Bill Heffernan

A number of new laws go on the books, effective July 1.

With 110 state parks and 32 state forests, the summer recreation and tourism season offers state residents and visitors numerous outdoor options to enjoy.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will start construction this summer on the Interstate 95 Interchange 43 Improvements Project.

Before construction starts, CTDOT will hold a construction open house from 5 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Harriet C. North Community Room on the second floor of City Hall at 355 Main St.

The governor has directed the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to begin on Tuesday at noon and remain in effect through Sunday at noon.

I have a few things to share with you this week. One is an event this weekend that I'll be joining Rep. McGee and Sen. Maroney for, as well as an exciting new state program that helps expand health care, while forgiving student loans.

With the two-year $26 billion budget passed by the legislature last year remaining strong and in balance, we were able to make much-needed new investments in important areas such as higher education, early childcare, mental health services, and our non-profit community.

Last week, the House Chamber welcomed the Notre Dame West Haven hockey & basketball teams to celebrate their CIAC Championships. Congratulations to both teams!

HB 5491 establishes a property tax exemption for Veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption will be used for a home that is a primary residence, but if a qualified Veteran does not own a home, the exemption will apply to a single motor vehicle that they own.