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As March comes to a close and we begin April it means that time is running out to file your tax returns. Please read below to learn about the free available resources to help you meet the April 15th deadline.
It was great to have third grade students from Center Road School visiting the Capitol last week.
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| Federal Education Funding Cuts |
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The Education Department is laying off about 1,300 employees, which would gut their staff and begin to dismantle the entire department.Last week, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced a freeze of around $14 million for academic and other programs in Connecticut's schools. Much of this money was already awarded to schools, while the rest was to be disbursed by our state's Department of Education.
On Wednesday, Secretary McMahon threatened to withhold federal funding from public schools that don't eliminate programs they say unfairly promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Not only is the Education Department issuing vague threats against "DEI programs" - they seem to be actively targeting schools with low-income students.
In 2024, Connecticut received over $156 million in Title I funding, a program that helps to support struggling students. The impact on those students will be detrimental if funding gets stripped.
As Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, I will continue to advocate for our students, especially when the future of their education is under attack, and I will keep you updated on the work our committee is doing to counter these measures.
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| Federal ACF and LIHEAP Funding Cuts |
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The federal government continues to make significant cuts that could have devastating consequences for Connecticut and the rest of the country. These drastic moves threaten essential services, creating uncertainty and hardship for our most vulnerable.
This week, the Trump Administration closed at least five regional Administration for Children and Families (ACF) offices, including the one in Boston, which oversees Head Start programs in Connecticut. All federal Head Start staff in these offices lost their jobs immediately, delivering a crushing blow to children from low-income families who rely on comprehensive early education and childcare services. I am deeply saddened and concerned about the impacts this will have on Head Start programs in our communities.
According to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, the federal government allocated more than $71 million in funds, with the state contributing $5 million in aid in 2024. Connecticut is home to 22 Head Start programs serving more than 5,500 children and families. The closures of regional offices raises concerns about future support for these programs.
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The Trump Administration also terminated all federal employees responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The move could leave up to 200,000 people in Connecticut without essential heating assistance. LIHEAP benefits vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
While there is no word on funding cuts, the future of LIHEAP is in jeopardy due to the mass layoffs. With significantly less personnel to administer the program, its effectiveness and reach are at serious risk. Experts believe LIHEAP will stop functioning without federal support or expertise.
My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our state’s most vulnerable residents.
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| April 15th: Tax Filing Deadline |
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With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. Connecticut residents have access to a variety of free resources to help complete both state and federal tax returns accurately and on time.
Whether you need in-person assistance, prefer online filing, or need guidance on available tax credits, these services are here to ensure you meet the deadline with less stress and confusion.
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The IRS Direct File Tool is an option for anyone who lived and earned their income in Connecticut last year. You can use this resource if you have one or more of the following types of income:
- W-2 (income from employer)
- 1099-G (unemployment compensation)
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- 1099-R (income from employer-sponsored pension and retirement account)
- 1099-SA (distributions for qualified medical expenses from Health Savings Accounts)
- 1099-INT (interest income)
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals including low-to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately. They can assist in claiming valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can lead to a significant increase in your refund.
To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.
Here are some of the eligibility requirement 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
CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!
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Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
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| Distracted Driving Awareness Month |
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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and I would like to share with you that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is taking a stand with the launch of a statewide Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to help keep Connecticut Roads Safe.
In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws for the month of April. |
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Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.
The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:
- If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone
- Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive
- Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life
- Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle
- If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive
Click here for more information on distracted driving prevention.
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Coming to Rockville High School on April 8th, at 7:00 P.M., The United States Air Force Academy Band presents The Spirit of America.
The concert is free, but tickets are required. You can get free tickets by clicking the image below.
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The North Central Conservation District is having their Plant and Seedling Sale. The sale is pre-order only and are due by April 9th. Click the image below for more information.
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