The following updates have been provided by local legislators.

Carney, Linares Congratulate Students at Social Studies Achievement Breakfast

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) and State Senator Art Linares (R-33) congratulated students and 2016 award recipients at a Shoreline Social Studies Associates Awards Breakfast on May 16 at Valley Regional High School in Deep River

Carney, who was the keynote speaker at this event, encouraged the students to expand their interests into Connecticut history and government.

“We need bright young people like yourselves to help in improving the State of Connecticut,” Carney said. “You don’t necessarily have to be older to be effective in government, in order to make changes that help our people, our economy, and, overall, our future.”

He cited examples such as international activist Malala Yousafzai, Connecticut hero Nathan Hale, and even some of today’s leaders like New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart.

The criteria for this award was as follows: “A junior who demonstrates a high degree of interest and enthusiasm for social studies and who possesses a high level of ability, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding of the subject.”

Carney and MacLachlan Laud the Passage of a Proposal to Aid Jobs, Economic Growth and Entrepreneurs

State representatives Devin Carney (R-23)and Jesse MacLachlan (R-35), praised the passage of a bill that would encourage and assist first-time entrepreneurs in certain business sectors.

Both Carney and MacLachlan cosponsored this bi-partisan, pro-jobs proposal, which establishes an Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit pilot program.

“I am proud to support this pro-business bill that will help boost our economy by making it easier for small businesses to get up and running,” said Rep. Carney. “This is a step in the right direction.”

“Reducing these fees will lower the financial entry requirements for entrepreneurs to participate in the local economy. This bill will particularly assist young people who are looking to start their own business, but find themselves struggling to navigate through Connecticut’s regulatory environment,” said Rep. MacLachlan.

The bill, Senate Bill 303, would aid first-time entrepreneurs wishing to start new information technology, biotechnology, and green technology businesses by allowing them to qualify for reimbursement under the pilot program. Approved applicants would receive reimbursement for any state filing, permitting, or licensing fees associated with building their business in Connecticut.

Under this pilot program, the permit would require the waiver of any state or municipal filing, licensing or permitting fee associated with starting a new business within those business tech sectors.

The National Federation of Independent Business testified at the public hearing that this is a pro-small business bill that would meet two important goals: (1) It would directly address the special needs of the entrepreneurial community at which it is directly targeted and (2) It would leverage these benefits, generating returns to Connecticut in excess of its limited implementation cost.

The bill was signed into law May 6 by Governor Dannel Malloy.