By Kathy Kennedy
State Rep., R-119
Kathy Kennedy
As we reflect on the last nine months of 2020 we are wrought with a flood of emotions. Beginning in March our lives changed: so many personal sacrifices, opportunities lost, business hardships, milestones missed as we were unable to celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and, of course, financial hardship.
Our seniors have been isolated from their families and friends. Our children are struggling as they cope with the emotions of virtual learning, not being able to spend time with their friends, being unable to play sports and numerous other after school activities. There are food insecurities as well as homelessness that comes with the potential for disease to spread. And there’s the economic uncertainty. Many folks have had to dip into their savings, causing further financial strain.
We heard from the start that we are all in this together – we will get through this together. Today as the 2020 year nears the end we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel with a vaccine on the horizon.
There are still many short and long-term budget questions for our state and each one of us who live here. How will Connecticut recover economically? What can be done to make people whole who were financially devastated during the pandemic?
First, we must ask ourselves what we have learned, what we can do to help each other, our community, our neighbors and friends. We need to work together to become a stronger, financially stable Connecticut. We must work with our small businesses to provide them with the tools necessary to sustain their businesses. We must work with our restaurants, the arts and so on. This all can be accomplished, but we cannot do it on the backs of Connecticut residents with new taxes.
Yes, our world has changed, but together we can move toward a better Connecticut. We may not always agree, but we need to respect one another. The focus must be on the residents. We need to work together with open minds. Let us all be a little kinder, smile and support one another. I am honored to serve as your state representative.
I wish you a joyous holiday season filled with many blessings.
As always, please contact me should you have any questions about this important issue or concerns on any other topics relating to state government at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or at 800-842-1423.