Dear Neighbor,
The pandemic has produced numerous challenges and exacerbated existing institutional inequities. Throughout the 2021 session, my colleagues and I worked to address these new challenges and existing injustices by passing over 350 bills and resolutions.
I know the past year has been difficult for each individual and family in our community, and I believe the legislation passed in Hartford will empower everyone in our district.
This session I advocated for equitable public health policies, increased access to mental health resources and additional support for our seniors, schools, and small businesses. I also worked with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget that will strengthen our economy and invest in our infrastructure, sustainability efforts, and education. I have fought to ensure Groton and Ledyard will see an increase in funding in both Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 in this budget. I am confident that these state investments will help our community recover and thrive as we move out of this pandemic.
Please continue reading for more information on legislative highlights and resources developed this session that will benefit your family, our district, and our state.
Best,
Land Of Steady Habits Modernizes Gambling
- Joined other states in legalizing sports betting (PA 21-23)
- Created new online lottery draw and table games
- Strengthened our local economy through partnership with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes
- Ensured new money for gambling addiction treatment and prevention services
“I recognize and value the contributions that gaming has brought to our region and economy. I’m committed to modernizing the industry to ensure our partnership with the Tribes pays dividends for Groton and Ledyard in the future.” - Rep. Conley
A Democracy That Works For All Of Us
- Voters will get to decide in 2022 if we should have early, in-person voting, and in 2024 you’ll decide if every registered voter in CT should be able to vote by absentee ballot (RA 21-1 and RA 21-2)
- Restored voting rights for individuals in community facilities or on parole (SB 1202)
- Guaranteed two hours off from work to vote in state and federal elections (SB 1202)
- Paved the way for permanent drop boxes for absentee ballots (SB 1202)
- Protected voters’ personal information (SB 1202)
Budget 2022-23
|
GROTON |
LEDYARD |
|||
| FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | |
| PILOT - PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES | $1,720,148 | $1,720,148 | $553,901 | $553,901 |
| EDUCATION COST SHARING | $25,040,045 | $25,040,045 | $11,492,516 | $11,492,516 |
| TOTAL MUNICIPAL AID & BONDS | $32,116,424 | $31,527,507 | $14,282,794 | $14,282,923 |
Responding To COVID-19
- Cut unemployment insurance taxes on local businesses by excluding pandemic-related layoffs (PA 21-5 & SB 1202)
- Continued coverage and access to telehealth (PA 21-133)
- Strengthened programs designed to keep people from losing their homes during tough times: Foreclosure
- Mediation, Lien Assistance and Emergency Mortgage Assistance (PA 21-44)
- Ensured access to virtual visits and monitoring for nursing home residents (PA 21-55) and created a statewide policy on visitation (PA 21-71)
Serving Those Who Served
- Expanded state benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans (PA 21-79)
- Established a tourism trail that showcases our veteran and military destinations (PA 21-105)
- Ensured funeral benefits for low-income veterans (PA 21-112)
- Established the National Purple Star School Program to assist military families moving into the state with school registration, planning, counseling and other support services (PA 21-86)
- Directed state colleges and universities to update the credits they can award based on military training (PA 21-132)