As we wrapped up the last six months of work, one of the most talked about issues was the state budget, but equally important are many measures we passed that may be of interest to you, some of which have already been signed by Governor Lamont.

New London has received a grant of $1,300,000 to assist with the second phase of the project that includes building two family dwelling apartments.

The Office of Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 19-24, An Act Streamlining the Liquor Control Act, that will allow locally-owned craft breweries in Connecticut to sell more of their products to customers for at-home consumption.

The University of Connecticut announced that the Downtown Waterbury branch will now be a Center for Excellence in Allies Health Sciences.

The state budget approved on Monday night provides an increase in ECS funding for Ansonia and Derby’s education systems.

Governor Lamont signed legislation this week that makes significant changes to the state’s liquor laws.

The House of Representatives and Senate passed a budget this week which is responsible, stable, and funds the Rainy Day Fund at historic levels. The budget makes significant investments in education, job growth, and economic development while holding the line on spending. The growth rate for fixed costs in the General Fund is 1.3% and for non-fixed costs is simply 0.03%.

I am very proud of legislation that passed with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate regarding Connecticut’s rapidly growing craft beer, wine and cider industries. In just a few short years these industries have grown from a few hundred jobs to several thousand and generate millions for the state economy. Bridgeport is home to excellent craft breweries such as Brewport and Aspetuck Brew Labs in Bridgeport so this legislation will help them continue to grow.