Monday May 27th Nomination DUE DATE
Submit nominees for the annual "Volunteer of the Year" Award. Any resident of the Town of Plymouth is eligible. The Volunteer selected will be honored at a "Hot Dog Roast" in June, where he/she will receive a commemorative plaque, their name will be added to the Honor Roll on display at Town Hall, and a $100 donation will be made to the charity of his/her choice. Sponsored by the Plymouth Republican Town Committee.

Please print and complete this form and return it to M.J. Wollenberg, P.O. Box 73, Terryville, CT 06786 by May 27, 2013. For information, call 860-583-9377.

Are you behind on your electric bill?  It is important not to let your electricity be shut off.  There are many programs available to income eligible residents to help with utility (gas and electric) bills.  In Plymouth, there is Operation Fuel and the Plymouth Fuel Bank.  Please contact Abby at Plymouth Human Services 860-585-4028 for more information.

This spring, a limited amount of vouchers will be available for low income seniors. If you love the taste of fresh, locally grown produce, but can’t afford the prices at the local farmers markets, contact Abby at Plymouth Human Services 860-585-4028. One voucher per person, per season.

The Plymouth Community Food Pantry has placed donation boxes throughout our commmunity to make it easier for you to drop off a few food items as you navigate your busy day. 

    Here is a list of locations in town where you can donate:

    Also please remember: Supporting the food pantry just got easier.....go to  http://www.gofundme.com/1udtx4 to donate on-line.

SENATOR WELCH PRESS RELEASES:

• AT&T has a military talent attraction manager who focuses on military recruitment.
• And the company has the Careers for Veterans program where AT&T Veterans provide job search advice to help thousands of newly transitioning veterans optimize their career searches.

I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of veterans. I have also dedicated a section of my senate website to Veterans Affairs.

Please click on the Veterans Corner image link on the left to access this website.

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Foothills Trader Article
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2013
HARTFORD — State Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville) and State Sen. Jason Welch (R-Bristol) are standing up for small businesses in the 31st Senate district and 22nd House district, spearheading an effort to reach out and let small business owners know the state is here to help.

“We have made a commitment to help small businesses thrive,” said Boukus. “Many business owners may not be aware of the state assistance that is available. Hopefully we can raise awareness about these important tools.”

Welch said it’s important for business owners in Connecticut to know programs are already in place that will help them.

“All they have to do is take advantage of the assistance,” Welch said.

The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Small Business Affairs developed a whole host of programs to provide various assistance options to small businesses in Connecticut.

The focus of the office of Small Business Affairs is to provide the following.

Two of the more popular programs small business owners have found helpful are:

In addition to small business financial assistance there are more than half a dozen tax incentives such as the Urban and Industrial Site Reinvestment Tax Credit (Dollar-for-dollar corporate tax credit of up to 100 precent for an investment up to a maximum of $100 million in an urban area or an industrial project; minimum investment is $5 million in distressed communities and $50 million in all other communities.) and the popular Film Production & Digital Media Tax Credit

(A tax credit equal to 30 percent of qualified digital media and motion picture production, pre-production and post-production expenses in the state that exceed $50,000.)

Others include:

Welch, ranking member on the Veterans Affairs Committee, asks businesses who hire a new full-time employee to remember there is a special Job Expansion Tax Credit that benefits a company if they hire a veteran for the job.

“Connecticut businesses are eligible for tax credits of $900 per month for each new full-time job created if the new employee is a veteran employee who was honorably discharged from or released under honorable conditions from active service in the armed forces,” said Welch.

Another highly sought-after tax credit is focused on machinery and equipment. Business can get a 10-percent tax credit if they invest in machinery and equipment. The business has to employ 250 or fewer full-time permanent employees in Connecticut.

“Manufacturers can invest in new machinery and equipment and receive a significant tax credit,” Boukus said. “A strong manufacturing sector equals a strong Connecticut economy.”

Both legislators agree these types of incentives are there to make sure small businesses can operate in Connecticut and to ensure local people have good paying jobs that will strengthen their quality of life and retain important jobs in our state.

Any business may contact the department to inquire for help. In most cases owners will be asked for a Needs Assessment to be completed before speaking with staff. Office of Small Business Affairs can be reached at 860-270-8215; Website- http://www.ct.gov/ecd/site/default.asp click on Business Development.

REPRESENTATIVE BETTS PRESS RELEASES:

May, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Students from the Parent Leadership Training Institute of West Central Connecticut (Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth) met with State Sen. Jason Welch (R-31) and I at the Legislative Office Building.  

 
PLTI is comprised of a group of parents dedicated to making their communities a better place to work, live, and raise their children. Each member is planning a community improvement project, with the goal of inspiring other parents and citizens to do the same.

We spent time with the group discussing the legislative process and how government works.  Group members in turn were able to discuss their projects and grassroots initiatives with the legislators.

I enjoyed meeting with members of the PLTI.  This group is in process of developing grassroots initiatives, in the hope of bringing positive change to their communities.  I commend them for their hard work, and for taking the time to meet with Senator Welch and I, to inform us about their current advocacy projects. 

It is my hope that they inspire others to become involved and to continue the great work that’s begun.

Please  contact me regarding this or any legislative issue.
Please call my office 800-842-1423 or email whit.betts@housegop.ct.gov.

Stay connected, stay informed: www.repbetts.com.

Sincerely,

Whit Betts
78th District
Proudly Representing Bristol, Plymouth, & Terryville

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May, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Last week, I, along with fellow members of the General Assembly, convened in session.  Several bills were discussed and debated among the legislators. 

Among them was House Bill 6502, An Act Concerning Membership of the Paraprofessional Advisory Council.  The purpose of the bill is to expand the membership and responsibilities of the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council.

I voted in support of this bill.  It is important to ensure that those who are performing the job have a clear and prominent voice as members of this Advisory Council.  Paraprofessionals deal with many different issues in working with various student populations. 

From developmental delays to social and emotional issues, paraprofessionals are faced with challenges that vary from day to day.  It is important for them to have a voice, and to be able to voice their concerns as a group directly to the Commissioner of Education.  This bill allows the Advisory Council to do just that.

The vote passed unanimously 145 to 0.  The bill is now before the Senate.

Please  contact me regarding this or any legislative issue.
Please call my office 800-842-1423 or email whit.betts@housegop.ct.gov.

Stay connected, stay informed: www.repbetts.com.

Sincerely,

Whit Betts
78th District Proudly Representing Bristol, Plymouth, & Terryville

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In an effort to provide some clarity as to the provisions of the bill regarding gun violence, the following ‘Gun Bill FAQs’ are offered.

GUN BILL FAQs

Q.     Will I have to surrender any of my currently owned firearms, magazines, or ammunitions?
A.      No. The bill does not provide for the confiscation of any property lawfully owned prior to the effective date of the bill.

Q. What will I need in order to purchase a long gun?
A. After April 1, 2014, you will need a pistol permit, an eligibility certificate, or a long gun eligibility certificate to purchase a long gun in Connecticut.

The new long gun eligibility certificate is similar to the existing eligibility certificate.  To apply for a long gun eligibility certificate, a person must be 18 or older, successfully complete a firearms safety course and background check, and must not have been involuntarily confined to a hospital for a psychiatric disability within the past 5 years or voluntarily confined to a hospital for a psychiatric disability within the past 6 months.

Q. What will I need to purchase ammunition?
A. After October 1, 2013, you will need a pistol permit, eligibility certificate, long gun eligibility certificate or an ammunition certificate along with a valid form of identification in order to purchase ammunition in Connecticut.

To obtain an ammunition certificate, any person 18 or older may request that the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection perform a national criminal history records check to determine if such person is eligible to possess a firearm in Connecticut. After a successful records check, the Department will issue an ammunition certificate that is good for 5 years.

Q. Will there be any limits as to the quantity of legal firearms or ammunition that I can purchase?
A. No.  The bill does not limit or restrict the amount of legal firearms or ammunition that may be purchased by an eligible buyer.

Q. What are the limits on detachable magazines? How many rounds can I carry?
A. Upon passage of the bill, you will no longer be able to purchase detachable magazines that accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition in Connecticut.  If prior to passage, you own detachable magazines that accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition you may keep those magazines as long as you file a declaration of possession with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The declaration will let the Department know you lawfully possessed the large capacity magazines before the bill went into effect. 

Persons who lawfully possess large capacity magazines prior to the passage of the bill can carry their magazines at home and at target ranges or shooting clubs filled to capacity.  The magazines may also be used at a person’s place of business or other property owned by that person as long as the magazine does not contain more than 10 rounds of ammunition.  Large capacity magazines can also be transported between these places if they contain no more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Q. Are there changes being made to the permit application process or fee structure?
A. The process for obtaining a pistol permit remains the same; however, applicants going forward will only be able to apply for a temporary permit to carry in the town where they are a bona fide resident. In the past, you could apply for a temporary permit to carry in either your town of residence or place of business. Also, you may only apply for a temporary permit to carry a pistol or revolver once every twelve months. 

There are no increases in any existing fees. There are fees related to the new long gun eligibility certificate and the ammunition certificate. Both certificates will cost $35 every five years.

Q.  Will there be a new firearm ammunition tax?
A. No. There are no new taxes included in the bill.

Q. Will there be a new insurance requirement for firearms owners?
A. No. There is no mention of insurance requirements for firearms owners in the bill.

Q. Are police, military and corrections officers who are exempt in their professional capacity also exempt in the private capacity?

A. Yes. The exemptions for police, military and corrections officers apply on and off duty.

Q. How does the bill change private transactions?
A. The bill will requires a background check for all firearm sales, including private transactions. Parties seeking to privately transfer a firearm will need to provide proof that they are eligible to buy or sell a firearm, and they will need to have a background check performed by either the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or a federal firearms license dealer.

Q. Will those who currently own a firearm be required to undergo retroactive “universal” background checks?
A. Only those who possessed newly designated assault weapons prior to passage of the bill will have to apply for a certificate of possession for assault weapons. The application for the certificate of possession requires a background check.

