Special Education Funding, and more

February 28, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

A reminder that on Saturday, March 15 at 2pm at the Fair Haven Library (182 Grand Ave, New Haven), Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and I will host a Fair Haven legislative town hall. We will update you on our work at the Capitol, tell you our legislative priorities, and hear about the issues that matter most to you! I hope to see you there!
 
I hope you'll also join me and State Senator Gary Winfield for a legislative update Saturday, March 29 at 2:30pm at the Wilson Library (303 Washington Ave., New Haven)!
 
Funding for Special Education
On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

Since then, the governor has expressed concerns regarding this budget allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto. However, I remain optimistic that a workable agreement can be reached as we address this critical issue.
 

My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets.

Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.  Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.
 
Veterans' Property Tax, Community Funding
House Democrats also took action by passing a veterans' property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans.

In addition, we sent a clear message that we do not support Washington's war on diversity and their targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity, and we legislate that way, too.
 
Operation Fuel Deadline

Operation Fuel's Our Energy Assistance program will close applications for gas, electric, and deliverable fuels today, Feb. 28, at 11:59 pm.

After just four weeks, the program received almost 3,700 applications from households in need of support, the organization said in a Facebook post.

A couple of things of note:

  • If you’ve applied to the program, but haven’t heard back, log in to the website here to check your application status.
  • If you’ve started your application, but haven’t finished it, log in ASAP and complete it, including uploading all required documents.

To check your application status or to apply, visit here.  
 
Upcoming Deadline for Real ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

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.

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 above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

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

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

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 number, 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 where 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.
 
Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative
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