Health Care Assistance For Paraeducators

September 8, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Paraeducators provide critical and direct support to teachers and students, which makes them an integral part of the school ecosystem. That is why I am happy to share that the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program will provide $5 million in financial assistance and increase access to quality health care.

This program was created during the 2023 Legislative Session and signed into law as part of the bipartisan biennium budget. It will help paraeducators enrolled in high-deductible health plans with a health savings account and employed by a local or regional school district with a one-time stipend to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Payments are expected to go out in September to more than 4,000 paraeducators.

Legislative leadership made appropriating these funds a priority in budget negotiations to help bridge the painful gap between high-deductible health plans and low wages for paraeducators, who are critical to our classrooms. We must continue efforts that ensure that paraeducators receive proper compensation and benefits.
Application Period Open for Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
The application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open. CEAP provides vulnerable state homeowners and renters with crucial support for the associated costs with heating their homes.

Applications for the 2023-2024 winter season must be received by May 31, 2024. If you are interested, there are several ways to apply:

Additional information on the application process can be obtained by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp or calling 2-1-1.

Basic benefits toward heating bills range from $180 to $530 depending on income, size of household, and need. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $79,910 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank refills.

I want to spread the word that this resource is available to our most vulnerable community members.
DOT Update for Norwalk
CTDOT announced that the ongoing rehabilitation work to the bridge that carries southbound lanes of the Merritt Parkway over New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk, will require lane closures starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 6:00 a.m. for one week starting Monday, September 11, 2023.
 
 This project involves the implementation of various safety improvements along Route 15 from Exit 37 (Route 124/South Avenue) to Exit 40B (Main Avenue). Restoration of the various bridges that are within this section of the Parkway are included.
 
Extended lane closure times will not be used on Friday night. Normal lane closure start and end times for this section of the Parkway are 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.
 
CTDOT Project No. 0102-0296 was awarded to Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. at a cost of $55,711,300.00 on April 13, 2022, and is scheduled to be completed October 31, 2024. This project is administered by CTDOT Office of Construction, District 3 in New Haven.
 
TRAFFIC IMPACT INFO
Southbound Merritt Parkway in Norwalk from September 11 to September 14, 2023, will have lane closures from the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for bridge work. The work is weather permitting and if required may extend into the following week. Motorists are advised to use extra caution when traveling in this area.

Visit the CTDOT website for more information. 
Looking for an amazing learning opportunity this weekend that brings CT and American history home? I was fortunate to join city officials and other elected officials earlier this week to visit our state's flagship the Amistad right after it docked in Norwalk. You can visit and learn more at the Oyster Festival this weekend! Free tours with your paid admission to the Norwalk Seaport Association's 45th Oyster Festival today through Sunday. For more information please visit seaport.org.

See you there and have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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