Food drive to benefit Seymour Oxford Food Bank slated at Rte. 67 Diner

 

Klarides-Ditria posts new laws effective today

With the legislative session over and the governor signing - and even vetoing - bills almost daily, I wanted to highlight several, and provide a full list of new laws that take effect on July 1st. You can find a list of all bills that passed the 2025 session by clicking the red button below. The Cost of Energy A major piece of legislation we took up concerned the high cost of energy in our state.  Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive plan that creates savings of more than $100 million in the public benefits, places $100 million of Covid debt on bond, and securitizes storm costs which is projected to save about $90 million off the bill providing an overall decrease of about $300 million from ratepayers’ bills. It also requires the Office of Consumer Council (OCC) to study the public benefits charges. While not the comprehensive energy policy overhaul I would have liked, I did support the bill and hope to see even more positive changes to help save you even more money in the future. Housing and HB5002 Following an 11-hour debate and despite strong bipartisan opposition, the House passed an omnibus housing bill that has the potential to undercut local zoning and take away local control in favor of Hartford mandates. House Bill 5002, priority legislation for the majority party, creates unrealistic fair share housing requirements for each town, requires town zoning to allow for as of right conversion of commercial lots for certain residential development, prohibits towns from including minimum parking requirements on certain housing developments, and allows developers to recover attorneys’ fees from towns in certain circumstances in 8-30g appeals, among other concerning provisions.  It also combined various bills and sidestepped normal procedural requirements for consideration of legislation. I voted against this bill because it’s another massive overreach from Hartford. Zoning requirements should be set locally, and not be forced onto our towns by Hartford mandates. I'm pleased to note that Governor Lamont vetoed this bill, and I look forward to debating a substantially different proposal during a fall special session! Bills Passed 2025 Several new laws will take effect July 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below. AN ACT CONCERNING THE FALLEN HERO FUND I supported this bill so that the surviving family of a firefighter killed in the line of duty shall be paid a death benefit from the Fallen Officer Fund. With the eligibility now expanded from only law enforcement members, the fund will be renamed the Fallen Officer and Firefighter Fund. This new law will also provide health insurance coverage to the survivors of a firefighter killed in the line of duty. AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BIPARTISAN DRUG TASK FORCE This bill is aimed at reducing drug prices, and includes a feasibility study about importing prescription drugs from Canada. It also states that the insurance commissioner must require health carriers to annually report on pricing offered to, and profit generated between, the carrier and any pharmacy benefits managers (PBM) or mail-order pharmacy doing business in Connecticut. AN ACT CONCERNING THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES AND STREET TAKEOVERS Municipalities with more than 20,000 residents will be empowered to adopt an ordinance allowing for the destruction of vehicles seized during so-called street takeovers (large groups of vehicles blocking roads or intersections) after holding them for 30 days. There are some restrictions, including that a reasonable effort be made to contact the owner. If the owner did not know the vehicle was used for such an event, that person has the right to collect the vehicle within 90 days. AN ACT CONCERNING ASSORTED PROPOSALS TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MILITARY SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS IN CONNECTICUT This bill makes technical changes in a statute related to veteran's affairs, including the appointment of a manager to administer an Office of Advocacy and Assistance. The office shall include 8 to 14 veterans' service officers, who are veterans! Other major acts include: An Act Concerning Bleeding Control Training and Kits An Act Implementing Recommendations of the DMV An expanded list of those that will take effect on July 1, along with summaries, can be found here. Feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it!

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: DOT to start immediate repairs on Commodore Hull Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced immediate repairs on the Commodore Hull Bridge - which carries Route 8 over the Housatonic River between Shelton and Derby. According to the DOT, “during a special inspection of the bridge in preparation for a future project, advanced deterioration on the gusset plates was noticed. These plates connect the truss members together to support the weight of the overall bridge structure and traffic load on the bridge.  Due to the additional deterioration found, starting this week CTDOT will begin milling off the bituminous wearing surface (pavement), and posting a 32-ton weight restriction for all vehicles.” There are 12 gusset plate locations anticipated. Travel lane shifts in both directions will likely be required, as well as closure of on/off ramps directly adjacent to the structure while repairs are being completed. The objective is to maintain two lanes of traffic for Route 8 NB & SB.  The bridge remains safe for the traveling public. DOT urges drivers to slow down, move over, and use caution when traveling through this area to keep themselves and workers safe.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Grants available for small businesses, nonprofits hit by flooding

The Women's Business Development Council announced they have partnered with the state to administer $5M in funding for a micro-grant program to help small businesses in western Connecticut rebuild and recover from the record rainfall and flooding impacting the state in August 2024. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties that experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment. Applications open on Tuesday, September 3 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Learn more about the program by clicking HERE. Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria cautions pet owners about hot asphalt

 

