Special Session, New Laws, and more

June 28, 2024


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,
Rollin' with Rep. Nolan - Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drugs
This week on Rollin with Rep Nolan I visited SCADD (Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug) Dependence, Inc. SCADD provides comprehensive screenings for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our diverse staff is trained in areas of cultural competency to ensure effective treatment to those of diverse races, religions, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages and physical abilities. All of our programs incorporate the practice of trauma informed care to ensure sensitivity to those who’ve experienced trauma in their lives.
Thank you to Yuiseika Camargo, Jessica French and Jose Ortiz for sharing about SCADD.
 
Personal Care Assistant Waiver Renewal Committee Vote
This week the Connecticut Appropriations and Human Services committee vote on the PCA (Personal Care Assistant) Waiver Renewal. I was happy to vote yes in support of this program designed to help residents who require assistance with daily living activities. This waiver aims to provide support to individuals with disabilities and the elderly, allowing them to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. Overall, the PCA Waiver Renewal is an essential program for enhancing the quality of life for Connecticut residents who need personal care assistance.
 
PTSD Awareness Day
This week we recognize PTSD Awareness Day. We stand with those affected by PTSD, acknowledging their struggles and supporting their journey to healing. Connecticut is committed to providing resources and care for our veterans, first responders, and all who face this challenge. Together, we can raise awareness and foster understanding.
 
New Laws Effective July 1st
Several new laws that address many issues aimed at improving our great state will become effective on July 1st.
New laws include mandatory video cameras at absentee drop boxes as part of sweeping legislation to ensure election security, allowing firearm sellers access to the arrest records of potential buyers under 21, prohibiting the selling of a person's health data without their consent, and requiring the departments of Social Services and Public Health to post a reporting tool on their websites that use a five-star system to compare nursing homes.
 
Additional laws include requiring social media companies to comply following a request to unpublish and delete accounts held by minors. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) will have a mobile crisis-response vehicle available 24-7.
 
We also held a special session to tighten up a few loopholes, including one that avoids a motor vehicle tax increase for commercial vehicles. You can access the new laws that will go into effect on July 1st by clicking the button below.
New Laws Effective July 1st
Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. They had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard during the legislative process.
 
Special Session Update
This week the Connecticut General Assembly met for a brief special session to pass some time-sensitive legislation that couldn't wait until next year's session.
Please read below for a brief outline of what we accomplished in yesterday's special session:

Motor Vehicle Fixes

  • We updated various laws on motor vehicle assessment and property tax billings that, while technical in nature, these changes will save consumers and small businesses alike money on their motor vehicle taxes.
  • The Office of Policy and Management is required to notify towns that they can take the mill rate down to zero for the motor vehicle tax if they so choose.
School Construction
  • This section addresses the Governor's concern and reverses the policy that was in the School Construction part of the Bond bill that would have allowed companies that oversee local school construction projects to also bid on subcontracts for those projects. While originally hoping this change could reduce school construction costs, the decision was made it's more important to ensure there can't be any double-dipping.
South Central Water Authority
  • This is new language that sets up the legal means by which the Water Authority would be allowed to make a bid to acquire Aquarion. The current law governing their conduct would not allow for the bid.
Innovation Banks
  • We changed all references to "uninsured banks" in our banking laws with "innovation banks," which expressly allows these banks to accept nonretail deposits that are eligible for FDIC insurance.
Interest on Certain Tax Underpayments
  • Participation in the federal Employee Retention Credit program necessitated some tax filers to file an amended return due to IRS guidance. In our bill passed yesterday, we clarified that in that case, if the amended return led to an underpayment, they would not be charged interest.
State Historic Preservation Office
  • This final section modifies the process by which the State Historical Preservation Authority reviews historic properties under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act.
As you can see, this bill has a lot of technical language, but what is important to know is that, among other things, these changes are geared to save you money on your motor vehicle taxes, prevent corruption in school construction, and help businesses across our state.
 
Dedication to Sara L. Chaney
On June 26 we spent some time at the Gemma Moran United Way/Labor Food Center where we dedicated a conference room after Mrs. Sara L. Chaney. Many of us talked about how grateful we are to have known Mrs. Chaney and her community consulting, love for others and grace for many. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to spend time and get understanding and Council from Mother Chaney. Thank you to the Chaney family for sharing Mother Chaney with us as she helped be a major contributor, and staunch advocate in the growth and development of the united Way, and many New London County families. Thank you to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, Regional Innovation Center for bringing so many people together to honor Mrs. Chaney. City of New London, Connecticut
 
St. Francis House 25th Anniversary
Spent some time at Williams Memorial Park City of New London, Connecticut to celebrate with the ST. Francis House 25th Anniversary. Big thanks for the years of service along with what you have been able to offer our community in the great things ST Francis House does. Grateful for the work Emmit started, and that Anne picked right up and continued being a blessing to our community for great years. Thank you to all the advocates, supporters, friends and neighbors that make our community better.
 
DTNL at Annex
DTNL at The ANNEX New London City of New London, Connecticut had a great get together where they opened the door for the community. Great fun, fellowship, food & music. Thank you for being a great friend & place to show out community art & merchandise.
 
New London's Dadfest
City of New London, Connecticut
Dad fest is this Saturday. If you have a small business if you church if you’re organization wants to be part of this event and give back to fatherhood and our community contact me now we have a few vendor spaces left.

 
Big Shout It Out to Danny Garcia & Anchor of Hope for bring this great event together offering free services and products for Dads on June 29 10AM -1PM
 
Ramon Auto Detail School Supply Collection
Reminder June 30....Starting at 9AM - Ramon Auto Detail is collecting book bags & School supplies. If you're able stop by with donations, and watch a few softball games please stop by Bates Wood.
 
New London Senior Center July Newsletter
City of New London, Connecticut
New London Senior Center Newsletter is out for July. Click HERE to see the newsletter. See Special Events this month Cooking class, Housing Issue conversation, Ledge Light Intergenerational Program, Table Games, Birthday Social, Card Making Class, Shoprite Shopping trips, Bingo, Arts & Crafts Yoga and much more going on. Great Activities coming up. Thank you to the Senior Center Staff and Volunteers.
 
Recognition for Frank Colmenares & Brian Johnson
"Shout It Out" to Frank Colmenares & Brian Johnson for continually reaching our youth on that musical level. Creating a space where youth can open up and be successful in music is great for the City of New London, Connecticut and our talented youth.
Hip Hop Healing Program providing musical mentoring.....Jontay Lapoint-General spent the spring of his senior year making music under the mentorship of Frank Colmenares and Brian Johnson. Colmenares started the Hip Hop Healing program to help young musicians emotions and experiences into meaningful songs.
 
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
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences