01/06/2024
Updates from Senator Slap:
Dear Neighbor,
The end of the year and the holiday season bring us opportunities for reflection on the year that has passed, and 2023 was no exception. This was a significant year for Connecticut and our country, one that I will remember for a long time.
This year started with my colleagues and I being sworn in at the State Capitol to represent our communities. It is an incredible honor to serve the 5th Senate District, and together we have accomplished so much: from historic tax breaks for working families, to providing a prescription drug discount program, passing gun safety legislation, protecting survivors of domestic violence, expanding access to debt-free community college, $15 million in grants over the next three years to hire mental health specialists in 72 school districts across the state, and a $300 million increase in state aid for local school districts.
There is always more work to be done, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you at the State Capitol.
State Updates
In the coming weeks, before the new legislative session begins, I look forward to holding forums around the district so constituents can share with me their priorities for 2024.
Currently, we have two scheduled, one in West Hartford and another in Burlington.
Our West Hartford forum will be held on Tuesday, January 16th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street.
Our Burlington forum will be held on Thursday, January 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Burlington Senior Center, 200 Spielman Highway.
I will share updates on an additional forum being held in Farmington when details are finalized. I hope you can join us in Burlington or West Hartford!
Regarding the upcoming 2024 legislative session, which begins February 7th, my priorities include:
ensuring adequate funding for higher education in Connecticut;
protecting our environment;
improving public health;
supporting our teachers and local schools.
I look forward to having a dialogue with you about these and other topics – whether at a forum, through email, or on the phone – in the near future.
I’m excited to continue our work together in 2024, and I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
New Laws Going Into Effect On New Year’s Day
Every year, as new laws are passed, many are set to take effect at the start of the following year. That means on New Year’s Day, as we celebrate the end of 2023 and head forward into 2024, there will be new laws changing our state. They include:
For the first time in decades, middle-class income tax rates for Connecticut residents will fall, saving taxpayers hundreds of dollars when they file in tax season. Rate cuts in the bottom two rates for all filers will drop by 1 and 0.5 percent, respectively.
Children from ages birth to six will receive annual lead risk assessments.
Bottle returns for can and bottle recycling will double from 5 to 10 cents per container, supporting state recycling efforts.
Income tax exemptions for pension, annuity and individual retirement account income will see eligibility increase for those with incomes of up to $100,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.
A new state firefighters cancer relief account will support wage replacement for paid and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancer.
Online dating companies will need to open safety centers to help service users report unwanted behaviors, provide them with safety advice and provide the ability to report sexual harassment and domestic violence.
A new opioid antagonist bulk purchase fund will provide towns, cities, health departments, police and EMS, among other local organizations, with opportunities to purchase opioid antagonists in bulk to reduce costs, making the lifesaving overdose reversal drugs more widely accessible.
Post-traumatic stress injury on the job will allow workers to receive workers’ compensation benefits for treatment, expanding access beyond first responders.
To read more about new laws going into effect January 1, click here and select January 1, 2024 as the “effective date.” https://senatedems.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d71bd19fdbe20f487488c3f4b&id=6a06e5dece&e=d861fe40d9
Please stay healthy and safe and, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions at 860-240-1436.
Derek
