Child Tax Credit Proposal & Emergency Energy Assistance Extension

March 12, 2024


My colleagues and I are advocating for a new proposal to establish a permanent refundable child tax credit in Connecticut. I'll break down how this bill would help many families in need as the cost of living continues to rise.

Operation Fuel received more funding and is now extending its winter program season. Keep reading to find out how much longer folks can apply for emergency energy and water assistance.

Drivers will have to slow down on I-95 as crews put down new pavement on the highway. Look below to see when and where that work will take place and cause delays.

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Push For Permanent Refundable Child Tax Credit
  • Operation Fuel Extends Winter Program Season
  • Pavement Rehabilitation on I-95
  • Old Parking Garage To Be Torn Down
 
Push For Permanent Refundable Child Tax Credit

Many families are struggling to make ends meet in Connecticut, and that's why I support a new initiative that would establish a permanent refundable child tax credit in Connecticut. My colleagues and I are advocating for Senate Bill 36 and House Bill 5113, both of which aim to introduce a child tax credit that will significantly benefit our communities.

This initiative would:

  • reduce child poverty
  • support growth and stability for our families
  • strengthen our economy
  • create a fairer tax system
A permanent child tax credit would benefit about 75% of families and about 550,000 students in our state. We are advocating for this bill now because we cannot wait. According to the Connecticut United Way, nearly 40% of Connecticut households had income below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. Every family should be able to provide for and care for their children, and this initiative would go a long way to making that a reality.
Read CT Examiner Report on Child Tax Credit Proposal
 
Operation Fuel Extends Winter Program Season
Operation Fuel is extending its 2024 winter program season and accepting applications until Friday, March 15 thanks to more funding. The organization offers emergency energy and water assistance in Connecticut. Operation Fuel’s grants, which go up to $500, are available for Connecticut residents who earn up to 75% State Median Income.

To apply for delivered fuel assistance, such as oil, propane, and pellets, you must provide:

  • Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household
  • Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household
  • Forms to verify zero income, self-employment, and friends and family support are available at www.operationfuel.org/gethelp 
  • The name of your preferred delivered fuel vendor (Operation Fuel has a list of in-network vendors)

To apply for utility assistance, such as gas and electric, you must provide:

  • Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household. Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household 
  • Your utility account information and most recent, past due bill  

If you received an award last year are eligible to apply again before March 15. Operation Fuel does not take applications in person or over the phone. To apply online or through a partner agency, please visit www.operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 
Pavement Rehabilitation on I-95
Expect delays for a pavement rehabilitation project on both sides of I-95. The work began Monday, March 11 between exits 2 and 6 in Stamford and Greenwich.
 
The Connecticut Department of Transportation says the work is necessary to improve driver safety with new and more durable pavement. Crews will replace traffic and signal loops. Drivers are warned: there will be lane closures. CLICK HERE to see when and where to expect those delays.
The entire project is expected to be completed by November 2025.
 
Old Parking Garage To Be Torn Down
Now that a brand new parking garage is open at the Stamford Transportation Center, crews have started tearing down the old one. One part of the old garage, known as the “2004 garage,” will have limited parking with sole access from Atlantic Street. If you park in the old garage, I highly suggest you relocate to the new facility on South State Street.
Drivers can expect a detour of Station Place Road out onto adjacent intersections, Washington Boulevard, and Atlantic Street for about a month. The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the demolition project to be completed this fall.
Click Here To Learn More About Demolition