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| Friends & Neighbors,
Last Monday, I was happy to join Governor Lamont, the federal delegation, my colleagues in the state delegations, officials from the state Department of Transportation, local officials and more to discuss the passage of the bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the president signed into law earlier this week. This bill sends $5.4 billion to our state over the next 5 years to improve transportation infrastructure, like increasing service of the Waterbury Train Line and making other improvements to the line's service and amenities. |
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| Increased service on this line could mean economic development, jobs, and stability for our residents and community. This is significant for our community and I'm proud to serve as a passionate advocate and as a member of the team that is bringing this to fruition for Ansonia, Derby, and the entire Valley.
In addition to upgrading our rail infrastructure, this funding will help repair our state's bridges and highways, develop airport infrastructure, improve public transit, and build out our electric vehicle charging network. Additionally, the funds will expand access to broadband internet and safe, clean drinking water for every Connecticut resident. The bill also includes an important provision to support American-made products by creating an online hub that promotes transparency and ensures federal agencies buy products made in America.
You can find more information about this pivotal piece of federal legislation on the Hartford Courant website, here. |
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| TEAM TOYS 4 KIDS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS |
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| TEAM, Inc is now accepting applications for Toys 4 Kids 2021! Last year, TEAM helped Make Magic Happen for over 1,600 kids across our region and they are ready to do it again this year. If you would like to apply to participate in this year's program, you can find the application in English here, and in Spanish here. A TEAM staff member will contact you to review your application and establish a pick-up date between the dates of December 16 and 20.
Do you want to help TEAM achieve its mission to ensure every child in need receives gifts this holiday season? Click here to learn how!
TEAM is also taking steps to help Valley families that have undergone significant hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the upcoming holiday season, TEAM is accepting donations to help residents who are experiencing food insecurity. If you would like to donate, please click here, and select "Food Insecurity" from the dropdown menu. |
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| ACCESS HEALTH CT OPEN ENROLLMENT NOW UNDERWAY |
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| If you are looking for good, quality, and affordable healthcare, the annual Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period began November 1 and runs through January 15, 2022. With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, additional discounts are available and I encourage all residents, whether you currently have healthcare or not, to contact Access Health CT to see what savings are available for you and your family. Residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance coverage for the 2022 plan year.
To ensure your coverage starts on January 1, 2022, residents must enroll and complete their application by December 15, 2021. You can still enroll between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022 and apply for coverage that will start on February 1, 2022.
Starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.
There are several ways Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment, including:
- In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com. |
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| SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE |
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| Congratulations to Mead and Prendergast school students for being recognized as Charger Champions for their academic excellence! The 16 students were honored at a recent Ansonia Board of Education meeting for their stellar performance on the SBAC Assessment in English & Language Arts, Math, or both. You can read more on the Valley Independent Sentinel's website here. |
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As of November 4, Griffin Hospital is offering pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Pediatric vaccinations will be offered at the following sites:
- 10 Progress Dr, Shelton - Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Griffin Hospital Occupational Medicine Center, 10 Progress Dr, Shelton - Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 727 Rubber Ave, Naugatuck - Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More information about these clinics as well as clinics for adults is available on the Griffin Hospital website, here.
With the recent uptick in new cases, it's important that all of us do our part to roll up our sleeves to get the shot. While masks have been effective in preventing community spread, the vaccine offers significant protection against a severe case of COVID-19, preventing our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. |
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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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