Newsletter
January 26, 2022While we don't yet know what the weekend storm will bring exactly, it appears we need to prepare for some snow and, definitely, higher winds which may lead to power outages. I've included tips below as I find it helpful to be reminded what to have on hand.
Tonight, Representative Tammy Exum and I are hosting a discussion on Community Gun Violence on Facebook at 6 p.m. with special guests Senator Chris Murphy, CT Against Gun Violence, Mothers United Against Violence, and Moms Demand Action. I hope you'll have a chance to tune in, but it will also be rebroadcasted on CT-N.com soon.
We are less than two weeks away from session and I can feel the uptick in activity: attending each committee's committee hours to learn more about bills that are possible this short session; increased constituent emails on everything from the DMV to unemployment to Executive Orders; and increased advocacy from groups with ideas for legislation. I welcome all who continue to participate in our amazing democratic process of governing.
| A Reminder: Community Gun Violence Prevention Discussion Tonight, Sen. Chris Murphy to Join |
I want to remind you about the Community Gun Violence Prevention Live Panel Discussion event I am hosting on Facebook, tonight at 6 p.m., along with my fellow colleague, State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford/Avon/Farmington).
I'm pleased to announce that U.S. Senator Chris Murphy will be joining us, too, along with panelists from Mother's United Against Violence and CT Against Gun Violence. They will be joined by a student representative and will discuss each organization's mission and how we can come together to find solutions to gun violence in our communities.
You can access the event via my Facebook here or by clicking on the image below. I hope you can join us!
| Storm Prepardeness Update From Eversource, Severe Weather Protocol Still in Effect |
We're expecting to get tagged with another snowstorm Friday night into Saturday. Check out today's story in the Hartford Courant for more details. Eversource has provided steps you can take before, during an after a storm. Please click on the image below to learn more.
Also, please note: Governor Lamont directed the state’s severe cold weather protocol, initially activated on Friday, January 14, to remain in effect through noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
According to a release from the governor's office, the purpose of the severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter, including transportation to shelters.
For more details including the actions implemented when the protocol is in effect can be found by clicking on the full press release below.
| Order By Phone: Free COVID-19 Test Kit |
Free COVID-19 tests are only a phone call away!
To ensure at-home testing kits are easily accessible, President Biden’s administration has opened a phone number in addition to the COVIDtests.gov website which launched earlier this week. To place an order or receive additional support, call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489 – the phone line will be available to offer assistance in more than 150 languages 7 days a week from 8AM-12AM.
| Tax Preparation Assistance |
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Taxpayer Service Center began accepting online individual income tax returns the week of January 18, 2022. Taxes must be filed no later than Monday, April 18, 2022. Below are services and resources in our state if you need assistance this tax season:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Program offers free tax preparation to eligible households
- Eligibility requirements:
- Household income less than $58,000
- If self-employed taxpayers, business expenses must be less than $25,000
- No income from a rental property
- Individuals with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers can access tax prep assistance through VITA.
- Click here to see what you should bring to your appointment.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
- Program offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older
- Virtual and in-person assistance are available
- Learn more here
CT Department of Revenue Services
- DRS representatives can answer questions taxpayers may have. Reach out via phone or email
- Phone: 860-297-5962 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 860-297-4911 (Hearing Impaired, IDD/TT users only)
- Email: DRS@po.state.ct.us
- 2022 Connecticut Income Tax Filing Season FAQs - you can find answers to common questions such as requesting a filing extension, revising returns after filing, and more. Click here to access the FAQ page.
- DRS Taxpayer Service Center (TSC) Online - find information about filing individual and business tax through this platform. Business, individual, and bulk filers can file, pay, and manage their taxes, and find helpful information like tutorials, a troubleshooting guide, and more.
| CASIA Youth Scholarship Program A Go In 2022 |
COVID-19 prevented the Connecticut Alarm & System Integrators Association (CASIA) from running its Youth Scholarship Program in 2021 but it is up and running for 2022!
Graduating seniors whose parents are active members of the police and fire communities are eligible for the 25th Annual Police/Fire Scholarship awards. Two deserving seniors will receive the awards. I am attaching a letter that describes more about the scholarship in detail.
Registration for the scholarship application is available on CASIA's landing page which you can find by clicking here. Completed applications are to be posted no later than April 4, 2022.
| 49th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade |
Members of Generation X and their grandchildren have never had to live in an America where abortion wasn't legal.
But, our mothers and grandmothers know and have shared the horror stories associated with back-alley abortions, infections that could cause sterility or death, and the harsh reality of coat hangers.
On the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, most likely the last anniversary, I stood as a member of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, committed to keeping the people of Connecticut safe and able to make the decisions about their bodies, their health, and their personal freedom.
As we see people deputized to be vigilantes in other states, that will not be Connecticut. As we see laws enacted in other states that yes, could affect residents of Connecticut, we will not stand idly by.
Abortion is not a contagious illness, it is a private decision. Abortion is healthcare. And anywhere from 60-80% of the American population (depending on the poll) agrees, it should be safe and legal.