Christine Palm

In a Special Session held Monday, my colleagues and I voted — on a bipartisan basis — on an omnibus bill aimed at lessening some of the financial burden many families are experiencing. The bill extends gas tax relief, extends free bus service, provides additional funding for energy assistance programs, continues premium pay for frontline workers, and slightly amends the Bottle Bill to make it easier for retailers to be in compliance.

Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period will open on Tuesday, November 1. During this period, individuals can renew their coverage, explore the various policy options for the first time or see if they can save money.

CT Humanities (CTH) is once again partnering with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to offer CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants. These non-competitive grants provide general operating support to our state's museums, cultural, humanities, and arts organizations - helping them to best serve our communities.

Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application process is now open!

Farmers -- whether first-timers or those who've worked the land for generations -- are an integral part of the character and economy of our district. That's why I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Governor Lamont's request to expand the natural disaster declaration for certain parts of our state due to the summer drought that has continued through fall. Agricultural producers in all 8 Connecticut counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Farm Service Agency to help offset production losses resulting from the drought.

Many of you have contacted me over the past two years for help with pandemic and post-pandemic rental relief through the UniteCT program. Some -- renters and landlords alike -- were disappointed that the UniteCT fund had been depleted. So, I'm happy to announce that UniteCT has been allocated an additional $11 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to supplement more than $400 million in federal funding previously allocated for the program that helps keep families safely housed.

Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and it has gotten worse because of the isolation and mental health issues caused by pandemic. Violence by domestic partners happens everywhere and no one is immune. At least one in four women and one in seven men are abused in this nation each day.

This is reminder that if you or someone you know is elderly or disabled and currently renting housing, the Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program deadline to apply is fast approaching. With this year's deadline falling on Saturday, October 1 and local and state offices closed on weekends, please plan to submit your application by this Friday, if you haven't already. Eligible renters may be able to get a rebate up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons, but you must act soon.