Education's Public Hearing, Free Tax Prep, and more

March 6, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.

While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.

Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today.

March is also Irish American Heritage Month, where we recognize all of the amazing contributions Irish Americans have made for our country. Since the founding of America up until today, Irish Americans have influenced our government, military, entertainment, culture, and more, and this month we honor everything they've given our nation!

This year, the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place Tuesday, March 17 from noon-1:30pm. This year's parade starts at Burroughs Community (2470 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport - corner of Fairfield Ave. and Ellsworth St.), and travels down Fairfield Ave. to The Castle, Black Rock (3171 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport - corner of Courtland Ave.). I hope you'll join to celebrate our Irish-American community!

In addition, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, in coordination with the Irish Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield and Quinnipiac University, will be opening a new exhibit called A Journey of Hope: The Irish American Immigrant Experience. The opening reception will take place Thursday, March 12 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Billiards Room at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (295 West Avenue, Norwalk). 

The opening reception will feature music from The Shamrogues and the exhibit will highlight Irish immigration to America in the 19th century using art as a visual reference.

This exhibit looks to be a profoundly moving piece about the struggles of the Irish during the Irish Famine, and how their immigration to America shaped our country.

The exhibit runs from March 12 through May 17. If you'd like to purchase tickets to the opening reception, please click here.
 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about the Education Committee's public hearing, free tax prep programs, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Education Committee's Public Hearing

This week, the Special Education Committee held a powerful, 15-hour public hearing on a number of bills, including two that would raise our state's Education Cost Sharing formula - used to determine the cost of educating students - for the first time since 2017.

We had nearly 400 people sign up to testify, including a number of high schoolers, teachers, school staff, municipal and state leaders, faith leaders and more.

It was a powerful day, and hearing from this diverse set of voices reminded me of our committee's essential purpose: to serve our children and ensure they all have the opportunity to fulfill their fullest potential.

Click here to view Wednesday's public hearing in full.
 

Fairfield Wins the Democracy Cup! 

I was so proud to see Fairfield win the Democracy Cup for having the highest voter turnout during the November elections for towns our size!

We have the most engaged residents, and it's what makes us such an incredible community!
 

Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Program 

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is open now through Tuesday, March 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. 
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% State Median Income (SMI) gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant. This is the last GPCT Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/
 

Upcoming Public Hearings 

There are 17 public hearings scheduled next week - please see the graphic below for the schedule. Show up, stay informed, and have your voice heard!
 

Free Tax Prep Assistance 

With the tax deadline approaching on Wednesday, April 15, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator. 

AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you. 

The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UConn tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165
 

Strengthening and Modernizing Our Elections 

In last week's session, we passed legislation to strengthen and modernize Connecticut’s election laws. These reforms take important steps to protect the integrity, security, and transparency of our democratic process by:

  • Safeguarding private voter data
  • Requiring that ballots cast during early voting be securely stored in a voting tabulator
  • Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as elections moderators

These updates reflect a balanced approach: expanding access to the ballot while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public trust. 
 

Experience Fairfield's March Calendar of Events

Experience Fairfield has released their March calendar of events, which includes farmers markets, great movie screenings, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 

Upcoming Local Events 
Beach Bunny 5K
Saturday, March 28, 8-11am
Read more here
Rethinking Tech in Students' Lives
Tuesday, April 28, 7pm
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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