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"As it now stands, the state budget for 2026-27 will be devastating to Connecticut residents. It literally keeps me awake at night worrying about it. I spent 33 hours in February quizzing the governor's agency heads about his proposed budget, then spent another 60 hours listening to public comments about it during the public hearings we held in the Appropriations Committee. None of what I heard was upbeat, sexy, or about getting what you want; the overarching public message to legislators was, "You don't realize the crisis we're in." Like "Ruby Tuesday," the next state budget is about people losing their dreams and life being unkind. Our slavish devotion to Connecticut's fiscal guardrails and the constant financial threats from Washington D.C. - along with whatever collateral damage the federal administration is now causing to the national economy ensured this. I recently said Connecticut's next budget would be shaped by our fiscal guardrails, our lack of federal ARPA funds, and the federal government's unceasing desire to inflict pain on America. All of this still holds true, but after going through the governor's proposed budget with a fine-toothed comb, I've grown even more alarmed. The mental health crisis line that police and social workers staff isn't funded at all in the governor's budget. Volunteer firefighters won't be paid anymore for calls on highways. Tourism, an $18 billion industry in Connecticut - has been cut $8 million. Summer youth programs have been cut, as has a farm-to-school food program. Local health department funding has been reduced by 10%. A student loan program is down $6 million. Our technical schools aren't properly funded, nor are state library deaf and blind programs. There's not enough staff in the Department of Revenue Services. Senior food vouchers and cold weather shelter funding have been reduced. All of this and more is the granular budget detail that you rarely hear or read about, but which is the meat and potatoes of being an Appropriations Committee member. We've got 13 subcommittees meeting right now studying everything from state auditors to housing, the medical examiner, retirement costs, consumer protection, energy, agriculture, transportation and veterans - everything a $52 billion, two-year state budget is paying for right now but which it may or may not be paying for on July 1." Read more: CT Insider
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From Representative Kevin Ryan: "Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s ahead for the 2025 legislative session! With 101 Democrats and 49 Republicans in the CT House, we’re ready to work together to tackle important issues for our state." Some upcoming dates to keep on your radar: February 5: Governor’s budget presentation June 4: Last day of session July 1: New budget year begins Let Senator Cathy Osten and Representative Ryan know what matters most to you! Contact Senator Osten Contact Representative Ryan Stay up-to-date and find more info at www.cga.ct.gov Interested in following a bill or learning how to testify? Learn here: www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/yourvoice.asp   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  Governor Ned Lamont recently established a working group consisting of members representing various political affiliations to explore options and develop a comprehensive legislative proposal to create a system that enables municipalities and political parties in Connecticut with the ability to use ranked-choice voting in caucuses, conventions, primaries, and certain municipal elections!
Read more from Governor Lamont Here Objective and Mission: To conduct a thorough analysis of RCV's implementation across the United States, drawing insights from both municipalities and states where RCV has been successful. The end goal is to craft a comprehensive legislative proposal that could allow political parties and municipalities the flexibility to adopt Ranked Choice Voting in their caucuses, conventions, primaries, and certain municipal elections. The Working Group will develop a report of recommendations by the end of the year for consideration during the 2025 legislative session. From CT Voters First: The first public meeting of Governor Lamont’s Working Group on Ranked Choice Voting was held recently. The meeting was a monumental step towards reshaping our electoral system in Connecticut. Co-chaired by Senator Cathy Osten and Senator Tony Hwang, the group’s diverse membership delved into the potential of RCV to make our elections more fair, inclusive, and representative. Introductions and Goals: Co-Chair Sen. Cathy Osten (D) emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, highlighting the significance of representing diverse communities, including two federally recognized tribal nations. Co-Chair Sen. Tony Hwang (R) underscored the bipartisan effort to explore RCV's impact and develop a legislative proposal to increase voter engagement. Vice Chair Monte Frank, CT Voters First Advisory Council Chair and long-time advocate for democracy reforms, expressed his deep commitment to improving elections in Connecticut. He talked about the importance of the group's work in studying RCV for presidential preference primaries, party primaries, and municipal elections, which he believes will significantly enhance the quality of democracy in Connecticut. Member Introductions: Dan Rosenthal, former first selectman of Newtown expressed his passion for finding ways to improve democracy and his gratitude for being part of the group. Chris Green, Stratford Town Councilman and former state senate candidate, emphasized the need to involve the electorate more deeply and select the most popular candidates. Rep. Aundré Bumgardner, representing the southeastern corner of the state, highlighted the widespread adoption of RCV in 29 states and the need for Connecticut to explore similar reforms. Cheri Quickmire, Executive Director of Common Cause in Connecticut noted her organization’s national work on RCV and her appreciation for being part of the working group. Lindsay Farrell, Senior Political Strategist for the Working Families Party discussed her role in supporting political work from Maine to Arizona and her excitement about contributing to the RCV study. Patty Spruance, President of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association and Windham Town Clerk expressed her honor at being named to the committee and her interest in exploring how RCV will affect voters. Annalisa Stravato, Executive Vice President of the Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut and Wilton Republican Registrar of Voters highlighted the role of local election officials as "gatekeepers of democracy" and her eagerness to work with the group. Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut's chief elections officer, praised the formation of the working group and underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to policy-making. She emphasized that policy should not be based on headlines but on thorough and comprehensive research. Rep. Hilda Santiago, participating online, mentioned her extensive personal research on RCV and her interest in the diverse opinions and research the task force will bring to light. Anne Reed, Vice President of Advocacy for the League of Women Voters in Connecticut talked about the League's commitment to increasing voter interest and expanding voting through nonpartisan efforts. Maly Rosado, Hartford City Councilwoman, expressed her dedication to voter outreach and her eagerness to contribute to the RCV Working Group. Alexander Russell, UConn Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Voting Technology Research Center highlighted his focus on the complexities of RCV and his commitment to ensuring its effective implementation in Connecticut. Presentation: Overview of Ranked Choice Voting Watch the presentation HERE Deb Otis, Director of Research & Policy at FairVote provided an in-depth overview of RCV and its potential benefits for Connecticut. Her presentation highlighted several key points: RCV Promotes Majority Winners RCV ensures that the winning candidate has broad support by allowing voters to rank candidates by preference. This process eliminates the least popular candidates in successive rounds until a majority is achieved. Otis highlighted examples from jurisdictions where RCV has led to more widely accepted election outcomes and fewer contentious runoffs. RCV Improves Campaign Civility Candidates are incentivized to run more positive campaigns to gain second-choice votes from their opponents' supporters. This reduces negative campaigning and fosters a more constructive political environment. Otis noted that this shift often leads to campaigns focusing on issues rather than personal attacks, creating a more informed electorate. RCV Enhances Representation RCV has been shown to increase the election of women and people of color by reducing vote-splitting and encouraging a more diverse candidate pool. Otis pointed out that this inclusive system allows candidates from underrepresented groups to run without the fear of dividing the vote, leading to broader representation in elected offices. RCV Maintains Voter Trust and Turnout RCV does not negatively impact voter trust or turnout. It provides a more representative electoral outcome and can lead to increased voter satisfaction. Otis emphasized that in many cases, voters appreciate the ability to express preferences more fully, which can enhance their engagement with the electoral process. Learn more at CTVotersfirst.org  Early voting options are now available thanks to the work of the Connecticut General Assembly last session, and later this month, voters in the state will take to the polls to vote in the 2024 presidential primary.
This legislation was made possible by a state Constitutional amendment approved by a wide majority of Connecticut voters in 2022. It will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled, while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts. From State Rep. Christine Conley: Here's what you need to know: When is early voting? For the April 2 presidential preference primary election, early voting will take place from 10am-6pm on March 26, 27, 28, and 30. Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31. Early voting for the August 13 primary elections will take place between August 5 and August 11. Early voting for the November 5 general election will take place between October 21 to November 3. Is my early voting location the same as my regular voting location? Not necessarily. Each town will have at least one early voting location, and municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more will have the opportunity to add additional locations. You can find your early voting location on your municipality's website, at MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling 860-509-6200. Are there deadlines to be aware of? Monday, March 25 at noon is the deadline to register with a political party to vote in the early voting period for the presidential preference primary. Monday, April 1 at noon is the deadline for registering in person with your registrar of voters or town clerk to vote on April 2, and for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party for in-person voting. If you are not yet registered to vote, file your registration application with your town's registrar of voters by noon on the business day before the day you want to vote, or click here to register. Voting is one of our country's most privileged and fundamental rights, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future. Let’s amplify the impact of our collective voice – start voting early! Connecticut is a leader on tax relief for low- and middle-income earners. While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.
