Hilda E. Santiago

The State of Connecticut is expecting about 45,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses on a weekly basis from the federal government. We now know that the State will be taking a tiered approach in Phase 1B as we work to vaccinate the nearly 1.4 million people in the recently updated Phase 1B category.

Having health insurance, especially during a global pandemic, is essential.

Access Health's extended open enrollment period offering quality, affordable plans for 2021 ends this week. The deadline is Friday January 15th at midnight! If you choose a plan during the extension, coverage will begin on February 1, 2021. 

Eversource has put together "Kill-A-Watt" kits - and an initiative to help you lower your energy costs. They are are now available at the Meriden Meriden Public Library.

I hope you and your family are ready to ring in the New Year! This year has been challenging for many of us and I hope we can look towards 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism.

The 2021 Legislative Session is around the corner. Our Meriden delegation will host a Facebook Live Town Hall to talk about issues important to you and address any concerns and questions you may have. 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours - Feliz Navidad and a Happy Holiday season! This year has been a difficult one for so many of our neighbors, so let's also remember to keep those in our community who are struggling in our thoughts.

A new federally-funded grant program – a helping hand to bars and restaurants and other local businesses – will start cutting checks right around New Year's Eve.

Connecticut will be the first state in the nation to require all high schools to offer courses on African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies. High schools will be required to offer these courses by Fall 2022.