Six Triple Eight Event at the Capitol, SNAP Updated, and more

February 27, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor, 

This week at the Capitol, the House was in Session on Thursday, February 26th. We convened to vote on two important bills. 

In this week's email, you can read about an important SNAP update in effect this Sunday, find information on how to apply for the last Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Cycle, 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. 
 

Six Triple Eight Upcoming Commemorative Event at the Capitol

You are cordially invited to attend an event recognizing the extraordinary legacy of the Six Triple Eight, Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only Black, female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and honor the ten women of the Six Triple Eight who lived in the State of Connecticut.
 
Event Details:
Date: March 4
Time: 11:30 am
Location: 1st Floor Atrium – Hall of Flags – Capitol Building
 

Important SNAP Update

Beginning this Sunday, March 1st, important changes to Connecticut law will take effect regarding how the state will issue SNAP benefits. 

Under the new legislation, Connecticut will begin staggering the distribution of SNAP benefits rather than loading them primarily the first few days. Cash benefits will be issued on the first day of the month, and SNAP benefits will be issued over the first 8 days of the month. The date your benefits will be issued is determined by the last 2 digits on your EBT card. Use the graphic below to plan when your benefits will be issued based on your Client ID. 

This change is designed to
  • reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
  • improve access to food
  • create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients 
Click Here To Learn More
 

GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance Program
 

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will open on Monday, March 2nd, and will run through March 10th. 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/
 

Free Tax Preparation 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
 

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,

Andre Baker

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