FSA Advocacy in Action: A Few Examples of our Impact
On March 23, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Appropriations Committee in support of the following legislative proposal: SB403 (Raised) An Act Reestablishing Funding for the Homeowners' Elderly and Disabled Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program.
On March 15, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Aging Committee in support of the following legislative proposal: HB5408 (Raised) An Act Concerning the Qualifying income Thresholds for Certain Personal income Tax Deductions for Married Individuals Filing Jointly.
On March 8, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Aging Committee in support of the following two legislative proposals:
On Feb. 28, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Human Services Commission in support of the following two legislative proposals:
FSA opposed a proposed new asset test not be added to the Medicare Savings Program (2021).
FSA opposed any changes to the taxation of Pensions and Annuity income, and advocated for IRA's to be included as well (2021).
FSA has advocated to fully exempt Social Security income from CT tax.
FSA has advocated for more senior housing.
FSA has pursued relief from the CT "8-30g" law (that allows zoning to be skirted except for only serious health and safety issues).
FSA has worked to improve senior/disabled tax relief (SDTR) programs.
On March 15, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Aging Committee in support of the following legislative proposal: HB5408 (Raised) An Act Concerning the Qualifying income Thresholds for Certain Personal income Tax Deductions for Married Individuals Filing Jointly.
On March 8, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Aging Committee in support of the following two legislative proposals:
- HB5314 (Raised) An Act Deterring Fraud and Abuse Perpetuated Against Senior Citizens
- SB266 (Raised) An Act Concerning A Registry of Persons Convicted of Financial Crimes Against Elderly Persons
On Feb. 28, 2022, FSA submitted written testimony to the State Human Services Commission in support of the following two legislative proposals:
- HB5227 - (Raised) An Act Establishing the Community Ombudsman Program for Home Care, and
- SB195 - (Raised) LCO 650 An Act Increasing the Minimum Amount of Assets That May Be Retained By the Spouse of an Institutionalized Medicaid Recipient.
FSA opposed a proposed new asset test not be added to the Medicare Savings Program (2021).
- Written testimonials to appropriate legislative committees and nearly 2 dozen personalized letters were sent to key Representatives and Senators.
FSA opposed any changes to the taxation of Pensions and Annuity income, and advocated for IRA's to be included as well (2021).
- Written testimonials to appropriate legislative committees and nearly 2 dozen personalized letters were sent to key Representatives and Senators.
FSA has advocated to fully exempt Social Security income from CT tax.
- A letter campaign to (all) State legislators was conducted.
- A public position statement was released to Statewide/local newspapers; testimony was given in Hartford.
- A cost/benefit analysis was presented to State Finance Committee leaders.
- OUTCOME: Subsequent Legislature action was taken to broaden the exemption.
- UPDATE: FSA was instrumental in preserving this benefit and pension/annuity tax relief for middle income seniors during State budget reductions in 2019. We continue to monitor the program for their preservatio and needed updates.
FSA has advocated for more senior housing.
- We testified in Hartford for more “affordable” senior housing opportunities.
- We held a senior housing seminar at the Bigelow Center with developers, architects and planners to expedite “affordable” and “attainable” housing options in Fairfield.
- We captured data that will enable us to better understand the Fairfield housing stock, seniors’ housing profiles, and their housing needs.
- Our Housing Committee continually focuses on (1) improving the environment/process for senior housing and (2) improving the stock of senior-friendly units.
- We recommended revised regulations to expand eligibility for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in conjunction with FairPLAN and the Affordable Housing Committee.
- OUTCOME: New regulations were approved in Febuary 2021 by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.
- FSA will work with Town officials to communicate the changes and educate residents on their use. Click here to see the legal decision and updated regulations.
FSA has pursued relief from the CT "8-30g" law (that allows zoning to be skirted except for only serious health and safety issues).
- We spoke at Legislative committees, lobbied legislators and coordinated a community letter writing campaign.
- OUTCOME: With assistance from our State legislators 8-30g was modified.
FSA has worked to improve senior/disabled tax relief (SDTR) programs.
- We compiled data on senior income/demographic trends for the Town Committees on SDTR.
- FSA has provided education and evaluated recommendations for change.