Child tax credit, Civics Education & Engagement, and critical vote on funding

February 28, 2025
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.
 
 
Civics Education and Engagement
We are hoping Connecticut students will soon have the opportunity to earn a prestigious recognition for their civics education.  As a Co-Sponsor of HB 7009: An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement it was great hearing from passionate High School students at the Education Committee meeting on Wednesday.  I am the Co-Chair of the State Civic Education, Civic Engagement and Media Literacy Task Force and this bill aims to establish the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which will be awarded to high school graduates who demonstrate a high level of civic proficiency and community involvement.
 
 
Special Education Meeting
Special education services are essential to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.  On Tuesday night I joined State Rep. Jaime Foster, State Rep. Maryam Kahn, and State Rep. Carol Hall for a healthy and engaging discussion as we shared more information on House Bill 5001, which:
  • Incentivizes educating children in-district or regionally
  • Makes special education student counts a factor in the ECS formula
  • Recruits and retains more special education teachers and staff
  • Strengthens parent/educator communication and education

Thank you to everyone who came out, your voice matters!
 
 
Child Tax Credit

 

There are two bills proposed this session that are aimed at helping hard working families in our state.  House Bill 5986, An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit against the Personal Income Tax and Senate Bill 740, An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit.

I am proud to join over 70 of my house democrat colleagues as a sponsor of HB 5986.  Families are struggling to make ends meet in our state and with the federal government slashing programs a Refundable Child Tax Credit will make a critical difference for Connecticut families and the economy by providing relief by putting money back in the hands of people who will spend it on essentials.  Connecticut has fallen behind other high-income states in adjusting the tax policy to support the middle and lower class.

It’s our responsibility to make sure every child has a chance to thrive and we need to make sure that families are not just making ends meet but that they can put their kids in a position to succeed.  This policy would also boost our local economy because every dollar of the tax credit would put $1.38 back into the economy. Right now, we’re the only high cost state that does not adjust for families based on childcare cost. 
 
Deadline Coming Up 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
DSS SCAM
 
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.
 
Community Events
Winter can be a difficult season for many people due to the shorter days and colder weather. Here are some daily activities that can help combat the winter blues and promote a positive mindset!
 
 
Join Food Explorers for a 4-week dessert class!
 
You'll be making Strawberry Lemonade Pies, Carrot Cake Donuts, Chocolate Banana Cupcakes, and Raspberry Vanilla Whoopie Pies.
 
All recipes are nut-free but may contain dairy, eggs, and gluten.
 
To register click here.