Mary Fortier

I'm proud to say we passed a bipartisan spending stabilization plan that will ensure our two-year state budget's historic tax cuts are protected, and we invest in the priorities that matter to you.

Part of this stabilization plan includes some funding for a local Bristol project. Through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the Bristol Senior Center will receive $50,000 for upgrades and repairs to their parking lot.

Remember, the two-year budget includes:

• The Largest Income Tax Cut in State History
• Investments in Public Education
• New supports for the IDD community
• Expansion of Debt-Free Community College
• A Strong and Vibrant Safety Net of Programs

We used remaining federal ARPA funds to provide support to some important priorities such as:

• Higher Education - $160 million
• Early Childcare - $21.8 million
• Mental Health - $24 million
• Nonprofits - $50 million

All that and we are putting more than a billion dollars into the state's Rainy Day Fund and paying down pension debt.

I am proud to report that Connecticut is set up to succeed financially in the present as well as the future.