Memorial Day, and more

May 23, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Monday is Memorial Day - a somber day of rememberance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I hope during the BBQs and festivities of this long weekend you also take a moment to reflect on the bravery of those who gave their lives so we can live and prosper in our great nation, and to spend time connecting with your loved ones.

Every Memorial Day, I remind myself of the importance of living a life that is meaningful and worthy of the sacrifices so many have made.

I hope you and your friends and family have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This year's parade will take place Monday, May 26 at 10am. The line of will run East from South Pine Creek Road along the Post Road to the Library, then South along Old Post Road to Flint's Corner, and then East along Old Post Road passing the Town Green and continuing beyond South Benson Road.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about medical debt relief, emergency legislation the House passed, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Medical Debt Relief 

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. You can view a sample of what this letter looks like at https://shorturl.at/6XUQs.
 

Medicaid Funding, Workers' Compensation Legislation 

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 to address the current state budget's Medicaid deficiency, which is unusually large because the legislature did not open the budget last year for budget adjustments as we typically do. This allocation ensures 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.
 

Autism and IDD Support 

This week, the House passed legislation that will foster a more inclusive and responsive system that better meets the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

This bill:

  • Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
  • Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
  • Reviews DDS investigation policies every 5 years
  • Launches statewide autism needs assessment
  • Studies future of Southbury Training School
  • Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases
 

EMS Week 

In Connecticut, we have:

  • 20,000+ certified EMS personnel
  • 450,000 emergency calls annually
  • 75 volunteer ambulance services providing EMS support
  • 58 volunteer fire departments providing EMS support
  • 24/7 dedication to our communities

Join me this EMS Week in honoring the dedication, courage, and lifesaving care of Connecticut’s EMS professionals. Thank you to every EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, and first responder who make the difference between life and death.
 

Open Hearts Festival 
Open Hearts Festival
Burr Mansion (739 Old Post Rd., Fairfield)
June 5, 5:30pm - town flag raising
6-8pm - DJ, dancing, food truck, and more
Read more here
 

Community Events 
A Deep Dive Into Friend Groups
Bigelow Senior Center (100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield)
June 4, 7pm
Read more here
Bird Walk with CT Audobon
Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum (1530 Bronson Rd., Fairfield)
June 14, 7:30-9:30am
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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