| Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application process is now open!
The application takes about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. Applicants do not need to log in or provide any documents. Borrowers will have until December 31, 2023 to apply.
Nearly 40 million Americans will be eligible for this relief. Individuals making less than $125,000 per year and couples earning less than $250,000 could qualify for up to $10,000 in relief. Borrowers who received a Pell Grant are eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness.
The debt relief only applies to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. New loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022 will not be eligible for relief. |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced an upcoming nighttime bridge maintenance project on Route 8 northbound and southbound in Shelton.
The project is scheduled to occur from Sunday, October 23 - Thursday, November 10.
Lane Closure Info:
- Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 8 Northbound and Southbound in Shelton between Exit 13 (Constitution Blvd) and Exit 15 (Main St.) in Shelton/Derby
- Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone
- The regular work schedule for this project is from 7:30PM - 5:30AM
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New England Farmer Microgrants Program
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| Applications are open for the 2023 New England Farmer Microgrants Program (NEFMP)!
The NEFMP provides direct financial support to farmers across New England. The program seeks to address some of the key barriers faced by farmers in the region: access to farmland, farm succession/transfer planning, and the adoption of regenerative farming practices.
In 2023, NEFMP will consist of two separate funding opportunities. Most funds will be awarded as $10,000 grants through the Western New England Regenerative Livestock Farming conservation partnership project, aimed at livestock producers in select counties. A smaller number of awards will be granted through the Farmland Access, Succession, and Transfer Support funding opportunity, in amounts of $5,000 each, for farmers anywhere in New England.
If you need the materials in Spanish, please email Kristen Irvin. Si necesita los materiales en español, envíe un correo electrónico a Kristen Irvin.
Please click the button below to learn more and apply before November 4th. |
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| As a thank you for their tireless work, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $400.
Individuals are eligible for this bonus if they work in:
- Licensed centers
- Group childcare homes
- Family childcare homes
- License-exempt programs that receive school readiness or child daycare contract funds
Childcare program operators will be required to apply for the funds and then disburse the payments to their childcare staff. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will contact eligible childcare programs and provide them with additional information. Click here to learn more. |
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Absentee Ballot Applications
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The General Election on November, 8 is less than a month away!
To ensure that your voice is heard this election, please find important information below about voter registration, and absentee ballots:
Are you registered to vote?
Do you need an Absentee Ballot?
- You can download Absentee Ballot Applications on your Town Clerk's website
- You can also request an Absentee Ballot on the new portal created by the SOTS
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Aid for Florida & The Caribbean
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| As Florida, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic continue to build back from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, we can maintain our support!
Below I have shared a number of verified organizations and donation sides for you to provide aide for those in need.
Florida:
Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic:
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| As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.
Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.
Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.
Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.
Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.
Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.
Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict. |
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