Juvenile Justice Bill Passes out of Committee

March 27, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

I am proud to announce that SB 503, AN ACT CONCERNING SENTENCING OF AND PAROLE ELIGIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED WHEN SUCH INDIVIDUAL WAS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-SIX YEARS was voted out of the Judiciary Committee. Thank you to everyone who provided support and helped make this legislation as strong and impactful as possible.

In order for SB 503 to become a law, it must pass in both chambers of the General Assembly, and then signed into law by Governor Lamont.

Click the link below if you are interested in learning more about this legislation.

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The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is holding an Olive Branch "Prom Shop". Any high school student that is receiving or has received DCF support is eligible for a free gown or suit. The shop, which is located in the Buckland Hills Mall, has a variety of options to ensure that students look sharp on their special night.

To help these students in need, DCF is collecting gently used prom gowns, men's suits and tuxes, fancy shoes, and accessories, such as ties, jewelry, and purses. There are several drop-off locations, including one in Norwalk. Please see the complete list of drop off locations below.

Please reach out to Jacqueline Ford (Jacqueline.Ford@ct.gov) if you have any questions.

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The deadline to file your taxes is Wednesday, April 15. I wanted to reshare a few free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes:

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.
The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165

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Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.

Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours). Previously, only programs at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners.

OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:

Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
Be in operation for at least one year

The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.