Investing in Our Schools and Towns & Free Tax Prep Help

March 24, 2026

Dear Neighbor,
 

Here are the sections in today's email:
  • Proposal to Aid School Funding
  • Warehouse Workers Rights Law
  • Expanding Just Cause Eviction Protections
  • Free Tax Preparation Service
  • Affordable Housing at Walterville Commons
 

Proposal To Aid School Funding

House Democrats are pitching a new plan to fund our local public schools across Connecticut. This proposal would direct $100-$150 million in one-time surplus funding to municipalities to prevent school districts from making painful cuts. Without a boost in state investment, communities like Bridgeport may have no choice but to raise property taxes.
 
For too long, students in Bridgeport have faced the effects of chronic underfunding. Our schools and our children deserve better, and this proposal would bring real, meaningful reform to middle-class and lower-income families.

By prioritizing student need, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
 
We do have more work to do, but this is an important step toward giving every child the resources and opportunities they deserve.
 

Warehouse Workers Rights Law

Governor Ned Lamont has signed the Warehouse Worker Protection legislation into law, marking a significant step forward in strengthening labor protections across Connecticut. This new law is designed to safeguard employees working in warehouses and fulfillment centers, industries that have seen rapid growth alongside increasing concerns about worker conditions and productivity demands.

The legislation establishes clear boundaries around the use of performance quotas, ensuring that such expectations cannot interfere with workers’ legally mandated rights, including meal periods and bathroom breaks. Employers are now required to be transparent about any quotas in place, meaning workers must be informed in advance of the specific performance standards they are expected to meet. 

Importantly, the law also introduces accountability measures. Employees who experience violations of these protections now have the ability to recover costs or damages they may incur as a result. 

The law positions the state as a regional leader in advancing worker rights and reflects a broader national trend toward increased oversight of workplace conditions in high-demand logistics sectors.
 

Expanding Just Cause Eviction Protections

Advocates, my colleagues, and I are celebrating after the Housing Committee advanced Senate Bill 257, which would protect more renters by expanding protections against no-fault evictions. Currently, without “Just Cause” protections, tenants are routinely subjected arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory actions.

The bill would require landlords to provide a valid reason for evicting a tenant at the time of lease renewal. These protections are limited to residents who are 62 or older or living with disabilities. 

By increasing housing stability, Just Cause reduces eviction rates, improves community safety, reduces hospitalizations, and improves public health. This proposal is a common-sense tool for raising the standard of living for hundreds of thousands of households.
 

Free Tax Preparation Service

Tax season can be stressful for many families, but now is the time to act since the deadline to file your returns is coming up on April 15. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free, reliable tax preparation services to residents making less than $69,000 and cannot prepare their own returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.

Here in Bridgeport, this service is putting real money back into the pockets of hardworking families. Many residents qualify for VITA because their incomes fall within the eligibility guidelines, and for households already navigating financial challenges, every dollar truly matters. A tax refund can help cover rent, pay down debt, or manage everyday expenses.

CLICK HERE to make an appointment online in Bridgeport, then click on the "Book Tax Appointment" button on the left hand side of the page.

VITA ensures that residents don’t have to pay high fees or risk costly mistakes when filing. I strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible to take advantage of this free service. It’s safe, it’s trusted, and it’s designed to support our community.
 

Affordable Housing at Waltersville Commons

Bridgeport will transform a former school into 70 affordable housing units at Waltersville Commons on Steuben Street. The apartments will serve households earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and all the partners involved for making this project a reality.