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As we approach the final weeks of this year’s legislative session, the Capitol is bustling with activity. 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.
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The House also overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 17, which would grant Connecticut State Police a 2.5% general wage hike and a step increase in the next fiscal year. The raises will affect nearly 900 troopers and are essential to recruitment efforts in the future. There is a concern for public safety since we've seen a 25% decline in staffing prior to 2010. Troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state.
After unanimous approval in the Senate, the bill moves to the governor for signing.
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| Rally for Nonprofit Funding |
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On Tuesday, nonprofit agencies supporting homelessness, immigration, addiction, mental health issues, and more proudly attended a rally at the state Capitol for increased state funding. The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance organized the rally, which was drew around 2,500 people, and aimed to highlight the importance of community nonprofits and their vital role in supporting residents.
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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. Click here to view a sample of what this letter looks like.
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| May is Mental Health Awareness Month |
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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.
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On Sunday, May 25th at 9:00 A.M. the Talcotville Memorial Day parade will step off from Talcottville Church (10 Elm Hill Road, Vernon) and travel to Mount Hope Cemetery (the parade forms up at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot). The parade includes vintage cars, fife and drum corps, and anyone else who’d like to march. People join in and are part of the parade rather than stand along the sidelines and watch. The ceremony at the cemetery includes a recitation of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
On Monday, May 26th at 9:30 A.M. Vernon’s Memorial Day parade steps off at Northeast School (69 East Street, Vernon) and proceeds to Grove Hill Cemetery, where a ceremony to honor veterans takes place. After the ceremony, the parade forms back up on Hale Street and continues into downtown Rockville. A Memorial Day observance then takes place at the veterans memorial in the park. Connecticut Air National Guard C-130s are expected to fly over Rockville between 10:30 A.M. and 11 A.M., weather permitting.
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The New England Civil War Museum and Research Center (14 Park Place, Vernon) is holding a Memorial Day Open House on Monday, May 26th from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Tour the museum before, during, or after the Rockville Memorial Day Parade!
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