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Dear Neighbor,
We have one week to go for parents to apply for the Child Tax Rebate—so far more than 185,000 families or 289,883 dependents applied to receive their $250 per child up to three children. Even if you think you might not qualify, I highly recommend checking it out. Details are in the first section below.
Yesterday, we celebrated the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I shared a personal story yesterday on Facebook which you will also find below. While we have seen great changes because of the ADA, we can always do more including making sure healthcare providers are further trained on how to work with people with disabilities as well as working on more housing options for people with disabilities. I have a few ideas for legislation next session but am always open to hearing yours.
Additionally, you'll see information from CCMC and DPH on parechovirus and monkeypox—opportunities for people to learn more to protect themselves and their loved ones. Additionally, there is some great small business grant information.
Hope you survived the sweltering heat of the last week and are staying cool.
Have a great week,
Eleni |
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| Less Than a Week Left to Apply for CT Child Tax Payment |
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| There's still time to apply for Connecticut's Child Tax Payments!
Income eligible parents who had a child born before January 1, 2022 can receive a maximum payment of $250 per child up to 3 children. The tax payment is available to single parents who earned $100,000 or less and married households that made less than $200,000 during the 2021 tax year.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, July 31, 2022!
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| Applicants who have questions about the child tax payments can watch the United Way of Connecticut's info session. |
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| If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. |
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| Throwback to Reading to Canton Students |
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| A few months ago, I had so much fun as a "Mystery Reader" for kids at Canton Intermediate School. We read Dan Santat's, "After the Fall," which encourages kids to move past anxiety after a failure and try again, and "Beekle," an all-time favorite in our house about the importance of having a friend. The questions the children asked about my job and the stories they told about how they have overcome a failure were both adorable and inspiring. I'm looking forward to being back in the classroom soon. You can watch the video here. |
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| The Americans With Disabilities Act Turns 32! |
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When my great uncle Costa Miller (who worked for the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities) helped write the Americans with Disabilities Act, he could only dream it would stand the test of time and see expansion. Thanks to the ADA, his family and countless others have been seen and heard and received what they needed. There’s still work to do, but Tuesday was a day to celebrate the ADA's 32nd birthday. Did you know that the ADA National Network is a free resource that provides information and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Learn more about the resources you can access here. |
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| Parent Resources from Connecticut Children's |
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Connecticut Children's has several helpful resources for parents and caregivers about how they can help keep their kids safe and healthy this summer. Below is a look at some of the resources:
- FAQs for parents and caregivers:
- The CDC issued a warning to health professionals that parechovirus (PeV) is circulating. Click here to read what PeV is and how you can keep your family safe.
- Click here to have your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids 6 months and older answered.
- Click here to learn how you can prepare your kids for the upcoming school year.
- Connecticut Children's launches a new food program: families in Connecticut Children's Emergency Department will be screened for food insecurity. Those who are struggling with food insecurity will be provided fruit and vegetable vouchers, which can be used at the Hartford Food System Mobile Market set up outside the ED on Monday (11AM - 1PM) and Thursday (2PM - 4PM).
- COVID-19 Vaccines for kids 6 months and older: The CDC recommends that all children, ages 6 months and older, receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Connecticut Children's will be offering the vaccine for all children 6 months and older by appointment at its primary care locations every Saturday in August and September from 8AM to 12PM. Parents/caregivers can call 860-837-7250 to make an appointment.
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| DPH Hosting Monkeypox Webinar |
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| On Monday, the World Health Organization declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Monkeypox is most similar to smallpox; however, monkeypox is not as transmissible or fatal as smallpox. As of Tuesday, 24 monkeypox cases have been reported in Connecticut. Across the U.S., 3,591 cases have been reported. An overwhelming majority of cases are concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). As state, federal, and international leaders work to stem transmission of the virus, they must implement an equitable vaccine and public outreach strategy that prioritizes this group and removes barriers to access.
The Department of Public Health will hold a webinar on Thursday, July 28 at 1 p.m. to answer questions residents may have about monkeypox. Attendees will learn about current data and trends, prevention, pre and post-exposure prophylaxis, and more. To register, click here. |
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| CT Clean Air Act Signed into Law |
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We have long championed measures that promote a healthier environment. During the 2022 session, I proudly supported the Connecticut Clean Air Act, which is now law. I coauthored a provision that creates a voucher program to make electric bikes more accessible.
Connecticut residents deserve clean air, but transportation-related emissions have contributed to worsening air quality leading to higher rates of illnesses like asthma. Building out electric vehicle infrastructure, adopting medium and heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards, and modernizing transit fleets are valuable strategies in reducing emissions and ultimately, improving air quality for everyone.
This legislation:
- Invests in transitioning to electric and zero-emission state vehicles, school buses, and transit buses
- Promotes all school buses to be zero-emissions by 2030 for some districts and by 2035 in all other school districts
- Makes it easier for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint by increasing access to rebates and vouchers to buy electric vehicles through programs like CHEAPR
- Assists municipalities and businesses with the purchase of electric vehicle charging stations
- Equalizes the registration fee for electric vehicles with all other motor vehicles and establishes a voucher program for the purchase of electric bicycles
The Connecticut Clean Air Act is particularly important, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in West Virginia v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which severely limits the EPA's ability to regulate emissions, obstructing federal efforts to address climate change and pollution. You can read more about this bill here. |
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| CT Launches Loan Program Aiding Small Businesses |
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This week, the state launched the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, a low interest loan program for small businesses and nonprofits operating in our state. The fund is a public-private partnership focused on businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and historically underserved communities.
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for loans with a fixed, 4.5% interest rate. To be eligible, entities must operate in Connecticut, have 100 or fewer full-time employees, and have annual revenues of less than $8 million. Applicants will be matched with a lender if they qualify for a loan. Once matched, the lender will help the business owner throughout the application process.
More information is available here. |
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Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative |
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