Moira Rader

Over the last month, I've had the unique opportunity to travel to Washington on two separate occasions. My first visit was to attend a climate summit hosted by Elected Officials Protecting America (EOPA). This national organization, founded by legislators who are also veterans, works to advance environmental and climate initiatives throughout the U.S. The summit brought together legislators, innovators in renewable energy and global warming reduction, federal agency liaisons from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, and impact investors.

The summit was our opportunity to learn more about the historic investment being made via the Inflation Reduction Act to address harmful emissions and invest in renewable and alternative energy sources. As a member of the Environment Committee and a lead legislator on the bipartisan Climate Caucus, I was so grateful for this opportunity.

During this visit, I also had the opportunity to meet with our wonderful Congresswoman, Rosa DeLauro. We talked about the challenges being faced in Congress, the opportunities to do more around safe gun legislation, environmental concerns, our education system, and housing. Rosa is tireless in her determination and dedication to support the needs of Connecticut and the country. She has always been a tremendous support and I am so grateful to have had some time with her to discuss our shared hopes for our constituents.
 

My second trip to Washington was to attend the first in-person convening of this year's Hunt Institute Leadership Fellows program. This past summer I was nominated for this fellowship, which brings together growing leaders in the world of education. I was so honored to receive this opportunity, which will be a year-long program focused on the most pertinent issues in education. Our first few days together had us discussing needs in early childhood education, growing our teacher workforce, identifying data to support new initiatives around learning loss, and the many ways our states are seeking to provide more equitable opportunities for learning.

We had the great fortune to meet with the Secretary of the Department of Education (and former Connecticut Commissioner of Education), Dr. Miguel Cardona. We also visited an innovative elementary school to witness firsthand how a community of educators, families, and young students are making incredible strides in supporting our most vulnerable learners. I came away from this first meeting of our cohort inspired to continue my work as a passionate advocate for our students, educators, and the many ways we can make education better for every child.

Although extensive, here are some highlights, and a link to the complete list.

EARLY VOTING (PA 23-5)

Establishes a framework for early, in-person voting requiring a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE (PA 23-174)

Includes the creation of a Hospice Hospital at Home pilot program to provide in-home hospice care to patients through in-person visits and telehealth.

PROTECTING MATERNAL HEALTH (PA 23-147)

Establishes a new license category for freestanding birth centers, an Infant Mortality Relief Program to review medical records and other data on infant deaths and a midwifery working group to study and make recommendations on advancing choices for community birth care.

This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1.

Providing livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help them make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills. Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the Current Population Survey, calculated by the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

No one should be forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I stand in strong support of this pay adjustment and the workers who will benefit from it. 

Graduating seniors in the top 30% of their class, as identified by their individual high school counselors, are eligible. The deadline to apply for high school seniors who are graduating this spring is January 4, 2024. The goal of the program is to simplify the application process and make it easier for families to seek higher education.

• Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
• University of New Haven, New Haven
• University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
• Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
• Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
• Mitchell College, New London
• University of St. Joseph, West Hartford
• Goodwin University, East Hartford
• Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

Whatever your faith or traditions may be, I hope you will take the time to foster connections. Many in our community may need our outreach or neighborly support to navigate this season. If you are in a position to help, there are numerous ways you can make a difference and forge that connection to helping others. If you would feel more supported through community support services or opportunities, please trust in our community and reach out.

If you need or want to help Guilford Food Bank (GFB), click HERE.
If you need or want to help the Branford Community Dining Room, click HERE. 
If you need help from Branford Social Services, click HERE. 
If you need help from Guilford Social Services, click HERE.

Below, you'll find information to help you determine what programs you may qualify for. 

• Visit ct.gov/heatinghelp
• Call your local community action agency and request application assistance or schedule an in-person appointment (Click here for the list of phone numbers)
• Download and complete the CEAP application. Mail the completed application and required documents to your local community action agency. (Click here for the list of mailing addresses)

Additional information on the application process is available HERE or by 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 hope, at this time of year, you find peace, happiness, and good health. May you all look towards the new year with hope and optimism.