Q. How will online gun purchases be changed?
A. The laws that apply to the purchase or sale of firearms or ammunition under Connecticut law apply to online purchases. Businesses selling firearms or ammunition online to Connecticut residents will need to verify that a person is eligible to purchase a firearm or ammunition in order to sell it.

Q.  How many guns are you banning?
A.  The bill lists a number of specific firearms that upon passage of the bill will no longer be available for purchase in Connecticut. It will be unlawful to possess these firearms unless you owned the firearms before the effective date of the bill, and you apply for a certificate of possession to have them.

Q. What types of rifles are banned?
A. The bill adds rifles with the following features to the assault weapons ban: Any semiautomatic centerfire rifles (regardless of when they are manufactured) that accept a detachable magazine and have any one of the following: (1) folding or telescopic stock, (2) a grip that is below the action of the weapon, (3) forward grip, (4) a flash suppressor or a grenade or flare launcher.  It also limits semiautomatic centerfire rifles that have a fixed magazine with the ability to accept more than ten rounds or any semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.

Q.  What types of handguns are banned?
A.  The bill adds handguns with the following features to the assault weapons ban: Semiautomatic pistols (regardless of when they are manufactured) with a detachable magazine and have any one of the following: (1) An ability to accept a detachable magazine that attaches at some location outside of the pistol grip, (2) a threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward pistol grip or silencer, (3) a shroud, or (4) a second hand grip.  It also limits any semiautomatic pistol that has a fixed magazine that accepts more than ten rounds.

Q.  What types of shotguns are banned? 
A.  The bill adds shotguns with the following features to the assault weapons ban: Semiautomatic shotguns that have BOTH a folding or telescopic stock and a grip that is below the action of the weapon. Shotguns that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine will now be banned. In addition, shotguns with a revolving cylinder will also be illegal.

Q.  Are any rimfire rifles banned?
A.  Rimfire rifles are not affected by the new law. There are semiautomatic pistols that fire rimfire ammunition that may fit within the definition of an assault weapon depending on the features of such pistol.

Q.     What will the impact of the banned weapons be to the gun industry in Connecticut?
A.  Manufacturers of assault weapons located in Connecticut will be able to continue to engage in the manufacturing of assault weapons in this state.  Manufacturers may also continue to sell rimfire rifles, shotguns and rifles that meet our new definition.  Section 53-202i of the Connecticut General Statutes expressly exempts the assault ban provisions from the manufacture of such weapons.

Q. Will antique weapons firearms be subject to the assault weapons ban?
A.  The current definition of what constitutes an antique firearm remains unchanged under the bill.

Q. What are penalties if registration or certificates not done?
A. Persons who lawfully possess a newly designated assault weapon will have until January 1, 2014 to apply for a certificate of possession for that firearm.  People in possession of newly designated assault weapons who fail to register their firearms will have committed a Class A misdemeanor for a first time violation. Subsequent violations of the law will be classified as a Class D felony.

Persons who are in lawful possession of large capacity magazines (magazines that exceed 10 rounds of bullets) that have been acquired prior to the effective date of the bill, will have until January 1, 2014 to declare each large capacity magazine.  Failure to declare any large capacity firearms past that date will have committed an infraction for a first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses.Please contact me regarding this or any legislative issue at my office 800-842-1423 or email whit.betts@housegop.ct.gov.

Stay connected, stay informed: www.repbetts.com

Whit Betts
78th District
Proudly Representing Bristol, Plymouth, & Terryville

March 2013 - State Representative Whit Betts (R-78) joined the legislature in unanimously voting to create a fund that will provide financial assistance for unpaid, missed work and out-of-pocket medical expenses for workers who experienced mental trauma as a result of their presence at or response to the crisis at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The emergency certified bill, House Bill 6559, An Act Establishing the Sandy Hook Worker’s Assistance Program and Fund, was presented before the chamber almost 3 months after the tragic incident that took place on December 14th in Newtown. 

“I appreciate all of the work that has gone into putting forth this bipartisan legislation.  While nothing could erase the unthinkable horrors of that day, I hope that what we’ve done will let those affected know that we support them, we thank them, and we respect them for their bravery.  And that is why I proudly co-sponsored this bill,” said Betts.

The bill also provides for other provisions for survivors of Sandy Hook.  One provision allows for a waiver from CMT testing for all students in Newtown for the 2012-2013 school year.  A pension provision assists the spouse of the school psychologist, Mary Sherlach, who was killed.  Mary was 2 months and 2 weeks shy of attaining her 20 years of service; the bill will allow her service to reflect the 20 years so her spouse may receive the benefit of 20 years of service.  Enacting this language also results in adding up to another year of service time to the other teachers who were killed.

The Fund does not use taxpayer money, but instead is funded through the collection of charitable donations from public and private sources.   Traditional workers compensation does not currently cover most workers for exclusively mental injuries.

Those eligible for benefits from the fund include first responders, school employees, as well as other professionals and volunteers involved in the Sandy Hook response or investigation.
The Office of Victim Services (OVS) will serve as the program administrator.  The Office of the State Treasurer will receive the donations and hold the funds while claims are administered.