Major Tax Benefits & Commitment To Childcare Affordability

April 5, 2024


Tax Day is just around the corner, and some lower-and middle-income earners are eligible for major savings. Please look below to learn how much you could save this year thanks to legislation I helped pass in 2023.

House Democrats have made it a top priority during this legislative session to address childcare affordability. I'll dig deeper into a new bill that will help families save money.

I met with dozens of advocates from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in Hartford. Please keep scrolling to learn how our conversations are helping form bills this legislation session.

A mother and son will perform on the piano to raise money for research to treat and possibly cure rare disorders. Look below to get tickets to the show.

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Major Tax Benefits This Year
  • Commitment to Childcare Affordability
  • Conversation to Support Marginalized Communities
  • Climate Bill Mock Debate
  • Rare Disease Awareness Concert
  • Solar Eclipse Live Stream in Stamford!
 
Major Tax Benefits This Year
Low to middle-income workers in Stamford have some major tax savings to look forward to when they file their personal income tax returns. This year, the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) increased to 40% compared to 30.5% in 2023. This means that lower-income filers will receive several hundred dollars in additional tax credits.

The Connecticut EITC is based on the amount of the federal EITC. It is available to those earning less than:

  • $56,838 ($63,698 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children
  • $52,918 ($59,478 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children
  • $46,560 ($53,120 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child
  • $17,640 ($24,210 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

It is estimated that approximately 211,000 households in Connecticut are eligible.

This benefit comes in addition to the income tax cut for middle-income households earning less than $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers. Those cuts, which went into effect on January 1, 2024, reduced the two lowest rates of the state’s progressive tax structure by:

  • Decreasing the rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the first $20,000 by joint filers from 3% to 2%; and
  • Decreasing the rate on the next $40,000 earned by single filers and the next $80,000 by joint filers from 5% to 4.5%.
Click Here To Learn More
 
Commitment to Childcare Affordability

House Bill 5002, "An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care and Education," focuses on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families through long-term strategic investments. This is a significant measure that could positively impact many families in our community.

I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving its accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life. 

This bill is about more than just numbers; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare.

Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve.
 
Conversation to Support Marginalized Communities
This week we had the pleasure of meeting with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) to engage in a meaningful conversation about bills and legislative initiatives that directly impact marginalized individuals in our communities.

NCBW advocates on behalf of Black women and girls, promoting sisterhood, striving for maximum community impact, and preparing our youth for a bright future.

It is imperative that we come together to discuss important issues and explore potential solutions that promote equity, justice, and inclusion for all residents.
 
Climate Bill Mock Debate
Courtesy: Julianna at CTLCV

I was honored to take part in a mock debate about a Climate bill at the Legislative Office Building. As part of the event, I played the role of a legislator who was listening to a lobbyist who wanted me to back their idea.

Of course, their efforts did not sway me as I explained that we need to make our Climate Bill as strong as possible. Thank you to the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for their involvement and continued advocacy in our state!
 
Rare Disease Awareness Concert
You are invited to attend a piano concert that will benefit an organization that funds research to better understand autism and related neuro developmental disorders. The US MEF2C Foundation raises awareness for rare diseases, creates biomarkers to measure treatment efficacy, and publishes that information to the public.
A mother-and-son duo will perform on Saturday April 13th at 7:30 P.M. at Rye Country Day School to raise money for the foundation. The performers are proud to partner with the MEF2C Foundation, which spends every possible hour championing this cause for all children and families.
Click Here for Tickets
Parents share emotional stories of their children's journeys with rare diseases.
The National Institutes of Health estimates there are 7,000 rare diseases in the U.S., affecting 10% of Americans. About 6,000 of those diseases are caused by rare genetic diseases. Many of these diseases lack a cure and there are around 250 new, rare disease discoveries each year. 
 
Solar Eclipse Live Stream in Stamford!

Join Ferguson Library on Monday, April 8 to live stream a total solar eclipse! The moon will pass directly between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and causing darkness similar to dawn or dusk.

The event is taking place from 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. at the third-floor auditorium of the main library. There will be snacks! CLICK HERE to register!