Session Resources & Free Check-Up on Saturday

January 9, 2025


The 2025 legislative session is underway, and I am as motivated as ever to support Windham at the Capitol! It's easier than ever to follow the action at the Capitol and get involved. Please read below for a list of resources to stay connected and participate in the democratic process.

Our fabulous Windham historian joined my radio show to share a wonderful story of how local Methodists defended freedom of speech, religion, and assembly in the 1830s. Keep scrolling to hear more about that!

Time is running out to register for medical insurance with Access Health CT. I'll provide a timeline on when you need to register in order to get covered.

Speaking of healthcare, Walmart is offering free check-ups on Saturday around the state. You must look below to find the nearest store taking part this weekend.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Swearing In & Resources for New Legislative Session
  • Let's Talk About It: Methodist Melee on Main Street
  • Medical Insurance Enrollment Opportunity 
  • Free Check-Up at Walmart on Saturday
 
Swearing In & Resources for
New Legislative Session
It was an honor to be sworn in at the State Capitol as we kicked off the 2025 legislative session in Hartford. I am beyond grateful to serve once again as your state representative in Windham. Opening Day at the Capitol symbolizes a renewed commitment to serving our community with dedication, integrity, and purpose.

As a Deputy Majority Leader, I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to address the challenges ahead and create meaningful progress for the people of Connecticut. We have plenty of work to do, and the Office of Legislative Research just released its report of important issues the General Assembly may face this year.
Click here to learn more about the major issues

It's easier than ever to follow the action at the Capitol and get involved. There are several resources below you can utilize to stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate: 

  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
 
Let's Talk About It: Methodist Melee on Main St.
We spoke with Jamie and Kit Eves about our community’s fascinating history on my weekly public affairs show “Let’s Talk About It.” Jamie Eves is an amazing historian, and his wife Kit does wonderful things for our community. They are both members of Willimantic Lions Club, which is a nonprofit volunteer organization serving our local area.

Jamie Eves went on a deep dive of the history of our community’s churches and the end of slavery in Connecticut before sharing the story of what he called the Methodist Melee on Main Street. It started when an abolition lecturer named Phelps called for the end of slavery inside the abolitionist Willimantic Methodist Church. An armed mob of young, strong men stormed inside and threatened to attack Phelps and the congregation, which was most likely full of women and children.
Rep. Susan Johnson, Kit Eves, Jamie Eves, Dennis O'Brien
Orrin Robinson, 46 (which was an advanced age in the 1830s), stood up from him pew, grabbed the mob’s leader, and threw him out onto Main Street. A fist fight broke out in the church and spilled into the street. Orrin’s wife threw a cloak over Phelps and took him on the back road of Willimantic to her home. Police arrested Orrin after he refused to pay a fine and voluntarily went to jail for defending his right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. This took place more than a decade before Henry David Thoreau went to jail for refusing to pay his poll tax because it supported the Mexican-American War.

Jamie Eves did an amazing job retelling that story, and it really warrants a listen. Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Jamie Eves recounts the story of the Methodist Melee on Main Street
 
Medical Insurance Enrollment Opportunity
Time is running out for anyone looking for health or dental coverage with Access Health CT. If you enroll on or before Wednesday, January 15, you will have coverage beginning February 1.
 
Access Health CT is the only place where local residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of customers received financial assistance last year. Some customers might qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents.
 
There are 22 Qualified Health Plans to choose from. Plans are available from Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.
Visit AccessHealthCT.com if you need help finding the right plan. A customer service representative will answer your questions if you click on the “Live Chat” button. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Live chat is available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on January 15.
 
You can also call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Saturday. Help is available in over 100 languages. The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on January 15. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator.
 
Free Check-Up at Walmart on Saturday

The community is invited to get a free check-up on Walmart Wellness Day, which will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Walmart at 474 Boston Post Road in North Windham. 
 
The event provides:

  • free health screenings
  • free and low-cost immunizations
  • the opportunity to talk with a local Walmart pharmacist

Insurance is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which is free. Other vaccines are covered under most major insurance plans.
More information here