Capitol Update: Session Recap

Last week the 2018 legislative session came to a close. It was a busy year and many important bills made it across the finish line, including a state budget. Below are some highlights about what legislation I worked to pass this year, including a link to more information about how the updated budget will impact you. Thank you to all for your feedback and input throughout the session on these bills and many others.

What Passed…

• Bipartisan Budget Containing No Tax Increases
  The budget that passed resolves the fiscal year 2019 state budget deficit, restores funding for the core functions of government, and does not implement any new tax increases. The compromise plan eliminates the projected budget shortfall in fiscal year 2019, restores funding for the Medicare Savings Program and HUSKY A coverage for working poor parents, directs more funds toward the Retired Teachers’ Healthcare Fund, and protects municipal aid. It includes recommendations made by the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth. It also fully funds the state’s transportation fund to allow all transit projects to move forward without new taxes.
  Learn more: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2018/05/senator-formica-votes-in-support-of-state-budget/
   
• Bill Strengthening Connecticut’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
  Senate Bill 9 renews Connecticut’s efforts to enhance renewable energy and become more efficient, while also implementing important cost constraints to protect consumers. Last year lawmakers worked to secure and stabilize our baseload power to create a bridge to a renewable energy future. This bill addresses the next steps. It creates a shared solar program, supports the fuel cell industry, doubles the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards, better protects the state’s energy efficiency fund, and implements ratepayer protections.
  Learn more: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/BA/2018SB-00009-R01-BA.htm
  
• Bill to Help Foster Care Youth
  Senate Bill 323 requires the Department of Children and Families to notify children before they are transferred to a new out-of-home placement so that they can prepare for transfers in the foster care system. I asked the Children’s Committee to raise this bill earlier this year after meeting with a group of current and former foster youth advocates who discussed their own personal struggles transitioning between foster homes, group homes, and other residential placements. This bill is a result of their recommendations to improve the system.
  Learn more: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2018/03/sen-formica-urges-support-for-bill-inspired-by-foster-care-youth/
   
• Constitutional Amendment to Protect Open Space
  The legislature passed a bill with enough support to establish a constitutional amendment to protect open space in Connecticut and implement more transparency and oversight regarding the sale of preserved land. Senate Joint Resolution 35 received the needed percentage of votes in both the Senate and House to appear on the November ballot for voters to decide the issue.
  Learn more: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/BA/2018SJ-00035-R000302-BA.htm
  
• Bill to Eliminate Education Related Penalty on Towns including Montville
  The legislature passed a bill to eliminate minimum budget requirement (MBR) penalties faced by multiple towns this year, including Montville, which lawmakers believe were unfairly imposed on towns as a result of Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s budget holdbacks.
  Learn more: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2018/04/sen-formica-applauds-bipartisan-passage-of-bill-to-eliminate-mbr-penalty-on-montville-other-impacted-towns/
  
• Bill to Raise Awareness about Eating Disorders
  Connecticut passed a new law that will establish Eating Disorder Awareness Week during the fourth week in February every year. In the U.S., it has been estimated that 1 or 2 out of every 100 children will struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Children and teens often hide eating disorders from their families for months or even years. This new law is an effort to raise awareness, remove the stigma, and have an important dialogue about prevention and treatment.

Have questions about these bills or other legislation? Always feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call 860-240-8800.