End of Session Recap and more

May 10, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Session Wrap Up!
And that's a wrap! The Connecticut General Assembly finished our 2024 legislative session at midnight on Wednesday, capping a busy three months of fighting for the people of Connecticut!

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

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. 

 
100% Disabled Veteran's Tax Exempt Bill's Passage
This year the 100% Disabled Veteran's Tax Exempt bill passed the House and Senate. This was a priority bill for me, that I am thankful that the finance committee this year brought to the floor to be voted on. Senator Cathy Osten and I have been staunch supporters of this bill as we traveled the State of Connecticut talking with numerous Veterans organizations and advocates for several years fighting to bring this to fruition.
You can watch my remarks on HB 5491 here!
Doing this is way overdue to honor and give back to our veterans and we now can show greater recognition and gratitude, acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans for the tireless service to their country. I hope this demonstrates the gratitude for their contributions.
This gives Financial Relief to the many 100% disabled veterans who face financial challenges due to their disabilities. Exempting them from property tax allows them to allocate resources to other essential needs,
helps change their quality of life reducing a bit more financial stress allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.
Providing benefits like property tax exemptions can also encourage veterans to stay in or move into Connecticut contributing to the state's economy & community.
Thank you to my fellow Legislators, Veterans Advocates, families, friends and neighbors helping bring this into fruition.
 
Friends at the Capitol
The many friends at the Capitol - Making a difference across Connecticut.
 
Shoreline East Funding
I appreciate the work with fellow Shoreline Advocates & Legislative Representatives to get funding allocated for Shore Line East to add additional trains during peak hours.
 
The Loss of Sara Chaney
Saddened by the loss of Sara Chaney. Sara definitley an icon in not only the City of New London, Connecticut but across the State of Connecticut. Always making sure to bring out the best in how we should be. Sara has been such an enormous influence, educator and staunch advocate to helping many of us and will be dearly missed. Prayers of comfort and great memories to the Chaney family, friends and neighbors.
 
Thank You Interns!
Behind every successful legislator, there's an intern!
A big shoutout to our legislative interns for their tireless efforts throughout session. Your contributions have been invaluable and I can’t wait to see what you do next!
 
Save A Suit Veterans Suit Drive
This week we State Representative State Rep. Kurt Vail & I collected suits, dresses, shirts, ties, belts, purses in a Save A Suit Veterans Suit Drive. Numerous Legislators, Staff & Friends donated an abundant of clothing to help Veterans dress for success. Clothing will be donated to numerous Veterans via Save A Suit, The Closet and VFW. Thank you to all who donated gently worn clothing and made this so successful.
 
Honoring Symphonie Privett
This month members from the CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus celebrated Symphonie Privett of FOX 61 on the floor of the House of Representatives. Last year when Legislators passed the Juneteenth Holiday bill, Symphonie and the Fox 61 team's did a special report called “Rooted in Resillience: This is a Juneteenth Special” that myself and State Representative Treneé McGee and many others had the great opportunity to take part in.
*This year Rooted In Resillience has been nominated for a Diversity/Equity/ Inclusion Emmy at the this year’s National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Boston/ New England Emmy Awards.
Symphonie served as the host and reporter in the special. The awards ceremony takes place in Boston on June 8. We are so grateful to have participated in such a great television special. Big thank you to Symphonie for educating and inspiring our communities with Rooted In Resillience.
 
New London Arts Endowment Grant Recipients
Congratulations to all the New London grant recipients for the Connecticut Arts Endowment! Your work is critical to fostering a strong and vibrant community!
 
American Glory Ship Tour
State Representative Christine Conley
and I had the great opportunity to visit the American Glory Ship downtown at the City Pier in the great City of New London, Connecticut Big thanks to Vice President Tim Beebe, the ship staff and Captain for the warm welcome. The ship carries a little over 100 passengers, 59 crew members and has an incredible interior. Many of those touring on the ship visited downtown New London, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Mystic and Groton, CT.
 
Red Dress Day at the Capitol
This week we had Red Dress Day at the Capitol to honor missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW). Red Dress Day, observed as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, is a solemn reminder of the alarming rates of violence inflicted upon Indigenous women and girls.

 
By wearing red dresses and using our voices, we honor the lives lost and demand justice for those affected. It's crucial to educate ourselves and others about this issue, advocating for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities. Together, we can raise awareness and work towards ending this injustice.
 
Meeting with the Kid Governor
It was great meeting with the Kid Governor and Cabinet. They all have amazing platforms and speak very well in public. They are great advocates in regards to Fun Fit, Healthy Food, Bullying, Literacy, Cyberbullying, Littering, and Elderly.
 
Shekinak Connecticut Haitian SDA Church Health Fair
Spent some good time this week at Williams Park in the City of New London, Connecticut with Shekinah Connecticut Haitian SDA Church, friends, families and neighbors. They had a great community health fair that gave great information, helping with advocacy and connecting the community with screenings & services throughout the State of Connecticut. Thank you for putting energy out in Connecticut about health and well being.
 
Shoutout to Bara Miller
This week I want to give a big thank you to Bara Miller. Everyday she tirelessly holds down the gift shop at the Legislative Office Building dealing with Legislator, Staff and Visitors. If you ever need something she points you in the right direction whether in the gift store or out in the community. I am honored to see her everyday with a sunshine smile, she is always helpful. We are all grateful for all she does as we run in, and out ask for items and or have great conversation. Thank you Bara. We appreciate you.
 
2024 School Schedule of End of Year Promotions and Graduations!
 
Lids for Kids
Great event coming up: The New London Elks, in partnership with Bike New London and Safe Kids CT are bringing to you Lids for Kids, a bike helmet giveaway and safety event. Join us with your children and have them properly fitted for a FREE bike helmet.
We will also be giving away smoke detectors and having a bike rodeo where kids can practice safe bike riding.
(Bikes will be provided by Bike New London for them to use for this part.)
They will also be holding a free raffle of kids bikes to those that register and attend.
Please register your child(ren) so we are sure to have enough helmets by clicking this link:
 
Your Piece of the Puzzle: Wellbeing in New London
On June 12 from 4-6pm, the Garde Arts Center is hosting "Your Piece of the Puzzle: Wellbeing in New London," where we will explore new solutions and paths forward through wellbeing. No matter your background, everyone has a role to play, and I hope you'll attend this event to get a fresh perspective and discover new ways of connecting with your neighbors.
 
Coming Soon: Pathways to Success - Trailblazers and Innovators In Youth Justice Conference
The Pathways to Youth Success Conference is an educational forum for system and community partners to hear from experts in the fields of juvenile justice and children’s behavioral health. Panelists will provide insight into new strategies and best practices in our state and nationally.
Attendees will learn from experts on how we can improve policies in the state to ensure every youth has equitable access to the services they need to be successful in life. Attendees will have three options on specific topics during breakout sessions & an opportunity to network with other attendees.
Location: Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
Date and time: Wed, May 22, 2024 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
Single Mothers Day Lunch Recap
This week Single Mothers Day Lunch hosted by Min Letitia Nolan at OIC of New London County, Incorporated
was a great event on a great day. Fun, food, games & fellowship. Big Shout Out to Min. Letitia Nolan for bringing single mom's, friends, family & nieghbors together for a great time. Thank you to OIC for the space to make this great event happen.
 
Message From Ocean Beach Park
Glad to share this message from Ocean Beach Park.......The 2024 park admission season passes are on sale at our sales window at the end of the Boardwalk Creamery Ice Cream stand facing the parking lot starting Tuesday, May 7th. We are here every day from 11:00-4:00 and stay until 7:00 on Monday nights.
Summer is coming!! Passes are $170.00 for a windshield sticker, $45.00 if you are a New London resident, and $20.00 for a New London senior citizen 62 or over.
There is an upgrade for $60.00 for a pass that is transferable between vehicles but allows only one in the park at a time. (Not valid for senior passes) The pass allows parking and entry for a carload of people anytime during the summer if there is space in the lot.
Arriving later on sunny weekends can be an issue. The pass also includes all our entertainment from car shows, Wednesday live magic shows, Every other Thursday Country Line Dancing, Friday night tribute bands, Fireworks and Saturday night bands. Much to do this summer and it’s all ahead of us. Think Sunshine!
 
The City of New London, Connecticut New London Police Department and Project Longevity CT are partnering with New London High School for an action-packed day of fun and healthy activities. Yes, the NLPD Physical Training Challenge JAMBOREE is coming to New London High School!
 
NLHS students join us on MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 at New London High School for an afternoon session (3:30pm-6:30pm) filled with exciting workouts led by professional police trainers. We'll have everything from high-energy group exercises to friendly competitions that will get your heart pumping and your energy soaring!
 
But that's not all! Our event will also feature music by DJ Mike Mitchell (92.9-WDUP) and food from Luigi’s Wood Fired Pizza and Uncle D’s Blazin BBQ for participants. Also, a limited number of t-shirts will be available to participants.
 
Students will have the opportunity to interact with NLPD officers who will be there to support and inspire you throughout the event. They'll share their own fitness journeys and talk about the importance of physical well-being in their line of work.
 
So mark your calendars and spread the word! This event is open to all New London High School students. It's a fantastic opportunity to have fun, stay fit, and build a positive relationship with officers. Together, we can create a healthier and safer community!
 
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
 
Sincerely,

Anthony Nolan
State Representative
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