Ag Day, St. Patrick's Day Parade Recap and More!

March 21, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Spring is officially here - warmer weather and longer days are right around the corner. 

My colleagues and I are still working diligently in our respective committees and are making sure bills are ready for the next part of the legislative process. 

Please see below to see what I've been up to in Hartford and in the 117th district! 
 

Around the 117th District

Congratulations to the Notre Dame West Haven Boys Basketball team on winning the CIAC Division I State Championship! Your hard work and dedication to your craft has paid off. 
 

Hope everyone had a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day Weekend! I had a great time at the parades in Milford and New Haven. 
 

At the Capitol

Wednesday was Ag Day at the State Capitol!  Our hardworking farmers and agricultural community do so much more than grow our food—they fuel our local economy, strengthen our communities, and help shape Connecticut’s future. Their dedication deserves our appreciation not just today, but every day. Thank you to all who make agriculture thrive in our state!
 

Don’t forget about next week’s public hearings! 

You need to register if you wish to provide testimony but that isn’t necessary if you want to observe the hearings. Tune in and watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.

Here is a look at this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s  CGA Bulletin
 

DOT Updates

Beam End Repairs on I-95, I-91 and Route 5 Bridges in Fairfield, Milford, North Haven

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)  has announced that beam end repairs will be performed on I-95, I-91, Route 5 Bridges in Fairfield, Milford, and North Haven. This project is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, April 1, and be completed on Friday, November 28, 2025. The project consists of beam end repairs and other structure repairs.
 
 
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be temporary lane closures on I-95, I-91, State Road 796, Route 5, and Route 1 from Monday, April 1 to Friday, November 28, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Traffic control signing patterns, State Troopers, Municipal Police and Flaggers will guide motorists through the work zone.
 
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Click here to learn more.

CTDOT is Developing Plans to Mill and Pave 14 Bridges Along Route 15, 22, and 34 in Southwestern Connecticut

CTDOT is developing plans to mill and pave 14 bridges along Route 15, Route 22 and Route 34 in Southwestern Connecticut. This project will be part of the state-wide bridge preservation program as follow up to pavement preservation projects with the purpose of repairing the bridge decks thus extending their service life and keeping the structures in a state of good repair.

The project involves removing the bridge overlay and membrane, the necessary repairs to the bridge deck and applying new membrane and overlay as well as replacing the bridge joints. Click here to see a list of the bridges that may be impacted. 

2025 Pavement Preservation Program on Route 7 and 15 in Norwalk, Milford, Trumbull, and Stratford

CTDOT announced that a pavement preservation program will begin on Route 7 and 15 in Norwalk, Trumbull, Stratford, and Milford. This project is scheduled to begin Friday, March 21 and be completed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The project consists of the milling and paving of routes in both directions, replacement of guardrail, curbing, sidewalks, and intersection equipment.
 
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
 
Route 7 North and Southbound
There will be lane closures from Friday, March 21 to Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. There will also be ramp closures from Friday March 21 to Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
 
Route 15 North and Southbound
There will be lane closures from Friday, March 21 to Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. There will also be ramp closures from Friday March 21 to Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
 
Traffic control signing patterns and State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone. Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work zone.

Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Senator Maroney, Representative Welander and I are hosting an Orange delegation community coffee hour on Sunday, March 23. Hope to see you there! 
 

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of giving back to the community! On Friday, March 21, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, The 4th annual food drive and fundraiser for Purple Pantry Boxes will be held tonight from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the New England Brewing Company, located at 175 Amity Rd., Woodbridge.

Attendees can expect a fantastic time, with plenty of raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a food truck on site. New England Brewing Company will also be providing a wide selection of drinks to purchase. The best part? There's no entry fee! Simply bring some non-perishable food items to donate and you can purchase tickets entered into the many raffle drawings.
 
 
 

There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool.

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date 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
 
 
 
 

The work we do here in Connecticut has never felt more important. One thing that undoubtedly makes our work better is when we hear from you – so I hope you’ll take my survey and reach out to me directly if I can ever be of any help.

Click here to access my survey. 

Sincerely,

MJ Shannon
State Representative

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