Priority Bills, Constituent Survey, and more

February 21, 2025


 
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Dear Friends, 

Happy Friday!

With the legislative session in full swing, I'd love to know your views on the various issues facing our state. I hope

 you will take a few minutes to complete my constituent survey because it helps me to better represent you at the State Capitol. I look forward to reviewing your feedback and it informing my decisions throughout the session!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you or your family. It’s an honor to serve as your State Representative and I look forward to hearing from you about ways we can improve Connecticut for all of us.
 
2025 Legislative Priorities
There are a number of bills working their way through the legislative process, and today I want to highlight just a few of the bills that are among my top priorities. You can click the link on each bill to learn more.

Reforming Our Healthcare System:

  • HB 5195 - An Act Eliminating The Requirements To Obtain A Certificate Of Need To Establish New Health Care Facilities Or Services And Transfer Ownership Of Existing Health Care Facilities
  • HB 5197 - An Act Prohibiting Licensure Of Acute Care Hospitals That Lease Property Owned By Real Estate Investment Trusts
Fighting for Our Electricity Ratepayers:
  • HB 5143 - An Act Requiring The Appointment Of The Attorney General And Consumer Counsel To The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
  • HB 5398 - An Act Requiring An Explanation Of The Combined Public Benefits Charge On Utility Bills
Helping Seniors and Veterans:
  • HB 5154 - An Act Concerning The Personal Income Tax Deductions For Social Security Benefits, Pension And Annuity Income And Distributions From Certain Individual Retirement Accounts
  • SB 1243 - An Act Concerning Fare-free Bus Public Transportation Services For High School Students, Veterans And Low-Income Passengers
Animal Welfare:
  • HB 6832 - An Act Authorizing Municipalities To Prohibit The Sale Of Dogs, Cats And Rabbits In Pet Shops
  • HB 6240 - An Act Concerning The Health And Welfare Of Animals Sold At Pet Stores
 
Public Hearings for the Week of Feb. 24
The legislature is currently holding public hearings, with 19 scheduled for next week! Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:

 
 
Curbing Washington Chaos

Chaotic policy swings and misses by Republicans in Washington could severely impact Connecticut. I am working during the 2025 legislative session to ensure that havoc in Washington does not turn into mayhem in our great state.
 
Free Tax Return Preparation

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.

 

Button: Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool - https://directfile.irs.gov/

 

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

CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes!
 
Students Can Apply to Join CT Board of Education

Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education! The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025.

Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements.

The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges.
 

Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17.
Click here to learn more and start the application process!
 
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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