Tammy Exum

I am constantly working to update you with important news as it develops, in addition to local and state resources.

This week's updates include:

• Remembering September 11, 2001
• Breakfast on the Bridge 
• Lowering Your Prescription Drug Costs 
• HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program
• Applications Open for Nonprofit Grant Program
• Happy Hispanic Heritage Month
• Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

Thank you for reading!

We forever honor the heroes and lives lost on September 11, 2001. Of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, 161 had ties to Connecticut. Their loved ones will be in our hearts on this difficult day. May their memories be a blessing. 

The Avon Volunteer Fire Department did a wonderful job on Monday reminding us to “Remember, Reflect, Recommit” during its annual 9/11 Memorial, which I attended with State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw.

Please click here and here for video from the memorial that is worth sharing for this solemn anniversary.

I attended the Bridge Family Center's Breakfast on the Bridge on Wednesday, which is an annual tradition for individuals who work with children and families in West Hartford to kick off a new year of collaboration. The Build No Fences Award is also presented during the breakfast to "an individual who sees no boundaries and works collaboratively with child advocates to support young people and families."

This year, the award went to Helen Rubino-Turco, Director of Social Services and Leisure Services for the Town of West Hartford. Congratulations to Helen on her well-deserved award!

Connecticut is about to take a transformative step toward making prescription drugs more affordable for all.

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.

Valid physical Connecticut addresses and email addresses are required to enroll, and 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 not miss out on 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.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.

The second round of applications for $244 million of grant funding dedicated to supporting upgrades for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Connecticut public schools is now open. 

The Connecticut HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools is administered by the Office of Grants Administration, a unit within the Department of Administrative Services. Since the program’s enactment in 2022, the legislature has authorized a total of $375 million in state funding and $75 million in federal funding for this grant program. In fiscal year 2023, DAS committed $56 million to projects across the state to address indoor air quality in school buildings.

Examples of eligible projects include: 

• Replacing, upgrading, or repairing boilers and other heating and ventilation components 
• Replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations;
• Installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems
• Other improvements to indoor air quality in school buildings

DAS has released a detailed program guidance document with information for districts to successfully apply for the program. DAS encourages all applications that address the installation, replacement or upgrading of HVAC systems or other improvements to indoor air quality in school buildings.

The Office of Grants Administration has provided both local and regional boards of education with the necessary materials for applicants to be successful. Along with written materials, staff will host an upcoming webinar. The webinar will provide leaders with a review of the program application, evaluation, and awards processes. 

The deadline to apply is December 31.

The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is currently accepting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program (NGP). This program aims to provide financial support to private nonprofit health and human service organizations. Applications are due on October 18 at 4 p.m.

If you need assistance in searching for RFAs or any other solicitations, please review the CTSource Bid Board Users Guide.

Any should be directed to Judi Jordan via email or phone at (860) 418-6237 by September 20.