|
|
|
|
Initially, DAE will run classes for the Tech Hub at Stamford’s Old Town Hall. Its first Tech Hub class there is scheduled to start next week. DAE will move the Tech Hub classes to the new dedicated area in Charter’s headquarters when the buildout is completed. The space for the Tech Hub should be ready by September. Tech Hub classes will be open to students ages 18 and older. Stamford residents will get preference in admissions, but residents of other cities and towns can also apply. Prospective students interested in signing up for classes can find more information at https://stamford.mydae.org/. The Tech Hub will help Connecticut to build the workforce needed for the state to continue to be economically competitive in the coming years. Charter is one of the largest companies headquartered in Stamford, and Stamford is the economic growth engine for our state. |
|
|
Sen. Chris Murphy Town Hall
|
|
|
Last Friday at Westhill High School I was part of a packed auditorium for a Town Hall Meeting with Senator Chris Murphy. The senator vowed to keep up his fight against the agenda of the current administration and their attacks on immigrants, rolling back civil rights and LGBTQ rights, targeting DEI and climate change initiatives, and gutting social service programs.
Sen. Murphy was intent on helping the many participants who asked how to get involved in volunteer work with our Stamford DCC and to reach out to local organizations like Indivisible Stamford. |
|
|
"Hands Off!" Nationwide Protests on Saturday
|
|
|
On Saturday, April 5th 12:00 P.M. AT THE NEW LOCATION OF MILL RIVER PARK, 1092 Washington, Blvd., Stamford join me as we take to the streets, marching in Stamford with a clear message: Hands off!
We are marching to protect what matters most, our public education, our jobs, our health care, our data, and our democracy.
This march is a bold statement, we do not consent to the destruction of our government, economy, and public services. We’re marching to demand an end to the chaos, an end to the destruction, and to build an opposition movement that puts people first.
Join me as we march for our schools, our services, and our future! |
|
|
April 15th: Tax Filing Deadline
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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)
|
|
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
CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!
|
|
Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
|
|
|
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
|
|
|
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and I would like to share with you that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is taking a stand with the launch of a statewide Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to help keep Connecticut Roads Safe.
In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws for the month of April. |
|
|
Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.
The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:
- If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone
- Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive
- Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life
- Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle
- If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive
Click here for more information on distracted driving prevention.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|