GAE Public Hearing on S.B. 458, National AG Week, and more

March 20, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor, 

I hope this message finds you well! It was another productive week at the Capitol as committees continue to hold public hearings and start to move bills out of committee to be brought to the House and Senate Floors. In this week's email, you can read about funding approved by testimony to the GAE committee to recognize the Six Triple Eight, find information on free tax assistance services, and more. If you have any questions or if my office can be of assistance to you, please reach out to 860-240-8585 or email me at andre.baker@cga.ct.gov. 
 

Government Administration and Elections Public Hearing
S.B. 458 to recognize the Six Triple Eight

Last Friday, I joined Dr. Sheila Kearney in testifying before the Government Administration and Elections Public Hearing on S.B. 458 to designate March 4th as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day, to recognize the only African-American all-female unit sent overseas during World War II to process millions of pieces of backlogged mail for troops. I am deeply grateful for Sheila’s continued advocacy for the 6888 Battalion and for ensuring that their heroic contributions are remembered. I urge the committee to support S.B. 458 and help preserve the legacy of these trailblazing women for future generations.
Click here to listen to my testimony
Click here to listen to Dr. Sheila Kearney's testimony
 

National Agriculture Week

March 16th to 20th is National Agriculture Week. Connecticut may be a small state, but its agricultural impact is significant. More than 5,000 farms operate across 372,000 acres, and the state’s agricultural industry contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy. In addition to food production, the industry supports a broad network of related activities, including processing, distribution, and agribusiness. Altogether, agriculture provides around 30,000 jobs statewide, making it an important source of employment and economic stability.

Connecticut residents also benefit from year-round access to fresh, locally grown food. With more than 100 farmers’ markets operating across the state, consumers have many opportunities to connect directly with local farmers and producers. Choosing locally grown foods not only supports farmers and strengthens the state’s economy, but also promotes healthier communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious products.

Celebrate National Agriculture Week by supporting local farms. Click here to explore all things Connecticut Grown, from fresh local foods to farms and farmers’ markets across the state!
 

Free Tax Assistance Services
 

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
 
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

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