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Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of March 27. My apologies that there's no video this week. We have a big committee deadline looming, and, well, the week got away from me. Some weeks are like that! I'll be back on camera next week. |
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Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Groundbreaking Ceremony for Holley Place. Click here.
- Center Line Rumble Strip Installations in NW CT. Click here.
- Pell Grant Program Expanded. Click here.
- Free Tax Resources. Click here.
- ICYMI- Loan Repayment Opportunities. Click here.
- ICYMI- CT Farm Business Exhibit at the Big E. Click here.
- ICYMI - Nominations for International Year of the Woman Farmer. Click here.
- Northwest Corner Events. Click here.
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I was thrilled to join local leaders and community partners on Tuesday for the groundbreaking of Holley Place, a new affordable housing development in Lakeville. The project will bring 14 much-needed rental units to the village center, supporting residents across a range of income levels and advancing Salisbury’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities.
This collaborative effort reflects strong local and state partnership to ensure more people can live and thrive in the Northwest Corner. |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will begin installing center line rumble strips on multiple routes across northwest Connecticut starting April 1 through September 15.
Work will take place in Sharon, Salisbury, Litchfield, Goshen, Torrington, and surrounding towns, including Route 41, Route 63, and Route 202.
Motorists should expect overnight lane closures (8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.) with traffic control and flaggers in place and are advised to use caution as schedules may shift due to weather or other conditions. |
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Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.
Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours). Previously, only programs at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners.
OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:
- Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
- Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
- Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
- Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
- Be in operation for at least one year
The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
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The tax deadline is fast approaching. 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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| Applications are now open for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs, which offer eligible primary care, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers up to $100,000 in student loan repayment for working at an NHSC-approved site. Applications must be submitted by March 31. Click here to learn more. |
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In 2025, the United Nations voted to declare 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The U.N. thought it was important to highlight the role women play across food systems, while also acknowledging the specific changes they may face.
To celebrate, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture is collecting stories statewide to amplify the voices of women farmers. Click here for the nomination form.
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| The Congregational Church of Salisbury will host its monthly First Friday Music program on Friday, April 3 at 12:00 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) at 30 Main Street in Salisbury. This month’s featured performer is Irish singer and composer Julie Feeney, a three-time Irish Album of the Year nominee and 2006 winner, who will present a 30-minute recital of original works alongside traditional Irish selections. |
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Crescendo – Lakeville's Chorus and Music
Crescendo will conclude the second half of its 22nd season with a series of spring performances and community events across the region. Highlights include:
• Tango workshops beginning March 28, with additional sessions on April 10 & 11
• Two choral concerts featuring tango-style repertoire, including two U.S. premieres, on April 25 & 26
• “Baroque Brilliance: Bach’s Motets” concerts on May 30 & 31
• A solo harpsichord recital honoring Wanda Landowska on June 13
A limited number of free tickets are available for community members upon request. They can be requested by writing to crescendo@crescendomusic.org.
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The annual Shane Kinsella Memorial Run/Walk will be held on April 25. This year’s event features a 5K run and a 2-mile walk, with a kids’ run at 10:15 AM and the main race kicking off at 11:00 AM.
Proceeds support the SMK Fund, which helps local children participate in sports, attend camps, and access other enriching opportunities.
Click here to learn more.
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The 41st annual Sharon Classic Road Race will be held on Saturday, May 2. This race features a 5.3-mile run/walk, plus kids’ races, and a lively family festival. Festivities begin at 9:00 AM. Proceeds support the Sharon Day Care Center.
Click here to learn more and register. |
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| Click here or the flyer above to register. |
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Community members are invited to attend a special screening of Uprooting Addiction: Healing from the Ground Up on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center .
This powerful film follows six individuals from Connecticut with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as they examine the childhood traumas at the root of their drug addictions. Through their stories—and insights from local officials, activists, citizens, and experts—the program explores meaningful solutions to an ongoing public health crisis.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting www.uprootingaddiction.com
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It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.
Click here to forward to forward this email to a friend. |
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Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative |
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