State Capitol Update for the Week of December 19th

December 23, 2022
Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of December 19th.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the video below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

 
 

I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday!  While celebrating this holiday season's traditions and festivities may be more normal than recent years, please continue to take reasonable precautions to help keep everyone safe. I myself am fighting a non-COVID bug of some kind, so I’m going to be travelling tomorrow in my mask to keep fellow travelers safe as possible. 

Holidays can be joyous, and they can be hard – maybe both.  This year has certainly brought plenty of struggles, so if you know someone that may need encouragement, please reach out.

Sending wishes of a joyous and safe holiday weekend!

Here is a list of today's topics:
 
  • COVID-19 weekly update. Click here
  • Cold Weather Protocol activated from Friday to Monday. Click here
  • Combating Utility Rate Hikes. Click here
  • Congratulations to Rene Boardman at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on national recognition. Click here
  • Washington Primary School recognized as high academic growth school by Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). Click here.
  • Connecticut receives federal funding to support Covered Connecticut Health Program. Click here.
  • Vigil in New Milford to mark second anniversary of dark events on January 6 Click here.
COVID-19 update
For graphs and tables containing data on COVID-19, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Note that the federal government is making at home test kits available free of charge.  For more information, https://www.covid.gov/tests

Cold Weather Protocol activated from Friday to Monday
 
Based on a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut may experience below-zero wind chills over the weekend, the Governor will be activating the state’s severe cold weather protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2022. This is the first time the protocol is being enacted during the 2022-2023 winter season.
 
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
 
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
 
  • The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
  • The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

 
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

 

Combating Utility Rate Hikes
 
As the natural gas supply shortage continues to affect the globe and the country, Connecticut's two electric distribution companies, Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), announced that they are doubling their rates effective January 1, 2023. This unwelcome news comes as both Eversource and UI collect record profits, passing the cost burden onto us.
 
The severe service rate increases will impact thousands of Connecticut families who have already faced numerous challenges over the last few years and now may not have the resources they need to keep their heat and lights on throughout the winter months.
 
This calls for action.
 
My legislative colleagues and I have been hard at work finding solutions, both long- and short-term, to ensure every family in Connecticut has access to affordable utilities:
 
How you can save now:
  • Last month, the Governor announced the launch of the collaborative short-term Customer Relief Plan, a $120/year credit towards your electricity bill, for all Eversource and UI customers, which can offer a savings of $10/month on your utility bill
  • Energize CT is a publicly funded resource where you can secure lower rates for a minimum of 4 months from third-party suppliers and learn how to make your home energy efficient to lower consumption
  • During the November special session, we increased funding for Operation Fuel, an energy assistance resource for qualifying low-income families, which has an assistance program that began December 19th
  • During the November special session, we also approved an additional $30 million boost in funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which you can apply for here through May 31, 2023
  • Additional energy assistance is available by contacting Human Services Department, community action agency, or me directly

In addition to these resources, House Democratic Leadership has formed a bipartisan commission with industry-experienced representation to evaluate alternative energy programs and legislative proposals that we can raise to protect families from severe rate hikes like this in the future.
 
The work we are committed to:

  • Greater investment in other sources of clean energy to remain committed to Connecticut's environmental goals while making our state's utilities affordable for all
  • More regional options for energy supply to lower delivery costs
  • Sufficient transparency on rate increases offering greater review and public input
  • Research states with regulated markets and lower consumer costs to draft similar legislative proposals

 
Please feel free to share your thoughts with me on how we can better offer aid to working families, and if you need help applying for any of the energy assistance programs listed above, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

 

Congratulations to Rene Boardman at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on national recognition
 
Rene Boardman, an agricultural education teacher at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, was one of 33 agricultural educators in the country to receive the 2022 National Association of Agricultural Educators’ Teachers Turn the Key Scholarship Award.
 
This award is given to agricultural educators for excellence and dedication in their field.  The scholarship brings together educators with up to five years of experience for a five-day professional development event. 
 
Congratulations to Rene!
Washington Primary School recognized as high academic growth school by Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE)

On December 8, the CSDE released its Next Generation Accountability System results for 2021-22. As part of these results, the CSDE named 129 Schools of Distinction in 70 districts across the state. Schools were identified for distinction status for high overall performance (66 schools) and/or high academic growth (100 schools).
Among this year’s honorees was Washington Primary School, which was recognized as a shool of high academic growth.  Earning the School of Distinction status is a testament to the collective efforts of the school community. It was achieved by about 13 percent of all schools statewide.  Congratulations to everyone who made that possible!

Connecticut receives federal funding to support Covered Connecticut Health Program
 
This week Connecticut received approval of an application that enables federal matching funds to support the state’s Covered Connecticut program. Currently in its second year, Covered Connecticut provides eligible individuals with free qualified health plan (QHP) coverage available through Access Health CT and free dental care and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services through the HUSKY provider network.
 
To enroll or learn more about coverage options, visit accesshealthct.com or call 1-855-805-4325 to receive free assistance from an Access Health CT representative.
Vigil in New Milford to mark second anniversary of dark events on January 6
 
Organizers are setting up a vigil to commemorate the events of January 6th, 2020. This year marks the second anniversary of a dark day in our nation's history. There are several events around the country taking place that day, to remember the fallen officers and those injured in the line of duty as well as the importance of the rule of law and the Constitution.

The event will be informal, it will take place near the Bandstand on the Town Green in New Milford at 1pm.  No need to sign up, but click here for more information.

It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

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