Update on Taxes, Schools, Unemployment Benefits, and More

Return of the Plastic Bag Tax

Tomorrow, July 1, Connecticut will resume collection of the $0.10 tax on single use plastic bags. This tax was temporarily lifted in March during the height of the pandemic to help slow the spread of COVID-19 through items such as reusable shopping bags. The original executive order (7N) also allowed grocery store employees to refuse bagging items for customers who were using reusable plastic bags.

Read the most recent update from CT DRS: Click Here

Extended Tax Filing Deadlines Fast Approaching

To assist taxpayers experiencing financial hardship and other challenges during the public health crisis, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the state Department of Revenue Services (DRS) extended tax filing deadlines for many items until July 15. These items included tax returns, estimates, and payments for individual income, trusts and estates, pass-through entities, and corporations, among other tax-related items. We have received no indication that these deadlines will be extended beyond July 15.

Read the full DRS update: Click Here

Fall School Reopen Plan

Last week, the governor and the state Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona announced that Connecticut public schools would reopen for full-time, in-person instruction this fall, assuming positive public health data supports this strategy. Yesterday, the state’s Department of Education released a comprehensive plan for school districts, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents.

Read the full press release: Click Here

Extended Unemployment Benefits

Recipients of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) have or soon will be receiving a letter from the state’s Department of Labor (DOL) urging them to apply for extended state benefits when their federal benefits are exhausted. Upon notification that their PEUC benefits are ending, filers may apply for extended benefits by using the green button on the CTDOL website. Eligible filers include those who (1) have a benefit year that ends after May 1, 2020 and be totally or partially unemployed; (2) have exhausted all rights to unemployment insurance under state law and have also exhausted all PEUC entitlement; (3) have been paid wages by an employer who is subject to the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act; and/or (4) have met eligibility requirements related to base period benefit amount.

Read the full message from CTDOL: Click Here

Assistance for Renters, Landlords, and Homeowners

Governor Lamont has announced a plan to use $33 million in state and federal funds to assist renters, landlords, and homeowners impacted by COVID-19. This includes (1) $10 million in rental assistance to be paid to landlords through the Department of Housing on behalf of approved tenants; (2) $5 million for eviction prevention to help renters facing eviction; and (3) $10 million in mortgage payment relief for impacted homeowners; among other programs.

Read the full press release: Click Here

Youth Employment Program Expanded

Governor Lamont announced today that he is expanding the Youth Employment Program using $2 million from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Funds. This brings the total investment in this program to $7.1 million. The program is an ongoing initiative to help Connecticut youth find year-round employment opportunities with community-based agencies, especially health agencies responding to COVID-19. Some of the expanded opportunities include (1) virtual outreach through social media to promote safer health practices; (2) delivery of educational materials to community and other organizations; (3) outreach and assistance to homebound families; and (4) fostering youth-to-youth connections and acting as social distancing ambassadors.

Read the full press release: Click Here

As always, please contact me if you have any questions regarding these updates or if you would like to discuss any other state issues. I am always happy to serve as a resource for you and your family.

Email: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov