July 23 Newsletter: Bonding Projects, Access Health Enrollment & More

Rep. Exum and Rep. Kavros DeGraw
July 23, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
 

Legislative Update & Coffee in Avon
Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw and I were pleased to meet with residents Friday morning at BeanZ & Co. in Avon to provide a recap of the 2021 legislative session.

Many of the laws that get passed each year start off as ideas at events like this, and it was great to see and hear from people in person again after a year of Zoom events! I am grateful to all those who joined us to share their thoughts and concerns.
 

Family Resource Center

(Photo via Rep. Jillian Gilchrest)
On Thursday I was happy to join my legislative colleagues, Governor Lamont, and other state officials at the Family Resource Center in West Hartford to highlight the benefits of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The Family Resource Center was one of 36 facilities across Connecticut which received ARP funds to help organize summer enrichment programs to help children learn and socialize over the summer break with fun activities.
 

Bonding for West Hartford Projects

(Photo by We-Ha.com)

I applaud the approval of state funding for the acquisition of property in West Hartford for the construction of a sustainable and energy efficient building for the future Elmwood Community Center. The approval was granted earlier today by the State Bond Commission.

$2.5 million was approved by the Bond Commission for the Town of West Hartford to acquire property for future use as the Elmwood Community Center/Cultural Center. The funding will also complete a functional program development, feasibility study, and preconstruction services. The Town of West Hartford will complement the state funding with $500,000 for the acquisition stage of the project. 

$150,000 was also approved by the Bond Commission for modifications/signal replacement at the Routes 44/218 intersection in West Hartford.

When the pandemic struck, not being able to go to a place like the Elmwood Community Center was hard on many families, and it showed just how much we all rely on it as a place for our community to gather. As we return to normal, we owe it to our community to make sure the center modernizes in order to meet the growing needs of our neighbors for years to come.

I am so grateful to the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of this community mainstay.
 

Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period Deadline is August 15th
If you are still in need of quality, affordable health care it is not too late to get a plan through Access Health Connecticut (AHCT), but time is running out. The American Rescue Plan Special Enrollment Period deadline is August 15th!

The American Rescue Plan has virtually eliminated, or vastly reduced monthly payments (premiums) for many people with low and moderate incomes and has saved Connecticut residents more than $4.5 million to date.

This financial help is offered only through Access Health CT and benefits many, including those with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums. If you need coverage please don't hesitate to reach out. For more information on the AHCT Special Enrollment Period and the American Rescue Plan, visit AccessHealthCT.com.

Access Health CT will continue to offer free help: 

  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: click “Live Chat” icon) 
    • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us with a relay operator
    • Extended Call Center Hours for close of the Special Enrollment Period: Sat., August 14 and Sun., August 15 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • With Enrollment Specialists in the community
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations*: 

Please note: These locations will welcome customers by appointment only with strict safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks, social distancing, and standard health questionnaire.
 

Food Support for Qualifying Families
Last Friday, over 57,800 students enrolled in the free or reduced-price meals program received the last round of the Pandemic EBT funding. This Friday, over 218,500 qualifying families will receive additional emergency food benefits through SNAP. Please find more information below on these latest rounds of food support and how to access assistance.

As of last Friday, July 16:

DSS mailed EBT cards to households of over 57,800 schoolchildren not currently enrolled in a number of assistance programs throughout the state, and who did not receive their benefits in April or May. DSS deposited P-EBT food benefits into their new accounts. The EBT cards will arrive with instructions on how to activate them and access the food benefits. Benefits may differ from student to student and depend on the learning model the child was in each month, with an average benefit amount estimated at $418 per child.

Where can I use EBT cards?  Benefits can be used at any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards. This includes farmers’ markets and direct market farms. In fact, enrollees can double the value of P-EBT or other SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets participating in CT Fresh Match. P-EBT participants will also have online access to eligible food purchases through delivery or curbside pickup at participating retailers Amazon, Aldi & Price Chopper/Market 32 via Instacart, BJ’s Wholesale Clubs, ShopRite, and Walmart. Click here to learn more.

Do I need to apply?  No. Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, as DSS and the Department of Education use attendance information provided by schools to determine if children are eligible for P-EBT.
 As of Friday, July 23 (today):

Eligible Connecticut families will receive additional emergency food benefits. The Connecticut Department of Social Services will deliver $33.2 million in Emergency SNAP benefits to over 218,500 Connecticut households at the end of this week.

Who will receive additional funds?  Monthly allocations of emergency SNAP benefits are going to all enrolled households, based on continuance of a declared public health emergency related to COVID-19 in Connecticut. Details can be found by clicking here.

This new distribution of additional emergency benefits is great news for qualifying families. If you or someone you know is not receiving food-related benefits as needed, please click here for FAQs and contact info regarding SNAP benefits.