Sandy Hook Anniversary

December 13, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

This weekend is the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre.

A date that never gets easier. So many lives were affected on this day in 2012, and many continue to struggle with the trauma that followed.

My thoughts are with the victims' families, the survivors of that horrible day, the responding law enforcement and the entire Newtown and Connecticut community. Though time has passed, you will never be forgotten.

Charlotte Bacon, 6

Daniel Barden, 7

Olivia Engel, 6

Josephine Gay, 7

Dylan Hockley, 6

Madeleine Hsu, 6

Catherine Hubbard, 6

Chase Kowalski, 7

Jesse Lewis, 6

Ana Márquez-Greene, 6

James Mattioli, 6

Grace McDonnell, 7

Emilie Parker, 6

Jack Pinto, 6

Noah Pozner, 6

Caroline Previdi, 6

Jessica Rekos, 6

Avielle Richman, 6

Benjamin Wheeler, 6

Allison Wyatt, 6

Rachel D'Avino, 29

Dawn Hochsprung, 47

Anne Marie Murphy, 52

Lauren Rousseau, 30

Mary Sherlach, 56

Victoria Leigh Soto, 27
In this week's eblast, you can read about a student loan forgiveness program, Access Health CT's open enrollment, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we 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:
  1. 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.
  2. Must be a CT resident for at least five years.
  3. 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.
  4. 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’s sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
  5. Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization that is 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.
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 opens on January 1. For more information or to apply in January, click HERE.
 
Interview with Lisa Wexler
It was great to join Lisa Wexler on The Lisa Wexler Show to talk about the upcoming legislative session and my priorities as Education Chair. We covered some of the main issues we'll be tackling over the next few months, including tackling smart devices in our schools, the impact of the understaffing of the State Department of Education (SDE), supporting students in our distressed municipalities, reducing standardized testing, and much more. These are complex issues, and I look forward to keeping you updated on all the progress we make during session. You can listen to our full interview here.
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
A deadline for Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment period is fast approaching. If you want your coverage to start January 1, 2025, you must enroll by on or before December 15. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2025, coverage will start on February 1, 2025.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. Go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325.

For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed there. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.

You can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator.

Connecticut has one of the best health insurance marketplaces in the country. Now is the time to make sure you and your family are covered for your healthcare needs!
 
Head Start on Housing Program

Governor Lamont’s Administration is continuing a groundbreaking initiative to connect young children experiencing homelessness with permanent housing. This initiative works collaboratively with the recently launched Head Start on Housing pilot program. It provides low-income families with young children access to free services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.

Connecticut’s Head Start on Housing pilot program has housed 144 families, including 317 children. The Connecticut Department of Housing will allocate 50 vouchers annually for Head Start and Early Head Start families. Connecticut has engaged housing and Head Start providers in several other states who have requested assistance in modeling the program.

You can read more about the program in this article from the CT Mirror.
 
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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