Updates from State Rep. Tammy Exum

August 31, 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:

  • Back to School in West Hartford and Avon
  • Application Period Open for CEAP
  • Building Our Skilled Workforce
  • Town of West Hartford Accepting Applications for Renter’s Rebate Program
  • Monday is Labor Day
Back to School in West Hartford and Avon

Students in West Hartford and Avon went back to school this week, and as a former elementary school teacher previous president and executive board member of West Hartford Parent Teacher Association and past vice chair of the West Hartford Board of Education, it is one of my favorite times.

I want to wish teachers and students a safe and productive 2023-24 school year.
I attended West Hartford Public Schools' convocation on Monday, which has always been an uplifting event for me as the kickoff to the school year. It sets the tone for the rest of the school year while also acknowledging and celebrating collective achievements and successes. It’s inspirational to see the dedicated teachers and staff, led by Superintendent Paul Vicinus (pictured below left), who recommit themselves to their students and educational pursuits. 
 
I also want to shout out Emily McMurray, West Hartford's Teacher of the Year. I’ve known Emily (pictured below right) for years and it’s fantastic to see her receive this well-earned recognition. Emily, a pre-K teacher at Charter Oak International Academy, is committed to our youngest students in what I think is the most foundational part of their learning and development. Keep on doing what you’re doing, Emily. CONGRATULATIONS!
U.S. News & World Report has released its ranking of the best high schools in the country, and Conard and Hall High Schools in West Hartford were ranked as the 10th and 11th best high schools in the state, and 422nd and 487th in the nation. Avon High School was ranked 16th in Connecticut and 768th in the country.

The national list ranks nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. See the full list of Connecticut rankings by clicking here.
Application Period Open for Connecticut Energy Assistance Program Open
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.
Building Our Skilled Workforce
During the 2023 Legislative Session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
 
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, health care, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.

Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:

Public Act 23-97 is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical fields.

Additional measures include:
 
Public Act 23-167:

  • Expands school-based apprenticeship opportunities in aviation and aerospace
  • Builds on training for future paraeducators
  • Offers dual credit/enrollment opportunities

Public Act 23-55:

  • Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students

Public Act 23-207:

  • Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters

A skilled workforce is one of the foundations of a robust economy. My colleagues and I are committed to strengthening our current and future workers by providing the necessary tools to help them thrive and succeed.
Town of West Hartford Accepting Applications for Renter’s Rebate Program

The Town of West Hartford is now accepting applications for Connecticut's Renter’s Rebate Program.

Applicants must meet one of the three following criteria for eligibility:

  • Recipient or spouse must be 65 years of age or older
  • Be over age 50 and the surviving spouse was living with an applicant who was eligible to apply at the time of their passing
  • Be 18 years of age or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits

Residents must meet a one-year state residency requirement as well.

The applicant’s 2022 income for the year must fall under the income guidelines of $40,300 if single, or $49,100 if married.

Eligible West Hartford residents can request information by going online to westhartford.seamlessdocs.com/f/RentersRebate or by calling (860) 561-7560.

The Renter’s Rebate Program for Elderly or Disabled residents offers rebates up to $900 for married couples or $700 for an individual. The filing period runs through October 1.

If a renter misses the designated filing period, they have until November 15 to submit a request for an extension of time to file to the state Office of Policy and Management. The request for an extension of time to file must be accompanied by a doctor’s letter indicating that the renter had a medical condition that contributed to them not applying during the designated filing period.
Click Here for More Information
Monday is Labor Day

Monday is Labor Day. On the first Monday of September, we celebrate workers, who are the backbone of our state and national economy. Have a fun and safe holiday!