October 18th - Rep. Berger-Girvalo Update

October 18, 2024


 
View this email in your browser
 
Hey Neighbors!

From Monday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 3, Connecticut will offer early voting for the first time in a presidential election.

Early voting will be held at the Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room (400 Main St.).

The hours for early voting are 10am-6pm. Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 will have extended hours from 8am-8pm.

Voting is one of the fundamental rights and responsibilities we have as Americans, and because of the law we passed during session, we're making it even easier to vote.

You can read more about early voting at the Ridgefield Registrars of Voters website.

You can read answers to some frequently asked questions about early voting below.
 
FEMA's Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) recently announced that FEMA has authorized the agency to launch federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those residents who experienced job interruption or loss due to the August 2024 flooding. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program that supports workers whose employment was lost or interrupted by a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits. DUA covers workers, some residents who are self-employed, and the surviving spouses of heads of household who died due to the storm.
 
President Biden approved Connecticut’s major disaster declaration for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program for Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties, areas that experienced extreme rain and flooding. Governor Lamont announced business recovery centers to help employers apply for federal aid.

The August flooding caused more than 100 Connecticut businesses to shut down during the storm and recovery. CTDOL urges workers who were affected to carefully read the eligibility guidelines and file for unemployment benefits right away. Some residents may recall Disaster Unemployment Assistance from Hurricane Ida in 2021. This program requires that workers file for and be denied state unemployment benefits in order to be eligible for federal benefits. It’s one more step for approval, but disaster benefits cover a broader cohort of workers who aren’t ordinarily eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
 
Eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance includes:
  • Residents who live, work, or travel to work through impacted areas—Fairfield County, Litchfield County, or New Haven County
  • Individuals who were to start work or self-employment but were prevented from doing so due to the flooding.
  • Workers who experienced unemployment or reduced hours due to: flooding to their place of business; road or other closures; lack of work because the business depends on a non-operational entity within the affected area; or experienced injury caused directly by the storm
  • Workers who have proof of employment, documentation of wages, and earnings for the 2023 tax year
  • Workers who have documentation of wages or lost earnings directly related to the flooding
  • Individuals who became the major source of financial support for a household due to the death of the head of household

Claimants must first file for regular state unemployment benefits at FileCTUI.com. Once a claimant is found ineligible for state benefits, they must then file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance by calling the Consumer Contact Center.

Under federal law, the filing deadline for Connecticut Disaster Unemployment Assistance is November 19.
 
Remaining COVID Relief Funds
Did you know there's still time to collect your COVID relief money from 2021? If you're a Connecticut resident and have not received your COVID relief money, there's still time, but it's running out quickly. That's why United Way of Connecticut and its trusted partners will help you get the money you're owed. Whether it's COVID relief money or child credits, visit ctunitedway.org/getyourrefund to help you get your money.
 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Everyone deserves to feel safe.

In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.

I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse. You are not alone.

Need to connect to an advocate?

Call, Text, Chat. Email. 24/7

CTSafeConnect.org  |  (888) 774-2900
 
It is my honor to represent our district. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by email at Aimee.Berger-Girvalo@cga.ct.gov.

For legislative updates, please like my Official Facebook Page or Official Instagram Page.

Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.
Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences