GOVERNOR LAMONT AND U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY YELLEN ANNOUNCE CONNECTICUT JOINING IRS DIRECT FILE

Connecticut Residents Will Be Eligible To Use This Free Tax Filing Option Beginning in Filing Year 2025

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen today announced that, beginning in the 2025 filing season, Connecticut will join IRS Direct File – a newly launched option to file federal tax returns online that is provided to users at no cost, empowering residents to file with ease and without having to pay the fees associated with for-profit tax software companies.

This free online tax filing option began as a pilot program in 12 states during the 2024 filing season, and during this time it enabled 140,000 taxpayers to claim more than $90 million in refunds, saving an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs. On the heels of this successful pilot run, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are making Direct File permanently available to all 50 states and the District of Columbia starting with the 2025 filing season.

The creation of Direct File was made possible by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which provided enhanced resources for the IRS to improve customer service in-person, over the phone, and online to ensure taxpayers claim the benefits and deductions for which they are eligible.

“The Direct File tool will make it easier and more convenient for the average person to file their taxes, and it will help them save both time and money by avoiding the need to purchase for-profit tax filing software,” Governor Lamont said. “We’re grateful to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service for making this resource a reality, and we appreciate that Connecticut residents will benefit from this service in the upcoming filing season.”

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, more than 290,000 Connecticut taxpayers will be able to file their taxes online for free, directly with the IRS this coming Filing Season,” Secretary Yellen said. “Direct File will save Connecticut residents time and money and help ensure they receive the tax benefits they are owed. After a successful pilot this Filing Season, we are pleased to expand the program as a permanent offering and welcome Connecticut as the latest new state to offer this free option to taxpayers.”

“Direct File will make a big difference for our taxpayers,” Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said. “Connecticut residents have benefitted from filing their state income taxes online for free via our myconneCT system, and this is another way we’re making their lives a little easier on Tax Day. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this service to the state.”

Users who filed their taxes with Direct File during its pilot run reported a high degree of satisfaction and quick answers to their filing questions. In a GSA Touchpoints survey of more than 11,000 Direct File users, 90% of respondents ranked their experience with Direct File as “Excellent” or “Above Average.” A majority of survey respondents who filed taxes in the prior year reported having to pay to prepare their taxes last year.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “For Connecticut taxpayers, filing income tax returns can be complicated and intimidating, leading them to turn to tax preparation services that too often charge hidden fees. Direct File will provide a safe, easy way to file your federal tax return. I am proud to have supported funding to make Direct File a reality for many taxpayers and will continue to support expanding the availability of Direct File to all Americans.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “It’s not complicated – no one should have to pay a for-profit company to do something the government requires everyone to do: file their taxes. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Direct File will allow thousands of people in Connecticut to file their taxes and claim their benefits for free without the headache of relying on expensive filing software. This is a game-changer for taxpayers across our state, and the Biden-Harris administration got it done.”

U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “As a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, I have been working with my colleagues to ensure the IRS is fulfilling its mission by providing better customer service and cracking down on wealthy tax cheats who are not paying their fair share. Thanks to the funding we secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, we are seeing results. I am proud that Connecticut residents will now see another direct benefit, as we expand the Direct File program to Connecticut for next year’s tax season so they have an additional opportunity to file their taxes at no cost.”

U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “There is simply no good reason that American taxpayers are all but forced to use costly private services to be sure they are paying their taxes correctly. The government, at minimum, should be able to tell people what they owe. I am pleased that Connecticut will join the IRS Direct File program, providing taxpayers with a no-cost option to file each tax season instead of costly private services that add to their cost burden each year. I applaud Governor Lamont for working to ensure all Connecticut residents can file their taxes for free.”

U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “The federal government should do everything possible to make tax season less of a headache. I am thrilled Connecticut taxpayers will have free access to the online IRS Direct File tool for the 2025 Filing Year. This program will offer a reliable, user-friendly alternative to file their taxes, resulting in savings – in time, frustration, and money – for families across our state.”

U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Adopting Direct File will help taxpayers securely file their taxes and access credits without excessive third-party fees. Once again, Governor Lamont is using federal funds to get the greatest benefit for Connecticut residents and put their hard earned money back in their pockets.”

