April is Autism Acceptance Month, DOT Update, and More!
April 10, 2026
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!
The House was back in session this week. It was great to be in Hartford and work on legislation with my colleagues.
Please read below for information on Autism Acceptance Month, an upcoming community resource fair in Norwalk, and more!
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. This year's campaign theme is "From Autism Awareness to acceptance and inclusion." This theme reminds people to move beyond awareness to advocate for others and facilitate real change and dialogue.
On April 13, the city of Norwalk will hold a celebration on the Green - there will be a gazebo lighting ceremony for the worldwide "Light It Up Blue" campaign. Please see the flyer below for more information.
DOT Update for Norwalk and Westport
The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that that wrong way driver detection preventative maintenance and recertification will be performed on I-95 and I-91 in several southern Connecticut towns and cities, including Norwalk and Westport.
On Tuesday, April 21, there will be construction at Exit 17, northbound and southbound, on 1-95 in Westport from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. On Thursday, April 23, crews will also work on the Route 15 Southbound at Exit 17 in Norwalk from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM.
Click here to learn more.
Renters Rebate Program is Now Open
Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.
Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Westport Human Services Accepting Applications for Tax Credit Program
Westport's Human Services Department is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program. This program offers 60% or 100% tax credits to businesses that contribute to approved programs administered by municipal or tax-exempt organizations.
Eligible non-profits and municipal programs may include initiatives such as energy conservation, job training, childcare, services for low-income residents, affordable housing, and more.
Interested Westport organizations must complete and submit the application (Form NAA-01) to Human Services via email to NAAWestport@westportct.gov no later than May 15.
Businesses may apply for tax credits through the state beginning September 15, 2026 via the DRS website.
Community Resource Fair in Norwalk
Please join the Norwalk Fair Housing Office for a Community Resource Fair on April 16 from 4:30 PM- 6:30 PM. This free event a great opportunity to learn more about fair housing rights, how to recognize and report housing discrimination, and local housing resources. Check out the flyer below for more information.
ICYMI - Resources for Tax Season
The deadline to file your taxes is Wednesday, April 15. I wanted to reshare a few 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
Upcoming Library Events
The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website.
Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more.
ICYMI
The 4th Annual Food Insecurity Awareness Day will be held on Monday, April 27th at 9:30AM at the State Capitol. Co-Host Rep. Rader and I will be joined by legislators and food insecurity advocates to discuss efforts to support our critical food banks and pantries.
We are also running a food donation drive for the month of April. All donations will go to The Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington, CT. If you happen to visit the Capitol, the collection box will be located on the 1st floor of the Legislative Office Building near the ATM.
The Friendly Hands Food Bank are looking for non-perishable items such as:
- Tuna
- Ramen
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Soup
- Dry Cereals
Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for their Student Art Showcase. Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories - drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.
The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.
The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more.
The 5th annual Norwalk Earth Day Festival will be held on Saturday, April 25. The day of festivities will include fun activities for all ages, including:
- Live Music
- Local Food Trucks and a Beer Garden
- Crafts and Face Painting
- And more!
Click here to learn more.
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.
Happy Passover, Chag Pesach Sameach!
Sincerely,
Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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