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| Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of September 15.
If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the play button to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter. |
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It does finally feel like fall is with us, with temperatures drifting into the 40s last night, and my morning run becoming a lot more refreshing than last week! We’re keeping an eye on Hurricane Lee, which may push some winds and rain our way, but it looks like our region will not get the heavy weather expected to hit the coastal areas.
Yesterday was the 103rd anniversary of Connecticut’s ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Though “103” doesn’t carry the same symbolic impact as the 100th anniversary did, certain parts of the history struck me this year. First, CT’s ratification took place 52 years after the CT Women’s Suffrage Association was first convened – that’s a lot of advocacy before the final result, made particularly difficult by the fact that the direct beneficiaries of the amendment were literally disenfranchised, but it’s a reminder not to give up in the face of what looks like defeat.
Second, CT’s ratification took place three weeks after Tennessee ratified. TN was the 36th state to do so, ensuring that the amendment would have federal effect. In the moment, it seemed like CT’s ratification was merely symbolic, but it turned out there were (several) technical issues with TN’s vote, and they had to redo it twice. CT’s vote turned out to be an insurance policy that made sure the amendment took effect nationally. This reminded me of CT’s vote in 1990 to codify Roe v. Wade, ensuring access to abortion care. At the time, legislators pushing for this were derided for passing something that was “merely symbolic” and not necessary. We saw how that worked out when the Supreme Court overruled Roe last year. Symbolism can be powerful, and effective.
Next Tuesday, September 19 is National Voter Registration Day. This seems especially important right now, after reading of the very low turnout in the state’s primary elections on Tuesday. In Hartford, turnout was only 14%. That is leaving big decisions over the direction of the city in the hands a tiny number of its citizens. As a start, let’s do our best to get everyone registered to vote who is eligible!
It's my anniversary this coming weekend, and Tom and I gave each other kayaks this year, so we are hoping to be out on Lake Waramaug celebrating (assuming the weather cooperates). Maybe I’ll see you out there! |
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Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- CT Prescription Drug Discount Card Program to Launch on October 2. Click here.
- PACT ACT. Click here.
- HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools now accepting second round of applications. Click here.
- Kent and Cornwall Make World Atlas List of 13 Great Small Towns in CT. Click here.
- Community Health and Wellness Center in North Canaan. Click here.
- Northwest Corner Events. Click here.
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Connecticut’s prescription drug discount card program will launch in Connecticut on October 2, 2023, enabling all residents of the state to receive savings on certain prescription drugs.
The program was established by a provision of the health care affordability bill (Public Act 23-171), which was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law in June. It is administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.
To launch the program, Connecticut has entered into the multi-state consortium known as ArrayRx, which also operates in Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. All residents of Connecticut will soon become eligible to sign up for an ArrayRx discount card at no cost to them nor the state. When purchasing prescription drugs, consumers present the card at their pharmacy and they can receive savings of up to 80% on certain medications. All FDA-approved drugs are eligible for a discount.
Beginning on October 2, Connecticut residents who want to receive an ArrayRx discount card can fill out the form that is available online at arrayrxcard.com. A valid physical Connecticut address and e-mail address are required to enroll. The card will be provided to consumers digitally via e-mail and can be downloaded to smartphone wallets. It is anticipated that the card can be used at approximately 98% of pharmacies in Connecticut.
For more information on how the ArrayRx discount card works, including a list of frequently asked questions and a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com. |
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Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes while fighting for our country are heroes, and they deserve world-class benefits and care.
Visit www.VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)
1. Apply now for PACT Act benefits by filing a claim:
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
2. If you have not yet enrolled in VA for health care,
visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
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| HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools now accepting second round of applications
The application for FY24 HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools is now open. Eligible applicants include local boards of education, regional boards of education, and regional education service centers. The application deadline is December 31, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET. Further details including the program guidance and application instructions can be found on the website: https://ct.gov/hvacgrants. |
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| Kent and Cornwall were both named in the World Atlas list entitled 13 Small Towns In Connecticut That Were Ranked Among US Favorites. Congratulations to both, though we all know that the entire NW Corner qualifies!
Click here to read the rest of the list. |
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| Connecticut Health and Wellness Center (CHWC) has begun construction on their new facility in North Canaan after $3 million were secured in bonding funds. The Foundation for Community Health has done a fantastic job of getting the project off the ground and moving this forward to ensure that rural health care is invested in and prioritized in the Northwest Corner. You can see the progress below, but if you'd like to see it in person you can check it out on East Main Street in North Canaan. Project completion is expected at the beginning of January. |
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| Cornwall’s 7th Annual Clean-Up Green-Up Day on September 16 |
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| The Cornwall Conservation Trust will lead the town’s 7th annual Clean-Up/Green-Up Day on Saturday, September 16. This is a wonderful fall event for all to clean up roads and trails. Meet at the CCT office at 9am, 7 Railroad Square for yummy refreshments, gear and assignments. |
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| Salisbury Fall Festival on October 6-8
Salisbury’s annual fall festival is around the corner on Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8. As always, there will be lots of activities and events for people of all ages, and more will be added in the days ahead. For the full schedule, see https://www.salisburyfallfestival.org/
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| Electric Cars: Easier and Cheaper Than you Think on October 11
The field of clean cars has increased greatly since the Kent Memorial Library’s last lecture on this topic, with even more hybrid and electric cars coming for 2024. And many of these models qualify for the new $7,500 in tax credit, with some dealers also paying for home charger installation. Bottom line: Things having gotten easier, and cheaper.
Host Michael Jay has spent much of the past four years driving on electricity, and he has real-world insights and advice to share. This informal, interactive session will address some common myths and misunderstandings, and will try to answer your questions. You can register for the event here: https://www.kentmemoriallibrary.org/event-registration/?ee=4625 |
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| Take Back the Hike with Project Sage and Kent Land Trust on October 14 |
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| Save the Date: Region 1 Flu Shot Clinic |
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| ICYMI – Upcoming Events
2023 Walk in the Woods for Parkinson's
The Walk in the Woods for Parkinson's supports Parkinson's research, increases awareness of PD and provides support for local people who struggle daily with Parkinson's disease.
The first eleven walks have enabled donations of more than $120,000 to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and funded exercise programs for area citizens with Parkinson’s Disease. |
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| CT Antique Machinery Fall Festival |
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Norfolk Land Trust – Haystack Mountain Challenge
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Haystack Mountain Challenge
Sunday, October 1
Race lengths: half-marathon, 10k, and 5k
More information can be found on their website: https://www.norfolklandtrust.org/events
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| 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.
Click here to forward to forward this email to a friend. |
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| Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative |
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