Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Dear Neighbor,

The leaves are beginning to turn. There’s finally a little chill in the air today. And spooky season is right around the corner.

Unfortunately, it’s already scary for some of our residents who are worried about cuts to SNAP and work requirements that will cause an additional barrier to food access. I’ve included information on both the work requirements and resources on who to reach out to if you or someone you know is food insecure. 

Additionally, Governor Lamont announced yesterday that the state will stand up the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program while the federal shutdown continues.

More than 52,000 CT residents receive this support, including 30,000 children and 11,000 infants. 

Take note of some of the new e-bike regulations that were created in consultation with cyclists across the state. 

Tonight, I’ll be joining Open Community Alliance’s online event, “Louder than a Veto.” We will be discussing HB5002 and what a special session might bring.

Check out the NewDEAL leader podcast, “An Honorable Profession,” I recently recorded.

We talked at length about some of the bread-and-butter issues I’ve tackled as a legislator, the legislation I’m most proud of, and our current political climate. I appreciated the opportunity to participate.

Don’t forget to check out the fall foliage schedule at the end. 

Have a great week, 

Eleni

Last week, the USDA released a memo detailing the new work requirements that will go into effect on November 1. 

The average federal SNAP benefit amount in Connecticut is about $194 per person or $331 per household per month.

With grocery prices rising, that amount doesn’t go far, if you even qualify.

Many people make slightly above what they would need to qualify. That leaves them employed, but still food insecure. 

These work requirements create an additional barrier, especially for those experiencing homelessness, veterans, and people who have been released from the foster care system 24 and under. 

I’ve shared more information in the video. 

Over the last few years, hunger has been on the rise in Connecticut and across the country. In CT, 516,640, or one in seven, are wondering where they will find their next meal, and 122,660, or one in six, are children. 

As a reminder, Connecticut Foodshare provides a mobile food pantry at the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center every other Tuesday at 10 am. Their next distribution is on October 23.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the additional resources below if you need help.

• 211ct.org
• SNAP
• WIC
• Connecticut Foodshare

*Please consider donating, if you can, to your local pantry or Connecticut Foodshare. Pantries across CT are seeing increased food requests at a time when grocery costs are skyrocketing and food from the federal government is significantly decreased.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, please click HERE.