Local Lawmaker Wants to Stop Tolls

 

Dear Neighbors,   Thank you for writing and calling to express your opposition to tolls.   Your voices and advocacy have led to House Democrats reconsidering their position on tolls. The Speaker of the House announced today that he might not bring a tolls bill forward for a vote.   It appears we have won today, but we are not in the clear yet. We still have a week to go until the end of session and we need to continue to keep the pressure on.   I am circulating a petition to stop tolls, and I ask that you please take a moment to sign it! Please join me in sending a message to the majority party that we don't want tolls.   Sign my petition now!

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

State Rep. Klarides-Ditria Highlights New CT Laws

Dear Neighbors,   As of yesterday, October 1st, 140 new laws went into effect. The new laws cover a wide range of topics and may have an impact on your day-to-day life or business.   Below is a highlight of some of the new laws.   Animal Shelter Registration   I am proud to have championed this legislation that will require a person who wants to operate or maintain an animal shelter in Connecticut to register with the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) commissioner and comply with DoAg's regulations on sanitation, disease, humane treatment of cats and dogs, and public safety protection. In addition, this law authorizes the commissioner, or his agent, to inspect an animal shelter at any time.   New Opioid Laws   We are taking steps to prevent and treat opioid abuse. Under this bill, it allows patients to ask that opioids not be prescribed to them and reduces the amount of opioid drugs a minor may be prescribed. It also requires practitioners, when prescribing opioids, to discuss with all patients, rather than only minors, the risks associated with opioid drug use. Click here to read more.   Small Business Hotline   This act requires the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) commissioner to establish and operate a hotline that provides individualized information and guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to start and develop a business, identify networking resources, and access technical and financial assistance from the state and quasi-public agencies.   Child Seat Law   All children under the age of 2 will be required to travel in a rear-facing car seat. This legislation also requires children to ride in booster seats until the age of 8.   Click here for a full list of the new laws.   In case you missed it, last week Governor Dan Malloy vetoed the bipartisan budget that passed both the House and the Senate last month. The governor’s executive order, which eliminates educational funding to 85 communities, will now move forward.   We will have a chance to override the governor’s decision during a veto session tomorrow and restore the bipartisan budget. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to override the governor’s veto.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov.     Sincerely,    State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

State Rep. Gentile Lauds Fight Against Human Trafficking

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) is hailing Connecticut’s efforts against human trafficking.  Beginning in October, hotel and motel operators must train their staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.  The operators must also keep records of their guests.

 

In addition, the General Assembly will get annual reports from law enforcement outlining: law enforcement’s participation in federal, statewide, or regional anti-trafficking efforts; referrals related to human trafficking allegations; criteria used to determine the validity of human trafficking allegations; coordination among state and local police on trafficking cases; obstacles to investigating trafficking; the number of missing children investigations; the number of referrals from DCF related to trafficking; and the number of trafficking cases referred for prosecution.

 

“I am so proud of this legislation,” said Rep. Gentile.  “It came about thanks to the women's caucus of the General Assembly who recognized the extent of this horrible crime and urgent need to address it.  We worked side by side, across the aisle to ensure that our law would be comprehensive and effective.  Because of my commitment and that of my colleagues, Connecticut's law is model legislation for our country.”

 

Connecticut’s aggressive anti-trafficking laws have attracted the attention of law enforcement and civil rights groups across the U.S.

 

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

Local Lawmaker Says "No" to Mileage Tax

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) is responding to reports that Connecticut is moving toward a mileage tax -- the idea of taxing motorists based on the distance they drive in their vehicles.

“Let me be clear, I am absolutely against any consideration of a mileage tax,” says Rep. Gentile.  “Talk about such a tax is aimed at getting voters riled up.”  Leadership in both chambers of the General Assembly insist they have no interest or plans to consider a mileage tax.  “For the record, I have no interest or plans to institute a mileage tax, as well,” says Rep. Gentile.  

 

Talk of a mileage tax began last year when the Governor’s Transportation Finance Panel recommended studying its potential implementation.  ConnDOT applied for a federal grant ($300,000) to pay for the study, joining with Vermont, Delaware, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.  DOT officials say the mileage tax could be an option to raise revenues.  Rep. Gentile says it is “a concept I cannot and will not support.”

