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It has been a very busy and productive week at the Capitol, with many of the committees holding public hearings on crucial bills, listening to testimony from hundreds of advocates, professionals, and residents on proposed bills. Many committees have begun holding meetings to debate which bills will continue moving through the legislative process and on to the House and Senate Floors.
This week, the Connecticut General Assembly's Education Committee held a public hearing on HB 5468, which would require families seeking to withdraw their children from the public school system to submit documentation to their local school district which would then verify that they do not have an open case with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The bill is, in part, a response to the tragedy involving Mimi Torres-Garcia and other concerns raised around the state.
In this email, you can read more about what we voted on during the last Session Day, find information on the 2026 Polish Day at the Capitol Celebration, and more. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please reach out at 860-240-8585 or email me at Dave.DeFronzo@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Legislative Session Update |
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At the end of February, the House was in session and passed two important bills: Senate Bill 298 and Senate Bill 299.
Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities. It supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. For workers, SB 298 establishes stronger, worker-friendly standards for warehouse operations, including a clear private right of action so employees can seek damages if workplace standards are violated. It revises police training standards for interactions with individuals with disabilities, adjusts municipal pension calculations, and repeals a prior building code change to ensure responsible development standards.
Senate Bill 299 addresses bottle redemption fraud following the increase in Connecticut’s beverage container deposit. The bill increases penalties for fraudulently redeeming out-of-state containers and lowers the threshold from 2,500 to 1,000 containers before identification is required at redemption centers. These changes protect the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit. |
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| Polish Day at the Capitol |
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I am excited to share that the 2026 Polish Day at the Capitol Celebration will take place on Thursday, April 30th. I invite you all to join me starting at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol in Hartford for a ceremony to celebrate the traditions of Polish American history across Connecticut. During the ceremony, we will recognize the contributions of honorees who have impacted the Polish community in Connecticut. This is an amazing event to celebrate the heritage, culture, and civic contributions of Connecticut’s Polish American community, particularly those from New Britain, often called the "Polish Capitol of Connecticut".
I hope to see you there! |
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Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed March 9–13 as Civic Learning Week in the state of Connecticut. This nationwide initiative highlights the vital role of civic education and engagement in preserving and strengthening our constitutional democracy.
By focusing on deepening public understanding of democratic values, rights, and responsibilities, this effort aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to actively participate in democratic processes.
Through diverse educational programs, discussions, and events, Civic Learning Week fosters a collective commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom that are central to a thriving, inclusive society. Ultimately, it seeks to ensure the health and vitality of democracy for generations to come.
Click here for different programs and resources available to you. |
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| Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program |
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The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.
Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.
Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.
Eligible applicants may qualify if they:
- Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
- Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
- Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
- Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
- Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
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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
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Sincerely,
Dave DeFronzo
State Representative |
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