Kaitlyn Shake

This week at the Capitol, the House was in Session on Thursday, February 26th, and the Senate was in Session the previous day on Wednesday. We convened to vote on two important measures, you can read more on both bills passed this week below. 

In this week's email, you can read about an important SNAP update in effect this Sunday, find information on how to apply for the last Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Cycle, and more. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at any time or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.

On Thursday, February 26th, 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 child support enforcement, behavioral health regulations, and 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, strengthens protections for municipal employee pensions, 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.

It delivers millions of dollars in targeted grants and earmarks to support local projects and organizations. The bill strengthens education by extending the moratorium on measures addressing racial imbalance in schools and providing $750,000 to the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) for teacher training.

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.

Together, these measures invest in education, workers, healthcare, public safety, and consumer protection — delivering support and clear standards that benefit residents, businesses, and communities across Connecticut. 

1. Proposed S.B. No. 103 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CHILD TAX CREDIT.
2. Proposed S.B. No. 104 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CAPITAL GAINS SURCHARGE.
3. Proposed H.B. No. 5133 AN ACT INCREASING THE HIGHEST MARGINAL RATE OF THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX.
4. Proposed H.B. No. 5187 AN ACT ADJUSTING THE FISCAL GUARDRAILS.

• reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
• improve access to food
• create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients

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/

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

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.