For year’s I have received mail from my Republican State Legislator about how they were not part of the budget negotiations.  Democrats argue they don’t negotiate in good faith.  All I know is that it is time for Southbury, Roxbury, Bridgewater and New Milford need a representative who is in the “ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS”.  On January 1, new legislation will become effective including a significant DECREASE in personal income tax rates.  The abbreviated list below shows the importance of the work of the General Assembly:

• Tax breaks: The first tax year for the middle-income tax reductions approved in June by the General Assembly and Gov. Ned Lamont will begin. The state budget cuts the bottom two marginal income tax rates for all filers from three percent to two percent and from five percent to 4.5 percent. It will lower income taxes on the first $50,000 in taxable income for single filers and married people filing separately, $100,000 for joint filers, and $80,000 for heads of household. Eligibility for income tax exemptions for pension, annuity, and individual retirement account (IRA) income will rise to incomes of less than $100,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers¹.
• Firefighter benefits: Municipalities will be required to make annual contributions to a state firefighters cancer-relief account, which will be used to pay for wage replacement for eligible paid and volunteer firefighters diagnosed with cancer¹.
• Opioid antidotes: The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will supply opioid antidotes to municipalities and emergency medical services¹.
• Online safety centers: Dating services will have to establish online safety centers¹.
• Lead risk assessments: Physicians will be required to complete annual lead risk assessments for all children from birth to age six¹.
• Beverage container deposit: The state’s five-cent deposit on beverage containers will rise to 10 cents¹.
• Freestanding birthing centers: A new license category for freestanding birthing centers will be created by the state Department of Public Health¹.
• Theatrical tours: A new credit for production companies involved in pre and post-Broadway shows will be introduced. It caps tax credits at $2.5 million per year for live theatrical tours staged in the state¹.
• Speed and red light cameras: The state Department of Transportation will provide written guidance on the use of speed and red light cameras in towns and cities¹