From Senator Cathy Osten: "I'm happy to announce that the State Bond Commission has approved a combined $2.7 million in state grants for three public projects in the region. I'm always advocating up in Hartford for eastern Connecticut to get its fair share of state bonding, and I believe these are three very worthwhile projects that deserve state support. This grant includes funding of $500,000 for a new roof and fire equipment for the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Department in Ledyard, which was founded in 1942. The department moved into its station on Route 12 in 1986 and has since refinished the firehouse exterior and replaced the front apron with a concrete pad."  Connecticut legislators eschew partisan bickering and act on gun violence prevention, reproductive freedom, health care access, cutting fees to consumers and more. In a week where Republican-led states continued to chip away at individual freedoms, the CT legislative assembly took a different tack, passing bills to improve the quality of our lives and expand our freedoms. But first:
 PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE
The CT House approved a comprehensive bill to reduce gun violence, stop mass shootings, and prevent firearm accidents and suicides. Among the provisions are:
EXPANDING REPRODUCTIVE CARE AND PROTECTIONS This week the House voted to allow specially trained pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control and also to legalize vending machines that dispense an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive commonly known as Plan B. The pill is already available over the counter and without age restrictions. Last year, we became the first state in the nation to pass a safe harbor law. It protects abortion seekers and providers here from prosecution by other states for procedures performed in Connecticut. Last week, the state House of Representatives strengthened that law with a bill extending protections for medical providers who offer abortions or other reproductive care. QUICKER ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE Senate Democrats passed a bill to reduce the burdens of “prior authorization,” a cumbersome process that delays patients’ care while medical professionals seek approval from insurance companies to treat them. The bill would also limit step therapy, where insurance companies require patients to exhaust less costly medications before approving medications they require. The bill also protects newborns from denial of coverage by giving parents additional time to enroll them for health insurance. PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE After the murder of a woman last year by her ex-boyfriend, despite having both a restraining order and a protective order against him, Senate Democrats made strengthening protections a priority. They passed a bill that would expand the use of GPS monitors which track movements of domestic violence offenders. That increases the chances that first responders can reach them quickly if restraining orders are violated. The bill would also prevent assailants from collecting alimony from the victims of their abuse. IMPROVED ELDER CARE Too often, abuse or neglect of seniors goes underreported. A bill passed the House last week which would expand the professional classes legally required to report suspected elder abuse. Another bill seeks to increase the number of state residents eligible for adult day care services, offering a lifeline to family caregivers. CONSUMER PROTECTION Tired of seeing credit card charges for subscriptions you forgot you had? A bill passed by the CT House would put a check on automatic renewals by requiring businesses to get your approval before charging you. Less hassle for you and more money in your pocket. REDUCING TRAFFIC FATALITIES Wrong-way driving crashes here tripled in 2022. These are the deadliest kind of automobile collisions. The House passed a bill requiring the Department of Transportation to implement wrong-way driving countermeasures and include instruction on reducing wrong-way driving in driver ed programs. TAX CUT, ANYONE? And with a fiscal year once again expected to end in the black, state lawmakers have the luxury of arguing over the size of a historic cut in income tax rates. Business reporter Dan Haar predicts savings for most households of $300-$600 in addition to child tax deductions. The legislative session draws to a close on June 7, and our state reps are working furiously to get these and other bills improving our quality of life, expanding our freedoms, and growing our economy over the finish line. That beats culture wars anytime. Source: Greenwich Democrats Voting Information The 2022 Midterm Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 8th. Polls are open from 6am – 8 pm. Find where to vote: Where