Roland Lemar

I was proud to join officials from around the state today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Since the enactment of the federal law, Connecticut has made some progress toward ensuring that our residents have access to housing in every corner of the state, but more clearly needs to be done.

We are closing in on the deadline to apply for heating assistance. Don't wait to the last minute. If you are eligible for home heating assistance, this program may help you. The general deadline for applications is May 1, 2018, however, eligible households that are subject to a shut-off notice by a utility for heating bills have an extended deadline of May 15.

Connecticut’s ability to thrive is dependent upon the state of our working families, the state of our economy and the state of our communities. We can invest in the success of our families and our businesses by addressing the economic disparities present in our state and creating equitable opportunities for everyone.

This week I joined my colleagues at a press conference in New Haven to announce new legislation to combat gun violence and make our communities safer. The legislation includes a ban on so-called ghost guns and bump stocks, a device used in the killing of 58 people last year in Las Vegas.

House and Senate Democrats unveil the Democratic Values Agenda for the 2018 legislative session.

To reduce the spread of the flu virus, the state Department of Public Health is working with local health departments to provide free and low cost influenza vaccines across the state on Saturday, Jan. 27. The clinic closest to our area is at East Shore Health District: 688 East Main St. Orchard Research Park, Branford.

For those of you impacted by the changes to the Medicare Savings program, there is good news. The state Department of Social Services has announced that it will delay the scheduled Jan. 1 implementation of income eligibility reductions in the Medicare Savings Programs, as a result of concerns raised by beneficiaries, advocates and legislators.

The Office of Policy and Management has announced that residents enrolled in the state’s Renter’s Rebate program are expected to receive their checks this week.