Legislative Update 2.24

February 24, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

You have the chance to make a difference in the bills we're working to pass this session. From Wednesday through Friday public hearings are being held at the Capitol. By attending in person or joining online, you can weigh in on these issues and help lawmakers better understand how the bills will impact you. Committees meeting this week are looking for your comments on bills that could support local farms, provide tax relief for families that are struggling financially, improve Connecticut's rail system, and affordable housing.

In the meantime, the House is convening for Session tonight. My colleagues and I will debate key bills on special education funding, the economy, tax breaks for veterans, ICE actions across the state, and more. These are key social and economic issues impacting not only East Lyme, Montville, and Salem, but the entire state.

In this week's update, I'll detail how to get involved with public hearings, the House Session tonight, opportunities for local high school students, and more.

Enjoy,
Nick

The photo below was taken while I was participating in an Education Committee meeting. In that committee we are currently fighting for bills that could help teach students about our democracy and getting healthy, local foods into school cafeterias.

Those are just some of the important pieces of legislation we'll be discussing in this week's public hearings. For a full list of bills I have co-sponsored or highlighted as important policies for our community, click on the photo below.

Special Education Funding

House and Senate leadership have announced that both chambers will vote on an immediate $40 million injection of state funding to cities and towns to support Special Education needs for the current fiscal year.

This funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.

The House convenes today, February 24, and the Senate on Tuesday, February 25.

Special Education is a 2025 legislative priority for House Democrats. We have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that Special Education costs are squeezing local budgets.

This investment will help school districts now though we recognize the challenges municipal governments face going forward, which is why we are working to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.

Students Can Apply To Join CT Board of Ed

Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education!

The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements

The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges.

Click here to learn more and start the application process!

Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17.

Supporting the "Coldest Night of the Year" Walk

As a member of the End Homelessness Caucus, I was proud to participate in the "Coldest Night of the Year" walk in Hartford over the weekend.

I was on a team led by my colleague, State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-Avon/Canton).

The "Compassionate Soles" raised more than $4,400 for the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) and the Community Renewal Team (CRT).

Thank You, Harry!

Last week, we gathered for a small ceremony to honor East Lyme resident Harry Danos on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Harry, a veteran of this historic battle, recently passed away, leaving a legacy of courage and sacrifice.

We remember his service and the sacrifices made by so many during one of World War II's most pivotal moments. Thank you, Harry, for your bravery and dedication. Your memory will live on in our community and in the history you helped shape us.

Free Resources to File Your Taxes

(photo credit: irs.gov)

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility requirements 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

You can find your nearest location by clicking on the image below.

Beware of Scam Alerts

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.

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.

Free COVID-19 Tests

CTDOT Urges Motorists to Stay in Their Vehicles in Highway Emergencies

The CTDOT has issued a safety reminder for all motorists that if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle.

Please click on the image below to read more.

Got a Real ID?

The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently 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?