FSA Advocacy in Action

FSA was started by a group of concerned citizens in June, 2016

• FSA advocated to exempt Social Security income from CT tax.
• A letter campaign to (all) State legislators was conducted. 
• A public position statement was released to Statewide/local newspapers; testimony was given in Hartford. 
• A cost/benefit analysis was presented to State Finance Committee leaders. 
• OUTCOME: Subsequent Legislature action was taken to broaden the exemption.

FSA advocated to eliminate the CT estate tax; we pursued equity in taxation of other retirement income. 

• FSA released a public statement and testified in Hartford. 
• OUTCOME: Subsequent Legislature action was taken to (1) increase estate tax exemption to Federal level and (2) phase in exemption of pension income (subject to maximum income limits). 

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FSA has advocated for senior housing.

• We testified in Hartford for more “affordable” senior housing opportunities.
• We held a senior housing seminar at the Bigelow Center. 
• We met with developers, architects and planners to expedite “affordable” and “attainable” housing options in Fairfield.    
• We developed a senior housing/living survey. 
• ​Our Housing Committee continually focuses on (1) improving the environment/process for senior housing and (2) improving the stock of senior-friendly units. 

FSA pursued relief from the CT "8-30g" law (that allows zoning to be skirted except for only serious health and safety issues).

• We spoke at Legislative committees, lobbied legislators and coordinated a community letter writing campaign.  
• With assistance from our State legislators 8-30g was modified.

FSA has worked to improve senior tax programs.

• We have studied tax relief programs in Fairfield and other towns.
• We compiled data on senior income/demographic trends for the RTM Committee on Senior/Disabled Tax Relief.
• We have made recommendations for change, including expanded eligibility for Town senior tax programs.
• We have regularly attended all meetings RTM Committee meetings. 

FSA worked to protect funding of State Benefits for economically challenged seniors.

• We supported reinstatement of Medicare Savings Plan reductions.
• We opposed efforts by officials to balance budgets on the backs of needy residents.

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