The Legislative Session Has Begun, What We May Be Addressing in 2025

January 9, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Yesterday was a whirlwind of activity as we kicked off the 2025 Connecticut General Assembly legislative session. I was grateful that my husband and our son were able to join me in the chamber as I was sworn in for my third term.
 
Some housekeeping items as reminders. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at

Eleni.KavrosDeGraw@cga.ct.gov. You can follow any of our committees and the bills filed at cga.ct.gov. You are also able to submit testimony and sign up to testify in person or on Zoom.
 
You can watch public hearings, committee meetings, and session days at CT-N.com (check out their re-designed website!).
 
Please consider forwarding this email to others so that if they find the information in it interesting or helpful, they can sign up to receive it each week.
 
As always, I remain grateful for your trust in me to represent the 17th District and I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying a Happy New Year!

 
 
Cold Weather Protocol Extended To Friday
Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol has been extended through Friday, January 10th!

Please see the locations and hours for warming centers in Avon and Canton below.
  • Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In Canton

  • Canton Community Center and Canton Public Library at 40 Dyer Ave., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The Legislative Session Has Begun
My colleagues and I will tackle several important issues over the next five months. It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you 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. Click here to check out their website. 
  • 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 and House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey through the legislative process. You can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates by signing up. 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.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 
 
What We May Be Addressing in 2025
Please click on the image below for brief descriptions of important issues the General Assembly may face during the 2025 legislative session.
 
Final Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline Approaching

The deadline to enroll in health and dental coverage through Access Health CT is Wednesday, Jan. 15th. Coverage would begin on February 1st. Please note: this is the final deadline for the 2025 Open Enrollment Period.  

AHCT is the only place state 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 (QHPs) for customers to choose from. Plans are available from Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc. and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.

There are several ways to get free help in person, online, and over the phone

AHCT is hosting five one-day enrollment fairs throughout the state during January. Customers can also visit enrollment locations and Navigator partner locations during regular business hours. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations is also listed.

Customers can also get help from a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist in their community.

To find a broker near you, go online to AccessHealthCT.com and click ‘Get Help’.

For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Live chat is available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Jan. 15, 2025.

To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 15, 2025.

Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
 
Eagle Scout Citations
On Sunday, I had the pleasure of delivering state citations to our brand-new Troop 274 Eagle Scouts on behalf of State Senator Lisa Seminara, Representative Tammy Exum, and myself.

We extended our hearty congratulations on behalf of the state government to Ketan Badrinath, Daniel DaCunha, Uttej Kollu, and William Newsom. Previously, we have honored some of their brothers with the same distinction. We produce so many eagles in Avon that I often joke with my colleagues, that there really is something in the water.
It’s been wonderful to see these young men grow up over the past few years as they became troop leaders and are now full Eagle Scouts. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts, so you can imagine the work and perseverance that goes into this process. Family is the basis of all of the work they complete and we extend a special congratulations to the family and extended family of these scouts who help shepherd and mentor them on their journey. Well done!
 
Walmart Wellness Day is Saturday
Walmart is inviting communities to prioritize their health in the new year at Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, January 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This community event provides free health screenings, free and low-cost immunizations, and the opportunity to talk with a local Walmart pharmacist at more than 4,600 stores nationwide, including the Avon Store located at 255 West Main Street.
During the event, affordable immunizations such as the flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis, and more will be available. Customers can also participate in free health screenings for blood pressure and more. Insurance is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which is available at no cost, and other vaccines are covered under most major insurance plans.
 
Nonprofits in Canton Welcome to Apply for Community Fund Grants
Starting Saturday, Jan. 25, Canton nonprofit organizations seeking full or partial funding are invited by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to apply for a grant ranging from $250 to $10,000.

Over the past three years, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Canton Greater Together Community Fund has awarded 23 grants totaling $85,530 to address a wide range of community needs and improvements in Canton.

This is the fourth call for grant proposals in Canton. For more information, including eligibility, guidelines, and how to apply, please click HERE.

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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