2/22/21 Newsletter: Vaccine Update, Commission for Intellectual Disabilities, Eversource Utility Assistance, & Winter Storm Resources

February 26, 2021

The Governor announced today that Connecticut will be relying on an age-based approach in expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure our state stays on track in administering the vaccine in an efficient and equitable way to as many residents as possible. 
 
Age has proven to be one of the strongest factors contributing to COVID-19 deaths, with 96% of COVID-19 deaths in Connecticut occurring in people over the age of 55.
To that end, an age-based schedule of eligibility has been set over the next couple of months helping to give state residents peace of mind in knowing when they will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
 
·      March 1, 2021: Eligibility expands to age group 55 to 64
·      March 22, 2021: Eligibility expands to age group 45 to 54
·      April 12, 2021: Eligibility expands to age group 35 to 44
·      May 3, 2021: Eligibility expands to age group 16 to 34
 
To further ensure equitable allocation of the vaccine the Connecticut Department of Public Health will set numerical targets and work with vaccine providers to ensure that vaccines are administered to people living in the highest-risk communities in proportion to their population. 
 
The Governor also announced that educators and childcare providers will be eligible to receive the vaccine at dedicated clinics. They will receive information soon from their school administrators and employers on when their dedicated clinics will be provided.

Over the last month, I worked with my colleagues to advocate on behalf of teachers, substitutes, and staff members so that they would be included as soon as possible in the vaccination schedule. While I wish that it had happened sooner, I am grateful that dedicated sites will be part of the process.
 
All eligible individuals in Connecticut are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. Residents aged 55 to 64 should not attempt to make an appointment now – they will not be able to schedule an appointment until the vaccine rollout expands to their age group on March 1.
 
Please note that while the age-based eligibility system does simplify some things, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is still a massive logistical operation and there may be delays due to supply shortages and weather. 
 
To locate vaccination clinics, individuals should visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code. From there, users will be shown the nearest available clinics and provided with specific directions on how to make an appointment at each one, including over the internet and over the telephone.
 
Those who do not have access to the internet can call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The line is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
I look forward to a majority of Connecticut residents being vaccinated in the coming months. 
 
Appointment to Commission on Intellectual Disabilities

I was recently appointed as a member of the bipartisan commission on Intellectual Disabilities and the Impact of COVID-19. This commission will work to develop solutions to the numerous hardships felt by individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the pandemic. 

 I am proud to accept this appointment and work across the aisle with fellow legislators in order to create essential programs and legislation for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is imperative that these individuals and their families receive the support that they deserve. The isolation and lack of services that many people endured this year was immensely challenging and we must develop a system to ensure unwavering supports for their futures.

As a member of the Public Health Committee, I have an acute understanding of the current legislative proposals received by the committee, and how to best develop proposals which will aid individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Additionally, I have co-introduced the legislative proposal, H.B. 6121, which aims to establish a workforce development pipeline for persons with disabilities.

"Rep. Kavros DeGraw is an experienced leader who understands how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various communities across the state. As a member of this bipartisan commission, I am confident Rep. Kavros DeGraw will use her knowledge and talent to help us analyze the unique impact and experiences individuals with disabilities have had during the pandemic, and recommend legislation to develop more effective and inclusive strategies," said House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D – East Hartford, Manchester).
 
Eversource Utility Assistance 

Eversource is encouraging customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills to participate in one of two online webinars to learn about solutions available to help. The webinars will include information about protection from service disconnection, programs to reduce unpaid balances with affordable monthly payments, extended payment plans and no-cost energy efficiency programs to lower energy bills. The webinars will be held Wednesday, February 24 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Advanced registration is required, customers can sign up to attend either session at Eversource.com/Billhelp.

Company representatives will outline the following programs during the webinars:

Matching Payment Program

  • Income-eligible residential customers who heat their home with electricity or natural gas can get help paying their energy bill. Customers can set up an affordable monthly payment arrangement with Eversource – with monthly payments as low as $50 for customers receiving certain government benefits. Apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) through a local Community Action Agency.  Pay the agreed upon monthly payment each month and qualify to receive CEAP and receive a dollar for dollar credit on your account, down to a zero balance.

New Start Program

  • Income-eligible, electric customers can reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference.

COVID-19 Payment Plan

  • Available to any customer, residential and business, requesting financial assistance, without demonstrating financial need; requires no initial down payment;
  • Can be up to 24 months;
  • Any late payment fees or interest is waived in the calculation of the monthly payment amount
  • Any customer enrolled in a COVID-19 Payment Program who is current with their payment terms cannot be disconnected even once service disconnections resume.  

Energy Efficiency Solutions

  • Customers can sign up for Home Energy SolutionsSM – when a certified technician checks a customer’s home to identify places it can be tightened up to save money and energy. The technician makes on-the-spot improvements such as sealing up drafty doors and windows, closing air gaps around pipes and upgrading to LED lighting. *This service is available to income-eligible customers at no cost.

Customers can learn more about payment programs  at Eversource.com/BillHelp. Information on energy efficiency programs is available at www.energizect.com.
 
Winter Resources 

New England winter weather is living up to its reputation with snow storms looming and mixed precipitation in current forecasts.

As we have seen from recent storms, heavy snow, strong winds, and frigid temperatures could potentially become life-threatening, especially for young children and elderly people.
The best way to stay safe during a winter storm or any storm is to be prepared ahead of time.

Below is a list of resources that I hope you will find helpful.
Useful Resources