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I hope this message finds you well.
Another legislative session is in the books. After long days and debates on the House floor, we passed numerous measures that will benefit residents in the 21st district and across the state, from protecting workers to crafting a responsible state budget.
It is an honor to serve as your state representative, and thank you for trusting me to do so. |
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| A State Budget That Puts People First |
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As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...” Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.
Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. |
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The 2025 biennial budget stands up for Connecticut, here's how:
HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
✅$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of the next two years
✅$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
✅$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
✅$10 million in bonding for capital development
✅$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
✅Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
CHILDCARE
✅Investing in trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs
✅Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid
NONPROFIT PROVIDERS
✅Access to better health care and nonprofit community providers
✅$150 million more for group homes and nursing homes
✅Additional $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers
TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
✅Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
✅$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce
✅Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' Connecticut Higher Education Trust accounts
This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every Connecticut resident is supported and protected. |
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| State Funding for the 21st District |
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Farmington will receive $10.17 million in both FY26 and FY27 from the biennial budget. That's an increase of $2.28 million over FY25 funding levels for one year, or $4.56 million over two years.
Nearly the entire increase -- $1.9 million per year -- is to the Education Cost Sharing Grant, in which the town is receiving full funding under the formula for the first time in the program's history. |
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| Anti-Predatory Towing Reforms |
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Last week the House overwhelmingly approved a bill to overhaul the state’s towing law, making it harder to tow vehicles from private property and easier for drivers to retrieve their vehicles after a tow.
HB 7162 overhauls the state’s 100-year-old towing statutes creating massive reforms to towing procedures from private property and rate increases for highway tows that typically follow car accidents.
Tow companies are now required to accept credit cards and they are not allowed to tow vehicles quickly just because of an expired parking permit or registration. Vehicles can’t be towed from private property without notice unless they’re blocking traffic, fire hydrants or parked in an accessible space.
The bill takes several steps to make it easier for people to get their towed vehicles back and requires towing companies to take more time and increase documentation during the sale process. |
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| Farmington Valley Juneteenth Celebration |
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Later this week and next, many Connecticut communities will celebrate Juneteenth -- the federal and state holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth, which officially falls in June 19, serves as a celebration of the resilience, culture, and history of the Black community. But it also is a stark reminder of how far this country must go in terms of racial equity and equality.
On June 19, 1865, about two months after the end of the American Civil War, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free.
The U.S. government recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, and Connecticut followed in making it a state holiday in 2022. |
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The Farmington Valley Juneteenth Celebration
Farmington, Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Granby and Simsbury are hosting a Juneteenth Celebration at the Simsbury Meadows on Saturday, June 14, starting at 12:30 p.m.
There will be music, Lego models, the soul food and more. See the flyer below for more information. |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at mike.demicco@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Mike Demicco
State Representative
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