Special Education, Safe Learning Environments, and more

February 28, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

This week on the House floor,

we passed legislation to require one administrator in each school to be the point person should Immigration and Customs Enforcement come to a school looking for a child and to implement the corresponding State Department of Education guidance.
The role of the designated administrator is not to enforce nor impede immigration law but to ensure that the SDE-established school security protocols are followed. The guidance includes having the administrator verify the identification of the agent, review any legal documents presented, and consult with legal counsel if necessary.
Per the U.S. Supreme Court decision 40 years ago, every child has a right to a public education regardless of immigration status. This bill is about maintaining a safe environment for students and staff while complying with any legal obligations. 
In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about other legislation passed during session, scam alerts, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Next Week's Public Hearings 
There are 20 public hearings scheduled next week, including one on Monday, March 3 at 10am for the Education Committee. Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:


 
 
Funding for Special Education
 
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.
 
Veterans' Property Tax, Community Funding
House Democrats also sent a clear message that we do not support Washington's war on diversity and their targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity, and we legislate that way, too.
 
Last Call for One Book One Town
Last call to register for Fairfield's One Book, One Town event! This year's selection is "Beautyland" by Marie-Helene Bertino.

The event will take place Wednesday, March 5 from 7-8:30pm at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre (1420 Post Road, Fairfield).

You can register for the event here.

Registration is required. For any questions, please call 203-256-3160.

You can read more about the book below!
 
Beach Bunny 5K
Fairfield's Beach Bunny 5K & Annual Egg Scramble is right around the corner on Saturday, April 12 at Jennings Beach from 8-11am!

If you're not a runner, the event offers a family friendly one mile "Bunny Hop" and complimentary children's Easter Egg Scrambles.

Click here for more information and to register!
 
Upcoming Deadline 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
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.
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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