Dominique Johnson

 

 

 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Read Across America is on Monday, March 2. On this day, school districts from around the country hold events to help inspire young readers of all ages. However, the push towards a love for reading cannot be cultivated in a day. That is why I fight for early literacy funding and programs for our families to have these opportunities every day. If you have a young person in your life, encourage them to pick up a book on a subject they love, read with them, and take them to the library. Reading is vital to ensuring that the youth grow into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.

Please read below for information on an update to SNAP distribution, resources for tax season, and more!

Session Recap

On Thursday, the House was in session and passed two bills: SB 298 and SB 299.

Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities. It delivers millions of dollars in targeted grants to support local projects and organizations. The bill strengthens education and supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. The bill also updates child support enforcement, behavioral health regulations, and freedom of information and election laws to improve efficiency and transparency.

SB 298 also establishes stronger, worker-friendly standards for warehouse operations, and it revises police training standards for interactions with individuals with disabilities, something on which our Norwalk PD continues to be a leading department in our state.

SB 299 addresses bottle redemption fraud following the increase in Connecticut’s beverage container deposit. The bill increases penalties for fraudulently redeeming out-of-state containers and lowers the threshold from 2,500 to 1,000 containers before identification is required at redemption centers. These changes protect the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit.

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

Update to SNAP 

Starting  this Sunday, March 1, Connecticut will begin staggering the distribution of SNAP benefits throughout the first eight days of the month, rather than loading them primarily the first few days. 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 or check out the graphic below for more information. 

Flooding Listening Session

The City of Norwalk is looking for your input as they develop a Flood Resilience Plan. The City will hold a virtual listening session on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 PM. Click here for more information. 

Women-Owned Business Day

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) will hold their annual Women-Owned Business Day on April 8 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. I am proud to co-host this day of lifting up the women’s small business and entrepreneurial community.

This event is an excellent opportunity for women entrepreneurs to connect with legislators and discuss issues that impact small women-owned businesses daily. Check out the graphic for more information.  

Resources for Tax Season 

The deadline to file your taxes is right around the corner. 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

GPCT Emergency Energy Assistance Program Reopens Next Week

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program will accept applications beginning Monday, March 2  through 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. Please note: this is the last GPCT Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season.

Click here to learn more.

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. 

Among their wonderful programming for Black History Month was the Rhythm of our Roots event, telling the story of Black music in America. District 143 resident and President of the NAACP Norwalk Branch Brenda Penn Williams joined our Norwalk Public Library Director Sherelle Harris with the musicians in this commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in a sonic celebration!

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position. 

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. 

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.

Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
 
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4.  For more information, please click here.

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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.


Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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