Bigg News - February 20th | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - February 20th

February 20, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

It's been a busy week in Hartford, as my colleagues and I continue to fight for legislation addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our communities. One of the most significant developments is the new plan to give special education funding an immediate 40 million dollar boost. Improving access to special education is a priority for our party this session. As a member of the Education Committee, it's an issue I have worked on extensively and I hope we can pass this plan to help students living in communities with the greatest need for expanded Special Ed funding.

As lawmakers debate legislation at the capitol on special education, the budget, public safety, and other key policies, I want to hear from you. I was so happy to see so many of you attend our legislative town hall last week! It's one of the best ways for me to interact with constituents and make sure your needs are being addressed in the state legislature.

You can also influence the bills we're debating at the capitol by attending public hearings! Later in this news letter we'll go into detail on the upcoming hearings you can attend and how to make your voice heard.

Have a good weekend,
Patrick

Thank You for Attending Our Legislative Town Hall

Thank you for coming to our Town Hall last week. We had a fine turnout, and I enjoyed the conversations I had with many of you individually and as a group. Hearing your concerns helps us do a better job in representing you in Hartford. I hope you enjoyed the legislative updates we provide. See you soon!

Beware: Cold Nights on Tap

While temperatures during the day have been bearable this week, that's hardly been the case at night. Tonight's temperatures are expected to fall into the single digits. Please stay warm and be safe during the severe weather protocol which was activated on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Operation Fuel Financial Assistance Available

Eligible Connecticut residents can apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels. Please Click Here for more information including details on eligibility requirements and application materials.

Special Education Funding

House and Senate leadership announced that both chambers will vote next week on an immediate $40 million injection of state funding to cities and towns to support Special Education needs for the current fiscal year. This funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.

The House convenes on Monday, February 24 and the Senate on Tuesday, February 25.

Special Education is a 2025 legislative priority for House Democrats. We have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that Special Education costs are squeezing local budgets. This investment will help school districts now though we recognize the challenges municipal governments face going forward, which is why we are working to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.

CTDOT Urges Motorists to Stay in Their Vehicles in Highway Emergencies

The CTDOT has issued a safety reminder for all motorists that if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Please click on the image below to read more.

Get Involved: Upcoming Public Hearings

Celebrating Black History Month

Despite systemic obstacles and popular stereotypes, the Tuskegee pilot training program was instrumental in creating space for Black cadets to prove they could fly and maintain military aircraft at the highest levels. To read more about the Tuskegee Airmen please click on the image below for a good read in tuskegeeairmen.org

Students Can Apply To Join CT Board of Ed

Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education! The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements.

The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges.

Click here to learn more and start the application process!

Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17.

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!

Reminder: Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants

Women-owned and childcare businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:

Be in operation for at least two years
Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.  

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!

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.