House Passes Spending Stabilization Plan, Paid Leave Webinar, and More!

May 8, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a great week. Today is the last day of the legislative session, which is referred to as Sine Die. All legislative business must be finished by midnight. My colleagues and I have been working well into the night to put the finishing touches on legislation that will benefit residents in the state. Please see below to read more!
Bipartisan Spending Stabilization Plan Passes
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.

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 American Rescue Plan Act 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

I’m very happy to announce an additional $5 million in the recently adopted state budget stabilization bill for Norwalk. That’s on top of the already scheduled increase that we adopted in our two year budget last year. Altogether, this is a $6.4 million assist which will help lighten the burden for local property taxpayers and families.

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. 
Dress Down Day 
The annual dress down day at the Capitol was held last Friday. Legislators and staff were able to dress down if they made a $20 donation.  All of the proceeds will  be donated to Operation Elf, which provides gifts to the children of service people during the holidays. I took the opportunity to wear one of my favorite shirts from Sue Bird. 

We were able to raise $4000 between both caucuses! Thank you to all who participated. 
Paid Leave Webinar 

Attention Norwalk and Westport residents - I will host an informational webinar about Paid Leave next Thursday, May 16.

If you want to learn more about paid leave benefits or have any questions, about the program, please join us!

Click here to register.
Norwalk Symphony Orchestra Performs Mahler’s Symphony No. 3

Following the resounding success of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in 2022, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will conclude their season with a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. This remarkable composition delves into the grandeur and intricacies of nature. It will feature a massive orchestra, Fairfield County Chorale, Fairfield County Children’s Choir and soloist. 

The performance will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 at the Norwalk Concert Hall. Please bring any non-perishable food items to donate to The Pantry at
Connecticut Community College in Norwalk.
 
For more information visit our website www.norwalksymphony.org
or call 203.956.6771
Reminder: NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair
Reminder - the 3rd annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair will be held this Saturday, May 11 on the Norwalk Green. Nearly 50 agencies will offer fun activities for all ages, as well as helpful resources. Click here or see the flyer below for more information. 
Reminder - DOT Update for Westport and Norwalk
Daytime Closure of I-95 Southbound Off and On-Ramps at Exit 17 in Westport

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the scheduled periodic closures and proposed detours of I-95 southbound off and on-ramps at Exit 17 in Westport through Friday, May 10. These closures are necessary for the removal of rocks between the two ramps to improve safety and prevent falling rocks.

DETOUR INFO:
 
I-95 Southbound Off-Ramp at Exit 17
Traffic will be detoured to Exit 18 off-ramp to Sherwood Island Connector from I-95 southbound and then to Route 1 and Riverside Avenue (SR 33).
 
I-95 Southbound On-Ramp at Exit 17 Detour
Traffic will be detoured via I-95 northbound on-ramp to Exit 18 off-ramp and then on to I-95 southbound on-ramp.
 
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Have a great weekend! 

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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