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Happy Friday!
I want to start off by wish our UConn Huskies women's basketball team the best of luck in the Final Four tonight. They've made us so proud over the years, and they're looking stronger than ever going into tonight's match. Go Huskies!
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In this week's eblast, you can read about federal funding cuts, new housing programs, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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Below is a message from New London Public Schools:
Have you outgrown a 10-month traditional schooling program? New London Public Schools is home to a unique, multi-aged year-round learning experience for our youngest learners. Out-of-district students from all cities and towns in Connecticut are welcome. Information sessions are scheduled for April 21, 25 and 28. For more information call 860-444-3180 to register or for more information. |
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It was great to receive a tour of the “Monte Christo Cottage,” the childhood home of legendary playwright Eugene O’Neill in New London.
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I learned more about O'Neill's life and connection to the region, along with upcoming projects at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and the positive impact it will have on our local economy. I look forward to keeping you updated on what the theatre is working on. Thank you to the staff for the wonderful visit!
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| This week I also joined State Representatives Anthony Nolan, Hilda Santiago, Bobby Sanchez, and State Senator Martha Marx in welcoming the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New London, and the other OIC Chapters at the Capitol to hear their great work to provide employment training, basic skills, supportive counseling, and job creation services for those in our region. |
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| Visits like this remind me how important the work we do at the Capitol really is, and who we're fighting for every day. It is crucial the State of Connecticut continues to support Non-Profits like the OIC who give our citizens a helping hand. |
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Last Friday I had the privilege of touring Project Oceanology, a non-profit education and research facility that teaches students about marine sciences.
I also got an update of the wonderful programming they offer our community and a look into the research they are conducting.
Thank you to Director Andrew Ely for the tour!
This summer they are offering amazing Summer Camp opportunities, which you can read more about below!
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| The Trump Administration is cutting approximately $150 million in federal funding to Connecticut, jeopardizing critical public health, mental health, and addictions services. These drastic cuts threaten lives, eliminate jobs, and terminate essential contracts, severely weakening the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) ability to track and prevent public health crises. Without these grants, DPH will face significant challenges in monitoring emerging health threats and sharing real-time information to effectively protect our communities. |
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Most alarmingly, these cuts will cripple DPH’s ability to track and respond to disease outbreaks such as measles, avian flu, and mpox. The agency will lose access to real-time data from emergency departments, leaving public health officials less prepared to the warning signs of potential epidemics.
Additionally, healthcare providers will be forced to use outdated fax systems to report diseases instead of sending the information electronically, delaying response times and weakening our ability contain outbreaks. This will have a trickle-down effect on our local health departments, already stretched thin, which will be be less equipped to respond to infectious disease threats in our communities.
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The consequences extend beyond disease tracking - these cuts will significantly disrupt:
- newborn screenings
- childhood immunization programs
- testing for viruses and other pathogens
- timely laboratory diagnostics
- staffing to respond to outbreaks including in nursing homes
The Connecticut Department of Public Health released a comprehensive report detailing the full impact of these devastating funding cuts.
You can read more about these funding cuts here.
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With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. Connecticut residents have access to a variety of free resources to help complete both state and federal tax returns accurately and on time.
Whether you need in-person assistance, prefer online filing, or need guidance on available tax credits, these services are here to ensure you meet the deadline with less stress and confusion. |
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The IRS Direct File Tool is an option for anyone who lived and earned their income in Connecticut last year. You can use this resource if you have one or more of the following types of income:
- W-2 (income from employer)
- 1099-G (unemployment compensation
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- 1099-R (income from employer-sponsored pension and retirement account)
- 1099-SA (distributions for qualified medical expenses from Health Savings Accounts)
- 1099-INT (interest income)
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals including low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately. They can assist in claiming valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can lead to a significant increase in your refund.
To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.
Here are some of the eligibility requirement for VITA:
- Household income less than $68,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
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Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
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Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!
Introducing CT Home Funds - an investment in:
🏠The Connecticut Home Improvement Program
🏠The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program
🏠The Homeownership Construction Program
Administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund. Learn more about the new launch here: https://shorturl.at/b86p9
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Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
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