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. To learn more about the state budget, click below to watch my interview on Fox61’s The Real Story. Also below, more highlights about what passed this year. 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-witkos-votes-in-support-of-state-budget/#.Wvnb6IKotoI
   
• Constitutional Amendment to Protect Open Space
  The legislature has finally 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: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2018/05/witkos-applauds-general-assemblys-passage-of-bill-to-protect-open-space/#.WvndCoKotoI
   
• Bill to Establish an Animal Abuse Registry
  Senate Bill 523 An Act Concerning An Animal Abuse Registry will help police, pet shelters, animal adoption centers, groomers and other employersbetter monitor and prevent animal abusers from gaining access to animals through adoption or through jobs involving the care of animals. In addition, research has shown a connection between animal abuse and criminal violence against people. Therefore, an animal abuse registry can be an important tool in understanding warning signs of violence and getting people help before criminal behavior escalates.
  Learn more: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/2018/03/help-me-prevent-animal-abuse-say-yes-to-senate-bill-523/#.Wvncn4KotoJ