour will be at the Dairy Bar on 29 Waterbury Road in Prospect on February 7th from 9:00am-10:00am.

Both Sen. Sampson and Rep. Zupkus want to hear from their constituents and encourage them to talk about any issues, questions or concerns related to state government.

The 2019 Legislative Session began on January 9^th.

For anyone who is unable to attend but would like to talk to their state representatives you can contact them at 1.800.842.1423 or send an email to Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov and Rob.Sampson@cga.ct.gov.

Posted on January 17, 2019 by jdooley

Last session, I joined my legislative colleagues to pass two provisions (included within the bi-annual budget) regarding Social Security Income Deductions and Retirement Income Deductions designed to provide seniors with much-needed tax relief. The first eliminated the income tax on Social Security and the second will phase out the income tax on pensions over the next few years. **Social Security Income Tax Deduction **Effective for tax years beginning after 2019, individual taxpayers may deduct 100 percent of Social Security income, if federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than: • $75,000 for single filers and married taxpayers filing separately; • or $100,000 joint filers and heads of household Taxpayers with incomes equal to or greater than the thresholds qualify for a 75 percent deduction. The income thresholds are increased from $50,000 and $60,000, respectively. **Retirement Income Tax Deductions Effective beginning with the 2019 tax year, individual taxpayers may deduct a portion of retirement income that is included in federal gross income, if federal AGI is below: • $75,000 for single filers, married taxpayers filing separately, and heads of households; • or $100,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly To read more about these changes, you can read the Research Report provided by the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research – https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/rpt/pdf/2018-R-0005.pdf It is recommended that you consult a certified tax preparer regarding any deduction. FOLLOW STATE REP. LEZLYE ZUPKUS Questions? Contact 860-240-8700