State Representative Kimberly Fiorello

12/21/2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been an honor representing you in Hartford.

As your neighbor, please know you are always welcome to reach out to me whether you need help with something or you need a cup of sugar... [email protected]

In this season of HOPE, FAITH, JOY and LOVE, from my family to yours, wishing you all the best in the new year!!

In service,
Kimberly

12/07/2022

https://www.pearlharborevents.com

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers staged a surprise attack on U.S. military and naval forces in Hawaii.

In a devastating attack, the United States suffered 3,435 casualties and loss of or severe damage to 188 planes, 8 battleships, 3 light cruisers, and 4 miscellaneous vessels.

President Roosevelt called it ‘a date that would live in infamy’ that unleashed the brutal Pacific War between the US and Japan. But it was also the event that brought the US into the Second World War ultimately leading to the Allied side achieving victory.

Today is a solemn day to remember an event that changed American and world history. We honor those who served our country then, and now.

12/06/2022

Something that is not being made clear for the public regarding the bill that passed in special session -- the benefit amounts for those seeking assistance via Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was DRAMATICALLY REDUCED in August in order to cover the high demand for $$ help.

The minimum level of assistance range was cut down to $250 to $600 this year, from $410 to $1,015 last year and $340 to $725 two years ago.

The maximum level of assistance for poorest applicants was cut to $1,890, down from $4,825 last year and $2,980 two years ago.

So people who sought this help last year must understand that just as costs are rising even higher, they will receive even less help than they received last year, about 1/2 the amount and even less in some cases for those most in need.

See letter from Minority Leaders to the Commissioner of Social Services asking for clarity on benefit levels that just reduced in August. Answer back from the Commissioner is, no, benefit levels will not be readjusted.

11/28/2022

Final vote — Reasonable minds can disagree on this bill. There are some good parts and some bad parts. But I could not support it. I have seen too many bills that wantonly hurt the middle class. The rich can manage in CT and the poor get one mismanaged program after another with no accountability, but the middle income people in our state? They get crushed.

This bill has 4 major parts. A motion to separate the bill so that we could vote on its 4 parts was rejected.

Here is the bill language:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/TOB/H/PDF/2022HB-06001-R00-HB.PDF

Sect 1 — reinstates the 25 cent gas tax. Democrat reasoning? The people ought to be grateful for the break they got. Gas tax is being phased back in.

Republican amendment to extend gas tax cut to Jun 30, 2023 was rejected along party lines. Republican amendment to cut diesel fuel tax was deemed “not germane.”

Sect 2 — $10 million for continued free bus service. $40 million for home heating assistance

Sect 3, 4 and 5 — Premium Pay Program Benefits pick winners and losers in our state as to who qualifies for extra pay for frontline work during COVID. State policies closed private businesses and many never came back. More than these winner-loser programs, we need broad and permanent marginal tax relief to help as many people as possible.

Sect 6. — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP — earlier the state reduced benefits because there were too many people applying and not enough funds. Today we added more funds from federal American Rescue Plan Act, which is good, but the state will not raise benefits back to last year’s levels. So for those who qualify and need this assistance, do not expect the same levels of $$ support as before.

Sect 7 — LIHEAP support for Operation Fuel CT intended for middle class support will be woefully underfunded at about $4.5 million when we estimate the need will ge about $60 million. This is an unfortunate practice in our state that the legislature knowingly underfunds programs time and time again.

Republican amendment to fully fund this program from surplus funds was rejected along party lines.

11/28/2022

The gallery where the public can watch the proceedings in the House is still closed. See empty balcony in photo below. First order of business for the people in January is to demand the Capitol building be fully opened to the public.

11/28/2022

Republican amendment to include 49 cent diesel fuel tax cut in this ”emergency certification” bill is deemed “not germane.” Diesel fuel users, mostly truckers, are getting no break. Remember diesel fuel costs have risen sharply in Connecticut. https://www.ctpublic.org/news/state/2022-06-15/connecticut-diesel-tax-to-rise-9-cents-per-gallon-on-july-1

11/28/2022

Special Session Today — Democrats want to phase in 25 cents gas tax back in 5 cents at a time starting Jan 1, 2023. The tax will be reinstated at five cents on Jan 1, ten cents on February 1, fifteen cents on March 1, twenty cents on April 1, and back to full twenty-five cents on May 1.

Every cents adds up for households.
Republicans put forth an amendment to keep the 25 cent gas tax cut thru June 30, 2023. See votes here.

11/11/2022

10/13/2022

My deepest condolences to the Bristol Police Department on the tragic loss of two of their officers. My prayers are with their families. And also for the officer, who is seriously injured. Law enforcement officers pledge to serve the public good and put their lives on the line daily. Their service and dedication deserve our utmost respect. Bristol Connecticut Police Department