We're in Session Tomorrow, Earned Income Tax Credit Update, Our SLR Program

February 25, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

I'm currently writing this from under a snowdrift, and my guess is you might be reading it from one! Kidding aside, this winter is a gift for our farmers and their upcoming planting season, but a bit of a drag for a lot of us as we plow through another week of the short session.

As we close out Black History Month, I hope you'll take a moment to learn about some of my colleagues who are the first Black women to ever serve their communities. I am proud to call them friends, and we've created a short video on them that we included this week.

Speaking of videos, Representative Corey Paris and I created one on the Student Loan Debt Reimbursement Program to remind those who are eligible that the funds for the program have been replenished and applications are once again open.

We are also introducing a new feature this week, "Engaging with Ellie." Ellie is my new legislative intern from Trinity University. Each year since I was elected, I've had the pleasure of working with one of their dynamic students, and Ellie is no exception. She's providing a bird's-eye view of someone brand new to the legislature, and I hope you'll enjoy reading about her adventures from now until the end of session in May.

Stay warm and stay well and have a good week,

Eleni

We're Back Tomorrow!

The House is back in session tomorrow. We will be gearing up to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned for updates!

Earned Income Tax Credit

Connecticut increased its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 40% of the federal credit for the 2024-2025 tax year, providing a significant, refundable tax boost to low-income working families. Eligible residents must file a state income tax return and claim the credit to receive it.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a tax benefit for working people with low or moderate incomes.

The EITC/EIC is designed to reduce the tax burden on eligible income workers and to supplement their wages. Workers who qualify for the EIC and file a federal tax return can have some or all the federal income tax that was taken out of their pay during the year refunded to them. Workers whose earnings are too small to have paid taxes can also obtain an EITC/EIC. The EITC/EIC also reduces any additional taxes eligible workers may owe.

Workers who raised children must file Form 1040 and must fill out and attach Schedule EIC to be eligible for the tax credit. Married workers must file a joint return to get the EITC/EIC. These workers write “EIC” (or the dollar amount of their credit) on the Earned Income Credit line on the tax form. They do not need to file Schedule EIC. Schedule EIC forms can be obtained by mail or downloaded from the website of the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/. Forms can also be obtained at libraries, post offices, and local IRS offices
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These calculations are for the 2025 IRS Tax Schedule filing for the 2026 Tax Year - click HERE.

Generation Power CT Assistance

Generation Power CT's Emergency Energy Assistance Program Cycle #4 is set to open on Monday, March 2nd. Eligible Connecticut households can receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or fuel expenses

Don't hesitate to spread the word to friends, family, neighbors, and networks because you never know who may need the assistance. To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, please click HERE.

Affordable Housing @ Avon Park

If you have recently driven on Security Drive, you may have noticed large piles of dirt and a new security fence at the Beacon Communities project, The Homes at Avon Park.

The first phase of the project is underway, with crews tearing up the existing parking lot to make room for 100 apartments, 85 of which will be affordable.

The second half of the project, the conversion of the existing office building, is a unique commercial conversion opportunity. That portion of the project will have 76 additional units.

NBC Connecticut recently did a great piece on the project with developers and town leaders. Check it out by clicking on the image below.

Talking Student Loan Forgiveness

Check out this short conversation Representative Corey Paris (Stamford) and I recorded on the topic of the Student Loan Reimbursement Program here in Connecticut. There’s even a blooper!

Black History Month: Honoring the CGA's Fab Five

Black History Month may be ending, but not before we honor five fabulous legislators from the Connecticut General Assembly who have made their own mark by being the first black female to represent their districts.

Sen. Pat Billie Miller, State Representatives Toni Walker, Tammy Exum, Kai Belton, and Trenee McGee are proud, friendly, and faithful.

Most of all, they are doing the work they set out to do. Check them out! Please click on the video below.

Welcome Aboard, Ellie!

My name is Ellie Rosen, and I am interning for Eleni Kavros DeGraw this session. I am a junior at Trinity College studying public policy and law.

I love to sing with my Acapella group in my free time, play piano, go on long runs outside, and cook. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to work with Eleni, because she is not only passionate about what she does, but also passionate about the people she works for.

While I do not know what exactly is in store for my future, I know I want to help my community and make a meaningful difference in the world at large.

What really inspired me to apply for this internship was a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process.

In my classes, I spent a lot of time studying not only law, but policy and how it is formulated. There is only so much a person can learn from a book, and I wanted to find real-world experience.

I saw a flyer on campus for a legislative internship at the Capitol, and my interest piqued. I worked hard and was accepted into the program. I feel grateful for this experience and have already gained so much knowledge, and I cannot wait to learn more.

This column will include my observations and questions that arise during the legislative process, as well as advice I can share with future interns. I hope to impart wisdom and share my experience, so people can get a glimpse into the LOB from a fresh perspective.

The building is always buzzing with energy, and there is never a dull moment. Just this week, I attended multiple committee meetings, my first public hearing, and several meetings with other legislative offices.

I was able to work with the social media team to help create a graphic for a video and took countless notes. I attended press conferences and meetings with Eleni to speak with constituents.

I get to see firsthand the impact that advocates and legislators can have on their communities, and it is inspiring. Not only do I see the work Eleni puts in, but I get to work with an excellent clerk, Christian.

This office would not function without him and all the people working diligently behind the scenes.

I can't wait to continue to learn more!

My column will appear in this e-news each week. Stay tuned!

Best,
Ellie Rosen