Bigg News - April 3rd | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - April 3rd

April 3, 2025

Bigg News - 4.3.25

Dear Neighbor,

Spring showers arriving in Hartford are a clear sign we are in the back half of this legislative session. As public hearings wind down and we enter the later stages of passing bills at the Capitol, I promise I am fighting for legislation with East Hartford and Manchester's best interests at heart. Some of my top priorities this session include helping pass a new budget and legislation that will help fill holes in public healthcare and education funding left by the federal government.

In the meantime, there are some important events and deadlines you should know about. With tax day less than two weeks away, you need to file! I'll break down some resources you can turn to for free help.

There's a new wave of funding for affordable home construction I want to tell you about.

And across Connecticut this month, we're raising awareness on distracted driving, sexual assault, and other key issues.

In this week's update, I'll cover all those topics and more. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any state-related issues you may have.

Have a great weekend,

Patrick

Around the Capitol

April 15th Tax Deadline is Approaching – Don’t Wait to File!

With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. Connecticut residents have access to a variety of free resources to help complete both state and federal tax returns accurately and on time.

Whether you need in-person assistance, prefer online filing, or need guidance on available tax credits, these services are here to ensure you meet the deadline with less stress and confusion.

The IRS Direct File Tool is an option for anyone who lived and earned their income in Connecticut last year. You can use this resource if you have one or more of the following types of income:

W-2 (income from employer)
1099-G (unemployment compensation
SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
1099-R (income from employer-sponsored pension and retirement account)
1099-SA (distributions for qualified medical expenses from Health Savings Accounts)

1099-INT (interest income)

Click here to get started

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals, including low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately. They can assist in claiming valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can lead to a significant increase in your refund.

To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.

Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VITA:

Household income less than $68,000
If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
No income from a rental property

CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!

Several free resources are available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes, including:

For quick access, please click the links below:

$30 Million for CT Home Funds Programs

Here's some great news from the Connecticut Department of Housing! Introducing CT Home Funds!

The Connecticut Home Improvement Program
The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program
The Homeownership Construction Program

Administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund. Learn more about the new launch HERE.

It's SAAM

In recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's important to note that legislation is a powerful tool for change, turning hope into action and justice into reality for survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for change. Through the power of legislation, we’re making progress, closing legal gaps, expanding protections, and ensuring survivors have access to resources and support.

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is also National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. I would like to share with you that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is taking a stand with the launch of a statewide Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to help keep Connecticut roads safe.

Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.

The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:

If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone
Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive
Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life
Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle
If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive

Click here for more information on distracted driving prevention.

Autism: Raising Awareness @ The Capitol April 28th

Senior Day @ The Capitol on May 8th

Game on: Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is May 12th

This is a fun watch. Come on out to the CGA Kickball Classic! I would love to see you.

Health Resources

Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.

Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.