Trumbull News: Free Narcan Training for Trumbull Residents and College Students on August 13Trumbull News:

Free Narcan Training for college students, Trumbull residents and town employees.
In 10 minutes, you can learn to save a life!
Drop in to the Conference Room at Trumbull Public Library, 33 Quality St., between 6:00 & 7:30pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 for a free training and Narcan kit.
Trainings will run every 15 minutes. Lockboxes will be available, while supplies last. Hosted by TPAUD, Trumbull’s Prevention Partnership. For more info., please call Kiersten Naumann at 203-257-4395.

Norwalk News: Police Crack Down on Illegal Marijuana Sales at Local Smoke Shops

“With the legalization of adult use marijuana in the state of CT, the City of
Norwalk has seen an alarming rise in the illegal sale of marijuana from smoke
shops and other retail establishment that sell vape and smoking paraphernalia.
Our investigations have determined that some smoke shops are illegally selling
marijuana and other illegal THC products that consumers believe are safe but are
not. Most recently, ZaZA Smoke Shop was found to be in possession of illegal
marijuana laced with fentanyl, an extreme public safety hazard, that led to an arrest
and an ongoing investigation.
The Norwalk Police Department is committed to investigating and taking action
against any smoke shop in the City of Norwalk that illegally sells marijuana and
other THC products.
If anyone has information on illegal sales of marijuana from smoke shops, please
contact us.” – Chief James Walsh

Fairfield Family Health Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at New Location

Fairfield, CT – August 10, 2024 – Fairfield Family Health, a leading integrative medical practice, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art facility at 883 Black Rock Turnpike, 2nd Floor, Fairfield, Connecticut. The ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Dr. Jaquel Patterson, founder and CEO, marks a significant milestone for the practice, which has expanded its services to better serve the community.

The new 4,500-square-foot facility offers a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, combining conventional medicine with naturopathic and functional medicine. Patients will have access to a wide range of services, including acupuncture, prenatal sacral therapy, sauna treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cold plunge therapy, and more. The practice is also excited to introduce new wellness classes, such as yoga, meditation, and parents workshops, designed to support both physical and mental well-being.

“Our new location is more than just a clinic; it’s a nurturing space where patients can feel relaxed, supported, and connected,” said Dr. Patterson during the ceremony. “We’ve designed this space with the goal of combating loneliness and fostering a sense of community. We want our patients to feel like they can linger, connect, and truly focus on their health.”

Fairfield Family Health’s mission is to provide holistic, patient-first care that addresses the root causes of health issues. The experienced team, which includes naturopathic physicians, a primary care provider, a nutritionist, a physical therapist, and a craniosacral therapy specialist, is dedicated to supporting patients of all ages in achieving optimal wellness.

The new location allows Fairfield Family Health to expand its specialized care for complex conditions, including Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, allergies, mental health, women’s health, and thyroid conditions.

To learn more about the services offered at Fairfield Family Health or to schedule an appointment, please visit the clinic’s website at https://www.fairfieldfamilyhealth.com/

Mayor Ganim Announces Restructuring Affecting Public Safety and Other City Departments

Bridgeport, CT— Continuing in his efforts to enhance the operations of city government, today Mayor Ganim is announcing some restructuring to certain city departments. Among the changes are a long-term plan at the Emergency Operations Center to expand and enhance the City’s 911 capabilities, a shifting of roles and responsibilities between Civil Service and the Office of Labor Relations, and the filling of key positions within the Police and Fire Departments.

See below for more information regarding the new Police and Fire appointments:

John Cueto – Assistant Chief of Police

John Cueto graduated manga cum laude in 1987 from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. degree in Finance, and earned the highest academic award among his peers in the Bridgeport Police Department training academy. He later graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Throughout his 27-year tenure with Bridgeport, Cueto rose to the rank of Lieutenant and held several posts including Aide to the Chief of Police, Director of Fiscal Services, and Commander of the department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU). Throughout his time with the Bridgeport Police Department, he attended the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum, as well as participated in many professional police organizations.

In August 2015, Cueto was selected among 140 applicants in a competitive process to become the Chief of Police of Duck, North Carolina. While in this post, he led several efforts to modernize the department, implement body cameras, establish a nationally recognized organizational structure, and implement efforts to improve community relations and community policing. In his capacity as Chief of Police, he also served on the Board of the Dare County Crime Line and a Regional Director for the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.

