Senator Cathy Osten: Accomplishments and Successes for our District!

Cathy Osten is dedicated to making Ledyard, our district, and Connecticut a better place to live, work and play through her tireless advocacy, securing significant state funding for our region and implementing impactful community projects. 

Osten was instrumental to securing funding for Ledyard schools' HVAC upgrades - over $20 million for schools in Columbia, Ledyard and Montville.

​ Osten secured:
- $226 million in state funding for 19th Senate District over two years, including $183.2 million in education funding; 
- $50 million in additional state aid for nonprofits across Connecticut, including several in Eastern Connecticut

Tax Relief and Financial Management:
     - Created 100% property tax exemption for veterans with total and permanent disability ratings
   - Maintained the largest rainy day fund in state history while paying down long-term debt over $7.7 billion
   - Achieved sixth credit upgrade since 2021, with bond credit rating reaching AA+ and transportation bond rating upgraded to AAA
     - Cut income tax rate for most residents for the first time in decades
   - Maintained $300 property tax credit for single filers earning up to $49,500 and joint filers up to $70,500
   - Expanded income tax exemption on pensions, annuities and IRAs for retirees
   - 100% exemption of Social Security benefits on state income taxes for eligible individuals
   - Increased the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30.5% to 40% of the federal credit

Support for Veterans:
   - Championed a new law for veterans with total and permanent disability ratings to receive a 100% property tax exemption for their home or car
   - Supported a bill to allow former National Guard members who do not qualify for federal benefits to receive specialty license plates and driver’s licenses

Support for Seniors and Health Care:
     - Improved elder care by enhancing home-based services and expanding access to care
  - Expanded Paid Family and Medical Leave to an estimated 12,000 workers of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations
    - Prioritized the health and well-being of home health care workers through various safety measures and training