International Women's Day, Read Across America, and More!

March 7, 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. 

March is International Women's Month and March 8 is International Women's Day! Here's to the women who are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and making the world a better place. 

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

Around the 117th District

Read Across America Week is March 3 - March 7. Every year, this week is used to commemorate the importance of reading, especially for younger individuals. 

To celebrate, I had the honor of reading One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish to a group of students at the West Haven Child Development Center! Seeing the excitement on the youngsters' face was such a joy - it was a beautiful illustration of the power of a good book. 

After the reading, I visited the Ora Mason branch of the West Haven Public Library, where Executive Director Colleen Bailie gave me a tour and shared all the amazing programs and events they offer. Libraries are the heart of our communities—providing resources, fostering learning, and inspiring a lifelong love of reading!

For the third time, I served as a judge at a regional Connecticut History Day Competition. I had the privilege of judging Senior Individual Exhibits in the New Haven regional contest. I’m always impressed with the creativity, research, and passion these students put into their work!
 

At the Capitol

This week was full of public hearings! On Monday, the Environment Committee held a public hearing on some priority bills, including HB 5004 and SB 9, along with several others. On Tuesday, the Environment and Commerce Committees joined forces for a hearing with state agencies on new regulations to replace the CT Transfer Act. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important conversations!
 

The House was in session on Wednesday. In addition to passing legislation and approving judges, I also had the privilege of celebrating the Joseph A. Foran High School wrestling team in the House Chamber! The Foran Lions had an incredible season, winning the Class M State Championship, the Connecticut Class M/S State Dual Meet Team Championship, and the Southern CT Conference Division Championship. In addition to their achievements on the mat, they also demonstrated outstanding community spirit, raising $2,500 for Camp Happiness in Milford through their yearlong service project. We are so proud to have this dedicated and talented team representing our community! Congratulations on all of your hard work. 
 

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

Please join Senator Maroney and I for a Pizza and Policy office hour on March 11th!
 

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. 
 

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.   
 

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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