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| Happy Friday! I hope you've been enjoying the beautiful start to autumn as much as I have. There's no better state to live in to experience the wonder of the changing seasons!
Below, you can read about new laws effective in our state, making childcare more affordable and accessible, great community events, and more |
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| Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease.
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| Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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Everyone deserves to feel safe.💜
In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.
I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse.You are not alone. Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Need to connect to an advocate?
Call, Text, Chat. Email. 24/7
CTSafeConnect.org | (888) 774-2900
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| New Laws Effective Oct. 1 |
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A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session went into effect this week.
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| New laws include increasing safety for home health care aides who are on the front lines of direct contact with clients, giving the elderly population more options for choosing nursing homes and preventing discrimination for those under mental health care.
The internet is a great informational resource, but can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.
Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!
Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots. With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the time violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.
There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link below for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |
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| Thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. Public input and feedback had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard. |
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| Making Childcare More Accessible and Affordable |
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Great news for families across Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early child care and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of child care - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month.
And effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive child care assistance anymore.
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
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An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
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An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds
Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.
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| Insurance Coverage for the New COVID-19 Vaccine |
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| Please see the flyers below for pertinent information about getting updated vaccines for COVID-19 and flu shots that may be helpful for you, your families, and your friends, including scheduling appointments with your healthcare provider, major CT insurance providers' COVID-19 resources, and how to get free COVID-19 tests at home. |
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| CHET Dream Big! Competition |
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| The state Treasurer's office is hosting their annual Dream Big! Competition, which gives K-12 students the chance to win up to $20,000 toward their education.
To enter, students answer a question in the form of artwork, an essay, or a video. Younger students focus on what they want to do when they grow up, and older students are asked to describe a lesson they’ve learned or a person who has impacted their lives.
The deadline to enter is Nov. 4. To learn more, click here.
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| Know Thy Neighbor Community Conversations |
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| 14th Annual Ollie M. Williams Community Health and Wellness Fair |
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| UConn in Hartford Kick Off Event |
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UConn is expanding its presence in Hartford with student housing right on vibrant Pratt Street, providing students the opportunity to live and study in a diverse, urban environment, and inviting complementary partnerships between the university and the Hartford community, including the introduction of new majors to the campus, a co-op program, internships, and more.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 5:30pm at 64 Pratt St, the UConn Foundation will host an event aimed to raise awareness and funds for the housing initiative and highlight its impact for students and the Hartford campus.
Join us for a glimpse into another future Hartford home of the UConn Huskies and learn about the opportunities that lie ahead.
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| Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Expo & Career Fair |
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| The Black Male Alliance & Southwest Family Empowerment Center's First Annual Community STEM Expo |
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| Statewide Dyslexia Awareness Campaign Kickoff |
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| Hartford Communities That Care Open House Community Night |
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| If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at maryam.khan@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Maryam Khan |
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