FSA Advocacy in Action - More Examples of our Work
FSA has advocated to fully exempt Social Security income from CT tax.
CASE STUDY: FSA has advocated for senior housing.
FSA pursued relief from the CT "8-30g" law (that allows zoning to be skirted except for only serious health and safety issues).
FSA has worked to improve senior/disabled tax relief (SDTR) programs.
- 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.
- UPDATE: FSA was instrumental in preserving this benefit and pension/annuity tax relief for middle income seniors during State budget reductions in 2019. We continue to monitor the program for their preservatio and needed updates.
CASE STUDY: 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 with developers, architects and planners to expedite “affordable” and “attainable” housing options in Fairfield.
- We captured data that will enable us to better understand the Fairfield housing stock, seniors’ housing profiles, and their housing needs.
- Our Housing Committee continually focuses on (1) improving the environment/process for senior housing and (2) improving the stock of senior-friendly units.
- We recommended revised regulations to expand eligibility for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in conjunction with FairPLAN and the Affordable Housing Committee.
- OUTCOME: New regulations were approved in Febuary 2021 by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.
- FSA will work with Town officials to communicate the changes and educate residents on their use. Click here to see the legal decision and updated regulations.
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.
- OUTCOME: With assistance from our State legislators 8-30g was modified.
FSA has worked to improve senior/disabled tax relief (SDTR) programs.
- We compiled data on senior income/demographic trends for the Town Committees on SDTR.
- FSA has provided education and evaluated recommendations for change.
