Legislative Update 3.12

March 12, 2025

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Dear Neighbor,

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive.

H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

Please scroll down for more details on this bill as well as other information, news, updates, and alerts I hope you find useful, including $5 million headed to Norwich from the Community Investment Fund 2030.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at

Derell.Wilson@cga.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

Derell Wilson
State Representative 

 

Around the Capitol
 
$5M in Community Investment Funding Headed to Norwich
In the Community Investment Fund’s March 11 board meeting, the City of Norwich received nearly $4.9 million to reconstruct Fontaine Field and $250,000 to reimagine the city’s portion of the former Norwich State Hospital. The funding now must be approved by the State Bond Commission.

I’m pleased the former Norwich Hospital is finally getting some much-needed support. After all, we are talking about a Historic Place, Rep. Derell Wilson said. I applaud CIF 2030 for recognizing its value and potential.

The upgrades slated for Fontaine Field will put it in line with most facilities around the country. This year-round option will help anchor Fontaine Field as the last puzzle piece in building up a Recplex for the Rose City.

This project has been a long-time goal of mine. I'm also happy to see some of this funding going to the improvement of accessibility from our Rose City Senior Center. Thanks to the CIF.

 
Priority Bill 5003 Early Childhood Care and Education Fund
This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.
Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.

 
$40 Million for Special Education Funding
Investing in our students, not dismantling their future. This week, I proudly voted for $40 million in immediate relief for special education funding across the state.
 
House Democrats Pass Veterans’ Property Tax
House Democrats took action this week on tax relief for 100% permanently and totally disabled Veterans.
 
Community Funding
House Democrats have sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity - and legislate that way, too.
 
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-19 tests. Your order is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping. Order yours HERE.
 
Beware: More Scams
Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. Two scams are making the rounds recently, both involving cell phones.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers.

The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
 
DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302.
IRS STIMULUS SCAM
 
The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.
 
DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.
 
First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago that some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.
Here are some Tips from the Better Business Bureau:
  • Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails.
  • Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go to IRS.gov.
  • Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take time to confirm claims independently.

Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

 
Got a Real ID?
The Transportation Security Administration recently issued an important message that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
 
Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
What is a REAL ID?
 
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID? 
  • Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases, and other federal buildings) 

How do I get a REAL ID? 

  • You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
  • In Connecticut, you'll need:
    • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
    • a Social Security card; and
    • two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
    • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID? 

  • Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

  • A U.S. passport. 
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.

For more information, visit: 

 
Saturday is International Women's Day
 
Yes, Norwich! One of the 10 Most Popular Neighborhoods in America
Thank you for the confirmation, realtor.com! Please click on the image below to read their story.
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