Budget & Taxes (Seniors)

SB 15 allocates $6 million from the General Fund to the Department of Aging and Disability Services for elderly nutrition programs during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding directly supports existing state nutrition services for seniors, including meal programs and related assistance. This bill is a straightforward budgetary measure with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes. It specifically increases financial resources for the department to maintain or expand current elderly nutrition services.

HB 5066 would adjust the income threshold for senior citizens' personal income tax deductions to automatically increase each year based on inflation. This change, affecting seniors who qualify for tax deductions, ensures the threshold keeps pace with rising living costs. The bill amends Section 12-701 of the general statutes to require this annual inflation adjustment. It directly impacts how much income seniors can earn before losing eligibility for the deduction.

SB 197 creates a new tax credit for family caregivers who pay for the care and support of elderly relatives. It directly affects adult children or other relatives providing unpaid care to older family members. The bill provides a credit against state income tax for eligible out-of-pocket expenses related to that care, such as medical supplies or in-home assistance. This policy change offers financial relief to caregivers by reducing their state tax burden for specific caregiving costs.

SB 41 creates a state tax deduction for Connecticut taxpayers aged 65 or older who sell their primary home. It allows these seniors to deduct capital gains (the profit from the sale) that are already counted as taxable income for federal tax purposes. The deduction applies only to gains from selling a primary residence, not rental properties or second homes. This policy directly affects older homeowners by reducing their state income tax bill on the profit from their main residence sale.