Maria Horn

This is my State Capitol update for the week of April 5.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the image below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

• HB 5002 is Voted Out of Committee. Click here. 
• HB 5004 is Voted Out of Committee. Click here.
• Low to Moderate Income Individuals and Families Eligible for Significant Boost in Income Tax Credits. Click here. 
• NW CT Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations. Click here.
• Public Hearing Schedule. Click here. 
• Upcoming Events. Click here.  

I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life.  

This bill is about more than just numbers; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare.

Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve. 

Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve. 

The bill seeks to respond to the climate crisis by:

1) Updating the Global Warming Solutions Act to make Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
2) Creating incentives for businesses that engage in clean economy sectors or employ environmentally sustainable practices;
3) Developing plans for transitioning to a clean economy, including workforce training and long-term policy implementation;
4) Supporting nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests.

With this bill, we're saying that sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also the smart, economically competitive thing to do.

Thousands of low-to-moderate income individuals and families in the state are eligible to receive a significant boost in tax credits when they file their personal income tax returns this year due to a newly enacted rate change in the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has increased from the most recent rate of 30.5% for the 2022 income year to the new rate of 40% for the 2023 income year.
 
The rate change – which was enacted as a result of the state budget bill that the legislature proposed and Governor Lamont signed into law last year and which also includes several other significant tax relief measures – means that lower-income filers will receive several hundred dollars in additional tax credits this year above what they received the prior year, depending on their income and number of dependents. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit have families with children.
 
It is estimated that approximately 211,000 households in Connecticut are eligible.
 
The Connecticut EITC was created in 2011 and has had varying rates over the last decade, including 30% in 2012, 25% in 2013, 27.5% from 2014 to 2016, 23% from 2017 to 2020, and 30.5% in 2021 and 2022.
 
This new 40% rate makes Connecticut among the top five states in the nation with the largest EITC rates.

Judea Garden, also known as The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need. Help us get our 16th season off to a good start by getting the garden ready for the season and maybe even getting some seeds in the ground. New volunteers welcome! There will be an event tomorrow, April 6, at 1 pm. Click here to learn more. 

Biodiversity Talk at Sharon Historical Society on April 11

An illustrated talk with Michael Nadeau and Michelle Alfandari on biodiversity will be presented at the Sharon Historical Society, Thursday April 11 at 7pm

Mike Nadeau is one of New England's leading authorities on creating sustainable and ethical landscapes. Mike has extensive experience creating meadows and restoring tired, degraded land to health and productivity

Michelle Alfandari is the co founder with Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park, a grassroots effort to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants.

Annual Roadside Cleanup -Thursday, April 18th –Sunday, April 21st

Take part in Washington Environmental Council’s Annual Roadside Cleanup Event. Trash bags will be available for pickup at Washington Town Hall and a dumpster will be out in front for receiving the collected trash. Thank you for keeping Washington beautiful! Click here to learn more. 

Virtual Speaker Series – Pollinator Pathways - Thursday, April 18th 

John Markelon, President of the Litchfield Land Trust, will share how to establish pollinator pathways in your backyard. Steep Rock Association gratefully acknowledges National Iron Bank as the primary sponsor for this conservation education program. This event is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more.

Restaurant Week Is Coming to Washington!

We are excited to share news about Washington Restaurant Week starting on Friday, April 19th! Local restaurants will be featuring special menus, fabulous tastings, live music, and special pop-up galleries on site for a chance to enjoy an arts and dining experience. Click here to learn more. 

Cornwall Child Center's Flannel Fling

The Child Center's Flannel Fling is coming up Saturday, April 6 at Torrington Country Club, 6:00pm. Join for an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing. Dress in your finest flannel. All proceeds benefit the Cornwall Child Center. To purchase tickets visit: https://cornwallchildcenter.org/

Mark your calendars! As the NCAA Basketball Tournament, better known as “March Madness”, whittles from a field of 64 hopefuls to The Final Four teams, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens invites the community to join the fun and festivities at a free, family-friendly watch party on Saturday, April 6. Back by popular demand after their recent appearance at the Football Watch Party is the Meraki Food Truck, which will be on site to satisfy game day cravings with a special menu available for purchase. Join your family, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of fun as you cheer on your favorite team to victory! Stay tuned for more details to come soon...

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Maria Horn
State Representative