| Dear Neighbor,
Happy Black History Month!
This is a time to honor, celebrate, and recognize the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black people throughout history. Remember, Black History is American History. Let’s reflect, learn, and continue striving for equality and justice for all!
|
|
|
Recognizing Black Artist Ellis Ruley
Please click on the image below for a fascinating look at artist Ellis Ruley and his ties to Norwich's history.
|
|
 |
|
Ellis Ruley by his biographer, Genn Palmedo-Smith (gift of the artist) – Courtesy and collection of the Slater Memorial Museum
|
|
|
Increasing Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
|
|
| We understand what's going on nationally, but we can't stop doing our jobs for the people of Connecticut and that starts with putting forward good public policy. This week, House and Senate Democrats announced a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue.
A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here. |
|
| Some communities are understandably on edge with reports of immigration enforcement that have surfaced around Connecticut. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.
The ACLU of Connecticut has prepared a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide below. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant if ICE Agents approach you. |
|
| The Connecticut State Department of Education also released Guidance for K-12 Public Schools "Pertaining To Immigration Activities." |
|
|
Special Education Listening Tour Kicks Off in Norwich on Tuesday
Three Rivers Community College is the first stop on the Special Education Committee's Special Education Listening Tour. Share your thoughts and concerns on special education in CT on Tuesday, Feb.4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please see the flyer below for more details.
|
|
|
Reminder: Student Loan Reimbursement Program
Connecticut college students can benefit from a bill passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
|
|
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) may approve the participation of any person in the student loan reimbursement program who meets the following requirements:
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut state public or private college or university with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education.
- Must be a CT resident for at least five years.
- Must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants and file a federal tax return as unmarried or have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $175,000 for married applicants and file a federal tax return as head of household, married filing jointly or a surviving spouse.
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments in 2024 toward federal direct loans, federal direct PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, CHESLA loans, other state-sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
- Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, municipal government, served on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, or has military service after January 1, 2024.
To find several qualifying non-profits for residents of the 37th District, please click HERE.
Lastly, this program represents a true bipartisan effort and will have a direct impact not only on Connecticut’s economy but also on its workforce.
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opened on January 1. For more information, including how to apply, please click HERE. |
|
|
Wage Theft Legislation Needed Now
Last week, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced legislation proposed for the 2025 session entitled "An Act Allowing the Comptroller to Enforce Wage Status Statutes."
This bill allows the Department of Labor to notify the comptroller's office when a state contractor is under investigation for wage law violations. As Vice Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I fully support this bill. Please click on the video below to hear comments from Comptroller Scanlon and me.
|
|
| As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Derell.Wilson@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Derell Wilson
State Representative |
|
|
|