 

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

Conroy's Bill to Combat Opiod Epidemic Moves to House

HARTFORD - Legislation (HB5053) sponsored by State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) aimed at combatting the growing opioid epidemic in Connecticut was unanimously approved by the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee.  
 

The bill instructs cities and towns to ensure first responders are equipped and trained to administer the drug naloxone when encountering a person experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone has a proven record of quickly reversing the effects of an overdose. 

 

“This is a statewide crisis that needs to be addressed in a non-judgmental, humane manner,” said Rep. Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. “Naloxone is effective and fast-acting, and it is important to get it out on the streets in our towns so lives can be saved.”       

 

According to the Department of Public Health, naloxone was administered by paramedics over 2,000 times per year in the state from 2012-14.  

 

Also under the bill, commercial health insurers would be prohibited from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone. In addition, a provision in the bill helps protect a provider who administers an opioid antidote from civil liability.

 

The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for the consideration of the full General Assembly.  

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

Crisco, colleagues seek tax deduction on long-term care insurance

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, and advocates call on Congress to offer an “above-the-line” federal tax deduction for those who invest in long-term care insurance. / Contributed photo

 

HARTFORD - Leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee announced Friday they are seeking support from fellow legislators to establish an income tax deduction for individuals who invest in long-term care insurance. 
The leaders are asking for federal support in the form of a nationwide tax deduction on long-term care insurance premiums.

State senators Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, and state Representatives Robert Megna, D-New Haven, and Rob Sampson R-Wolcott, are sending a letter  to the Connecticut Congressional Delegation asking them to work towards passage of a federal tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums.

These efforts are focused on encouraging individuals to invest in long-term care insurance, which would provide relief for the state’s growing burden of Medicaid-funded nursing home care.

“This is a commonsense approach to relieving one of the heaviest burdens on our state budget,” said  Crisco.
“Just as we in state government need to focus on long-term investments that will pay dividends for Connecticut for years to come, our constituents need to make similar investments so they can live healthy, independent lives as they age. 
"The benefits of independent living are indisputable. People are happier when they are able to age in their own communities, and stay connected to their friends, neighbors and surroundings. This would be a good step toward promoting investment in long-term care insurance, and I encourage Congress to take action.”

The single largest expenditure in the Connecticut state budget is funding for long-term Medicaid services. In 2012, the state spent $2.8 billion, or 10 percent of the annual state budget, on long-term care for seniors. As Connecticut’s senior population grows, the costs of providing this care will increase beyond the state’s capabilities, further straining the state budget.

Currently, 14 percent of the population is over 65 years old. 
By 2032, the senior population is expected to increase by nearly 69 percent, making nearly one quarter of the population over 65 years old.

“With huge growth in the senior population, it will be impossible to support people with the same amount of Medicaid services offered today,” Kelly said. “We need to encourage people to invest in long-term care insurance now, so they can independently support themselves as they age. We hope that the federal government will support our efforts with nationwide legislation.”

Long-term care is not always direct medical care, but rather is a range of services and supports that help individuals care for themselves on a daily basis. This can include help bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, shopping for groceries, caring for pets, housework, managing money, taking medication etc.

“The costs of providing long-term care are rising and spending is unsustainable,” said Sampson. “People need more incentives to encourage a personal investment in long-term care insurance. People deserve peace of mind when it comes to health care in their later years, and long-term care insurance can provide that. It’s time to make this insurance more affordable and more accessible while saving taxpayer money and helping people stay in their homes longer.”

The Insurance Committee leaders encourage the Connecticut Congressional Delegation to work towards passage of a federal “above-the-line” tax deduction for private long-term care insurance premiums. Currently, individuals can claim a deduction on their federal income taxes for the costs of long term care, but only if they itemize their deduction. The Insurance Committee is seeking support for a deduction that would come off the gross income, before the adjusted gross income is determined.

The majority of people do not itemize deductions when filing their taxes, with recent data from Urban Institute showing that only 30 percent of individuals did so in 2010. 
By requesting an “above-the-line” deduction, the Insurance Committee leaders hope to make it easier for all eligible individuals to receive the deductions they qualify for.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco seeks fed intervention to hold Metro-North accountable

Lawmakers call on transit leaders to testify
HARTFORD - Citing the mounting problems that have plagued the Metro-North Railroad over the course of the last two years, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, joined Democratic and Republican legislators Monday to ask the Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the new President of Metro-North Railroad to testify before the General Assembly.