With hot temperatures forecast for the week, the governor announced he is activating Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol on Tuesday, June 18 through 12 p.m. Sunday, June 23. He reminded residents that cooling centers are being opened statewide and you can locate the nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list at 211ct.org. It’s important to be prepared for hot temperatures, and that includes making sure your pets are safe, too.  The American Red Cross has the following tips on keeping pets safe, but essentially treat your pets the same as you treat yourself: Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open. Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours. Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws. If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water. Water safety is important for your furry friends. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—they aren’t all good swimmers Watch your pets at a backyard barbecue. Keep them away from the grill and know that some food can be poisonous to them. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with artificial sweeteners. Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems. Open windows or doors are a temptation for pets to try to get outside. Keep all doors and unscreened windows closed, and make sure screens are tightly secured Some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. Visit the Animal Poison Control Center to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria shares information on compost bin, rain barrel sale

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) announced it is offering backyard composters, rain barrels, and related accessories at wholesale prices to residents of the Naugatuck Valley Region. Residents can pre-order at the NVCOG online store (connecticut.compostersale.com/nvcog2/) through Thursday, May 2, 2024. This is a pick-up event only.  Items will be available for pick-up May 4 between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St., Seymour.  Backyard composters are a great way for residents to turn food and yard waste into valuable compost that can be used to amend soil for vegetables, flowers, and lawns. Rain barrels can provide a reliable source of chemical free water for outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens by collecting rainwater. The NVCOG strives to help communities reduce the volume and cost of municipal solid waste disposal by diverting organics from the waste stream and help conserve drinking water by providing an alternative water source for outdoor needs.  The public is encouraged to visit the NVCOG webpage for more information and resources on backyard composting, including a video of an informational workshop with a Master Composter.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria shares collection sites for National Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, April 27 is National Drug Take Back Day.  The Take Back Day is part of the DEA’s National Take Back Initiative to safely dispose of unwanted medications. For more information, or to check availability or specific drop off times, please contact the agency listed. Collection sites are set up throughout the area, including: Seymour Seymour Police Department, 11 Franklin St., Seymour, CT Orange Orange Police Department, 314 Lambert Road, Orange, CT Help prevent over-the-counter (cough medicine, pain relievers, etc.) and prescription drug abuse by dropping off any unwanted, expired, or unused medicines, vitamins, or nutritional supplements. All medications must be in original containers, with all names crossed out. **The service is free and anonymous, no questions will be asked** No needles or sharps will be accepted. Examples of sharps include: Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin Syringes – devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body Lancets, also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing. Lancets are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body. Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home hemodialysis.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria lists new laws in effect as of today, Jan. 1

Friends and neighbors, Several new laws will take effect January 1 that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community.  I have highlighted some of them below. An expanded list of those that will take effect on January 1, along with summaries, can be accessed here. The new year also brings the start of a new legislative session - the second year of the biennium which is known colloquially as the "short session" - which begins on February 7, 2024.  Due to the truncated timeline of the short session, only bills that come directly from one of the legislative committees will make it to the full General Assembly. However, individual legislators are still able to introduce concepts, and I welcome your ideas and input on any state issue. A summary of some new laws include: TAX CUTS The state budget, adopted in June, cuts the bottom two marginal income tax rates for all filers from 3% to 2% and from 5% to 4.5%. Income taxes on the first $50,000 in taxable income will be lowered for single filers and married people filing separately, $100,000 for joint filers, and $80,000 for heads of household. January 1 is also the start of easing the cliff on income tax exemptions for retirement income. The new budget adds a tax deduction schedule for retirement income above the full exemption threshold. BOTTLE BILL The deposit cost for certain beverage containers will increase from $.05 to $.10 on January 1. Initially passed during the 2022 session with a phased roll out, the cost of deposits on (generally) hard cider, plant water or plant infused drink, juice or juice drink, tea, coffee, kombucha, sports or energy drinks, and any beverages identified as one of these products with letters, words, or symbols on their labels will increase. SUPPORTS FOR THE I/DD COMMUNITY Several provisions of a comprehensive bill concerning resources and support services for residents with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) take effect in the new calendar year. More businesses could be eligible for credits for hiring the disabled. The Connecticut JOBSCT Tax Rebate Program will lower the threshold for businesses who hire 25 new full-time employees, down to 15 to retain eligibility for 50-percent income tax rebates for the new employees, if one employee has an intellectual disability. The new law also requires annual reports from the Department of Social Services on the size of the waiting list for the Medicaid waiver program for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Public Act 23-137 also requires the state to create and acquire sensory kits for emergency services workers to give to autistic children and adults to help them during emergency encounters. ONLINE DATING SAFETY We passed a bill last session to bring some safety measure to online dating. Under the new law, online dating companies will be required to have safety centers and reporting procedures to respond to unwanted behaviors, links to report sexual harassment, and safety advice for online dating, including alerts to romance scams. Other major acts include: An Act Concerning Maternal Health An Act Concerning Adoption of the Recommendations of the Task Force to Study Cancer Relief Benefits for Firefighters An Act Ensuring Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce and Custody Proceedings Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.

Sincerely,