Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 14, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! The 2025 legislative session is underway. My colleagues and I have broken out into our respective committees and are making sure bills are ready for the next part of the legislative process. 

Because St. Patrick's Day falls on a Monday, many festivities will take place over the weekend. There are a few ways to celebrate in our community.

The New Haven Parade will be held on Sunday starting at 1:30 PM. It will begin on Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue, continue on Chapel Street toward the Green. The route turns left onto Church Street, down to Elm Street, and disburses by Orange Street. Click here for more information. 

Milford will also host its second annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday- it will kick off at 1 pm.  Click here to for more information. 

If you decide to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend, please be safe and do not drive impaired.

There are several ways to enjoy this holiday responsibly:

  • Designate a sober driver before going out, or plan to use a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transportation to get home safely.
  • Prepare in advance by installing ride-sharing apps on your phone and saving local taxi numbers. Visit CTtransit.com for bus schedules or CTrail.com for train services across the state.
  • Be a responsible friend by taking the keys away from anyone who is impaired and helping them find a sober ride home.
  • See something, say something by calling 911 if you spot an impaired driver on the road.

Driving under the influence puts your life in danger along with passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Enjoy the holiday, and make the responsible decision this St. Patrick's Day.

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

Around the 117th District

Thank you to everyone who attended the Pizza and Policy event earlier this week! Senator Maroney and I greatly enjoyed all of the thoughtful questions and comments from our constituents.

I'd also like to thank those who attended the Coffee and Conversation in Orange yesterday. Senator Maroney, Rep. Welander, Rep. Kennedy, and I had a fruitful conversation about our community and legislation in Hartford. 

If you were not able to attend but would like to share a question, comment or concern, please reach out to my office.
 

At the Capitol

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. 
 

Upcoming Events

Senator Maroney, Representative Welander and 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 take place at the New England Brewing Company, located at 175 Amity Rd., Woodbridge.

This exciting event not only marks my 4th annual food drive with this organization but also celebrates its 5th birthday! Each year, this event has grown in size and scope, offering an evening of entertainment, prizes, and community spirit.

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.
 

Attention United Illuminating customers - PURA is currently reviewing an application for the company to adjust their rate case. There will be a public comment hearing next week:

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. 
 

Save the date for West Haven's next Movie Matinee featuring Wicked!

No registration required. For more information visit westhavenlibrary.org.
 

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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