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Dear Neighbor,
The third major heatwave of the summer is upon us! I hope you're staying cool at work or at home, and if you can't be there, that you take advantage of one of the options in Avon or Canton listed below.
I had the opportunity to drop off a couple dozen boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to the Avon Senior Center this week (don't worry, Canton received theirs a while back) and I hope that if you're there this week, you're getting to enjoy a sweet treat. I've also left behind ways that I can help you if you're a senior. Always here to help!
In this issue, you'll find several programs that are new or expanding, so I hope you check them out below.
Looking ahead, don’t forget that next week, Democrats and Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in the Tuesday, August 9th primary.
Until next week, I hope you can find some relief from this heat, are hydrating, and checking on your neighbors. And don't forget to keep our furry friends safe!
Have a great week,
Eleni |
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| Extreme Heat Protocol in Effect Through Friday |
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| High temperatures are in the forecast over the next several days, prompting activation of Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol, which will remain in effect through 8 PM on Friday, August 5, 2022. Temperatures are expected to reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index in the low to mid 90s.
The state's extreme hot weather protocol ensures vulnerable populations can access protection from the heat. A system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information about cooling centers so residents can seek relief from the heat.
The following cooling centers are open in our area:
Avon
- Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd, Tuesday - Thursday, 10 AM to 8:30 PM; Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 1 PM
- Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Rd, Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Canton
- Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave,10 AM to 3:30 PM
- Library area, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Water will be available via the fountains
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to locate one near them.
For more information and tips on how to stay safe during the extreme heat, please click here.
Additional safety tips and extreme heat-related information can be found on 211ct.org's Extreme Hot Weather Page or in 2-1-1 Extreme Heat Precautions and Safety Tips. |
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| Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program |
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| Connecticut's Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program (ADTLS) aims to increase recruitment and retention of high-quality staff in Alliance School Districts. Passed in 2021, this program allows educators who commit to teaching in an Alliance District to refinance their student loans at a lower interest rate.
When teachers refinance to a Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) alliance district teacher loan, their interest rate will be reduced by a three-percentage point subsidy compared to the standard finance rate.
Teachers will receive that interest rate subsidy as long as they continue to teach in an Alliance District and maintain a Connecticut Educator Certification. Teachers can refinance any amount between $5,000 and $25,000.
Learn more about the program here. |
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| HUSKY Maternal Health Coverage Expanded to 12 Months |
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| I'm pleased to announce that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the State of Connecticut’s request to extend Medicaid (known in Connecticut as HUSKY) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for 12 months after pregnancy.
This extension will allow all individuals twelve months of HUSKY coverage to address postpartum health needs, which may include recovery from childbirth, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. This will help reduce maternal mortality and takes a step forward in our fight to end racial disparities as they pertain to maternal mortality.
Parents enrolled in HUSKY Health will automatically receive this extended coverage. Parents not currently enrolled in HUSKY Health can apply through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com or 1-855-805-4325. Read more about this announcement here. |
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| Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Available |
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| The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) aims to provide income-eligible residents ages 60 and older with access to farm fresh produce. Participating seniors will receive 1 coupon booklet containing six $4 checks to redeem at FMNP-authorized locations across our state to purchase fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. To find a distribution site and to learn more about this program, please click here. |
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Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative |
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