DMV Announces Deadline Extensions

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Connecticut DMV announces additional deadline extensions The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it has added to its list of extended deadlines for residents with expiring credentials. Eligible DMV credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension. In addition to extending the expiration date of DMV credentials, late fees associated with eligible expired credentials will be waived during this time period of the extension for qualifying credentials. Deadlines have been extended for the following DMV-related items: ·       All licenses, permits, and identification cards: Lengthens the credential extension to 90 days for credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       All registrations, including International Registration Plan and boat registrations: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Emissions testing and retesting: For test due dates that fall between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the due date will be extended by 90 days from the emissions expiration date. ·       Permanent disability placard: Any permanent disability placard that expires at the same time as a credential that is subject to an extension will be extended by 90 days. ·       Business licenses: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Temporary registrations: Temporary registrations obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       Temporary licenses, IDs, permits that contain a digital image: Expiration dates will be extended by 90 days for all temporary (paper) licenses obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       Flashing light permits: Expiration dates between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       School bus proficiency tests: Extends the validity of school bus proficiency tests that are due between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 by 90 days. For answers to questions, updates, or more information about these extensions or other previously-issued credential extensions, visit www.ct.gov/dmv, call 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (outside the Hartford area). If you have any additional questions on this or any other issues, please reach out to me by email or call my office.

Contact Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria 860-240-8700 | 800-842-1423 www.repnkd.com nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov View a map of our district

Online Town Hall Meeting for Older Adults Living Through the Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:     Lorrie Hoak

                    Director of Support Services

                    (203) 736-5420 ext.1246

                    lhoak@teaminc.org  

“Living Through the Pandemic” for CT’s Older Adults, Friday July 17

Who?          Connecticut Coalition on Aging

Older adults residing in CT, age 60 and above, are invited to join the CCOA Board for a virtual conversation about the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on older adult life.

What?         Town Hall Meeting for CT’s Older Adults:

                    Conversation will be limited to attendee responses to the following:

                    1. During the pandemic, what were the greatest challenges you faced?

2. What helped you get through isolation and how did you get your needs met?

3. Do you think your life has now changed permanently? In what ways?

                   

When?        Friday, July 17, 2020 from 10:00AM – 11:30AM

Where?       You must register to attend on-line meeting using “Zoom” (free, web base meeting software for a computer, tablet or smartphone). To register click on this link: Register for 7/17 Town Hall Meeting  For more information email: Kliberman@cox.net

Closed Caption will be available

State Guidelines for CT Businesses On Re-Opening

Sharing Link from New Haven Biz Magazine:

https://www.newhavenbiz.com/article/biz-planning-to-reopen-may-20-must-self-certify-they-are-following-covid-19-guidelines?fbclid=IwAR02_sM_2ai1sU3zGlfrWro7mlinzI9AzlwJK4SnafThLoWdI7VXQbRKZ_c

Dial 2-1-1 for Coronavirus Info in CT

State Rep. Rochelle Praises Legislation Assisting Seniors

Rep. Kara Rochelle (D Ansonia/Derby) is proud to support tax relief for those who receive social security and pensions and an increase in funding for the Meals on Wheels program, both included in the 2019 budget. 

 In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle also supported four additional bills focusing on our seniors’ well-being and quality of life. Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability, proper support, and dignity.  These legislative efforts all work toward that goal.  I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look forward to continued efforts in future sessions.” said Rochelle

A closer look at the bills:

The Budget

·       Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax cuts for seniors on social security and for those who receive pensions. For social security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.

·       Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.

      Legislation: 

         HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.

·       SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and minimum number of required staff for each shift.      

          SB832, An act Concerning Registries of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse , Neglect, Exploitation Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities –provides the public with access to a searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

·       SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.

(This is a press release from Rochelle's office)

Bad Sons Hosting State Cornhole Tournament

Who's Ready to be Crowned Champions of Cornhole! Saturday, June 8th, 2019 Registration must be purchased online using the link below: Register Your Team Now

Copyright © 2019 BAD SONS Beer Co., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: BAD SONS Beer Co. 251 Roosevelt Dr. Derby, CT 06418

Career Bus Coming to Ansonia

Klarides Sisters Support Bill to Help CT Federal Workers

HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria have voted in favor of public-private partnership with banks that will aid Connecticut federal employees who are currently not receiving pay because of the Federal Government shutdown.

 

Under the bill, affected employees are eligible for up to three loans from banks, each equal to their monthly after-tax pay, up to $5,000, less unemployment benefits. The bill prohibits interest on the loans for 270 days after the shutdown ends.

