By James Maroney
State Sen., District 14
James Maroney.
In September you may have heard my Republican colleagues talk about a so-called grocery tax. Connecticut has never taxed groceries and never will. After saying “no” to the governor when this tax was originally proposed, keeping it out of the budget and stopping the Department of Revenue Services from incorrectly implementing it, I am pleased to inform you that this tax will never exist in Connecticut.
For clarity’s sake, it is important to note the nonexistent tax as the budget and several important laws went into effect Oct. 1. I’m going to highlight laws which will help seniors and families thrive, keep our children safe and create jobs in Milford, Orange and the surrounding towns and cities in the 14th state Senate District.
Starting Oct. 1, tax breaks to Social Security and pensions went into effect. Individuals earning $75,000 or less and couples earning $100,000 or less will be fully exempted from state income tax on Social Security. Additionally, we are phasing out income tax on pensions until all pensions are completely exempt in 2025 for individuals earning $75,000 or less and couples earning up to $100,000.
A new law that will stimulate job growth is the Military to Machinist Program. You may have heard me talk about this exciting new program I wrote and led passage of during the legislative session. The Workplace will run the program and help veterans find funding to obtain a certificate in advanced manufacturing and eventually land advanced manufacturing jobs. This law bolsters an important trade in our state while helping veterans make a seamless transition from military to civilian life.
Several laws went into effect on Oct. 1 that will save lives. Safe storage laws in vehicles are now in effect, as well as Ethan’s Law. The legislation, named after Ethan Song, who was tragically killed by an improperly stored gun, expands the criminally negligent storage of a firearm language to include the unsafe storage of a loaded or unloaded firearm in a home with a minor under age 18. The previous age was 16. I am proud our legislature is choosing to lead on gun safety.
Staying with the theme of keeping our children safe, the age one can legally purchase tobacco products has increased from 18 to 21 and penalties for selling to minors have increased as well. The law also requires individuals who sell e-cigarettes through online sales to obtain the signature and proof of age of a person aged 21 or older at the shipping address before delivery.
Youth vaping poses severe health risks. According to the Connecticut Department of Health, it is the most common form of tobacco used by our state’s youth. We must keep these harmful products out of the hands of our youth, and thanks to this law, I believe we have taken a step in the right direction.
Another positive development is that the minimum budget requirement has been revised to ensure municipalities aren’t penalized for finding efficiencies, or if they have a shrinking enrollment, they are no longer expected to spend more. This provides much-needed relief to towns. It applies to towns with public school districts not in the top tenth percentile of performing districts. Education in many cases determines a person’s future. Closing necessary gaps to ensure all children have a chance is not only fair, but imperative to maintain a strong community and economy.
I am confident these laws will have a positive effect on our community. I remain open to feedback and ideas and encourage you to meet with me for a cup of coffee on the third Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Starbucks at 538 Boston Post Rd. in Orange.