Westport Crosswalk Construction

October 4, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

The Connecticut State Department of Education is awarding $3.8 million to 83 applicants representing 89 school districts to expand dual credit offerings in high schools, including $76,420 for Westport and $90,000 for Norwalk. The primary objective of the state’s Dual Credit Expansion Grant Program is to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation through partnerships formed between high schools and public and private colleges and universities.

Dual credit courses offer a rigorous alternative to traditional test-based measures (e.g. SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate) for students to demonstrate their postsecondary readiness. They have been found in research to have positive effects on students’ college access and enrollment, credit accumulation, and college degree attainment. Accumulating college credits in high school can help students get a jump start in their postsecondary program, while also saving money.

For more information on the Connecticut State Department of Education’s dual credit opportunities, visit portal.ct.gov/dualcredit.
Construction Advisory for Westport
At the intersection of Route 1 at Route 33 in Westport, State Project No. 173-521 will replace the existing side street green pedestrian phasing and facilities with concurrent pedestrian phasing and facilities including new pedestals, accessible pedestrian signal (APS) pushbuttons, countdown pedestrian signal heads and “turning vehicles yield to pedestrian” sheet aluminum signs to meet current Federal and Department standards.  The objective of the project is to improve pedestrian compliance at traffic signals and reduce pedestrian injury collisions.
 
Construction begins this month, and this improvement is thanks to the many constituents who have spoken up to us to share your concerns. I am thankful for the effective collaboration with Conn DOT who took these concerns seriously. And I am grateful that as a result we will see some improvements to this intersection especially for pedestrians so they can feel safer on foot in their neighborhood while enjoying all it has to offer.
New Low-Income Discount Rate for
Eversource Electric Customers  
Beginning December 1, 2023, a new electric bill discount will be available if you have a financial hardship status on your Eversource electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month. Your discount will depend on your annual household income for all adults over 18 or receipt of a public assistance benefit for at least one household member.

You must apply for or verify the financial hardship status on your electric account before the new hardship year begins on November 1. This will prevent service shut-off and ensure that you get a discount. This verification is required annually.
 
Click HERE to find out how to qualify for 10% and 50% discount rates. 
New Website Launched for CT State Parks 
CTParks.com is the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.
COVID Test Kits Now Available Through Federal Government 
The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. You can now place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.
ArrayRx Program is Now Open

The ArrayRx program is now OPEN. I joined Comptroller Scanlon, Mayor Rilling, Rep. Roberts, and the Executive Director of Circle Care Center and Pharmacy Anthony Crisci for a morning press conference this week to launch the ArrayRx program for CT just an hour after it became available to all residents.
I highly encourage you to take advantage of this free program that can save Connecticut residents up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.
 
Visit the ArrayRx web site and enter your name, your email address, birth date, home address and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.
The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com
Thank you for using your voice as we work together, and please be sure to reach out to me if you ever have any questions or you would like more information.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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