Melissa Osborne

The House of Representatives approved H.B. 5004, a measure that will allow early voting in our state beginning in 2024. This legislation modernizes the state's elections and allows for more convenience to voters in the process.

After weeks of holding public hearings, the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee and Appropriations Committee approved their respective budget proposals. The bill still leaves many needs unmet and many groups hoping for changes and increased spending to support their concerns.

I am proud to hold an in-person Community Coffee Event on Saturday, April 22 at 1 p.m. at Lions Den Coffee Shop at 712 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury (next to Fitzgerald's).

On April 1, a number of resources that offered vital assistance to our most vulnerable community members came to an end or ended expanded eligibility.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. This year's theme, “Celebrate Differences,” aims to herald the acceptance of individuals beyond the spectrum.

Two of my top priorities are providing immediate tax relief to seniors so they can stay in their own homes and age in place, and to find paths forward to affordable housing that works for Simsbury. This year I proposed a bill designed to address both of those issues that received broad bipartisan support from legislators on the Housing Committee.

Tax filing season is upon us. As you prepare to file, I urge you to be mindful of potential scams.

One of my priorities is to address your safety when it comes to the ever-growing bear population in Simsbury and other parts of the state. Various legislators proposed a series of bills this year trying to address this concern.