Homes for CT, Special Education Funding, and more

March 7, 2025


 
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Dear Friends, 

Happy Friday!

Last week, I was proud to be joined by my colleagues including Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Rojas, and representatives from the banking, homebuilding, and realtors associations, to come out in support of HB 6992: An Act Establishing the Homes for CT Loan Program.

The bill establishes the "Homes for CT" loan program, which incentivizes the production of housing units for Connecticut residents.

In recent years, Connecticut has ranked among the highest states in the country for percentage rise in housing prices and rents and has ranked among the lowest for rental vacancy rates, housing inventory for sale, and new housing construction starts.

This bill supports our residents, boosts our economy, and ramps up housing supply.

This bill is a step in the right direction, and will be just one piece just one piece in our response to the housing crunch.

To watch the full press conference, you can click here.
 
Funding for Special Education
On Wednesday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

 

My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets.

Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.  Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.
 
Veterans' Property Tax, Community Funding
House Democrats also took action by passing a veterans' property tax exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans.

In addition, we sent a clear message that we do not support Washington's war on diversity and their targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity, and we legislate that way, too.

 
 
Early Childhood Care and Education Fund

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.

Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.
 
Upcoming Deadline for Real ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID? 
You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.

In Connecticut, you'll need:
  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID
How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

  • U.S. passport
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them
 
Job Assistance for Displaced Federal Workers

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…Connecticut has your back.

The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.

Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.

 
Obtaining Your Immunization Record
Need your immunization record? Get it online from the CT WiZ Public Portal! 
 
CT WiZ is Connecticut's secure Immunization Information System, making it easy to access and manage your vaccination record anytime, anywhere.
 
Visit https://ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov/ to access your immunization record today.
 
DSS and IRS Scam Alert

Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. There are two scams making the rounds recently, both involving cellphones.

The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.

DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN number, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302.

IRS STIMULUS SCAM

The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.

DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.

First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago where some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.

Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau:

  • Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails.
  • Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead go to IRS.gov.
  • Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take time to confirm claims independently.
  • Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
 
As always, please feel free to email me at Jason.Doucette@cga.ct.gov or call my office at 860-240-8584.
Sincerely,

Jason Doucette
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