Rep. McGee State Capitol Update

February 27, 2023

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are well.

The session is in full swing, and I’ve been busy attending committee meetings, public hearings, and supporting local initiatives.

Below I have listed important information that can benefit our residents in need. Please share this with anyone that may find it helpful.

As always, please reach out if I can help with any concerns.

Have a great weekend.

 

 
THE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING
 
The 116th is home to the West Haven Veteran Affairs Medical Center; I pass it on my way home. 🇺🇸

It is an honor to serve on The Veteran Affairs Committee, allowing me to advocate for the needs of Veterans and their families. I was inspired by Yale University sophomores who created a program called “Operation Healthy Home.” Their award-winning program aims to pair veterans with kids in a mentorship program to educate them on gun safety.
 

 

 
FUNDING FOR OUR SCHOOLS
I voted to ensure that more $27 million will be allocated to special education funding to schools across the state.
As a huge proponent of resources and systems that strengthen our educational system, I am proud to have been able to deliver $339,105 for West Haven's special education funding needs, ensuring that all committed funding increases were provided to our district.
 
CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DEADLINES

The deadline to order oil and other deliverable fuels is very soon. Residents can still apply for assistance and can do so online.

2022-2023 TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH OIL AND OTHER DELIVERABLE FUELS:

09/01/22: First day that households can begin to apply for CEAP.

11/01/22: First day for authorization of fuel deliveries (oil, wood and wood pellets, propane, kerosene, coal).

03/15/23: Deadline for deliverable fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits, Crisis Assistance, or Safety Net Assistance for clients already awarded CEAP benefits. 

05/31/23: Last day to apply for CEAP.

06/16/23: Last day for submission of deliverable fuel bills.

2022-2023 TIMETABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS THAT HEAT WITH ELECTRICITY OR GAS:

09/01/22: First-day households can apply for CEAP.

05/31/23: Last day a household heated with gas or electricity can apply.
Click Here for More Information
 

 

CRITICAL BENEFITS COMING TO AN END
Very soon, there will be changes for some of our most vulnerable individuals and families who are on Medicaid. Starting on April 1, the COVID-19 public health emergency protection will be coming to an end. Medicaid enrollees who were continuously covered will again have to provide proof of eligibility to continue getting benefits.

If you get your healthcare through HUSKY or DSS, you have not had to do your annual redetermination since March 2020. But starting in April, you will have to prove your eligibility once every year. In addition, you will need to provide identification, address, and proof of income.

The Department of Social Services Field Offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm.

FIND A DSS OFFICE NEAR YOU
In addition, extra SNAP benefits have come to an end. Since April 2020, some individuals and families received an extra SNAP payment on their EBT cards in the middle of each month. According to the Department of Social Services, it does not have control over when those benefits end since they are tied to federal legislation.

SNAP redetermination happens every six months. You will once again have to provide identification, your address, proof of income, and your social security information.

All households that are eligible for SNAP benefits will receive one payment starting in March. Those funds will arrive in the first three days of the month depending on the last name. Those in the program will receive their normal monthly benefit.

Households can now check their EBT balance in real-time by visiting

www.mydss.ct.gov. On MyDSS, you can also update DSS with any case changes, complete renewals, view documents, or verify case status from a computer or mobile device.
 
To learn more as well as where to obtain resources for families dealing with the ending of the extra SNAP benefits, visit: www.ct.gov/snap/extracovidbenefits.
I am committed to helping everyone who needs assistance. My colleagues are continuing discussions on the termination of some of these expanded services.
 
YOUTH POET COMPETITION
Apply to be your state Youth Poet Laureate (YPL)!

The National YPL Program is now accepting submissions for Statewide YPL's in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Tennessee and Virginia.

Apply Here
 
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Earlier this month, The Judiciary Committee confirmed Shanique Fenlator to be an Administrative Law Judge in the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Fenlator is a native of Hartford and graduate of UConn Law School.

 

WEST HAVEN’S 27TH ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION
West Haven celebrated Black History Month by honoring trailblazers that have made a tremendous impact on our community at the annual Black Heritage Celebration. I presented a citation to West Haven 7th District Councilwoman Katherine Tucker for her continued work and activism. Four students from West Haven High School  received a $500 scholarship for their academic excellency.
Read More About The Event
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF QUENTIN "Q" WILLIAMS

It's only fitting that we start our Black History Month highlights with our very own Q Williams, a fierce legislator, advocate and friend. He was a champion for social and racial equality, human rights, accessible housing for all and supporting youth programs to help prepare them for successful futures.

Q was always expanding his knowledge and growing as a public servant. Here are some of the incredible accomplishments this rising star achieved:

  • Earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Bryant University
  • Earned a Master’s of Public Administration from Villanova University
  • Earned an Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University
  • The first Black person to be elected to represent the 100th house district in the Connecticut General Assembly
  • House Chair of the Labor Committee
  • Co-founder of the educational nonprofit EquityC
  • An adjunct professor at University of Hartford
  • A proud member of the CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus
  • A proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Sigma Lambda Chapter, Hartford, CT

The trailblazing list can go on and on...but most importantly, Q was known for his warmth, optimism and infectious smile. 

AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Let us share this information to ensure that friends and family understand the contributing factors to heart disease, and the ways that we can reduce our risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
 
Useful Links
Live to the Beat: Campaign to reduce the risk of Cardiovascular disease among Black adults aged 35 to 54.

American Red Cross: Access to CPR training and heart disease prevention services

Be the Beat: CPR Campaign & instructional resources on hands-only CPR

National Heart Month: More information and resources on National Heart Month.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Learn about heart disease and stroke