Bigg News - 3.6 | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - 3.6

March 6, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

We were in session on Wednesday to vote on a new special education funding plan that provides $40 million in immediate relief for school districts.

These funds are needed now, and I'm happy we were able to reach an agreement with Governor Lamont that ensures this funding for students and teachers in need.

I have included news, alerts, updates, and resources available in this week's newsletter that I think you will find useful.

Have a good weekend,
Patrick

East Hartford Middle School Students Visit the Capitol

I was very proud to tour the Capitol and Legislative Office Building recently with East Hartford Middle School students. I was joined by House Assistant Majority Leader Jason Rojas, who also represents East Hartford. We also had to an opportunity to share the inner workings of what we do as your legislators. Thank you all for coming, and we will see you soon!

Priority Bill 5003 Early Childhood Care and Education Fund

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.

Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the future prosperity of our state.

House Democrats Pass Veterans’ Property Tax

House Democrats took action this week on tax relief for 100% permanently and totally disabled Veterans.

Community Funding

House Democrats have also sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity - and legislate that way, too

Free At-Home COVID-19 Test

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-19 tests. Your order is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping. Order yours HERE.

Beware: More Scams

Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. Two scams are making the rounds recently, both involving cell phones.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers.

The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.

DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302.
IRS STIMULUS SCAM

The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.

DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.

First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago that some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.
Here are some Tips from the Better Business Bureau:

Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails.
Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go to IRS.gov.
Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take time to confirm claims independently.

Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Got a Real ID?

The Transportation Security Administration recently issued an important message that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.

Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID?

Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases, and other federal buildings)

How do I get a REAL ID?

You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
- a Social Security card; and
- two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?

Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

A U.S. passport.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.

For more information, visit:

March is Women's History Month

Free Resources to File Your Taxes

(photo credit: IRS)

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VITA:

Household income less than $68,000
If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
No income from a rental property

East and Manchester Avon residents can find their nearest location by clicking on the image below.

Book your appointment HERE. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes!

March 27th: Small Business Lending Expo @ CCSU

For small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing small businesses.

Health Resources

Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.

Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.