Lowering Prescription Drug Costs & Hispanic Heritage Month

September 19, 2023


I hope your children are having a wonderful start to the new school year. As families adjust to the fall schedule, I am focusing on the next legislation session.

As I work on new ideas for bills in 2024, I want to highlight one of this year's accomplishments. Connecticut is about to take a transformative step toward making prescription drugs more affordable for everyone. Please read below to see how you can get a discount on your medication.

You can click on any of these links to jump to that section of the email:
 

Lowering Your Prescription Drug Costs
On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.
 
You need a valid physical Connecticut address and an email address to enroll. A digital card will be provided after registering.
 
The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.
I highly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all. 
Learn More About ArrayRx
 

Hispanic Heritage Month
I want to wish everyone a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15. Join me all month long in celebrating the rich culture and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans right here in Stamford and the rest of the state.

Last week, I had the pleasure of trying some amazing Latin food at The Old House II with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Representative Anabel Figueroa, State Representative Corey Paris, State Senator Ryan Fazio, and members of the Stamford Board of Representative including Jeff Stella.

For the past two years, The Old House II has served fresh, delicious Latin fusion fare in a cozy environment at 878 East Main Street in Stamford. I can tell you first hand, the food is authentic, and the cooks even had some vegan options for me!
Thank you, Hector Lemus and the entire team, for your hospitality!
 
I am excited to share the 16th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is underway. This year, middle and high school students (grades 6-12) will be writing about how they connect with Hispanic culture. Prizes include a $3,000 scholarship and iPads! Organizers will continue accepting essay submissions through October 31. The winners will be announced in late November.
Click Here For More Information Including the Official Rules
 
Important Information For Nonprofits
The Office of Policy and Management is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program, which provides grants-in-aid to certain profit, nonprofit health, and human service organizations.

All communications regarding this Request For Applications (RFA) must be directed only to the Official Agency Contact as noted below:

Judi Jordan
Office of Policy and Management
450 Capitol Avenue
MS#52LTC
Hartford, CT 06106

Telephone: (860) 418-6237
E-mail: OPM.NPGrantProgramApplications@ct.gov

Non profits are often the safety nets and backbone of our community, and I applaud our state for its continued support of these critical institutions.
 

New Entry Age for Kindergarten
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, children need to turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2024, to be automatically eligible for kindergarten. This is a change from the current kindergarten cutoff date of January 1.
If your child does not meet the new entry cutoff date, they may still be admitted into kindergarten upon:
  • a written request from the parent or guardian AND
  • an assessment completed by the school that determines admitting the child to kindergarten would be developmentally appropriate

State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker and her staff are currently working on guidance for this process. I will provide more information once it becomes available.
 

Federal Aid To Support Farmers
Our state will receive federal aid to help cover the cost of damage from heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in early July. 

Farmers in Fairfield County and the state’s other seven counties can apply for federal disaster assistance from the Farm Service Agency, such as emergency loans, to cover production losses they experienced as long as they are eligible. Farmers have eight months to apply for emergency loans.

Interested farmers should contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture at (860) 713-2500 oragr.disaster@ct.gov. 
Click Here For Resources Helping Affected Farmers