CIF Funding for Bridgeport, Free Tax Assistance Services, and more

March 13, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

It was another productive week at the Capitol, as committees continue to hear testimony on proposed bills in public hearings, and others began to vote on proposed bills to move out of committee. In this week's email, you can read about funding approved by the Community Investment Fund this week for Bridgeport, find information on free tax assistance services, and more. If you have any questions or if my office can be of assistance to you, please reach out to 860-240-8585 or email me at andre.baker@cga.ct.gov.

Community Investment Fund Approves Funding for Bridgeport

The Bridgeport legislative delegation and I are pleased to welcome $5.6 million in state funding to support renovations at the University of Bridgeport and Optimus Health Care. This important investment comes from the Community Investment Fund which, funds projects to foster economic development in historically underserved communities across the state.

These projects will help strengthen educational opportunities and expand access to quality health care for residents of Bridgeport. The State Bond Commission is expected to approve these projects in the near future.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

I’m proud to live in a state that recognizes the dignity, talent, and rights of people with developmental disabilities, not just in words but in action.

In recent years, Connecticut has passed meaningful legislation to expand services and improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:

Making historic investments in special education
Reducing Medicaid waiver waitlists
Funding for supportive housing grants
Compensation for family caregivers
Investing in community-based care

Free Tax Assistance Services

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

Resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate

We all want to use our health care dollars wisely, but insurance can be complicated. Asking the right questions can lead to better-informed and potentially less expensive healthcare decisions. Keep in mind that most doctors are experts in medicine, not insurance. For coverage and payment questions, the provider's business office staff is often your best resource since they work with insurance plans every day.

Click here for a list of questions to consider. Not every question will apply to every visit or situation, but these are worth considering for non-emergent care.

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,