Free Tax Filing Service Available & Proposal To Boost School Funding

March 19, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Lt. Gov. on Free Tax Prep
  • Bill To Boost School Funding 
  • Expanding Just Cause Eviction Protections
  • State Funding to Address Invasive Plants
 

Let's Talk About It: Lt. Gov. on Free Tax Prep

We are in the midst of tax season, and on this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk About It,” Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz sat down with us to provide an in-depth explanation of how Connecticut residents can take advantage of a free tax preparation program before the April 15 filing deadline.

Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz joined the show moments after hosting a press conference at Eastern Connecticut State University (ESCU) promoting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), a free tax preparation service available to residents making less than $69,000 a year, have a disability, or speak limited English. 

The following organizations are partnered with VITA:

  • ECSU accounting students, who are thoroughly trained on how to file taxes
  • ECSU’s Small Business Resource Center
  • United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Filers who utilize VITA enjoy a 95% accuracy rate, a savings of $200-$300 in tax preparation fees, and speaking with a certified tax filer who can answer your questions during the entire process. 

Free tax preparation services are offered at the Windham Heights Learning Center (70 Boston Post Road) on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CLICK HERE to schedule you appointment or call 211.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz promotes a free tax filing service.

Later on in the episode, Mayor Tom Devivo joined the conversation to share the town’s housing and makeover plans with the help of our state government’s Brownfield Municipal Grant Program. Click on the video above to listen to the entire show.
 

Bill To Boost School Funding
I recently joined House Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and many of my legislative colleagues to advocate for increased education funding for cities and towns across Connecticut. House Democrats are proposing to use a portion of the state’s projected surplus to provide $100–$170 million in one-time support to municipalities.
Distributed through a formula similar to Education Cost Sharing (ECS), this funding would prioritize student need and could result in a 2%–5% increase for many communities. 

This investment would help schools meet rising costs while easing pressure on local property taxes, providing important relief for both municipalities and residents.
 

Expanding Just Cause Eviction Protections

My colleagues and I are working to pass meaningful legislation that protects renters, promotes housing stability, and helps prevent homelessness. I was proud to stand with advocates and community members at a rally outside the State Capitol on Tuesday in support of this effort. 

Last week, the Housing Committee advanced Senate Bill 257, which would expand protections against no-fault evictions. The proposal would require landlords to provide a valid reason for evicting a tenant at the time of lease renewal, helping shield them against arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory actions. Currently, these protections are limited to residents who are 62 or older or living with disabilities. The measure now heads to the full Connecticut General Assembly for consideration.

I have heard directly from residents in Windham who have struggled to secure stable housing after being forced out without cause. In today’s tight and costly housing market, losing an apartment unexpectedly can have devastating consequences. With more than half of our community made up of renters, this legislation represents a critical step toward keeping families housed and strengthening our neighborhoods.
 

State Funding to Address Invasive Plants

Congratulations to the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry on receiving a $5,000 state grant to support efforts to manage invasive plant species in Willimantic. 

This investment will help preserve local ecosystems while supporting important community-based environmental work in Willimantic.

The funding is part of the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Awards, an initiative led by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to help strengthen and sustain our state's agricultural community. In total, the state awarded more than $500,000 to support 21 projects statewide.