Corey P. Paris

This Saturday marks 20 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives on the morning of September 11, 2001 and many more, including first responders, have died from health complications in the years following the attacks. September 11th remains one of the darkest and deadliest days in U.S. history.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine full approval today, becoming the first vaccine to receive complete authorization following a comprehensive review by the agency, using the extensive data provided as well as conducting their own analyses.

Electricity costs tend to be at their highest during the summer months - so families struggle to pay their utility bills during this time. But there’s good news! Operation Fuel has funds available to help struggling families – right now – with programs for year-round energy assistance, water assistance, and homeless intervention and prevention, too.

This session I worked alongside my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget which did not raise taxes, and focused on putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Connecticut families through increased tax credits.

I am pleased to report that the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have approved a significant and permanent increase in the amount of food stamp assistance available to families in need.

Connecticut is forecasted to experience extreme temperatures from today through the evening of Friday, August 13. Cooling centers are opening across the state to provide residents with immediate relief from the heat. To find a cooling center near you, dial 2-1-1 or click here.

This week, more than $16 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief II (ESSER II) funds was made available to 170 school districts across Connecticut. This relief money will allow schools throughout our state to provide special education services to more than 80,000 students during the upcoming school year.

Access Health CT (AHCT) has extended the deadline for its Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to October 31st, making it easier and more convenient than ever for Connecticut residents to obtain a good, quality, affordable health insurance plan.