My colleagues and I will return to the House chamber on today for a legislative session. In the meantime, I want you to be aware of a free service to prepare your tax returns. Please keep scrolling to learn if you are eligible.
We are celebrating Women's History Month. I'll explain how women are making a difference every day in our state.
I had an opportunity to share how I discovered that I am Taíno on a popular radio show. Read below to learn how the state is honoring our culture and heritage.
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Here are the sections in today's email:
- Free Tax Preparation Service
- Celebrating Women's History Month
- Taíno Culture and Heritage
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| Free Tax Preparation Service |
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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 Waterbury, 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. |
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| Promoting VITA services with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz |
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VITA offers its services at several locations in our city including Duggan School, Waterbury Youth Services, and the Waterbury Housing Authority.
CLICK HERE to make an appointment online in Waterbury, then click on the "Book Tax Appointment" button on the left hand side of the page. You will then be prompted to choose a location. Type in Waterbury in the tab below "search regions."
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. When we help residents keep more of what they’ve earned, we strengthen families, and we strengthen Waterbury as a whole. |
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| Celebrating Women's History Month |
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| March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. From trailblazers who fought for equality to the leaders shaping policy today, women's impact continues to be felt in every corner of society. |
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| Here in Connecticut, female legislators and other leaders are making a meaningful difference, championing policies that support families, expand opportunity, protect rights, and strengthen our communities. Their leadership brings diverse perspectives to the table and helps ensure that government works for everyone. |
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| Take some time this month to reflect, celebrate, and learn. Explore the stories of the women who have shaped our history and continue to inspire future generations. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history. |
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| Taíno Culture and Heritage |
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| It was an honor to join a panel celebrating Taíno culture and heritage on Connecticut Public/NPR's "Where We Live." During the conversation, I shared my personal journey of discovering my Taíno heritage in my 40s. The Taíno people are the Indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, with deep roots across the region, including Puerto Rico. |
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| Here in Connecticut, home to a vibrant and growing Puerto Rican community, these cultural connections remain especially meaningful. CLICK HERE to listen to our conversation. |
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With the support of fellow Puerto Rican and Latino legislators, we proudly passed House Resolution 10 in 2025, making Connecticut one of the first states in the nation to formally recognize and preserve the culture and heritage of Taíno descendants.
This resolution honors the rich history, resilience, and enduring contributions of the Taíno people, whose legacy remains a fundamental part of the story of the Americas. |
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