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Earlier this week, I participated in the Coldest Night of the Year 5K walk - the first one held in Connecticut!
This walk is meant to serve as a reminder of the daily reality of our unhoused neighbors. It is also an opportunity to come together as a community to support services and resources for individuals seeking stable housing. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and showed up for this cause. Let’s keep working toward real solutions to end homelessness! |
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| I was proud to stand alongside our constitutional officers and many of my colleagues as we reaffirmed our commitment to protecting the people of Connecticut. Attorney General Tong highlighted the serious harms our state has already faced in just the first month of the new Trump administration—and the steps we are taking to fight back. We are your firewall, and we will not back down! Every day, we will continue to stand up for Connecticut families and defend our rights, values, and future. |
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| The House was hard at work during session on Monday. We voted to approve $40 million in special education funding, passed legislation that will provide tax relief for permanently and totally disabled veterans, provided funding for organizations that provide services and support for the LGBTQ+ community, and more! |
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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. |
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| Please join Senator Maroney and I for a Pizza and Policy office hour on March 11th! |
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for a new program that will support Connecticut communities pursuing funds through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. This new matching grants program is a component of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund, which helps communities invest in projects that address vulnerabilities to extreme weather and reduce impacts to critical infrastructure.
DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA, BRIC program is open to municipal governments, local public utilities, federally recognized Tribal nations, and other entities eligible for FEMA BRIC funding.
Applications are due by midnight on March 3.
Visit DEEP's website for more information. |
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Attention United Illuminating customers - PURA is currently reviewing an application for the company to adjust their rate case. There will be two public comment hearings over the next few months:
- Monday, March 10 @ 5:30PM - Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
- Tuesday, March 18 @ 12PM - REMOTE ACCESS: Meeting Registration - Zoom
Customers are encouraged to go on the record with comments by attending a public hearing or submitting comments in writing in the proceeding.
Click here if you want to learn more about rate cases.
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Attention small business owners - the Women's Business Development Council has begun accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.
The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application will remain open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant HERE.
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The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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Save the date for West Haven's next Movie Matinee featuring Wicked!
No registration required. For more information visit westhavenlibrary.org. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Sincerely,
MJ Shannon
State Representative |
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