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Dear Neighbor,
As you know, the work of a legislator does not stop when session ends. Throughout the year, I spend most of my week attending meetings and advocating for legislation that will positively impact the 57th district.
Below is just a highlight of some of the items I've been working on for you this week.
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The Future of Kids' Mental Health Panel on Sept. 8
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The Connecticut Historical Society, in partnership with Connecticut Children's, will host an virtual discussion on Thursday, September 8 at 7PM to help parents and caregivers gain a better understanding of the range of emotional and mental health issues facing our kids. During this chat, the expert panel will discuss the new kids mental health bill I worked on during the last session and its impact on kids in our state.
This is a free, virtual program that is open to the public. Register now by clicking here.
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Digital Backpack of Discounts for School Staff
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To show our support and appreciation for our PK-12 school staff, the State Department of Education has announced that in collaboration with local businesses and partner state agencies, school staff with have access to a Digital Backpack filled with exclusive discounts.
These discounts will be made available to all school and district staff working with students from PK-12th grade who hold a valid school or employer identification card, and are available now through Thursday, September 1. Click here to learn more.
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Back to School Backpack & Lunchbox Drive
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Stop by Evergreen Walk on Saturday, August 27 from 12PM-5PM for a fun, back-to-school event! Bring donations of school supplies, backpacks, and lunch boxes - and meet local police (including East Windsor Police K9 Mylo!) to stuff cruisers and firetrucks. There will be plenty of kids activities, music and more.
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Kids Identification Day at the Ellington Farmers Market
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The Connecticut State Police will be offering their services at the Ellington Farmers Market on Sunday, August 27 from 9AM-12PM for "Kids Identification Day." Parents can make a kit that includes fingerprints, photos and more to identify their children in the case of an emergency.
Having your child's information readily available for police officials will eliminate the need for many questions and save valuable time in an emergency. State Police Officers will make the kits on a first come, first served basis - so be sure to come early to save your spot!
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I want to alert you about a recent communication from the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) on a series of text scams that include links to fake webpages resembling CTDOL unemployment pages, including the unemployment benefits login page.
The texts appear to come from the agency and may read: ‘Connecticut’s Department of Labor warn Your account is abnormal’ or ‘Your unemployment is updated and logged in to view’.
It is strongly advised to ignore and delete these texts as the CTDOL does not process claims or verify identity and account information through text or social media.
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The only place to get information about your unemployment account is at www.ReEmployCT.com or call the Consumer Contact Center at www.FileCTUI.com.
If you think your personal information has been compromised, please notify your local law enforcement. In the case where you believe an unemployment claim has been filed using your identity, report that to the Department of Labor as well. The agency has information, reporting tools, and resources available on its fraud page.
Cyber security experts recommend regular account maintenance to maintain the integrity and security of your personal information. Best practices include:
- Use different passwords for your social media, banking, email, and other accounts.
- Change your passwords regularly.
- Use strong passwords—upper and lowercase letters, symbols, possibly a short phrase in lieu of a single word, and stay away from dictionary words.
- Monitor your accounts—if you had an email breach, other accounts may also be compromised.
If you receive a message via text or email and it seems suspicious, do not reply to the message, instead, independently search out the contact information for the organization so you can confirm the communication.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
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East Windsor Launches Buy Local Program
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East Windsor is supporting a "buy local" campaign through the new "East Windsor Small Business Passport Program."
The program will run now through Small Business Saturday on November 26. It's so easy to participate - any purchase made at a local participating business will be eligible for a passport sticker (one sticker per visit with a purchase). Participating businesses include:
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Agonist Gallery
At The Dam Restaurant
Bacher Corporation of Connecticut
Don's Auto Care Center
Double Acres & Broad Brook Beef
East River Massage
Funky Finds Boutique
Geissler’s Supermarket
Good Mornings Café
Harken's Market, LLC
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Maine Fish Market Restaurant
Mark's Tavern
Problem Solved Brewing
Scandinavian Gift Shop
Snaps Billiards & Bar
Sofia's Restaurant
Studio 44 Family Hair care
Swede's Jewelers
The Battle Standard
The Butchery
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Passports with 33 purchases or more will be qualified for entry into an exciting drawing:
- 45 stickers eligible for grand prize - $1500
- 39 stickers eligible for second prize - $1000
- 22 stickers eligible for third prize - $500
Completed passports must be returned to the Office of the First Selectman at Town Hall by the end of day on December 5. Prize drawings will be held during the Board of Selectman meeting scheduled for December 13.
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Inflation Relief for AHCT Customers
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Health insurance became more affordable for hundreds of thousands of Americans through enhanced premium tax credits created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). As historic inflation and the lingering economic impacts of COVID-19 tightened budgets, these subsidies kept coverage more affordable for about 65,000 Connecticut residents. With these subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, about 21,000 Connecticut families would have seen their premiums increase on January 1, 2023.
With the signing of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, these subsidies will be extended through 2025, enabling Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through Access Health CT to continue receiving premium assistance.
Residents can receive free enrollment assistance through the following options:
- Online by visiting www.accesshealthct.com and by using the "Live Chat" icon to connect with a representative Monday-Friday from 8AM to 3:45PM.
- In-Person with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. Visit bit.ly/3QWRM9W to locate one.
- Calling an Access Health CT customer service representative at 1-855-805-4325 Monday-Friday from 8AM to 4PM. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
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CareerConneCT - A One-Stop-Shop for Workforce Training
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Was your employment impacted by the pandemic? I'm happy to share that CareerConneCT, a program I supported which will benefit thousands of state residents, is up and running with with $70 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
More than 19 job training programs are available to help train Connecticut workers mostly underrepresented in the workforce, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, the re-entry population, opportunity youth, veterans, immigrants, and women.
You can learn more about CareerConneCT here.
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West Nile Virus Detected in 17 Towns
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Heads up this weekend! As West Nile Virus spreads through Connecticut, be sure you take all possible steps to prevent mosquito bites. Don't forget to reapply repellent as instructed on the label!
Find a whole list of tips from the CDC here.
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Sincerely,
Jaime Foster
State Representative
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