Rep. Joe Gresko meets Beau, one of 12 therapy animals that visited the State Capitol with their handlers from three statewide organizations Tuesday to raise awareness of the importance of animals.

According to recent reports, Connecticut’s private sector growth is strong, with major manufacturers planning expansions, and job growth at the highest rate in a generation.

Laws going into effect on January 1 included:

• the “Excessive Use of Force” bill
• “Facilitation of Telehealth”
• “An Act Concerning Veterans"

..... and the minimum wage increase to $9.60.

Here is a list of all laws that went into effect.

Rep. Susan Johnson joined her legislative colleagues in the Hall of the Flags at the State Capitol recently to celebrate Women In Government Day.