02/26 Session Recap, Borinqueneers License Plate Event, and more

March 6, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Last Thursday was a busy day at the Capitol, when the House convened for session, and I joined some of my colleagues to unveil the new specialty license plate honoring the Borinqueneers. You can read more about what we passed in session and the Borinqueneers event below. I've also included information on how to apply for the last Generation Power Energy Assistance Cycle this season, free tax assistance services, and more. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 860-240-8585 or Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov.

At the end of February, I attended the Dominican Independence Day celebration at Hartford City Hall. During the event, Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims was recognized for her contributions to the community. I had the privilege of presenting her with a proclamation for her years of community service.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Teacher Residency Program Conference here in New Britain at Central Connecticut State University and give the closing remarks. This conference brings together TRP alumni for a discussion on advancing opportunities in education, and I was honored to be a part of the conference program.

Legislative Session Update

Last Thursday, the House was in session and passed two important bills: Senate Bill 298 and Senate Bill 299.

Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities. It supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. The bill also updates freedom of information and election laws to improve efficiency and transparency.

For workers, SB 298 establishes stronger, worker-friendly standards for warehouse operations, including a clear private right of action so employees can seek damages if workplace standards are violated. It revises police training standards for interactions with individuals with disabilities, adjusts municipal pension calculations, and repeals a prior building code change to ensure responsible development standards. It also includes a certificate-of-need change designed to support UConn Health.

Senate Bill 299 addresses bottle redemption fraud following the increase in Connecticut’s beverage container deposit. The bill increases penalties for fraudulently redeeming out-of-state containers and lowers the threshold from 2,500 to 1,000 containers before identification is required at redemption centers. These changes protect the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit.

Borinqueneers Plate Unveiling

I was thrilled to join other legislators in unveiling the new specialty license plate honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, the Borinqueneers. During the last legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill that created the Borinqueneers specialty license plate, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of these soldiers.

The Borinqueneers were a trailblazing military unit comprised mostly of Puerto Rican soldiers who served with distinction in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Despite facing segregation, discrimination, and language barriers, they earned a reputation for bravery, discipline, and devotion to duty. The unit was recognized in 2014 for their pioneering military service with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress.

If you are interested in obtaining this commemorative plate, CLICK HERE, then scroll down to "Military and Veteran Style Plates" and click on "65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army (Borinqueneers) Plate." Plate fees start at $60.

A portion of the proceeds will directly support the Hispanic American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. with their efforts in providing bilingual services and assistance to Connecticut veterans and members of the armed forces.

Read Across America

This week, I spent some time with New Britain students during Read Across America Week. It was a great pleasure to read with students at Smalley Elementary School.

Read Across America hopes to encourage kids to read and keep them excited about reading. I was honored to be able to participate and connect with students in our schools about the importance of reading. You can find resources, book ideas, and ways to participate at nea.org/ReadAcrossAmerica.

Women's History Month and
International Women's Day

March is Women’s History Month, and this Sunday, March 8th, is International Women's Day. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.

While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.

Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today.

Generation Power Emergency Energy Assistance Program

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will open on Monday, March 2nd, and will run through March 10th. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% State Median Income (SMI) gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant. This is the last GPCT Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator.

AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you.

The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165