Greenwich United Way Legislative Breakfast

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By Richard Kaufman

On Thursday morning, Greenwich’s delegation to Hartford — State Representative-elect Kimberly Fiorello (R-149), and State Reps. Stephen Meskers (D-150) and Harry Arora (R-151), as well as First Selectman Fred Camillo, gathered virtually for the annual Greenwich United Way Legislative Breakfast to discuss topics related to the state and local level. State Sen. Alex Kasser (D-36) could not attend because of a scheduling conflict.

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated the hour-long dialogue, as it’s the most pressing issue. The delegation agreed that containing the virus is priority number one heading into the next legislative session.

“We’re in a crisis,” said Arora, who would like to see increased testing among the population. “I’m not going to say anything other than the fact that the first thing is to contain COVID. No COVID containment, no policy relevance.”

Meskers said Arora was “spot on.” He added a concerning issue is going to be juggling capacity issues at hospitals and manpower issues at those facilities as the virus spreads over the winter months. On the business side, Meskers said he wants increased transparency and regulation on apps like Uber Eats, which are charging restaurants damaging fees.

“I’m concerned about business development and sustaining our restaurant industry and the service workers there. I’m looking to do something there [in the next session].”

Fiorello said that now is not the time to pass massive legislation because “there’s so much that’s in flux.” She said legislators must do everything they can to support local businesses and those on the frontline of the pandemic. After she is sworn-in next month, Fiorello will be on the Judiciary, Planning and Development, and Finance Committees.

“I’d like to keep an eye on public safety, and I have continued to have conversations with those in law enforcement. I intend to craft a bill that responds to the needs of our police officers to ensure and continue to ensure public safety,” she said.

On the issue of trying to increase revenue and lower costs for residents, Camillo put it simply.

“Don’t cause any more harm,” he said. “Last year when I got sworn in, we got hit with something right off the bat, something that the state legislature did a few years ago, which was increasing the sales taxes. Right off the bat we were in a deficit, so we had to fix that. Hopefully we won’t have to do that again this year.”

Camillo said the town is trying to increase revenue by making the town more attractive. He pointed to the ongoing enhancement of Greenwich’s downtown area. “If you make it a more appealing place, people will come and we’re seeing that now.”

Fiorello and Arora mentioned the Republican Caucus’ desire to delay the state’s new family leave program, which goes into effect on Jan. 1

“We agree we cannot tax more at this time. We have proposed a three month delay of the starting of the new taxation from the paid family leave,” Arora said. “It really doesn’t hit the billionaires and millionaires. It’s the minimum wage person who gets hit with it.”

Meskers mentioned the state’s $3.1 billion rainy day fund, which he said is “probably the healthiest of the rainy day funds of almost any of the contiguous states.”

He said even though Connecticut doesn’t know what kind of federal help it will get, the state could be in a good position.

“Given where we are fiscally versus New York and Massachusetts, I think opportunistically we might see tax rates going up potentially in [in those states] and Connecticut becoming more attractive,” he said. “I think we’re in flux still.”

With COVID-19 cases still on the rise and the holiday season in full swing, mental health issues are becoming even more amplified.

Fiorello said she looks forward to learning more about how she can help her constituents on this issue.

“My gut feeling is that we don’t want to restrict our society any more. As much as we can safely, we want to try and get back to normal. I think the sense of isolation and the desperation economically that’s been created is very real,” she said. “I have spoken to college kids who are so depressed and feeling isolated. It was a bit shocking to me to hear their voices.”

Arora said mental health issues often get overlooked even in normal times, so right now it’s extra important to address it. He agreed with Fiorello that closing down and further restricting residents is not beneficial.

“Closing down doesn’t solve the crisis, and the mental health fallout is very extreme. That option of closing down schools, of closing down does not exist. Let’s not even think about that possibility to go there because we will do a lot of harm,” he said.

Arora mentioned his desire for more testing within the population so people can get back to some semblance of normalcy as vaccinations get rolled out.

Meskers siad that short-term, increased access to telemedicine could help. He also said the state’s involvement would be beneficial in helping people deal with mental health issues.

“We also have to tie in the local availability of assistance with the state. I’ve been involved with a couple of people who have particular issues with family members, and I’m trying to help them get access to available help from the state.”

With winter fast approaching, many experts have predicted a dark winter as cases surge from holiday gatherings.

At the local level, Camillo said he is in constant contact with local business owners, as well as Gov. Ned Lamont and David Lehman, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, as they try to help merchants navigate the coming weeks and months.

Camillo recently held a public hearing with restaurant and small business owners about enhancing Greenwich Avenue and the downtown area. Another virtual meeting is being planned.

“There are constant ideas going back and forth,” he said. “We’d like to make a lot of these changes we have in place right now permanent, but also to get us through this winter, maybe [we install outdoor] dining domes. We’re working on that right now and that’s something that certainly can carry over post pandemic,” he said.

You can watch the entire Greenwich United Way Legislative Breakfast below:

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