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06/21/2023 07:23 AMOn June 7, at 11:59 p.m., the 2023 legislative session in our State capitol concluded. Even after four years, the job remains a challenge, and I continue to be humbled by the opportunity to be our East Haven’s ambassador and voice in Hartford.
Last week, I proudly voted “yes” on a two-year budget that makes our State more affordable and increases opportunities for families, seniors, children, and small businesses. The budget includes historic, middle-class tax relief for working families and those with small businesses. It extends and increases income tax exemptions for pensions, annuity income, and individual retirement accounts, providing additional security to our seniors and retirees. It includes $150 million in new, statewide education funding and increased monies for family resource centers and school readiness programs. It also includes bonus funding for non-profits, supports resources for victims of domestic and violent crimes, and creates a Fallen Hero account to support families of fallen law enforcement officers.
This session, I worked across the aisle to oppose and defeat overreaching proposals for State-mandated, one-size-fits-all zoning, which continue to threaten to substitute zoning policies developed by Hartford politicians for the local control currently exercised by our town zoning officials. I also supported proposals helping young people conquer their crippling student loan debt, increasing homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers, cracking down on property crimes like catalytic converter thefts, and increasing access to affordable childcare.
With the session wrapping up, I look forward to trading long days and late nights at the capitol for celebrating with our students stepping up and graduating, relaxing at concerts on the town green, visiting our senior facilities, and reconnecting with residents in person. As always, if residents have questions or needs, please reach out to me at joe.zullo@housegop.ct.gov.
Joe Zullo
East Haven
Joe Zullo (R) is the 99th Assembly District Representative