Rep. Rebecca Martinez Offers Her Take on Recent Legislative Session

After the Connecticut legislative session wrapped up on May 6, the Outsider sent a questionnaire to all the members of the Southington delegation asking them to comment on four topics: bills that passed that they felt Southington residents should welcome; bills that passed that Southington residents should be wary of; bills that did not pass; and their experience of the recent session.

We will print one set of answers each week. The second to submit replies was Representative Rebecca Martinez, who represents Connecticut's 22nd District.

Can you identify one or two bills that passed during this session that you think Southington residents should welcome, due to potential positive impacts? If so, please summarize what the bill or bills say and the potential impact.

One bill I believe Southington residents should welcome is our budget bill SB 1, “An Act Concerning Affordability,” which passed this session and delivered major investments in education, families, public safety, and local communities across Connecticut. I’m especially happy to report that Southington will receive more than $1 million in additional state funding to offset pressure on local property taxes.

That local aid is critically important because when towns receive stronger support from the state for education and municipal services, it helps reduce the financial burden that would otherwise fall directly on local taxpayers. At a time when many families are already struggling with rising costs, this funding helps communities like Southington maintain strong schools and essential services while helping keep property taxes more stable.

The budget also included significant investments in early childhood education, universal free school breakfast programs, public safety, tax relief for families, and support for small businesses and caregivers. It expanded tax-free shopping opportunities for families purchasing clothing and school supplies and continued efforts to make everyday essentials more affordable for Connecticut residents.

Importantly, the budget also continued Connecticut’s commitment to responsible fiscal management by putting more than $1 billion toward paying down long-term pension debt and liabilities. Continuing to reduce those obligations is essential to protecting taxpayers, strengthening the state’s financial stability, and helping ensure future generations are not burdened by past debt. I believe these investments will help working families, students, seniors, small businesses, and local communities while continuing to move Connecticut in a fiscally responsible direction.

Another bill I believe residents should welcome is HB 5003, a major workforce development and worker protection bill focused on strengthening support for the people who keep our communities running every day, including firefighters, healthcare workers, educators, skilled tradesmen, veterans, and other frontline workers.

As Co-Chair of the Blue Collar Caucus, I was especially proud to help work on this legislation alongside my colleagues. For more than six months, we met weekly with stakeholders from across Connecticut, including unions, tradespeople, healthcare workers, educators, firefighters, and workforce advocates to hear directly about the challenges workers and families are facing and the kinds of protections and investments they needed to see from state government.

The final 75-section bill included meaningful steps to strengthen workforce development, support recruitment and retention in critical professions, expand apprenticeship and career training opportunities, and improve protections for workers across multiple industries.

One especially meaningful provision expanded support for families of fallen volunteer firefighters. Following the tragic loss of Plainville firefighter Ray Moreau, it became clear that surviving families of volunteer firefighters did not have access to the same healthcare protections available to families of career firefighters. HB 5003 begins to address that gap by expanding the Fallen Hero Fund, allowing surviving spouses of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals to access the state employee health plan for up to five years.

For Southington, this bill is especially important for our tradesmen, educators, healthcare providers, firefighters, and working families. There are worker protections and workforce investments included throughout this legislation that impact a wide range of industries and professions. The bill also included provisions focused on workplace safety, workforce shortages, and strengthening pathways into essential professions that Connecticut communities depend on every day.

Can you identify one or two bills that you believe Southington residents should be wary of, due to potential negative impacts? If so, please summarize what the bill or bills say and how they may affect people.

One major concern is the growing uncertainty surrounding Medicaid funding and healthcare access, particularly after Congress advanced a federal budget package this week containing significant Medicaid reductions that could have major impacts on states like Connecticut. Connecticut relies heavily on federal partnership dollars to support nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare services for seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and working families. Any substantial federal reductions would place enormous pressure on the state budget and healthcare system.

In Southington alone, 8,352 residents rely on Medicaid coverage and services. We need to do everything we can at the state level to ensure people continue to have access to affordable health insurance and critical healthcare services. Hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare providers are already struggling with staffing shortages, rising costs, and financial strain. If these federal cuts move forward, residents will feel the consequences directly through reduced access to care, longer wait times, strained emergency rooms, financial pressure on local hospitals and nursing homes, and fewer healthcare resources available for some of our most vulnerable residents.

Optional: feel free to discuss one or two bills that did not pass but that you would want local residents to be aware of, given the issues they address.

One bill that did not ultimately pass was bipartisan legislation focused on protections and fairness for residents living in manufactured and mobile home communities. This bipartisan bill came directly from residents in Southington living in manufactured mobile home parks who shared concerns involving lot rent increases, transparency, and long-term housing stability.

I was proud to help move this bill through the House after working closely with residents, park owners, and stakeholders to ensure the legislation reflected a balanced approach. The bill passed the House but was never called for a vote in the Senate due to opposition and the threat of prolonged debate from Senate Republicans.

One important provision of the bill focused on regional fair rent commissions. The legislation would have ensured that regional fair rent commissions had the same protections and immunity already provided to local fair rent commissions. Ultimately, that immunity would help regional fair rent commissions feel more comfortable and willing to hear fair rent complaints and housing disputes at a regional level.

Manufactured mobile home communities operate differently than traditional rental housing because many residents actually own their homes, pay property taxes on those homes, and are only renting the land underneath them. As a result, the laws governing manufactured housing communities are often more specialized and can be very different from standard landlord-tenant law. In some cases, local fair rent commissions may not have experience or familiarity with manufactured housing law and the unique issues residents in these communities face.

This proposal was intended to help create a more streamlined and informed process by ensuring there was a regional place for residents to go where commissions would have a stronger understanding of manufactured housing law, fair rent issues, transparency concerns, and long-term housing stability. It also would have provided an option for residents living in towns that do not currently have local fair rent commissions. I believe this is an issue many renters can relate to, whether they live in manufactured housing or traditional rental housing, because at its core it is about fairness, transparency, affordable housing, and ensuring residents have access to a process where their concerns can be properly heard without local politics getting in the way.

Another proposal that did not pass this session involved “Just Cause” eviction protections. Supporters viewed the proposal as an effort to provide greater housing stability for renters, particularly seniors, working families, and residents living on fixed incomes who are struggling with rising housing costs and affordability challenges.

As housing costs continue increasing across Connecticut, many residents are concerned not only about the cost of rent itself, but also about the uncertainty and instability that can come with sudden displacement. While the bill generated significant debate and ultimately did not move forward this session, I believe the broader conversation around affordable housing, fair rents, and long-term housing stability will continue to be an important issue for many Connecticut residents moving forward.

Sometimes we hear people ask, “what are our representatives in Hartford doing?” How would you characterize your experience of the process – what it was like dealing with other lawmakers, leaders, and concerned citizens during this past session?

I think a large part of the job that often goes unseen is constituent service. A significant amount of our work involves helping residents navigate problems with state agencies, connecting people to resources, assisting seniors, veterans, working families, and small businesses, and making sure residents have someone advocating for them when they run into challenges with government systems.

This session, I really tried to focus on writing strong policy centered around protecting workers, supporting affordability, healthcare worker safety, and addressing real issues residents are facing every day. Whether it was fighting for additional local aid to help reduce pressure on property taxes, working on workforce protections through HB 5003, or advocating for housing and healthcare stability, my focus was on putting forward practical policy solutions that can actually improve people’s lives.

The legislative process is not always easy. It requires long hours, collaboration, negotiation, and a willingness to sit down with stakeholders and work through difficult issues. But I strongly believe we need elected officials who are willing to show up, roll up their sleeves, and do the hard work of writing policy and solving problems. It is always easier politically to simply oppose everything or say no, but governing requires putting ideas on paper, listening to people impacted by those decisions, and working to move meaningful legislation forward. It was a very productive session and I feel truly honored to be able to represent the 22^nd district.

At the end of the day, I believe residents want leaders who are accessible, responsive, and willing to do the work necessary to help move our communities and state forward.

Board of Finance Adopts New Mill Rate

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

Southington Board of Finance Chair John Leary says the current state of financial affairs is “unprecedented.” Grand List growth, the rising cost of almost everything worldwide, an ever-developing town and the expensive need to keep things running means a tax hike for most people. Due to that Grand List growth, however, the mill rate for Southington payers drops this fiscal year to 23.29 from a previous number of 32.80.

As Leary pointed out during the discussion, the initial budget that came to his Board back in February anticipated a 9.5% tax rate increase. Through long discussions and some difficult decisions by town entities including the Town Manager, the Board of Education and the Town Council, that has been reduced to 3.71%.

Leary reiterated that a mandatory property revaluation saw “more modest” homes jump in assessed value due to market forces such as increased demand locally. This increase happened even as larger properties, including commercial properties, stayed largely the same in value. With an eye towards those property owners who can least afford it, the Board has tried to keep the tax increase to a minimum.

Town of Southington Assessor Erin O’Connell reported that many owners successfully appealed those new home assessments, leading to a small reduction from the initially announced Grand List value. Nine larger owners, with properties assessed at over $1 million, were also seeking to appeal, in what could be a much longer, legal process. However, in her estimate, the current Grand List number was unlikely to change significantly at this point. The Grand List, representing the overall value of real property in town, stands at roughly $6.85 billion. The Town approved budget for the 26-27 fiscal year is just over $196 million.

Each year, Leary explained, the Board looks to have a “cushion” of at least 1.5% over what is needed, tax-wise, in order to cover any revenue shortfalls or other contingencies. Any money left over goes into the Town’s “rainy-day” fund. The Board voted to keep that excess in place. That vote, like the others taken Monday, was unanimous of those present.

The Board had plenty of other business at its May 18 meeting as well. The scandal surrounding Erin Stewart, the former Gubernatorial candidate and New Britain Mayor, prompted Leary to ask for a report on how Southington handles its municipal credit card privileges. Finance Director Kristina Marino offered an overview, saying that there are six people who have Town-issued credit cards, each of which has spending limits under $10,000 and is restricted from being used at certain businesses such as package stores. Department heads approve and review any spending, while she approves the spending of Town Manager Alex Ricciardone. She estimated that around $300 a month gets approved per department. Leary requested those credit card statements for review at the next meeting.

As the Board voted to approve renewing the auditing services of CLA for another year, Leary mentioned that the Board has the right to seek additional audits, such as internal controls, if it chooses to do so.

The Board took over the duties of the Town Council’s Self-Insurance Committee earlier this year and heard from consultant Joe Spurgeon during the meeting. Spurgeon reported some savings he was able to negotiate with insurance provider Anthem. When Jennifer Mellitt, Director of Business and Finance for Southington schools, asked if some of that money could be used to offset the contributions her members pay, the Board and Ricciardone said it was too late to change for this year’s budget. Leary suggested that any self-insurance savings could be reflected in next year’s budget, however.

On the revenue side, Board member Katie Wade reported that $90,000 in past-due sewer bills had finally been paid after the Town took a more aggressive stance in collecting them. Leary pointed out that failure to pay those bills is far from a “victimless crime.”

Work rebuilding Berlin Street was also the subject of discussion after Ricciardone gave an update. The state has mandated a lengthy process for the reconstruction of the street, something he characterized as “better in a month, perfect in a year.” In the meantime, Leary suggested that Southington residents try to support the businesses there that are affected by the ongoing construction.

Water Commission Approves Rate Hike

PETER PROHASKA PHOTOS

With its lakes, rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, and Long Island Sound, Connecticut’s water resources can seem endless and sometimes be taken for granted. And while water costs are not among the nation’s highest, increasing demand, infrastructure needs as well as state and federal mandates are all escalating the costs of providing water to residents and users.

The Southington Board of Water Commissioners voted unanimously to raise rates by 4.5% at its meeting on Thursday, May 14. The price of 100 cubic feet of water, about 780 gallons, increased from $4.91 to $5.13, or 22 cents per unit for users of 0-1000 CCF, and from $4.59 to $4.80 for users of more than 1000 CCF, billed quarterly. No member of the public came to speak during a half-hour long public hearing on the rate hike, one that puts Southington in line with other communities in the region.

Service Charges also increased:

Meter Size

5/8” from $36.28 to $37.91

3/4” from $36.28 to $37.91

1” from $53.77 to $56.19

1-1/2” from $95.67 to $99.98

2” from $137.52 to $143.71

3” from $239.51 to $250.29

4” from $385.16 to $402.49

6” from $683.79 to $714.56

The average household uses about 300 gallons per day, and the cost of a gallon of drinkable water from the municipal supply remains far less expensive than a gallon purchased commercially. Still, for many households on stricter budgets these days, the change may be significant.

The Water Department website does feature a list of EPA tips for conserving water. A leaky toilet for example, can waste as much as 200 gallons per day, while newer, more efficient washing machines and dishwashers can save as much as 50% per usage. Planting native grasses, which are more drought-tolerant among other benefits, can also reduce the need for watering a non-native grass lawn. In addition, disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals or other potentially dangerous substances through a disposal program, rather than flushing them, helps avoid contamination of the drinking water supply. In a program run through Southington STEPS, residents can dispose of unwanted medications through a drop box at the Southington Police Department.

Even with consumer behavior cutting down on waste and pollution, the costs of keeping water safe to drink remain considerable, with treatment, delivery, labor and other costs continuing to grow.

However, Superintendent Douglas Arndt reported to the commissioners that the federal government has followed through on efforts to keep Southington’s water safe. A check for $1.35 million was delivered to Arndt for PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” – remediation efforts. These funds, totalling $3 million, were secured in part thanks to the efforts of Congressman John Larson and announced back in January.

“Everyone deserves access to clean and safe drinking water,” said Larson at the time. “I have worked closely with the Southington Water Department over the last few years to improve the town’s water supply, and am proud to announce $3 million in new federal funding that was just signed into law to support the construction of a new treatment facility that removes harmful, cancer-causing PFAS chemicals polluting the water residents rely on. I’ll continue to work with all my colleagues in Congress to invest in our communities and protect families from these dangerous chemicals.” 

A separate pilot program aimed at removing PFAS materials with a lower-cost filter will be taking place in Cheshire, under the Regional Water Authority per the discussion. If the program proves effective, Arndt mentioned that Southington could be next in line to install and utilize the technology, with state aid available and without upfront investment from his office.

Commission President Robert Berkmoes mentioned that though the PFAS remediation funds would be put to good use, PFAS levels in Southington water are not currently a cause for worry, at less than one part per trillion. Recently reissued EPA guidelines have a threshold ten times that level.

A lead remediation program is also in effect with Southington, to eliminate any lead service lines that remain. Arndt said that this process is being assisted by VODA, an artificial intelligence program designed for helping water authorities nationwide. The AI can more efficiently detect possible problems and even predict failures, according to its website. Field inspections are still being used to verify the machine’s work, Arndt said.

The Commission also approved up to $25,000 for the redevelopment of Well 3. Work on the West Main Street water main was awaiting final approval from state authorities but bids were approved.

Southington's first fire hydrant, installed on Marion Avenue in 1884.