 

Rep. Klarides said, “I am proud to support the emergency legislation to assist federal workers in Connecticut most adversely affected by the continuing partial government shutdown. This is a bipartisan response that will positively affect hundreds of workers and their families.”

 

"Not paying federal workers who help protect our national security is something we can't just sit back and watch happen," said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. "I wish lawmakers in Washington D.C. would open government back up, but in the meantime, Connecticut federal workers can be rest assured that they can pay their bills. We should continue to keep the pressure on our federal delegation to work together and compromise to locate a way to get our Federal Government open."

 

The bill also authorizes municipalities and municipal subdivisions to establish a tax-deferment program for such employees’ real and personal property or motor vehicles taxes, or water or sewer rates, charges or assessment payments; and

 

In addition, if federal law or guidance allows them to do so, authorizes such employees to receive unemployment compensation benefits (generally, federal employees that must work without pay during a shutdown are ineligible for unemployment benefits).

 

(This is a press release from Press Secretary Spencer Rubin)

 

Valley Lawmakers Sworn-in for New Term

 

HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides, Nicole Klarides-Ditria and Senator George Logan took their oath of office on Wednesday, January 9^th, commencing the 2019 legislative session.

“The start of the new legislative session offers us all a chance for a clean slate and renewed opportunities to do the hard work and produce the best outcomes for the people of the state of Connecticut. I am optimistic that we can accomplish great things and complete our work on time,’’ House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said.

“It’s an honor representing the 105th district in the General Assembly,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “I am hopeful that the new administration will work collaboratively with Republicans and Democrats this session. We all know the many issues impacting our state and we should all be putting our heads together to find the best possible solutions that will move our state in a better direction.”

 

“I’m excited to begin my second term as state senator.  It is an honor to serve the taxpayers of the 17th Senate District.  Please contact me George.Logan@cga.ct.gov with any questions or comments.  Sign up for my State Capitol email alerts at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and friend me on Facebook.  I am fighting for you, the taxpayers.  I am trying to make Connecticut more affordable, and I want to hear from you.” 

The lawmakers will be entering a “long session”, which will run from January 9th to June 5th. During the long session, the lawmakers are able to propose legislation and will be tasked with framing a two-year state budget.

 

(This is a press release from House Republicans)

Jaumann Receives NFIB Endorsement

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has backed Joe Jaumann the Republican and Independent candidate for State Representative in the 104th district.

“As a small business owner and Aldermen in Ansonia, I have worked hard to recharge our local economy,” said Jaumann. “The decisions made by Governor Dan Malloy and the majority have gotten in our way. But, as we do in Ansonia and in the Valley we don’t back down from a challenge. I am proud of the work Team Cassseti has done and what we have done here locally is exactly the approach we need to bring to Hartford.”

NFIB is the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy. Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today.

(This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign)

State Announces Simplified Guidelines for Recycling

The State of Connecticut has launched new simplified guidelines for recycling. Please follow this link http://www.recyclect.com/ to learn what should or should not, go in your recycle bin. The flyer below is a guide to recycling. Also please note with pizza boxes, if they have any oil on the box or the wax paper inside, they are no longer recyclable and should be put in your trash.

Jaumann Receives Unanimous Endorsement from ARTC



Mayor Cassetti, leftt, and Jaumann



ANSONIA - At a recent Ansonia Republican Town Committee meeting, Mayor David Cassetti asked the more than 30 members present to endorse Joseph Jaumann, 5th Ward Alderman to be the Republican candidate for State Representative of the 104th district.  Cassetti praised Jaumann for his hard work and strong leadership before the Ansonia Republican Town Committee and unanimously endorsed Jaumann. 

 

Jaumann said "I am humbled by the unanimous support of the town committee.  I want to especially thank Mayor Cassetti for making the endorsement and his comments."  Jaumann continued "the 2018 election is about the future of Connecticut and in order to protect our future we need to elect leaders who will fight for the taxpayers and for the hardworking families of this state.  I believe my record and experience let the people of Ansonia and Derby know that I will have their back."

 

(This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign manager Sam Pollastro)

Klarides Sisters Renew Call to Provide Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and her sister State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria are continuing to fight to pass legislation that helps disabled veterans.

 

House Bill 5231 will allow municipalities, with their legislative body's approval, to freeze property taxes on homes owned by certain disabled veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse.  To be eligible, the veteran must have a service-connected disability and either the veteran or spouse must have lived in Connecticut for at least one year.

 

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said, "In these difficult economic times, we are aware that municipalities are struggling financially. That is why this bill was written to provide towns and cities an option to offer this opportunity rather than mandate it."

