Juan R. Candelaria

A recent report detailed that throughout Connecticut there was an increase of 13% in overall homelessness from 2021 to 2022.

The state has announced a five-year, $46.6 million investment to expand small business assistance programs across Connecticut, specifically supporting small business owners who may have previously experienced barriers to accessing financial support. This initiative will also support startup businesses, which is great news for our economy.

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.

Thousands of Connecticut residents have dedicated their careers to public service. The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program recognizes this choice with complete student loan cancellation after 10 years of public service work and loan payments.

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

As a thank you for their tireless work, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $400.

An additional $1 Billion boost in federal funding to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), allowing for more households to receive the benefit in the state, has been allocated as part of an emergency supplemental aid package recently approved by Congress.

This weekend, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect on October 1. These laws are a result of my colleagues' hard work during the 2022 session.