Rep. Delany Legislative Update 7/13

July 13, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

I hope you and your family have been well.

Below you will find a recap of events in and around the community that I was involved in as well as some other items that I believe you will find useful.

Have a good rest of your week!
 
VETERANS CORNER

This weekend I was in Uniform for the U.S. Army as a military journalist, and I helped tell the story of my fellow service-members who are retiring at the end of their long and storied careers. 

 

Although I missed being at home in Stamford, it is a privilege to be able to learn from from the collective lessons and experiences from some of our country’s best Soldiers. 
 
HONORING OUR HEROES


Earlier Today Mayor Simmons, the other members of the Stamford Delegation and I visited the Stamford Fire Department Headquarters to honor the service of the Firefighters who saved two women in one day last week.

 

These firefighters are humble and hardworking. They serve as true examples  of selfless service to our community!

 

Thank you for your service!
 

FUNDING IN THE COMMUNITY

This week State Representative David Michel, Dan Fox, Matt Blumenthal, Kimberly Fiorello, myself, and State Senator Ryan Fazio, spoke with the staff of the New Covenant Center, and the Catholic Charities of Fairfield County on the increase in support they will be receiving this year through our state budget and the potential for growth and service in our community!

 

Throughout the pandemic New Covenant Center to served daily lunch and dinner meals to 175 people, and provided an additional 400-500 meals (600-700 total per day) to the people of Pacific House, Inspirica House, Building One Community, Always Reaching for Independence (ARI), and others. 

 

I would like to extend a special thank you to John Gutman, Mike Donoguhe, and Maureen Newberger for all your hard work. I am looking forward to working together to secure more resources to uplift our community!
 

COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS


This Sunday I will be at the Parkway Diner from 11pm - 1pm!!

 

I will be there to answer questions, listen to concerns, and to make myself available to our community.

 

If anyone has any questions, needs any help, or knows someone who needs help in District 144, then please come on down!!
 

STORY WALK!

 This Sunday from 1100am - 1:00pm I will also be at the Jackie Robinson Park of Fame to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson Breaking Baseball’s color barrier. 
 
ReEmploy CT
I am pleased to share ReEmployCT, a revamped and modern Connecticut Department of Labor online platform that streamlines services and facilitates unemployment and tax filing.
 
ReEmployCT offers 24/7 access for filing up to two previous weeks, filing a new claim because you reached the end of your benefit year, or if you are re-opening an existing unemployment claim due to a break in filing. For example, you were unable to work for the week due to illness.
Please make sure to: 
  • Enter your user ID and password correctly. If you get locked out of your account use the lockout form to get back in. 
  • Remember, your name, birth date, and Social Security number have to match what’s already in the system. This is a security feature to ensure no one else is trying to access your benefits. 
 
Consumer Contact Center

 
If you have any questions, the Consumer Contact Center is available to help. With new filers and a new system, please be patient while agents are working with other filers. It is also recommended to schedule a callback, which you can do right from the website. Use the drop-down menu to choose the topic, then pick your date and time.
 
I look forward to this new system making it easier than ever to receive the necessary services to file claims in the most efficient and effective manner. Please share this information with anyone who might find it useful.
 
CONNECTICUT’S FREE COMMUNITY
COLLEGE PROGRAM DEADLINE APPROACHING
 

If you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, I have some important information to share with you! The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15.
PACT funding covers the gap between federal and state grants you receive, and community college tuition and mandatory fees.This session, we passed legislation expanding eligibility for PACT funding to part-time college students.
 
Applicants must be Connecticut high school graduates who are first-time college students, have completed the FAFSA application, plan on taking at least six credits per semester, and are working toward a degree or certificate.
 

The goal of PACT was to make higher education more accessible. Including part time students will further increase the reach of this program.  Click

here to learn more.
 
COVERED CONNECTICUT
I am pleased to share that  Covered Connecticut has expanded to allow adults without children eligibility for the program and will now provide dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits.


Covered Connecticut has provided health insurance at no cost to more than 800 parents and caretaker relatives in the state who have met all eligibility requirements since it launched in July 2021.
To qualify, Connecticut residents must have a household income up to and including 175% of the federal poverty level and not qualify for HUSKY Health/Medicaid because of income. Residents must be eligible for financial help, including advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and use 100% of their financial aid. They must also enroll in a silver-level health insurance plan.

Federal Poverty Level Chart:
For free online help, residents should visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “live chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real-time. Live chat is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
For free in-person help, residents may work with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. For more information, visit the Get Help webpage at AccessHealthCT.com/get-help.
In addition, residents may visit either of Access Health CT’s Navigator partner locations:

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
Learn More