Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025



 

 

I had the honor and privilege of taking up the gavel as assistant deputy speaker during a full session on Wednesday.

The session dealt primarily with appointments to various commissions (please see the video below).
 

The legislative work we've been handling at the committee level will move to the full chamber later this month and in May. During that time, the legislature will work to address reducing, among other issues, the costs of energy, childcare, special education and housing.
 

Federal Cuts

There's a lot to talk about on the local, state and federal levels. Unfortunately, at the top of the list is more nonsensical, cruel and damaging cuts continuing to cascade from the federal government.

Look. I’ll be the first to agree that government waste can be a problem, but gutting the Department of Education isn’t the answer. Our schools, our students, and our communities rely on this funding. When you dismantle a department, families will feel the impact. We need an education system that works for every child. 

On top of that, as reported by the CT Mirror, just days after cutting $155 million in public health aid to Connecticut, President Trump’s administration froze $14 million earmarked for 22 Connecticut school districts, including $60,000 that Norwalk was set to receive.

There's no good reason for such debilitating cuts to our schools.

There won't be any easy answers to this situation. What we must do is stay engaged, stay active and stay informed. Together, we will weather this assault on our community, our state and our country.
 

Bond Funds for Norwalk

I applaud the announcement of over $5.2 million in state bonding funding for key projects benefiting Norwalk.

The bond agenda includes $3.5 million for Veterans Park Marina to finance improvements to the harbor. This funding will support critical improvements to the marina, enhancing Norwalk’s waterfront and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, $1.5 million will be allocated to Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail, Inc. for the completion of the Norwalk section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail via the Glover Ave Spur. This investment will enhance connectivity, expand access to outdoor recreation, and further promote Norwalk’s growing network of green spaces.

The Open Door Shelter, Inc. will receive $250,000 for its Campus Expansion Project. These funds will support an assessment of the existing housing portfolio and explore the acquisition of abutting properties, furthering the shelter’s mission to provide critical services and housing solutions for those in need.

This funding represents a significant investment in Norwalk’s future, improving our infrastructure, expanding recreational opportunities, and strengthening support for those in need. These projects will enhance our community’s quality of life, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in securing these critical resources for Norwalk.
 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the CTDOT is taking a stand with the launch of a statewide Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to help keep Connecticut roads safe.

In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws for the month of April.

Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.

The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:

  • If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone
  • Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive
  • Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life
  • Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle
  • If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive

Click here for more information on distracted driving prevention.
 

Tax Assistance

With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. Connecticut residents have access to a variety of free resources to help complete both state and federal tax returns accurately and on time.

Whether you need in-person assistance, prefer online filing, or need guidance on available tax credits, these services are here to ensure you meet the deadline with less stress and confusion.

The IRS Direct File Tool is an option for anyone who lived and earned their income in Connecticut last year. You can use this resource if you have one or more of the following types of income:

  • W-2 (income from employer)
  • 1099-G (unemployment compensation
  • SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
  • 1099-R (income from employer-sponsored pension and retirement account)
  • 1099-SA (distributions for qualified medical expenses from Health Savings Accounts)
  • 1099-INT (interest income)
Click here to get started

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals including low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately. They can assist in claiming valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can lead to a significant increase in your refund.

To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.

Here are some of the eligibility requirement for VITA:

  • Household income less than $68,000
  • If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
  • No income from a rental property

CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!

Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
 

Health Equity Week

The seventh annual statewide Health Equity Week is taking place this week, from Sunday, April 6, to Saturday, April 12. This year, Health Equity Week provides an opportunity to emphasize Connecticut's commitment to championing health equity throughout the legislative session and beyond. Under the slogan ‘Championing Health Equity,’ the focus has been on raising awareness and discussing potential solutions, policies, and practices aimed at improving access and affordability, and addressing how these factors impact the health of Connecticut residents.
 

As always, feel free to call me at 800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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