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There's a lot to talk about this week 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. 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.
Later in the week, President Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the federal staff that run the federal government's low income heating assistance program - LIHEAP. Thousands of low-income Connecticut residents -- seniors, people with disabilities and families -- depend on the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. The impact of this cut is yet to be realized. But, as my colleague Sen. Matthew Lesser said, it's alarming because the stakes are enormous.
Simply put, there's no good reason for such debilitating cuts.
We have to stay engaged, stay active and stay informed. Together, we will weather this assault on our community, our state and our country.
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There's no easy way to segue from that opening, but there is gig news from the Connecticut Department of Housing.
Introducing CT Home Funds - an investment in:
 The Connecticut Home Improvement Program
The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program
The Homeownership Construction Program
Administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund. Learn more about the new launch here: https://shorturl.at/b86p9 |
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| Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday for a coffee at Panera Bread during my office hours to discuss legislation being discussed at the State Capitol. We had a lively conversation about health care, insurance, environmental protection, protecting labor unions and so much more! |
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As your tireless advocate at the State Capitol, I do as much as I can to be accessible and meet as many of you as possible to hear your comments and concerns.
I hope you will join me for the next events I will be hosting like Newington Day at the State Capitol and a housing affordability forum! |
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| Distracted Driving Awareness Month |
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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. |
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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.
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With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15th, 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. |
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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)
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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!
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Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
UConn Law Tax Clinic
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Reminder the No. 2-seeded Huskies play No. 1 seed UCLA in the Final Four tonight at 9 p.m.
Let's go UConn! |
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As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "LIKE" my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
State Representative |
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