Sen. Crisco

“We’re here today because it is simply unacceptable what our state’s commuters have had to suffer through,” Crisco said.
“A series of accidents and a breakdown in the functionality of Metro-North have thrown into question the safety and reliability of the railroad. It is the responsibility of our government to step in and aid Metro-North in whatever way necessary to improve safety and restore credibility to the railroad. Commuters are calling out to us for help, and as constituent servants it is our responsibility to make these concerns known.”

The legislators sent a letter outlining their requests and concerns to the MTA, federal and state transportation officials, Governor Malloy and the state’s Congressional delegation.

The letter asks Thomas F. Prendergast (MTA Chairman and CEO) and Joseph Giulietti (Metro-North Railroad President) to come before the Transportation Committee, proposes measurable goals for Metro-North to improve its credibility, and asks for federal and state assistance in both aiding Metro-North in meeting these goals and securing necessary funding to support critical infrastructure improvements.

Metro-North Railroad represents one of the largest, busiest and most important transit systems in the country.
Nearly 40 million riders rely on the New Haven Line every year. Any disruption has an immediate ripple effect on business and jobs, and equipment breakdowns have considerably slowed train traffic or brought it to a halt. Rail commuters have reacted to this steadily worsening situation with an outcry for help.

A series of failures arising from mismanagement, negligence, and aged railroad infrastructure has reached a crisis point, resulting in the injury and death of scores of commuters. The legislators drew attention to a partial list of the serious accidents, fatalities, examples of poor management and lack of oversight, alleged fraud and criminal activity that speak to a breakdown in the management structure of Metro North.

The legislators urged Metro-North to establish measurable goals to achieve a safer and more dependable standard of service.
The most salient issues for commuters include:

—adherence to national safety standards and protocols that are currently not being met
—a commitment to immediately resolve passenger problems that are now occurring on a weekly basis
—providing evidence of management oversight of all employee activities

The legislators insisted that the situation must be addressed now to restore trust in Metro-North’s ability to run its operations. However, Connecticut has little to no leverage since it is locked into a 60 year contract with Metro-North.

On Sunday Malloy announced a $10 million plan to upgrade the electric infrastructure which provides power to the New Haven Line. The legislators hailed this project as a major step in the right direction, but stressed that the state cannot solve all of Metro-North’s major problems alone.

They suggested the federal government may wish to provide Metro-North with managerial and technical expertise to resolve the serious problems that they are experiencing. This assistance could be a valuable transitional tool for the new leadership of the railroad as it works to fill the existing void in its management.

The legislators also called attention to Metro-North’s aging infrastructure, and asked the state’s Congressional delegation and the U.S. and Connecticut Departments of Transportation to prioritize funding for repairs and maintenance on Metro-North, with particular attention to the New Haven Line.

Some of the railroad’s catenary lines and track are over 100 years old and are particularly vulnerable to severe weather conditions, which occur regularly and should not serve as an excuse for poor service.
Adequate funding is also needed for a reliable power supply that is vital to any well-functioning and secure rail system.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Valley state officials will hold public hearing Wednesday

On Wednesday June 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., area legislators will host a public meeting at Seymour Town Hall.

Sen. Rob Kane, Sen. Kevin Kelly and Rep Len Greene will provide taxpayers with an update on a variety of legislation passed during the recently concluded session of the Connecticut General Assembly, some of which will impact the local economy, veterans, students and seniors.

“We urge taxpayers to mark their calendars and stop by Town Hall on Wednesday,” Sen. Kelly said. 

“We are fighting for you at the State Capitol and want to hear your questions, comments and concerns,” Sen. Kane said.

“We continue to push for lower taxes and for the elimination of wasteful government spending,” Rep. Greene said.  “We look forward to updating Seymour residents on Wednesday.”

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held in the Norma Drummer Room at Seymour Town Hall, 1 First Street.

Those who cannot attend can contact Kane or Kelly at 800 842 1421 or Greene at 800 842 1423.

Information was submitted via a press release.