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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and yours well.
Don't forget tomorrow, Friday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the Derby delegation is holding a Legislative Coffee Update at the Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave., in Derby. |
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| This is a great way for you to connect with your state elected officials to discuss the issues that matter most to you. These informal discussions give me greater insight on how I can successfully advocate for you in Hartford.
I hope to see you there! |
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| Keeping open lines of communication is important to me as your feedback and insights enable me to better advocate on your behalf in Hartford. This session, there were numerous wins for working families, education, small businesses, healthcare, and more. Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be highlighting the bills that will impact your life the most and set Connecticut on a path to prosperity and equity. Below is a look at bills that help our veterans. |
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- HB 6449, An Act Expanding Economic Opportunity in Occupations Licensed by the Department of Public Health, reduces the requirements for healthcare professionals licensed in other states to obtain licensure and practice in Connecticut, making it easier for the family of service members to transfer into our state.
- HB 5592, An Act Redefining “Veteran” and Establishing a Qualifying Review Board, ensures all Connecticut veterans have access to state-provided services and benefits.
- HB 5737, An Act Establishing A Veterans and Military Tourism Trail, creates the Veterans and Military Tourism Trail to link memorials, battlegrounds and other historic sites related to CT's veterans and military history.
- HB 6483, An Act Concerning the Enrollment of Children of Members of the Armed Forces in Public Schools and the Establishment of a Purple Star School Program, adopts the "Purple Star School Program" to ensure military-friendly schools for children who must relocate schools due to a change in a parent's duty station. This takes a vital step to address some of the challenges children face when they switch schools and better supports military families.
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| Connecticut is implementing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for individuals with compromised immune systems to receive COVID-19 booster shots. Despite only making up a small percent of the population, immunocompromised individuals make up approximately 40% of hospitalized breakthrough cases. Studies indicate that some immunocompromised individuals may not develop the same immune response after receiving 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines as those who do not have compromised immune systems.
The CDC recommends individuals receive the 3 dose at least 4 weeks after their second dose. This recommendation only applies to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and not to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. |
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| With the Delta variant, it is more important than ever to roll up our sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine and to wear masks while we are in indoor public spaces. The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness is to get vaccinated and wear masks. Over a week ago, the CDC updated its masking guidelines to recommend everyone over 2 years wear a mask indoors regardless of their vaccination status.
Click the image above to find vaccine clinics in our area. If you need assistance scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
Residents can find additional vaccine sites by clicking here. They can also call CT's Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
Griffin Health Mobile is offering a free day pass to Quassy with a first COVID-19 vaccination dose! Additionally, individuals who get their second vaccine at the location at 4 Fourth St can receive a $25 gift card to an Ansonia restaurant.
Click here to get a list of locations the mobile vaccine mobile will be visiting. |
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| EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT TO INCREASE |
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| This session I worked alongside my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget which did not raise taxes, and focused on putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Connecticut families through increased tax credits.
Under the newly enacted budget, the Earned Income Tax Credit increased from 23% to 30.5%.
The Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable state income tax credit for working individuals and families. Qualifying Connecticut workers can now deduct 30.5% of their earned income from their annual state taxes. To qualify, individuals must have an adjusted gross income that is less than:
- $51,464 ($57,414 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children;
- $47,915 ($53,865 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children;
- $42,158 ($48,108 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child; or
- $15,980 ($21,920 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.
This increase will result in an additional $40 million delivered to the nearly 195,000 eligible households to assist with necessary expenses such as groceries, transportation, housing and more.
I am proud that our state budget supports the working families and residents across the state who were impacted most by the pandemic. |
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| SNAP BENEFITS TO INCREASE OCT. 1 |
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| I am pleased to report that the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have approved a significant and permanent increase in the amount of food stamp assistance available to families in need.
The pandemic further confirmed what activists have been saying all along: inadequate assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) forced many households to simply go hungry as the funds dwindled toward the end of the month.
Starting in October, SNAP benefits will rise an average of 25 percent—a permanent change that will benefit our nation's 42 million SNAP beneficiaries. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, beginning October 1, 2021.
