Capitol Update: Taking Action on the Juvenile Crime Crisis

Naugatuck CT

12 August, 2021

2:09 PM

Description

Rep. Rosa Rebimbas is providing a brief update on our efforts to address the statewide juvenile car break-in crisis, information about a new grant program for women-owned businesses, and details regarding Connecticut's upcoming Tax-Free Week. Please see below for more. Taking Action on Juvenile Crime People throughout Connecticut are uneasy about an alarming rise in crimes being committed by minors. Specifically, car break-ins have become commonplace in many cities and towns, and has already resulted in the loss of life. Over a month ago, I signed a petition requesting an immediate special session to address this urgent matter. Majority Democrats have yet to echo our calls for action, and we have no specific date to convene.This week, I joined House Republicans in offering our plan to reform CT's juvenile justice system, with a focus on prevention, accountability, and rehabilitation. These proposals include mandatory fingerprinting, creating an exception to the six-hour holding limit, giving law enforcement access to a juvenile's record, expedited arraignment, requiring family support services and intervention to address the root problem of dangerous behavior, and expanding the role of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to investigate when a serious crime has been committed.Our goal is to protect all member of the community - the teenagers who are committing these crimes, their peers, their families, law enforcement, and all members of the public. More on our proposals can be found using the link below. Juvenile Justice Reform Equity Match Grant Program The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to women-owned, CT-based businesses for projects designed to boost the company's growth and profitability. Applications will be accepted from Tuesday, September 7 through Thursday, September 28. Recipient businesses must provide a 25 percent match (example: a business must invest $2,500 of its own money to receive a $10,000 grant), and grant money may not be used for operational expenses. Upcoming informational sessions are available and more information can be found on WBDC's website using the link below. Equity Match Grant Program Tax-Free Week 2021 Connecticut's 21st annual Tax-Free Week begins this Sunday, August 15 and will run until next Saturday, August 21. This is a great opportunity for some back-to-school shopping for items under $100 (after all sales and coupons have been applied). This includes shirts, socks, sneakers, baseball hats, gloves, ski jackets, ties, swim suits, dresses, diapers, golf attire, and much more. A more complete list of tax-exempt and non-exempt items can be found on the state Department of Revenue Services (DRS) website below. Tax-Free Week 2021 As always, please contact me with questions about these updates or any state government issue. I also encourage you to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.Email: [email protected]