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Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Colleagues,
Have you heard about the new Health Horizons Program?
Connecticut has launched a new initiative to support 1,200 students become nurses and social workers. This program is a result of the state budget that my Democratic colleagues and I approved to increase workforce development and help people begin careers in high-demand career fields. Through CT Health Horizons, we are taking a multi-step approach of tuition assistance for accelerated learning programs, recruit & retain faculty to expand seating for students, and promote partnerships with employers to open more career pathways.
You can learn more about this new program here.
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| TESTIFY AGAINST PROPOSED HEALTH INSURANCE RATE HIKES |
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| Insurance companies have requested that the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) approve a rate increase by an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. Insurers claim this proposed hike is a result of the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, but it comes at a time when we are already facing the highest inflation rates in 40 years.
To help prepare the public, the Connecticut Citizen Action Group released updates to its Five Families reports - showing, for instance, that just three of these companies spent $13 billion in 2021 buying back shares of their own stock.
You have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the insurance companies proposing these rate hikes!
On Monday, August 15th at 9:00 AM, the CID will host a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.
The Monday meeting will offer a hybrid participation platform. Anyone wishing to view the meeting virtually can watch on CT-N. Anyone who wants to speak virtually at the meeting via Zoom can sign up by clicking the button below to send an email with your name and written comments attached. |
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Anyone wishing to view the meeting in person can watch it at the Legislative Office Building. Anyone who wants to speak in person can sign up on the morning of the meeting, just ahead of its 9:00 AM start time – 8:30 AM.
The CID is also seeking your input on increased rate proposals filed by Aetna, Anthem Health Plans, and United Healthcare/Oxford for the 2023 plan year. You can view the rate requests and provide public comment by clicking the button below. |
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| BACK TO SCHOOL WITH STAMFORD CRADLE TO CAREER |
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| Did you know that August is National Welcome Back to School Month? Stamford Cradle to Career is working to get students ready for the upcoming school year through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club, Rossco, and Intempo. Below are some resources and events to help Stamford parents and children succeed. |
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| Raising Highly Capable Kids Casting
Vision Casting on September 6, 2022 - Attending the vision casting (Via Zoom) is required before attending the full facilitator training on September 13th. Read more here |
| New Parent Resources
This New Parent Resource gives families full access to free resources available throughout the city of Stamford. All resources are offered in English and Spanish. Read more here |
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Kindergarten & New Student 2022 - 2023 Registration
Students new to Stamford Public Schools may now register for the 2022-2023 school year. You can start the registration process here. Be sure to use the links in the bottom of the page. To learn more, contact your child’s district school or email the Office of Family & Community Engagement at OFCE@stamfordct.gov.
For a copy of the flyer, click here
Para bolante en español, haga clic |
Back 2 School Book Bags & School Supply Giveaway
Tomorrow, August 13th from 12 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Bethel A.M.E. Church will host its 6th Annual Community Day Back 2 School Book Bags & School Supply Giveaway at Hatchfield Park. There will be music, games, food, face painting and so much more! For more information, please call 203-348-3879 or email bethelstamford@optimum.net. |
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End Hunger Connecticut
End Hunger CT! can help you find out if you're eligible for SNAP benefits. You can use their online Prescreener, or call 866-974-SNAP (7627).
NEW: SNAP Call Center hours are now available for older adults Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Please email SNAP@endhungerct.org or call (866) 974-7627 and ask for an appointment. |
Ferguson Library Children's Summer Celebration
The Ferguson Library South End Branch (34 Woodland Ave) will be holding its End of Summer Celebration on Saturday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This party will feature a balloon artist, face painters, Steve Johnson's Magic Variety show and more! All ages are welcome. For more information, call 203-351-8242 or click here. |
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| In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the over 400 Navajo men recruited during World War II as Code Talkers, an elite group of U.S. Marines who developed an unbreakable code using their native language, a code the Japanese never broke.
Today, only three Navajo Code Talkers remain from the original 400 USMC Navajo Code Talkers: Peter MacDonald Sr., Thomas H. Begay, and John Kinsel. Honor and remember those we have lost by viewing the full list of Navajo Code Talkers here. |
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| ESSENTIAL CT WORKERS CAN APPLY FOR HERO PAY |
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| Health care workers, grocery store employees and other private-sector employees who staffed vital services during the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic can begin applying for up to a $1,000 bonus from the state. The application period runs until October 1st. Visit the online portal here. |
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| MONKEYPOX VACCINATION SITES IN CT |
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In an effort to secure additional funds and resources to combat the monkeypox outbreak, U.S. leaders declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. Cases in the U.S. surpassed 10,500.
The state Department of Public Health launched a vaccine program to make doses available for those most at risk:
- People who are close personal contacts of someone with monkeypox OR those who may have been exposed to the virus, OR those who may have increased risk of exposure
There are 16 vaccine sites across our state to reach as many eligible residents as possible. Eligible CT residents can call the clinic nearest them to make an appointment and get vaccinated at no charge and regardless of their immigration and insurance status. More information and clinic contact info is available here. |
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As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022:
Data updates on testing in Connecticut
The following is a summary of newly reported data on COVID-19 in Connecticut from the past 7 days.
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Overall Summary
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Cumulative
(except for hospital census)
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Past 7 days
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Positive PCR/NAAT Tests
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938,427
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4,934
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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15,137,859
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40,049
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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12.32%
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Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19
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335
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-1
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COVID-19 Associated Deaths
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11,165
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1
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| To read the full daily data report, visit data.ct.gov/coronavirus and click the button labeled, “Daily Data Report.” That website also contains several other data reports, including on the topics of vaccinations, schools, nursing homes, child care, congregate settings, and economic impact. |
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| As always, don't hesitate to contact me at the Capitol at 860-240-8585 or email me at David.Michel@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to like my Official Facebook Page for news and legislative updates!
Sincerely,
David Michel
State Representative |
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