About the Municipal Legal Notices Bill, Ellie Witnesses Legislation in Action

April 15, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

The House is not in session this week, though the Senate was in session yesterday. Yesterday, the Senate passed SB397 regarding allowing everyday citizens to sue ICE if they are assaulted by an ICE agent. It's important to know that while we were told that ICE would go after the "worst of the worst," out of the 400,000 people arrested by ICE in 2025, less than 14% were convicted or charged with a violent crime. We all want violent criminals off the streets, but that cannot be at the expense of people taking a legal path toward citizenship or current American citizens.

The bill now moves to the House for a vote.

Last week, I ran a bill that has been kicked around the legislature for 27 years. Yes, you read that right: 27 years. HB5289 AAC MUNICIPAL LEGAL NOTICES is a bill that provides municipal mandate relief to our towns and cities. You are probably familiar with legal notices required to notify specific meetings.

I've heard from colleagues that sometimes these notices can cost more than $100,000 each year in taxpayer dollars.

These notices are important, and the reason the bill has been around so long is that over the last 27 years, the legislature has tried to come up with a solution that would still promote transparency, but would also save the towns from this expense. Additionally, the current law says that you must post in a paper of record that has sufficient circulation, and with so many of us consuming online news, we are most likely living outside the law in practice.

My intern Ellie and I share more about the bill below.

We also had Dairy Day at the Cap yesterday, and not only were we able to sample delicious dairy products from our dairy farmers around the state, but we also got to meet Resilience the Cow! Cow tax photo included for your enjoyment.

Because we are not in session this week, we are putting as many of the final touches on bills as we can, negotiating language and finalizing policy, because as of today, we only have three weeks left in this short session. We are in four days next week, and then it will be a race every day until we finish on May 6^th.

The Appropriations Committee met on Monday with 55 agenda items, and we have another meeting on Friday and Monday of next week to finalize which bills that were referred to us will actually survive.

It's not too late to advocate for the bills that matter to you, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you a good week ahead,

Eleni

Reminder: Tax Prep Help Available

The tax deadline of April 15th is officially here, and now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed already.

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

$15M for Clean Air Projects

The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut.

Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.

Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk.

Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.

Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 1:00 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance.

Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 11. Click here to register for the webinar.

Click here for more information on the VW settlement.

Dairy Day @ The Capitol

Dairy day at the Capitol is AWESOME!

Meet my new bestie, Resilience. She lives on CT’s only veteran-owned dairy farm, Guardians Farm, in Southbury, Connecticut.

Our dairy farmers are important to Connecticut, and that’s why we have a bill before us in the House to support our dairy farmers. HB5570 AAC A TAX CREDIT FOR MILK PRODUCERS would help alleviate the pressure that our dairy farmers are feeling right now.

Did you know that milk prices are set at the federal level? And unfortunately, because of where they are currently set, many farmers in Connecticut are struggling and have lost a significant amount of money since last year.

In fact, we have had almost 10 dairy farms go out of business since November. As you know, no farms mean no food, and our dairy industry is one that we not only want to protect, but also help grow for future generations in our state.

I look forward to being able to vote for this bill. You can read more about it HERE.

Ellie: Witnessing Legislation in Action

Hello!

This week was an exciting one at the Capitol, where I witnessed legislation in action. What I mean by this is that after watching a concept briefly spoken about, I saw a fully drafted bill get voted on.

This was exciting for several reasons. Eleni introduced this bill from the planning and development committee, which has been in circulation and presented for the last 27 years. Eleni was the first legislator to move it to the chamber and watch it pass in the house.

This bill, HB5289, would allow municipalities the option to publish legal notices online. Highly debated for years, it once again received a mixed reaction on the House floor. Both republicans and democrats were passionately in favor of or against this bill.

The debate was interesting to watch because I truly did not know who would be in support of HB5289 or not. It was also an example of just how bipartisan the state of Connecticut is. It gives me hope for the country overall to see that sometimes, legislators can go beyond their party lines and debate in a respectful manner. Unfortunately, that is missing from current American politics.

Along with tracking the progress of HB5289, I found myself reflecting. This week, I was reminded of the fiery representative that I work for.

I really admire Eleni, not just for the issues she brings to the floor or the compassion and integrity she conveys, but for her strength. As a woman hoping to enter a realm primarily led by men, I find it inspiring to see a legislator like Eleni hold her ground, speak eloquently, and remain calm.

This is true of all the female legislators I have met at the Capitol, Republican or Democrat.

While my politics do not align with all of the female legislators, I still respect the work they have done and the work they continue to do for the next generation of women in government and politics.

Enjoy the warm weather this week!

All the best,
Ellie

HB5529, Recent Session Highlights

About that municipal legal notices bill...click on the video below.

The House also passed legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s tire disposal program, requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027.

This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm.

By improving tire collection and ensuring responsible tire disposal, the measure will help keep our streets cleaner, reduce public health risks, and support revitalization efforts. A cleaner Waterbury strengthens our local economy and enhances the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Senate now has until the end of the legislative session to take up the bill. You can read more about the legislation HERE.

Also, we unanimously advanced House Bill 5406, The Connecticut Hero Act, and it is now heading to the Senate for consideration.

This legislation strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways, including:

Establishing a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
Waiving motor vehicle operator license fees
Expanding eligibility for state military medals
Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about unauthorized "claim sharks."

These updates improve access to critical services, strengthen protections, and ensure greater recognition for the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

April is a Month of Awareness

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the broader community to come together to speak openly about sexual violence by supporting survivors, raising awareness, deepening understanding, and identifying effective strategies and resources to prevent it.

If you need support, the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence offers a 24-hour toll-free hotline, call 1-888-999-5545 (English) or
1-888-568-8332 (Spanish).

Observed each April since 2003, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, highlights the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with a new person added every eight minutes. Approximately 17 people die each day waiting for an organ they didn't receive in time. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and cornea donations. Less than 60% of American adults are registered donors.

To register as a donor, sign up online at RegisterMe.org, through Connecticut's donor registry, or through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration is quick and free.

For individuals age 18 and over, being included in the Donor Registry is legal authorization for organ and tissue donation. Remember to discuss your decision regarding organ donation with your family.

April is ABLE to Save Month in Connecticut, a time to raise awareness about financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program allows eligible individuals to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts that support greater independence and long-term financial security.

Recent expansions have broadened access to the program, making thousands more residents, including veterans, eligible by increasing the disability onset age to 46.

ABLE accounts allow individuals to save more than $20,000 annually without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, providing a vital pathway to stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.

Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and to enroll.