Save on Sales Tax April 10 - April 16

April 7, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

This week started off in a unique way - Monday morning I joined our West Hartford Fire Fighters Local 1241 and other town officials and firefighters from across the state for Fire Operations 101. The event was a chance to step into a “firefighters boots for a day.”

Thank you to the West Hartford Fire Department for ensuring I had a safe training environment. I tried using the jaws of life to cut open a car, cut through a roof with a chainsaw to cut, and navigated the smoke and darkness for search and rescue in the burning building.

This training has made me even more grateful for our firefighters and what they face every day to keep us safe. Being there for six hours gave me a first hand look at how important training and training facilities are for our firefighters to prepare for the emergencies they respond to.
 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
This week the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, which I am a member of, passed many other important tax proposals that can provide targeted relief to those struggling out of this crisis and build a farer tax system for all to thrive. The Committee passed a permanent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and a state Child Tax Credit. The EITC expansion would provide about $300 to over 185,000 of our lowest income households. These provisions are vital steps in creating a more affordable Connecticut and a more equitable tax system for working families. With a historically high budget reserve and expected budget surplus, we are working to offer residents tax relief this session. Plus, we passed a bill to strengthen our tax incidence analysis reports to ensure we have regular reports that inform our tax policy decisions. 
 
In addition, the Appropriations Committee is expected to announce its budget proposal later this week as well. 

These are just the first steps of the budget process. These proposals will form the basis of budget negotiations between legislative leaders and the executive branch. You can read more about our Finance Committee proposals here.
 
To put money back into Connecticut residents' pockets, we recently passed legislation to suspend our state's gas tax and offer free bus service through June 30. The bill also created an additional Sales Tax Free Week happening this Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16. If your kids are home on spring vacation, this is a great opportunity to save on their spring and summer wardrobe.
 
During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items under $100 will be exempt from Connecticut's sales tax.

Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional clothing and footwear discounts during Sales Tax Free Week, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.

You can learn more about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week, including a list of tax exempt items, here.
 
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Happy National Library Week! Libraries are one of my favorite places - not just because of all of the books - but because of their role in our community. Libraries are places to get connected - with resources, technology and learning. Here in the 20th District, Faxon Branch Library is a special place for our residents of all ages. If you're at one of West Hartford's public libraries this week, don't forget to thank a librarian! Click here to see what the West Hartford Public Library has to offer. To learn more about National Library Week, click here.
 
As a result of 2018 legislation enacted in Connecticut to institutionalize the consideration of racial equity in policy, the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity is partnering with the Hartford Times and Health Equity Solutions to offer community trainings on equity. The trainings will focus on the root causes of racial and ethnic inequity and how an equity-focused analysis can address implicit bias in policy proposals and current law. These trainings are free for community members through support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. To learn more and register, please click here.
 
If you or someone you know is elderly or disabled and currently renting housing, the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open.

Applications are being accepted through October 1 and eligible renters may be able to get a rebate up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons.

The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. 

Here are some of the guidelines to qualify for the rebate:

  • 65 years old or above
  • 50 years old or above and the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death
  • 18 years old or above and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits
  • One-year state resident

Please Click here to download the application, which can be made to your town social service agency or the assessor’s office. For additional questions about the program please call their hotline at 860-418-6377 or visit the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program website for more information.
 
E-Bike Day at the Capitol has been rescheduled to Wednesday April 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this event, you will learn about climate priorities, meet local e-bike riders, and test ride e-bikes from local bike shops. I hope you'll join us for this great event!
Learn More Here
 
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Kate Farrar
State Representative
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