Josh Elliott

Last week, my colleagues and I convened for session and passed two pieces of legislation that the governor has approved. These measures mark significant progress, particularly after falling short of final passage last year. Advancing them to completion this session underscores our continued commitment to delivering meaningful results for the people of Connecticut.

Here are some of the key reforms of Senate Bill 298:

Seal of Civics Education and Engagement diploma distinction

• Honoring exceptional community involvement and demonstrated achievement in civics education
• Will be awarded starting with the graduating class of 2027

Strengthening Our Election Laws

We took important steps to protect the integrity and security of our elections by:

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

Supporting Law Enforcement and First Responders

• Strengthening support for the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund
• Updating police training standards to improve interactions with individuals with disabilities

Protecting Workers 

• Enhancing protections for employees in warehouses and fulfillment centers
• Requiring employers to provide clear, written quota descriptions that cannot interfere with basic rights like meal breaks and bathroom access

Addressing Antisemitism in Our Schools

Senate Bill 299 addresses Environmental and Consumer Protections by:

• Increasing fines for violating the state's bottle bill law after a surge in out-of-state redemption fraud
• Requiring redemption centers to record anyone seeking to redeem more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a day (threshold lowered from 2,500 bottles)
• Protecting the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit
• Granting law enforcement the authority to pursue out-of-state violators

Together, these measures invest in education, workers, health care, public safety, and consumer protection — delivering support and clear standards that benefit residents, businesses, and communities across Connecticut.

Last week, I was proud to join my colleagues in the Tax Equity Caucus to discuss several important proposals before us this legislative session, measures designed to create a fairer tax system and strengthen our state’s long-term fiscal health.

The four bills we reviewed include:

• Senate Bill 104 – An Act Establishing a Capital Gains Surcharge, aimed at ensuring that high-income earners contribute their fair share and that investment income is taxed more equitably.
• House Bill 5133 – An Act Increasing the Highest Marginal Rate of the Personal Income Tax, a proposal focused on strengthening revenue by adjusting the top tax rate for the highest earners.
• House Bill 5187 – An Act Adjusting the Fiscal Guardrails, which would refine our state’s budgetary safeguards to allow for more strategic investments while maintaining responsible financial management.
• Senate Bill 103 – An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit, which would provide meaningful financial relief to working families and help reduce child poverty by putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most.

Together, these proposals reflect a shared commitment to tax fairness, economic opportunity, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working collaboratively to advance policies that support families and build a stronger, more equitable future for our communities.

On Monday, Generation Power CT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program launched its final assistance cycle of the season, which runs through March 10. Eligible Connecticut households may receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and access application materials.

With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, 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