CT Launches Teen Safe Driving Video Contest

October 24, 2022


 
View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

Access Health CT has expanded its Navigator Program so that more residents can access one-on-one assistance to navigate the health insurance enrollment process. The Navigator Program will assist residents year-round, even outside of the Open Enrollment period, which begins on November 1, 2022. You can read more about this and how to enroll in insurance coverage through AHCT here.

In this week's email, you will find information on:

  • Pequot Library Receives CT Humanities Grant
  • Making Fairfield More Bike Friendly
  • CT Launches Teen Safe Driving Video Contest
  • More Services Available on DMV Website
  • Stay Safe During Flu Season
  • Medicare Open Enrollment Underway
  • Recognize the Caregiver in Your Family During National Caregivers Month
 
Pequot Library Receives CT Humanities Grant
The Pequot Library received a $79,500 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant through CT Humanities to aid its recovery from the pandemic. The library was one of more than 600 cultural organizations to receive more than $16.1 million in total grants. I proudly supported the Pequot Library's application for these funds, which will help it make its collections more accessible, diversity its audients, and grow revenue through increased outreach in nearby communities, and strategic fundraising initiatives. 

CT Humanities is accepting applications for its next round of funding. The organization will distribute $8.5 million in awards ranging from $5,000 to $250,000. Museums, historic houses, historical societies, arts organizations, cultural centers, and more are invited to submit an application for this grant program that helps organizations maintain and expand their programming, and improve their information technology and digital infrastructure.

The deadline to apply is November 4 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more and start the application process.
 
Making Fairfield More Bike Friendly
Welcome to the new Trek store in Fairfield! They repair all bikes, not just Trek, and also have a wide selection of electric bikes. Thanks to the Connecticut Clean Air Act,  which I proudly supported this session, you can receive a $500 rebate for e-bike purchases. You can read more about this program here. The law also increases access to rebates and vouchers for consumers to purchase electric vehicles, aids municipalities and businesses with purchasing EV charging stations, and invests in transitioning to electric and zero-emission state vehicles, school buses, and transit buses. Connecticut's transportation sector is the largest source of our state's emissions, accounting for about 38% of total emissions. This law takes steps to improve air quality so that future generations can breathe easier. 

If you are interested in helping to make our community more bike (and pedestrian) friendly, click here to learn more about the great work our local Bike and Pedestrian Committee is doing. 
 
CT Launches Teen Safe Driving Video Contest
Connecticut has launched its 14th Annual Safe Teen Driving Video Contest, which engages high school students on the dangers of distracting driving and the importance of driving responsibly. The announcement coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Week falling during the week of October 16 through 22. This year's contest is co-sponsored by the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers. The contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled Connecticut high school students between the ages of 14 and 18. Participants will produce a creative, unique, and effective video public service announcement that is up to 45 seconds in length and highlights how teens can practice safe driving habits while obeying our state's teen driving laws.

Winning students and their high schools will be awarded up to $26,000 in cash prizes. Students have until January 31, 2023 to submit their PSA. You can read the full contest rules and how to submit a video here.
 
More Services Available on DMV Website
Your visit to the DMV website just got easier! As part of the state's efforts to reduce in-person visits and wait times at DMV offices, the DMV website will provide more streamlined services and more online service options for residents. The newly updated website will also offer expanded language options including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. 

In the coming weeks, Connecticut residents will be able to request refunds when canceling vehicle and vessel registrations and replacing lost titles. Until now, these services can only be completed using paper forms. Through these efforts, DMV wait times have dramatically decreased. Today, wait times are less than 15 minutes, on average.

You can read more about this here. Have something you need to take care of at the DMV? Click here to see if you can get it done through the new website.
 
Stay Safe During Flu Season
Flu season is upon us and a yearly flu vaccine can help protect against serious illness. After getting the vaccine, it will take about two weeks for your body to develop the antibodies that can protect you from the flu. To get a flu shot, check with your healthcare provider or call your local health department. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you that is administering flu shots. For more information, please click here.
 
Medicare Open Enrollment Underway
 
Medicare open enrollment began on Saturday, October 15. This is an opportunity to review your coverage and find out if you could save money on insurance. 

Residents who are 65 years and older have until December 7, 2022 to review coverage, compare plans, enroll in a new plan, and potentially save money. Coverage will begin in 2023. Click the button below to learn more about the Open Enrollment process and get started.
Learn More Here
If you need assistance choosing a plan during open enrollment, please call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also call Connecticut's Program for Health Insurance Assistance, Outreach, Information and Referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening (CHOICES) at 1-800-994-9422.

If you are not eligible for Medicare but need insurance coverage, the Access Health CT (AHCT) Open Enrollment period will begin on November 1. If you have experienced a qualifying life event where you lost your health insurance coverage, you can start the enrollment process prior to November 1. Learn more about AHCT Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment periods here.
Register Here
 
Recognize the Caregiver in Your Family During National Caregivers Month
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans serve as a caregiver for a member of their family? In recognition of National Caregivers Month in November, CT Paid Leave would like to honor caregivers for all that they selflessly do. If you know someone who is caring for a loved one, click here to find out how to send them a treat and let them know how much they're appreciated.

CT Paid Leave understands how important caregivers are and the challenges they face taking time away from work to care for themselves or their families. That is why the Connecticut General Assembly created the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Through this program, eligible persons can receive 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick loved one or themselves. You can learn more about this program here.
 
I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
 

Click the Website link below to sign a friend up for email updates!
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences