Marcus Brown

I hope this email finds you and your family well. We convened for session and passed two bills. The first was an omnibus bill addressing revisions to the budget as well as statutory changes related to education including a Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, public safety, general government, elections, intermediate care facilities, and warehouse distribution centers.

The second measure combats bottle redemption fraud by increasing penalties for redeeming out-of-state containers.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

• Session Day Recap
• Stay Informed and Follow Along
• Black History Month
• Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson
• Generation Power CT Assistance
• Free Tax Filing Resources
• Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

On Thursday, my colleagues and I passed legislation that now heads to the governor's desk for his approval. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year. Moving them across the finish line this session reflects our commitment to getting important work done for Connecticut residents.

Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities.

A major benefit for students is the introduction of a new diploma distinction for eligible high school graduates, honoring exceptional community involvement and demonstrated achievement in civics education. The Seal of Civics Education and Engagement will be awarded starting with the graduating class of 2027.

It delivers millions of dollars in targeted grants and earmarks to support local projects and organizations. The bill strengthens education by extending the moratorium on measures addressing racial imbalance in schools and providing $750,000 to the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) for teacher training.

It supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. The bill also updates child support enforcement, behavioral health regulations, and freedom of information and election laws to improve efficiency and transparency.

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. It also includes a certificate-of-need change designed to support UConn Health.

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.

Together, these measures invest in education, workers, healthcare, public safety, and consumer protection — delivering support and clear standards that benefit residents, businesses, and communities across Connecticut.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

Black History Month may be ending, but not before we honor five fabulous legislators from the Connecticut General Assembly who have made their own mark by being the first black female to represent their districts.

Sen. Pat Billie Miller, State Representatives Toni Walker, Tammy Exum, Kai Belton, and Trenee McGee are also proud, friendly, and faithful.

Most of all, they are doing the work they set out to do. Check them out! Please click on the video below.

We honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson and his lifelong battle for justice and equality. He was a civil rights activist and ordained Baptist minister who spent his life fighting for economic, social, and racial justice. His activism is more important now than ever as we see racial and ethnic tension in our country.
 
Governor Lamont has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on March 7, to coincide with the services for the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Generation Power CT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program is set to launch its final assistance cycle of season on Monday, March 2 and will run through March 10. Eligible Connecticut households may receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and access application materials.

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