and how do I vote? portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Voter-Information/Where-and-how-do-I-vote Ledyard Voting Information/Town Clerk: https://www.ledyardct.org/459/Voting-Information-Absentee-Ballots Registering to Vote To check your voter registration, voting location, and whether your absentee ballot has been received: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx Voter Registration Deadline: In-person: Nov. 1, 2022 By mail: Postmarked by Nov. 1, 2022 Online: Nov. 1, 2022 Register to vote online here: https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do Election Day Registration is available for those who meet the eligibility requirements. For more info: https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/election-day-registration/election-day-registration On the Ballot Early Voting Ballot Question There will be a proposed constitutional amendment on Early Voting. The question will read: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?” We recommend voting YES on the Early Voting question. Here is a detailed explanation of the Early Voting Ballot Question: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/rpt/pdf/2022-R-0157.pdf Ledyard will also see this question: 'Shall the sale of recreational marijuana be allowed in the Town of Ledyard?' After careful deliberation, the Ledyard Democratic Town Committee (DTC) has decided to support this referendum and encourage voters to vote 'Yes'. Our support is driven by the following considerations: 1. Other towns around Ledyard will certainly allow the sale of cannabis. If we do not allow its sale in Ledyard, neighboring towns will benefit from the extra revenue while we miss out. Although the town's available uses of the 3% sales tax are limited in scope, it is a badly-needed diversification of the town's tax base. 2. Even for those of us who won't be shopping there ourselves, many feel that it's wrong to deny others the choice to do so. Read more about the referendum question in the recent Ledyard Events Magazine Democratic Candidates Ned Lamont for Governor & Susan Bysiewicz for Lt. Governor: https://nedlamont.com/ Richard Blumenthal for U.S. Senate: https://richardblumenthal.com/ Joe Courtney for Congress: https://joecourtney.com/ Stephanie Thomas for CT Secretary of the State: https://votestephaniethomas.com/ Erick Russell for State Treasurer: https://www.erickforct.com/ Sean Scanlon for Comptroller: https://www.seanforct.com/ William Tong for CT Attorney General: https://www.williamtong.com/ Cathy Osten for State Senate (19th District): www.cathyosten.com Kevin Ryan for State Representative (139th District): www.facebook.com/RepRyanCT Ashley Gillece for State Representative (43rd District): www.AshleyGillece.com Beth Leamon for Probate Judge (Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington): leamonforprobate.com For information on our new voting districts, read: Do you know which candidates are running to represent you? SAMPLE BALLOTS:
 Absentee VotingAbsentee Voting EligibilityA new law passed this year further expands eligibility for absentee voting. If you are out of town part of the day (commuters, vacation), caretaking for someone worried about an illness like COVID-19 or you yourself are worried about illness, and that reason prevents you from voting in-person, you are eligible to vote via Absentee Ballot.
Other reasons you are entitled to vote via Absentee Ballot include:
To learn more, visit the Secretary of the State’s website here. The Absentee Voting ProcessVoting via Absentee Ballot requires a TWO-STEP process: 1. You must first submit an application to receive a ballot. 2. Then you may vote using the ballot. How to Get an Absentee BallotAs of October 2022, you may also request your absentee ballot online. Request online here. You can also contact your Town Clerk for an absentee ballot application OR you may download the application now from the Secretary of State’s website. Follow the instructions CAREFULLY. *English: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/AB-Application/AB_Application_20220728/ED-3-Rev-2022-Final.pdf *Spanish: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/AB-Application/AB_Application_20220728/ED-3-Spanish-FINAL.pdf Absentee Ballot InformationAbsentee ballots have already been mailed to anyone who returned an early application. When completing your ballot, FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY. You can return your completed ballot via mail or via drop off to the safe and secure ballot drop box in your town. Delivery deadline for absentee ballots is 8 pm, either by mail or in the ballot drop boxes, on Election Day Tuesday, November, 8th 2022. Note: this is the DELIVERY deadline, not the postmark date if mailing your ballot. |
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