Rep. Fishbein Honors Elk, Citizen, and Officer of the Year with Wallingford Lodge #1365

During a crowded Saturday night event at Wallingford Elks Lodge #1365, State Rep. Craig Fishbein presented official state citations to this year's Elk of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year! On behalf of the entire Wallingford legislative delegation, Rep. Fishbein joined Wallingford Mayor Cervoni at the podium to honor Patrick Foley as Elk of the Year, Laurie Papale, as Officer of the Year, and Jim Fitzsimmons, as Citizen of the Year, for the Wallingford Lodge! Knowing Laurie and Jim for as long as I have, and meeting Pat and learning of his longtime service to the community and the Elks, It's not hard to see why they were chosen for their awards! Each of these awardees exemplifies the Elks' principles of charity and service to others. Congratulations! The Benevolent Order of Elks Lodge No. 1365 in Wallingford has been an integral part of the community since it was founded in 1919. For more than 100 years, the Wallingford Elks has been working to increase civic awareness and responsibility through programs and events like food and coat drives, Toys for Tots collection, local, state and national sports competitions, and more.

Celebrating Read Across America Day at John Lyman Elementary!

State Representative Craig Fishbein continued his early March tradition and celebrated Read Across America Day by reading to students in Mrs. Nancy Kozlik's 4 th grade class at Middlefield's John Lyman Elementary School. Rep. Fishbein read What Should Danny Do? by Ganit and Adir Levy, a choose-your-own-adventure-style book that allows the reader to choose how to proceed at certain points, and with nine possible endings. When a choice was presented, Rep. Fishbein let the students pick which way to go. They had such a good time Rep. Fishbein read it a second time and the students chose a completely different story and ending for Danny! Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2nd with the goal of sharing the joy of reading and promoting early childhood literacy with elementary school children. According to its website, The National Education Association seeks to build a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. For more information about this great event please visit www.nea.org/readacross . Rep. Fishbein is a longtime proponent of literacy education and volunteers annually to share the joy and excitement of reading to children throughout the district!

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New Laws Effective January 1st

I just wanted you to know that several new laws take effect January 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below. An expanded list of those new laws, along with summaries, can be accessed here . A summary of some new laws includes: AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING GROWTH Several provisions of this controversial housing bill take effect on January 1st., including those which attack local planning and zoning decisions. AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA TASK FORCE, REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BIOMARKER TESTING The provision of the bill taking effect January 1 requires certain individual and group health insurance policies to cover biomarker testing to diagnose, treat, manage, or monitor an insured’s disease or condition. AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES This is an omnibus bill covering many topics, but the section taking effect on January 1 implements the Yellow Envelopes Program. The DMV, in consultation with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and other specified entities, must develop yellow envelopes and related public awareness materials for people with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities. Among other things, the envelopes must have written information on how first responders can accommodate and effectively interact with these individuals. AN ACT CONCERNING PROGRAMMING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND OTHER FARMING AND AGRICULTURE RELATED PROVISIONS Among other things, this bill increases the mandatory property tax exemption for farm machinery, other than motor vehicles, from $100,000 to $250,000 in assessed value. It also creates a 20% refundable business tax credit for farmers’ investments in eligible machinery, equipment, and buildings that may be applied against the corporation business or personal property income taxes; sets eligibility criteria; requires all or part of the credit to be repaid under certain conditions for five years after the property is acquired. Other major acts include: An Act Concerning Various Measures Recognizing and Honoring the Military Service of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces in Connecticut An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Office of Higher Education, Expanding Dual Credit Opportunities and Concerning College Readiness and Remedial Support Programs at the CT State Colleges and Universities and Information Reported to the Credential Database An Act Concerning the Department of Consumer Protection's Recommendations Regarding Lottery and Gaming Regulations

Wreaths Across America in Wallingford!

I was honored to be a part of Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington National Cemetery, fittingly held in front of Wallingford's Town Hall and the Veterans' Memorials on Main Street. It was a humbling experience to stand side by side with so many of our veterans, neighbors, and friends to pay tribute to the brave men and women of our armed forces who served and have fallen to keep our nation free. Because of the incredible generosity of businesses, donors, and an absolutely incredible group of volunteers, thousands of wreaths will be transported across our country and placed reverently on veterans graves, including Arlington National Cemetery. I want to thank each member of Wreaths Across America's team for fully representing their core mission to "Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom." God Bless America!