This additional assistance will help individuals and families maintain a healthy diet and keep food on the table both during and after these uncertain times.
Click here to learn more about Connecticut's SNAP program, including information on how to apply for food assistance. |
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| PREPARE FOR PEAK HURRICANE SEASON |
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| It's peak hurricane season in Connecticut, which begins in mid-August and ends around mid-October. Make sure you're prepared for inclement weather and know how to keep yourself and your family safe during a weather emergency.
Below are some simple steps you can take to prepare:
- Download the CTPrepares' App in the Apple iTunes or Google Play store.
- Download or request a free copy of the CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide(available in ten languages) and use this guide to pack an Emergency Supply Kit and develop a Family Emergency Plan.
- Sign up for the State of Connecticut Emergency Notification System.
- Be aware of inclement weather forecasts and follow instructions from public safety officials.
- Visit www.211ct.org or dial 2-1-1 for the latest information on emergency shelters and storm relief resources in your community. You can also find tips on how to prepare and stay informed during different weather emergencies.
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| CT CHILDREN'S BACK TO SCHOOL KIT |
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| Connecticut Children's created a Back to School Kit to help answer questions and address concerns parents may have about the start of the new school year.
The Back to School Kit addresses a range of topics including how the Delta Variant could impact the school year, when the COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for kids 12 and under, and so much more. It also has important tips for parents on how to help children with special needs adjust to the school year, boost kids' school routine, and temporarily disconnecting from technology.
Click here to find the Back to School Kit. |
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| OPERATION FUEL UTILITY ASSISTANCE |
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Electricity costs tend to be at their highest during the summer months - so families struggle to pay their utility bills during this time. But there’s good news! Operation Fuel has funds available to help struggling families – right now – with programs for year-round energy assistance, water assistance, and homeless intervention and prevention, too.
Households whose income does not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance.
To apply online, visit Operation Fuel's secure portal here.
You can also connect with a fuel bank in your area. To schedule an appointment, enter your town in Operation Fuel’s Fuel Bank Finder. If you have questions or need assistance, call 860-243-2345.
Thanks to last year’s Take Back Our Grid Act (H.B. 7006), the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is now empowered to direct fine money, paid by utility companies and suppliers for violations, to Operation Fuel, 100% of which goes directly to supporting residents in need.
Don't miss this opportunity to get help now if you're struggling to pay your utility bills. Operation Fuel is here to help. Learn more at operationfuel.org. |
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| If you are a landlord with a tenant behind on rent or are a tenant struggling to catch up on rent payments, the UniteCT program can help. Launched in March using federal emergency COVID-19 funds, this program provides up to $15,000 directly to landlords on behalf of tenants who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are working to catch up on payments. Households making up to 80% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development area median income are eligible for the funds. For a household of 4 in Ansonia and Derby, the AMI is $78,500.
Landlords and tenants can initiate the online application process. Paper applications are not being accepted. Tenants and landlords can check their eligibility and start the online application by clicking the button below.
While the federal eviction ban has been extended to October 3, 2021, Valley landlords and tenants should still complete an application for the UniteCT program as processing times may impact when funds are disbursed to landlords.
Residents who need to access a computer can go to the Ansonia Public Library and Derby Public Library. |
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| ACCESS HEALTH CT SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD |
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| If you are still in need of quality, affordable health care, or want to save on your plan, it is not too late to get a plan during the Access Health Connecticut (AHCT) Special Enrollment Period. If you haven’t looked recently, prices for healthcare have PLUMMETED on Access Health thanks to new state and federal laws. The Special Enrollment Period ends on October 31 and enables new and existing customers to take advantage of newly available financial relief through the American Rescue Plan.
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, click here.
To complete an application, make sure you have the below information for yourself and anyone in your household applying for coverage:
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Visa, green card, immigration documents
- Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
- Current insurance coverage
- Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements, other employment information to confirm income for everyone in tax household
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*:
Learn more about Access Health CT here. |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
All my Best,
Kara Rochelle
State Representative
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