Newsletter

April 8, 2022

Save on Sales Tax Beginning Sunday April 10th through Saturday April 16th

To put money back into Connecticut residents' pockets, we recently passed legislation to suspend our state's gas tax and offer free bus service through June 30. The bill also created an additional Sales Tax Free Week happening this Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16. If your kids are home on spring vacation, this is a great opportunity to save on their spring and summer wardrobe.

During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items under $100 will be exempt from Connecticut's sales tax.

Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional clothing and footwear discounts during Sales Tax Free Week, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.

You can learn more about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week, including a list of tax exempt items, here.

We hope this law alleviates some of the financial pressure on consumers' wallets, and we hope to deliver more relief this session. The legislature's Appropriations and Finance Committees are expected to announce their state budget proposals this week.

Keep an eye out for updates about what these proposals could mean for consumers like you and the tax relief they may offer.
 
Renters' Rebate Applications Now Available

If you or someone you know is elderly or disabled and currently renting housing, the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open.

Applications are being accepted through October 1 and eligible renters may be able to get a rebate up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons.

The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. 

Here are some of the guidelines to qualify for the rebate:

  • 65 years old or above
  • 50 years old or above and the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death
  • 18 years old or above and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits
  • One-year state resident

Please Click here to download the application, which can be made to your town social service agency or the assessor’s office. For additional questions about the program please call their hotline at 860-418-6377 or visit the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program website for more information.
 

Connecticut Paid Leave Information Webinar For Small Businesses April 12th
 

Do you have questions about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or CT Paid Family Leave?

The Human Resource Consulting Group will answer your questions in a free webinar hosted by the CT Small Business Development Center on Tuesday, April 12th at 11:00 a.m.

For more details and to register, please click on the image below to register.
 
In The Community: Mandell Jewish Community Center
This week, I joined fellow members of the West Hartford Delegation, including Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Jillian Gilchrest at the Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford to help tile the Jewish Community Foundation's 50th Anniversary Mosaic. It was created by dozens of volunteers from across our community. 
I can't wait to see it completed for all to see. 
 
Colors of Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol April 29th
The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) and Disability Rights CT (DRCT) is presenting: Colors of Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 10 AM – 3 PM. 

A full-day of activities in support of Autism advocacy at will be held at the Capitol, including information tables from various organizations who will share materials, information, and resources, personal impacted stories from a multi-cultural panel of individuals with autism and parents of children on the spectrum.

Speakers will include state officials, legislators and guest speakers Dr. Hassan Minhas, Chief of Autism Services, Hospital for Special Care and Keisha Powell, Certified Autism Specialist and Diagnostician.
 
Congratulations St. Timothy Lady Tigers!

I would like to send a shout out to the St. Timothy Lady Tigers middle school girls basketball team for claiming the Connecticut State Championship Title representing the Hartford Deanery division of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The Lady Tigers finished with a record of 19-0. Congratulations and well done ladies! To read more, please see the story at we-ha.com below.

(photo credit we-ha.com)