Priority Bill 5003 Early Childhood Care and Education Fund

March 7, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I had the honor of sitting down with Antonio Matta, a 10th grader at Brien McMahon High School, for an interview about my experience as a Black leader, as well as the importance of Black history locally and nationwide. Click the link below to watch the interview.  
 
 
Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.

Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.
 
If you live in Connecticut and were fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…CONNECTICUT HAS YOUR BACK.
 
The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.
 
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL)  has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.
 
Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
 
Attention Norwalk residents - the City wants your feedback for the Tree Master Plan!  

The Tree Master Plan will guide the future of tree growth and management in our City’s public and green spaces. Come share what you’d like to see at a public workshop on March 20 in the Community Room at City Hall.  

You can view the City’s website to view the draft plan and stay up to date on the project.Attention Norwalk residents - the City is looking for your input for their Tree Master Plan!  
 
Your voice matters! Get involved in public hearings to help shape the future of your community. It’s your chance to speak up, share your concerns, and be a part of decisions that affect everyone.
 
You only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
 
Register to testify and learn more about this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. ➡️cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp
 
There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.

Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool.

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date 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

 
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