 

Rep. Klarides continued, "Veterans who are injured as a result of their service live on fixed incomes and freezing their property taxes will help make living in our state more affordable."

 

Rep. Klarides-Ditria added, "Letting our local governments decide to freeze taxes for disabled veterans is something they should be allowed to do. Disabled veterans deserve this tax relief, and I will continue to fight to get this legislation passed."

 

The Veterans' Affairs Committee passed this legislation unanimously. Before the bill can become law it must pass both the House and Senate.

 

(This is a press release from Spencer Rubin, State of CT House Republicans)

New Year Brings New State Laws

Dear Neighbors,   As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our communities. 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 PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE - Public Act No. 17-131 - requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduces the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allows patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed. Summary   AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT - Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans' benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans' cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver's license or identity card. Summary   Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut.   New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage.   As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns relating to state government at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or at (800) 842-1423.   Sincerely,     State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

State Rep. Klarides-Ditria Lauds Budget Passage

Dear Neighbors,   After 117 days, the Connecticut General Assembly has passed another bipartisan budget, this time by a wide 126-23 margin in the House of Representatives and a 33-3 margin in the State Senate. I supported this broad, bipartisan agreement, and the large majority of votes from both parties indicates the likelihood of a veto override if the Governor once again vetoes the budget.   We were able to close a massive $3.5 billion deficit with only about 1% of total revenue resulting from tax and fee policy changes. Although the SEBAC union agreement approved by the majority party in July deeply constrained our abilities to reduce spending, we were able to reduce non-contractual spending in many areas of the budget while protecting services for those most vulnerable in our community, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, working families, and seniors. The budget also reduces overall bond authorizations, helping to control debt service spending for years to come.   Importantly, the budget features a variety of long-lasting spending constraints:   • Finally after 25+ years, it implements an effective constitutional cap on state spending; • An annual bonding cap of $1.9 billion in borrowing, a half billion less than what Governor Malloy approved to put on the state's credit card last year; • A revenue cap that prevents the state from spending all the money it expects to take in annually; • A volatility cap that will automatically send any excess revenue to the Budget Reserve Fund and help fund pension and debt service liabilities.   The budget also provides for tax relief by phasing in tax reductions for Social Security income, pension and annuity income, and gift and estate taxes for many residents across our state.   Additionally, this budget does not include the large tax increases that were previously proposed by Governor Malloy and the majority party, including proposed hikes to the income tax, sales tax, and hotel tax or new taxes on cell phone bills, homeowners insurance polices, restaurants, or investment properties. It also does not eliminate the car tax as once proposed.     As with any budget, however, it is not perfect. There are minimal revenue increases, reductions to energy efficiency programs, and greater contributions by teachers towards their pensions, which will go to their pensions - Not the General Fund. I do, however, feel that the good achieved by this budget far outweighs the tough decisions made to help balance it.   For more information on the bipartisan budget, visit cthousegop.com/budget.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach me at (860) 240-8700 or Nicole-Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov.   Sincerely, State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Gentile Applauds Budget Approval

REP. GENTILE LAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN BUDGET

 

This afternoon, State Representative Linda Gentile (D-104) praised the partisan state budget ending Connecticut's fiscal crisis and restoring potential cuts for Ansonia and Derby.

 

The budget passed the House of Representatives today in a 126 to 23 vote.

 

“This truly bipartisan budget is a win for both Ansonia and Derby, who were locked in limbo during the budget crisis,” Rep. Gentile said. “In addition to rejecting damaging cuts, this budget does not shift undue financial burdens onto local property taxpayers, invests in job creation efforts along with innovation and manufacturing, protects our community hospitals, and pushes Connecticut in the right direction.”

 

Under the governor’s executive order, both Ansonia and Derby were set to lose a significant amount of funding in municipal aide for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Specifically, Derby was set to lose $1.6 million and Ansonia was set to lose approximately $664,000. Under the bipartisan budget, all of this funding is restored.

 

“I have heard from town officials and residents that the potential cuts under the governor’s proposal would have been damaging to our communities and I am proud to have worked with members across the aisle to successfully restore them,” Rep. Gentile said.

 

Additionally, the budget:

 

• Restores funding for scholarships for low and middle-income students, like the Roberta Willis Scholarship
• Enacts a state spending and bonding cap
• Maintains the property tax credit of $200 for seniors and families with dependents
• Continues investments in job creation programs such as the Small Business Express, Manufacturing Assistance, Innovation Places and Brownfield Remediation

 

The budget will now head to the governor’s desk for approval.

 

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)