Upon his retirement as Chief in August 2020, Chief Cueto was recognized by FBI Director Christopher Wray with a written letter of achievement. He has continued to attend national conferences and training seminars hosted by the FBI National Academy, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Cueto has stayed current on issues affecting law enforcement and has been asked to speak on a number of panels regarding a variety of law enforcement issues. He has also been involved with the advancement of the National Public Safety Broadband Network, FirstNet.

Mark Cody – Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Mark Cody, a native of Bridgeport, began his career with the Bridgeport Fire Department 24 years ago. In March of 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the busiest engine company in the city. During his time as a Lieutenant, Cody was also assigned to the Eastside Assistant Chief as the Chief’s Aide. There he conducted the daily staffing, operational accountability, and incident command duties. He later served in the same role for the Westside Assistant Chief.

In 2020, Cody was promoted to the rank of Captain, and was assigned as the Captain of Administration. In that post he supervised payroll and managed the purchasing of equipment, vehicles, and software. He has an A.S. in Fire and Occupational Safety and is currently working towards his B.S. in Fire Administration. During his time of service, he has also obtained the following certifications: Fire Instructor-1, Fire Officer 1 & 2, Incident Safety Officer, Health and Safety Officer, and Public Information Officer.     

Robert Marrero – Fire Marshal

Acting Fire Marshal Robert Marrero began his career in Bridgeport in 1996 as a Firefighter. In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Pump Engineer, where he held that position for 10 years. In 2015, Marrero was promoted to the rank of Fire Inspector where he was certified by the State of Connecticut to conduct inspections on various types of buildings such as, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. During his years in the Fire Marshal’s Office, he has conducted many fire safety presentations, investigated large scale incidents, and has enforced the Connecticut State Fire Code with many businesses here in the City of Bridgeport.

Marrero is a Certified Master Electrician in the State of Connecticut and Florida. Over the years, he has attended Housatonic Community College as well as the University of Southern New Hampshire. Marrero also holds several other certifications including Fire Instructor-1, Fire Officer-1, Advanced Fire Investigator, Public Life Safety Educator, and Emergency Medical Technician.

Cocchia’s Liquor Store Arrests

On Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, the Norwalk Police Special Services Division executed search and seizure warrants, along with a federal arrest warrant, at Cocchia’s Liquor Store on Ely Avenue in Norwalk. Information had surfaced about a Mexican male named “Felix” selling large quantities of cocaine from the store. An investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine identified “Felix” as Felix Galindo-Castillo, also known as Cocchie. Galindo-Castillo, who had an active federal arrest warrant, was also found to be the founder of the violent Los Vagos Gang based in Mexico. The federal New York arrest warrant charged him with illegal re-entry into the United States, with a bond set at $1 million.

The search warrants covered both Cocchia’s Liquor Store and Galindo-Castillo himself. Officers discovered seven full-size illegal gambling machines within the store, which were found in two separate locations. These machines, which pay out cash collected at the front counter through a receipt ticket from the gambling device, are illegal. Additionally, several bags of cocaine were found in the walk-in beer cooler and on the persons of Galindo-Castillo and another individual, Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima.

Two facsimile handguns were located on a shelf under the cash register, and approximately $4,932 in US currency was seized from the gambling machines and found wrapped in rubber bands with gambling receipts hidden in various liquor boxes. The proceeds from the illegal gambling and cocaine sales will be applied for through state asset forfeiture. The inner control servers for each gambling machine were also seized during the search. This investigation is ongoing and marks the second time in a year that arrests have been made at this location for narcotics and gambling violations. The Norwalk Fire Department Fire Marshalls Division and the CT State Consumer Protection Division (Liquor Control) assisted in this investigation.

Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima, 44, of Norwalk, was arrested on August 7, 2024. He faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit/possession of a controlled substance, illegal gambling, sale of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to commit/sale of a narcotic substance. His bond is set at $55,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2024.

Felix Galindo-Castillo, 48, of Norwalk, was also arrested on August 7, 2024. He faces charges of sale of narcotics, conspiracy to commit/sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics, conspiracy to commit/possession of narcotics, and fugitive from justice for a federal New York arrest warrant charging illegal re-entry into the United States. His bond is set at $55,000, with an additional $1,000,000 bond for the fugitive from justice charge. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2024.

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