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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, the House convened on Wednesday, March 25th, to vote on judicial appointments and a contract between the state and Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI). The majority of committees have wrapped up most of their work for the session and have passed a wide range of bills out of committee. House Leaders are now working together to decide which bills will be referred to another committee and which will be voted on in the weeks leading up to May 6th. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 860-240-8585 or Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov. |
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| Celebrating Passover and Easter |
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This week, many members of the community will observe sacred and deeply meaningful religious holidays.
On Wednesday evening, families of the Jewish faith will gather for the start of Passover, celebrating faith, resilience, and freedom. On Friday, Christians will observe Good Friday, and the week culminates on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate a message of hope, renewal, and new life.
These observances remind us of the enduring power of reflection and community in our shared world. To all who are celebrating, I wish you and your families a meaningful and peaceful holiday. |
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| The House will be back in Session next week on Wednesday, April 8th, and Thursday, April 9th. Follow along all day on CT-N or Youtube. |
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| Upcoming Community Conversation |
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Join me on Friday, April 17th, to celebrate Spring and discuss the 2026 Legislative Session. We are heading into the final weeks of the Short Session, and I want to hear from you about the issues impacting our community. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and discuss legislation. All New Britain residents are encouraged to attend, and I hope to see you there!
The 2026 Legislative Community Conversation will take place on Friday, April 17th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Apartments (300 E. Main Street, New Britain). |
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| CT Social Equity Council Reimagine & Revitalize Program |
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Thank you to everyone who attended the informational forum for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NoFO) through the Social Equity Council's Reimagine and Revitalize (R2) Program.
Through the R2 Program, the Social Equity Council is investing $12M annually in:
- Economic development
- Re-entry support
- Youth Initiatives
This forum was a great opportunity to connect with organizations here in New Britain and provide them with the resources needed to best serve our community. If you are interested in learning more, click here.
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| National Borinqueneers Day 2026 Celebration |
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On Monday, April 13th, I will be joining Mayor Bobby Sanchez and the New Britain Veterans Commission for the annual National Borinqueneers Day Celebration. Every year on this date, we recognize the sacrifices made and the adversity overcome by the Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico, who proudly served in both World Wars and the Korean War.
On Monday, April 13th, the City of New Britain will host the National Borinqueneers Day 2026 Celebration, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Borinqueneers Monument located at 246 Beaver Street in New Britain. I hope to see you there! |
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| Connecticut Libraries Passport |
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The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program is back will take place from April 1st–30th.
Starting April 1st, visit your local library to pick up your official program passport along with a list of participating libraries across the state. Then the adventure begins, explore as many libraries as you can throughout April!
Visit at least five different participating libraries and collect stamps from those locations (only official participating libraries count, be sure to check your list). Then, once you’re done, be sure to return your completed passport by May 11th to be entered into a prize drawing.
With nearly 200 public libraries in Connecticut—plus school, college, museum, and even church libraries—there’s an incredible variety to discover. Each library offers something unique, and this program is a fun way to experience all the amazing things libraries across the state have to offer.
So grab your passport and start exploring, your next favorite library might be just around the corner! |
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| Free Tax Preparation Assistance |
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With the tax deadline approaching in a few weeks, 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
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Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 860-240-8585 or email me at Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Iris Sꞻnchez |
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