CT Libraries Passport, Free Tax Services, and more

March 27, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor, 

I hope this message finds you well! This week, the House convened on Wednesday, March 25th, to vote on judicial appointments and a contract between the state and Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI). The majority of committees have wrapped up most of their work for the session and have passed a wide range of bills out of committee. Over the next few weeks leading up to May 6th, the House will be hard at work debating and voting on bills for this session. If you have any questions or if my office can be of assistance to you, please reach out to 860-240-8585 or email me at andre.baker@cga.ct.gov. 
 

Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program

The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program is back and will take place from April 1–30.

Starting April 1, visit your local library to pick up your official program passport along with a list of participating libraries across the state. Then the adventure begins, explore as many libraries as you can throughout April!

Visit at least five different participating libraries and collect stamps from those locations (only official participating libraries count, be sure to check your list). Then, once you’re done, be sure to return your completed passport by May 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.

With nearly 200 public libraries in Connecticut—plus school, college, museum, and even church libraries—there’s an incredible variety to discover. Each library offers something unique, and this program is a fun way to experience all the amazing things libraries across the state have to offer.

So grab your passport and start exploring, your next favorite library might be just around the corner!
 

Department of Consumer Protection Scam Alert

Have you received a suspicious text claiming to be from Amazon? You’re not alone, and it’s likely a scam.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is warning residents about fraudulent messages that:

  • Claim an order was “recalled”
  • Urge you to click a link to confirm a refund

🚫 Do NOT click the link
📵 Block the number immediately
 
How to Spot the Scam

  • Links that look unusual or misspelled
  • URLs that do not include the official company name
  • Messages creating urgency or asking for quick action


If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking any links.
 

Free Tax Assistance Services
 

With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator. 

AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you. 
 

The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

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