by State Sen. Norm Needleman
(June 9, 2022)—The state is receiving applications for families seeking the Child Tax Rebate, a state tax rebate of up to $250 per child for a maximum of three children, as a result of the state budget that I voted for this year. Any Connecticut resident who claimed at least one dependent child under the age of 18 on their 2021 federal income tax return may be eligible.
The following income guidelines will determine eligibility for the maximum rebate of $250 per child, while those with higher income rates may be eligible for a reduced rebate:
- Single or married, filing separately: $100,000 or less
- Head of household: $160,000 or less
- Married, filing jointly: $200,000 or less
Applications will remain open until the end of July, with qualified recipients beginning to receive funds in late August. The Department of Revenue Services is reaching out to as many as 300,000 households that may be eligible to inform them of this program.
To apply, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DRS and click the icon that says “2022 CT Child Tax Rebate.”
This rebate is an important way for families to gain a little relief from high costs lately and I’m happy it is one of several tax cuts that are delivered to Connecticut residents by this year’s state budget, including increasing the property tax credit.
Visiting Sycamore Farm in Haddam
A big thank you to Pete, Nicholas, Diane, and the entire Sycamore Farm team for allowing me to visit them. Commissioner Hurlburt of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, First Selectman McGarry, State Rep. Palm and I were treated to an insightful tour of the livestock farm, which was established all the way back in 1920. Sycamore Farm provides a diverse range of Connecticut-grown products that serve local restaurants, farmers markets, and much more.
I’m glad this fantastic member of our local economy was a recent recipient of a Farm Transition Grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. In addition to discussing the grant, we talked about them expanding their on-farm retail store component and their interest in installing solar power infrastructure to help reduce energy costs.
Farmers Markets
With the early arrival of summer, it’s the right season for farmers markets, providing opportunities to support local businesses and organizations while getting outside and getting some fresh produce to enjoy. Local farmers markets include the following:
- East Haddam’s market begins June 18 and is held Saturdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 90 Maple Avenue through August 27
- Chester’s market operates Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 6 Main Street through October 16
- Higganum’s market operates on Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Haddam Elementary School until August 19 and then returns between September 9 to September 30
