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Dear Friend,
It’s been another busy week in Congress and I’m here with an update on a bipartisan government funding agreement, the State of the Union address, and lots more from the week. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Hosting Waterford’s Jerry Fischer for the State of the Union
Last night, the President delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress. In the three years since President Biden took office, we’ve accomplished a lot for eastern Connecticut – much of it through bipartisan compromise. I was glad to hear him highlight many of the accomplishments in his speech, like cutting prescription drug costs for seniors, expanding VA health care to thousands of veterans, and creating thousands of good-paying jobs through workforce training programs.
There’s no question that Congress has a lot left on its plate, and with only 33 bills signed into law under House GOP leadership, it’s time we get back to the proven bipartisan pathway to lower costs, strengthen national security, and bring order to the southern border.
This year, I had the honor of hosting Waterford’s Jerry Fischer as my guest for the State of the Union. Jerry has led a life of service to Connecticut’s Jewish community as the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. On October 7th, Jerry’s cousin, Liat Beinin Atzili, was taken hostage by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Jerry and I worked closely together to secure the safe the release of Liat after over 50 days in captivity.
Since Liat's safe release on November 29th, it has been a relief to see her reunited with family and already back in the classroom teaching. Liat’s release, alongside 104 hostages, during the week-long ceasefire in November demonstrates that immediately halting hostilities is the only way to restore a successful hostage release process.
I strongly support the negotiated ceasefire that is currently on the table to not only achieve this urgent priority, but to protect innocent Palestinians from additional bloodshed and surge resources to address the humanitarian crisis. As Jerry and his family express by sharing their painful experience – we must achieve a lasting peace for both the people of Israel and Palestine. Thank you, Jerry, for joining me in Washington this week.
Secured: 2024 Community Projects for Eastern Connecticut
On Wednesday, I joined a strong bipartisan coalition to pass a government funding package. I worked diligently alongside our towns and local organization to secure over $11 million for 15 Community Projects across Connecticut’s 2nd District. From funding for local law enforcement to infrastructure, these projects help meet the needs of our communities. I’m proud to have helped make them a reality.
And that’s not the only major win for eastern Connecticut in this package. Throughout the budget negotiations, I fought off drastic proposed cuts for vital construction projects at the Groton Submarine Base. As the home of our submarine force, Naval Submarine Base New London is a proud part of eastern Connecticut’s heritage and a huge driver of activity today. Between a high-demand signal from the U.S. Navy and the historic AUKUS agreement, all eyes are on southeastern Connecticut.
Free Tax Assistance is Available
During tax season, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide free support to people who need it, particularly seniors and people with disabilities. VITA and TCE centers are staffed by local volunteers, and in recent years, they have received a significant increase in volunteer applications. In 2023, over 20,000 people nationwide applied to help seniors file tax returns.
On Monday, I visited AARP Foundation Tax-Aide center at the Glastonbury Community Center, one of many centers nationwide which receives annual funding from the VITA and TCE programs. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides both in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on people who are over 50-years-old and have low to moderate income.
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| The Glastonbury AARP Tax Aide center is staffed by volunteers Jim Bosco, Kevin Chase, Jon Fredrickson, Gloria Jainchill, Albert Miele, Jan Peterson, Pam Reale, Pat Reynard, Sue Sullivan, Kay Weiss, Geri Williams, Maureen Williams, and Ellen Zerillo |
Eastern Connecticut families work too hard year-round to leave money on the table during tax season – or pay high fees to tax preparers to ensure they are filing correctly and taking advantage of all available tax credits. Thank you to the excellent volunteers at tax assistance centers in eastern Connecticut for their service to our communities.
New this year, the IRS is launching a free online tax filing service called Direct File. The service gives Americans the option to file directly with the IRS online, and is a part of a modernization and expansion of support services offered by the IRS, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act I voted to pass in 2022.
Meeting with My Veterans Advisory Council
With the largest veteran population of any Congressional district in Connecticut, my office and I work week in, week out to assist former servicemembers access benefits they’ve earned. My Veterans Advisory Board helps us asses how we can better serve eastern Connecticut veterans. I joined the group on Monday for a meeting in my Norwich office.
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| Left to right: Pastor Roger Bolduc (Eastern CT Veterans Community Center), Phillip Derose (Subase Retired Activities Office), Jeannie Gardiner (CT Dept Of Veterans Affairs VSO 2nd District), Paul Hanlon (CT Dept of Labor), K Robert Lewis (American Legion VSO), Lori Marriot (Military Service Director, Easter Seal Veterans Rally Point), David McCaffrey (Somers, CT Veterans Representative), Sherri Marquis (Somers, CT Veterans Representative), Bill Corcoran (Veterans Inc), Daniel Walsh (Veterans Inc), Garry Brown (Danielson Veterans Coffee House), Paul Dillion (Subase Retired Activities Office). |
On Tuesday, a new rule at the Department of Veterans Affairs went into effect which ensures all veterans exposed to toxins during military service – at home or abroad – will be eligible for VA health care. This builds on the Honoring Our PACT Act – which Congress passed in 2022 – and removes the previous phase-in approach for health care benefits eligibility. This is one of the largest expansions of VA health care ever. Visit VA.gov/PACT to learn more.
Marching in the Norwich St. Patrick's Day Parade
Last weekend, I had a great time with a big crowd at the annual Norwich St. Patrick’s Day parade. We marched with first responders, local veterans, city leaders, and families out enjoying a beautiful day and celebrating Irish heritage! ☘️
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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