Memorial Day, and more

May 23, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Monday is Memorial Day - a day of remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope you'll take the opportunity this long weekend to reflect on the bravery of those who gave their lives so we can live and prosper in our great nation, and to spend time connecting with your loved ones.

It is also worth reminding yourself to live a life that is meaningful and worthy of the sacrifices so many have made.

I hope you and your friends and family have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This year's ceremonies will take place Sunday, May 25. There will be one ceremony at 1pm at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Long Wharf Drive), and another ceremony at 3pm at the World War Memorial Flagpole (New Haven Green).

You can read more about the ceremonies here.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about Medicaid Funding, mental health awareness, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learning to identify the signs is an important step when seeking help or when trying to help others. Here are some common signs to be aware of:
  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • You think about hurting yourself or feel like life isn't worth living
Taking small steps to support your mental health can make a big difference:
  • Take breaks from social media
  • Go outside and relax or be active
  • Connect with others
  • Take care of your body by getting at least 7 hours of sleep, staying physically active, and eating healthy
  • Reduce your alcohol intake and avoid smoking
Click here for local resources for mental health assistance.
 
 
Medical Debt Relief

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!

I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way  — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

What to expect:

Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Debt. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.

Who qualifies?

  • Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
  • Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. You can view a sample of what this letter looks like at https://shorturl.at/6XUQs.
 
Medicaid Funding, Workers' Compensation Legislation

This week, the House worked quickly and effectively to strengthen health coverage for nearly one million elderly, disabled, and low-income children. The vote to secure $284 million in allocations for the current state budget will ensure Connecticut’s federally supported Medicaid health insurance program runs through the end of the fiscal year.

On Monday, the Governor made a Declaration of the Existence of Extraordinary Circumstances. This declaration allowed us to work around our spending restrictions, but it does not impact or expand the spending cap for future fiscal years reassuring those concerned about long-term fiscal discipline.

HB 6863 also includes a provision to help mitigate the financial effect following a Supreme Court ruling that would have impacted businesses. Employers had been bracing for a staggering 265% increase in workers’ compensation claims. This measure had become a top legislative priority for employers and municipal leaders across the state, who warned that inaction would have had far-reaching economic consequences.

Together, the emergency Medicaid funding and the workers’ compensation modification highlight our ability to work together in the legislature and to protect essential services for residents while safeguarding the state’s economic strength.
 
Autism and IDD Support

The House passed a number of other great bills this week, including legislation that will foster a more inclusive and responsive system that better meets the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

This bill:

  • Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
  • Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
  • Reviews DDS investigation policies every 5 years
  • Launches statewide autism needs assessment
  • Studies future of Southbury Training School
  • Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases
 
EMS Week

In Connecticut, we have:

  • 20,000+ certified EMS personnel
  • 450,000 emergency calls annually
  • 75 volunteer ambulance services providing EMS support
  • 58 volunteer fire departments providing EMS support
  • 24/7 dedication to our communities

Join me this EMS Week in honoring the dedication, courage, and lifesaving care of Connecticut’s EMS professionals. Thank you to every EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, and first responder who make the difference between life and death.
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

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