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In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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Expanding Voting in Connecticut
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As Connecticut seeks to make voting easier and more accessible, the General Assembly will consider two resolutions that, if passed with significant majorities in each chamber, would place constitutional amendments on the ballot in November 2022.
- HJ 58, a constitutional amendment that will be put to the voters on allowing "No-Excuse" absentee voting under the state constitution
- HJ 59, a constitutional amendment to authorize the General Assembly to create an in-person voting system for any election or referendum
Connecticut is proudly the "land of steady habits," but our restrictive and simply outdated voting laws have left too many behind. Through these changes we can make voting in Connecticut more accessible, and ultimately ensure a healthier democracy.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Senate Takes Action to Combat Age Discrimination in the Workplace
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During Wednesday's session, the Senate unanimously approved SB 56, a bill that would combat age discrimination by prohibiting employers from asking a prospective employee's date of birth or school graduation and/or attendance dates on job applications. In 2018, AARP reported 60 percent of older workers had seen or directly experienced age discrimination in the workplace and a staggering 76 percent saw age discrimination as a factor in gaining employment.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Bipartisan Measure to Increase Children's Safety Passes the Senate
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On Wednesday, the Senate vote in favor of a bipartisan bill that would require ice cream trucks to install safety equipment that includes flashing lights, caution signs, signal arms and front convex mirrors, as well as prohibit stopping in high-traffic areas. Known as "Tristan's Law," the legislation was prompted by the tragic passing of 10-year-old Wallingford resident, Tristan Barhorst who was struck and killed by a car while heading to an ice cream truck in June 2020. Following Tristan's passing, more than 47,000 people signed a petition supporting legislation to implement safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Assistance for Utility & Energy Bills Available through Operation Fuel
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Operation Fuel's Home Energy Assistance Program has grant funding still available to help Connecticut families reduce their unpaid utility and water bills.
This is especially important for customers with hardships who are protected from shutoffs through May 1, 2021 and whose bills continue to mount and must be paid.
You can watch this short video about how to apply for assistance:
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Visit Operation Fuel's website for information and instructions on how to apply for assistance.
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FEMA is Now Accepting Applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
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Over the past year, many families across our state and country have suffered the pain of losing a loved one due to COVID-19. In addition to dealing with their tragic loss, families were suddenly saddled with the high cost of funeral expenses. In order to ease this financial burden incurred by loved ones left behind, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it will be providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
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Before applying, make sure to gather the following information and documentation:
- Your name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.
- The name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual.
- If applicable, the name, social security number and date of birth for any other person who incurred funeral expenses for the same deceased individual(s)
- The location or address where the deceased individual passed away.
- Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations.
To begin the application process, please call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Once you’ve applied, you can submit your documentation online through disasterassistance.gov, by fax (855-261-3452), or by mail (COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782).
For more information on this assistance, visit fema.gov/funeral-assistance/faq.
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Are you eligible for more money this tax season?
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This year’s extended tax deadline, May 17th, is just over a month away. Filing your taxes is more important than ever to ensure you receive critical federal stimulus money that may be available to you.
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With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, there have now been three Economic Impact Payments over the past year, the so-called stimulus checks, made to individuals.
- First Round - $1,200 per adult and $500 per child
- Second Round - $600 per adult and $600 per child
- Third Round - $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per child
If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, along with several expanded and refundable tax credits available to individuals, you must file a 2020 tax return, even if you usually don’t file a tax return.
The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit. Previously limited to people over 25, the Earned Income Tax Credit is now open to
- Individuals over 19
- Former foster kids who are 18 years or older
- Homeless youth (no age specified)
In addition, the amount available under the Earned Income Tax Credit for individuals without children has more than doubled to $1,500. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit here.
If you need assistance filing your 2020 taxes, you can find a number of resources here.
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St. John's Polish National Catholic Church will host a Polish Food Sale on Saturday, April 17 from 9AM-12PM. No pre-orders, face masks are required. For more information or to see what will be available and pricing, click here.
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On Tuesday, April 20 from 4PM-5PM, Manchester Community College will be holding a free, virtual information session for prospective students interested in a career working with people with disabilities. During the session, attendees will learn about the Disability Specialist and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program offered at MCC. Topics will include description of the program, classes involved, and possible pathways following graduation. For more information or to register, click here.
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Join WORK_SPACE and Sea Tea Improv of Hartford (virtually) on Wednesday, April 21 7PM-8:30PM for an entertaining and informative evening with talented, local improvisers
To RSVP, click here. Program is $10 per household, free for WORK_SPACE members.
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East Harford Public Library is inviting you to "embrace spring and create beautiful flowers that never wilt!" Do it yourself at home at your own pace, or join an optional Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30PM to make your bouquet with the library! Available to grades 6-12. Following registration, you'll receive an email when kits are ready for pickup. For more information or to register, click here.
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Join East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, April 22 from 6PM-7PM to (virtually) learn how to bring your drawings to life! All you'll need is a smartphone and something to draw with – the library will provide a camera stand, which you can pick up at the library after registering. Open to teens and adults, to register, click here.
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Parents of 2 through 6-year-olds: The East Hartford Public Library will virtually host stories, games, fingerplays, music, and more for your child every Wednesday at 9:30 AM! All you need is a scarf or something soft to wave and a shaker or something that makes noise handy to use. To register, click here.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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