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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a great holiday.
This week, we held a couple of session days to wrap up some business. There are more session days ahead before the 2026 legislative session ends on May 6th. For a closer look, you can click
here and here.
Our 5th Annual CGA Kickball Classic is happening in Hartford on Monday at 4:30 p.m. I hope you can join us to see legislators from both parties come together. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating to support a good cause.
Please see more details below. We're working on several bills aimed at addressing affordability challenges facing many families.
Keep scrolling for more information regarding those bills. There is plenty to pursue in this week's edition of the newsletter, including community events. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Corey P. Paris
State Representative
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| In session on Wednesday. In session on Thursday. Committed to the residents of the 145th district and Connecticut every day. |
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Both Democratic and Republican legislators will gather at Dunkin’ Park on Monday at 4:30 p.m. for the 5th Annual CGA Kickball Classic.
The event is open to the public, and tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. Our Kickball Caucus worked hard to make this game possible, and all proceeds will go to the United Way of Connecticut. |
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In addition to proposals that would increase ECS funding and help reduce local property tax pressure, we're working on several other bills that aim to address the broader affordability challenges families are feeling every day, including:
- Senate Bill 1 includes several proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, including eliminating the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100, school supplies such as backpacks, and certain grab-and-go grocery items like sandwiches and coffee purchased from supermarkets. It also creates a caregiver tax credit for eligible expenses incurred while caring for a homebound family member. And for many seniors, the full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
Senate Bill 513 would allow employees to elect to have the employer pay their payroll taxes, helping to reduce employees’ federal taxable income, while employees receive a refundable credit on their state taxes. The goal is to lower overall tax liability for working residents.
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- House Bill 5114 would provide renters with a property tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, recognizing that renters also feel the strain of Connecticut’s high cost of living and deserve meaningful relief.
- House Bill 5538 is part of a broader effort to make Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed here. I have been spending time looking into the field of economic competitiveness, and I will share more as this bill and others move closer to debate on the House floor.
Together, these proposals reflect a focused effort to ease the financial pressures facing Connecticut families, from lowering everyday costs and providing tax relief to supporting seniors, caregivers, renters, and working residents.
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Connecticut 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 of 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. |
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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.
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With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several 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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Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year. |
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Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply. |
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| The Stamford Police Department will host Drug Take Back Day, 725 Bedford Street, on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
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Giveaways will include Medication lock bags, File of Life, and Narcan kits.
As a bonus, a “Stashed Away Trailer” will be on-site. This mobile exhibit is designed to educate communities about the hidden dangers of substance abuse, providing an interactive experience that reveals common hiding places where drugs and alcohol might be concealed. |
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