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On Monday, I proudly voted for a bill injecting $40 million to fund special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state.
These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.
Since then, the governor has expressed concerns regarding this allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto. However, I remain optimistic that an 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 relief not only in the future, but now.
Our goal, however, 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 to look for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system. |
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| Disabled Veterans Tax Relief |
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The House also voted in support of veterans by passing legislation that provides tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service.
This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income.
I am proud to support this bill and provide our veterans with the resources and assistance they need. |
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| Community Funding Support |
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House Democrats sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and the targeting of vulnerable populations.
We treat people with respect and dignity and we legislate that way, too. We provided funding to Planned Parenthood for sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as sex education.
We also helped organizations that assist immigrants, refugees and other displaced people through a range of services including support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. |
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| Mansfield Cell Tower Meeting |
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A public information session concerning a proposed wireless telecommunication tower facility at 424 Storrs Road will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
During the session, the applicant, The Towers LLC, will present an overview of the proposal and welcome community feedback before a formal application is submitted to the CT Siting Council.
Jurisdiction over any proposed cellular telecommunications facility is exclusively held by the Siting Council.
That means local wetlands, zoning, and other municipal land use approvals do not apply.
For further details on the CT Siting Council’s Procedures for Telecommunications Facilities, please refer to this link. Information related to the application can be downloaded here.
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Hopefully we are past the worst winter has to offer. However, a reminder that the town of Mansfield's winter parking ban is still in effect through April 15.
Mansfield’s motor vehicle and parking ordinance says “No motor vehicle shall be parked on any public highway under the jurisdiction of the Town of Mansfield, or in any area designated as a municipal parking area, between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., from Nov. 1 through April 15; or at all times when there is any accumulation of snow or ice on said highways or parking areas.”
This ban includes the on-street parking in Downtown Storrs, including Storrs Road, Dog Lane, Elsie Marsh Way, Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way.
On-street parking during winter storms must not impede traffic or snow removal. Cars that are found to violate the parking ban or impede plowing operations will be towed.
The Town of Mansfield Department of Public Works requests that bicycle owners refrain from leaving bicycles on sidewalks or the Town Square during snow storms or overnight. The cooperation of motorists and cyclists will aid the Public Works staff in their efforts to maintain clear roadways and sidewalks through the winter.
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works Administrative Office at 860-429-3331.
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The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently 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 the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website
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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.
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If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact my office. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Gregg Haddad
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