Updates from State Rep. Tammy Exum

August 25, 2023
Dear Neighbor,

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:

  • Public Hearing for LIHEAP Allocation Plan on Monday
  • Back-to-School Social Media Safety Reminder
  • Up-to-Date Immunizations
  • August is Black History Month
  • Teen Leadership Committee
  • Center Streets Festival in West Hartford
  • Youth Basketball in Avon
  • Cease the Grease, Wipes Clog Pipes
  • Remembering Jason Indomenico
Public Hearing on LIHEAP Allocation Plan
As Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the Human Resources Committee, I will take part in a public hearing on Monday at 1 p.m. for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Allocation Plan. LIHEAP block grants provide funding for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which helps residents afford heat for their homes. To be eligible for CEAP, a household has to fall at or below 60% of the state's median income. 

Please click on the links below if you wish to:

Register to Speak
Submit Written Testimony
Watch Monday's Public Hearing

While CEAP applications are not yet open, but if you anticipate needing help with your utility bills, Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut facing financial crisis. Applications for energy assistance are now open through November 10.

You can learn more at operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 
Back-to-School Social Media Safety Reminder
The first day of school will be here before you know it! I want to remind parents of a simple safety tip when posting that back-to-school photo.

While I know this photo trend is fun to take and look back on, keeping your child's personal information at a minimum is important. By sharing your child's school, grade, teacher, interests, etc. you are giving predators unique information about your child and where they can find them.
Here are some reminders of what not to post:

Teacher's Name
School Name
Interests
Age
Weight
Height

Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy and safe school year!
Up-to-Date Immunizations
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding parents to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date. Some children may even be lacking vaccines required for school entry this fall such as measles, whooping cough, and polio.

The good news is that Connecticut school immunization rates are rebounding. The percentage of Connecticut kindergarten students receiving required measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2022–2023 school year is 97.3%. This is an increase of 1.6% from the previous year and the highest single year increase since 2012–2013. Among schools with more than 30 kindergarten students, compared with last year, there was a 16.4% increase in the number of schools with MMR vaccination rates at or above 95%. Parents and the public can access information on immunization completion rates for schools in Connecticut here.

High vaccination rates protect not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot or have not been vaccinated. This is called herd immunity. Schools that achieve herd immunity reduce the risk of outbreaks. High vaccination rates at schools are especially important for medically fragile children.

Some children have conditions that affect their immunity, such as illnesses that require chemotherapy. These children cannot be safely vaccinated, and, at the same time, they are less able to fight off illness when they are infected. They depend on herd immunity for their health and their lives.
To learn how to get you or your child’s vaccine record securely online, visit ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. The CT WiZ Public Portal is a confidential and free service provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program. 

Anyone with questions regarding the Connecticut Vaccine Program can call 860-509-7929 or email dph.immunizations@ct.gov.

For more information about vaccines, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html.
August is Black Business Month
August is Black Business Month! Are you familiar with ShopBlackCT.com? It is a volunteer initiative and nonprofit website featuring 2,000 Black-owned businesses in Connecticut.

The mission of ShopBlackCT.com is to challenge structural racism and transform the legacy of economic and social inequity in the U.S. by providing a platform to drive business to and awareness of local Black-owned businesses. Check it out today, search by category or location and pick some businesses to support this weekend!
Teen Leadership Committee
Center Streets Festival
Youth Basketball in Avon
Cease the Grease, Wipes Clog Pipes
Remembering Jason Indomenico

I want to express my condolences to the family of Jason Indomenico, who sadly passed away last week. Jason was a leader in the community, having served on the Avon Town Council and Board of Education. He will be missed.