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Dear Neighbor,
It was another productive week at the Capitol, with committees working hard in public hearings and passing bills out of the committee. Over the next few weeks, committees will be wrapping up their work for the 2026 session as bills move to the House and Senate floors to be voted on. In this week's email, you can read about a press conference House Democrat Leaders and members held this week on increased education funding, find information on an upcoming event I am hosting with Rep. Manny Sanchez for nonprofits, 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. |
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| The Museum of the Old Colony at NBMAA |
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I had the opportunity to visit the New Britain Museum of American Art for The Museum of the Old Colony: An Art Installation by Pablo Delano. This exhibit is a conceptual, site-specific, and continually evolving project that confronts the complex legacies of U.S. colonial rule in Puerto Rico since the occupation of 1898.
This is a great exhibit that brings Puerto Rican History here to New Britain. You can visit the Museum of the Old Colony now through July 5th at the NBMAA. Click here for more information. |
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| The House will be back in Session next Wednesday, March 25th. Follow along all day by streaming it live on CT-N or Youtube. |
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| Advocating for Increased Education Funding |
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This Monday, I joined House Speaker Matt Ritter, Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and members of the House Democrats for a press conference to advocate for increased education funding for cities and towns across Connecticut.
House Democrats are proposing to use a portion of the state’s projected surplus to provide $100–$170 million in one-time support to municipalities. This investment would help schools meet rising costs while easing pressure on local property taxes, providing important relief for both municipalities and residents.
Our goal is to deliver more education funding to our municipalities to support our kids and provide tax relief.
By prioritizing student needs, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding to communities like New Britain. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
This support would be in addition to our current education funding and is intended to ease budget pressures, helping our towns avoid property tax increases while stabilizing local finances and supporting our schools.
I strongly support the efforts of Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, and the rest of my House Democratic colleagues. We do have more work to do, but this is an important step toward giving every child in New Britain and across Connecticut the resources and opportunities they deserve. And special thanks to Mayor Bobby Sanchez for coming up to speak on the importance of increased education funding in our city. |
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| Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
I’m proud to live in a state that recognizes the dignity, talent, and rights of people with developmental disabilities, not just in words but in action.
In recent years, Connecticut has passed meaningful legislation to expand services and improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:
- Making historic investments in special education
- Reducing Medicaid waiver waitlists
- Funding for supportive housing grants
- Compensation for family caregivers
- Investing in community-based care
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| CT Social Equity Council Reimagine & Revitalize Program |
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Next Thursday, March 26th, I am hosting an event with State Representative Manny Sanchez and the CT Social Equity Council to discuss its Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program and how local organizations can apply for grant funding.
If your organization is interested in learning more about the program and funding opportunities, we encourage you to attend. Please be sure to RSVP using the event link in the flyer.
The program will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New Britain Boys & Girls Club (150 Washington St). Click here to RSVP.
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| Free Tax Preparation Assistance |
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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
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Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 860-240-8585 or email me at Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Iris Sꞻnchez |
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