Legislative and Local Updates - November 17

November 17, 2023
Hey Neighbors!

Just a few updates and resources this week, but as we get into the Holiday Season, keep checking these weekly updates for local events and opportunities to donate to those around us who need our help.

Below you will find a link that shows some of the strides we have made with, and for Connecticut businesses. Thanks to our strong, fiscally responsible policies at the state level:

  • Our bond ratings are stellar.
  • Job growth numbers keep improving.
  • We have cut billions in unfunded pension debts from our balance sheets.
  • We paid back the pandemic-era Unemployment Trust Fund loan which is great news for local businesses

This proactive repayment of the Unemployment Trust loan sends a strong message that Connecticut is open for business.
The Governor's Office has details on the unemployment repayment below:
Unemployment Loan Repayment
 
Gobble Till You Wobble and Turkey Pardon
Sunday, November 19, is Ridgefield's first ever Turkey Pardoning, sponsored by 068Magazine and the Ridgefield Chamber.
 
The event will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come down to Main Street for all sorts of Thanksgiving Fun, especially the town wide scavenger hunt. Don't miss the turkey being pardoned at 4 p.m. If that isn't enough, there will be T-shirts, raffle tickets, and more available at the event.
 
The 'Gobble till you Wobble' Scavenger Hunt will start at 12 p.m. at the RPAC Gallery on Main Street, and the Turkey Pardoning will take place at Town Hall.
 
Ridgefield CT FoodshareTruck Cancelled

There will be no Ridgefield CT Foodshare truck next Friday 11/24 due to the holiday.

The next scheduled Ridgefield CT Foodshare Mobile Pantry distribution will be Dec. 8 at St. Andrew's Church from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

There will be a mobile pantry distribution in Danbury next Wednesday. November 22 at the Danbury Ellsworth (53 Ellsworth Ave, Danbury, CT 06810) School from 9-10 a.m.

For more information, click HERE.
 
National Apprenticeship Week

Earn while you learn as a registered apprentice!
Apprentices master a trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Thousands of companies across Connecticut have benefited from a customized Registered Apprenticeship training program. These programs increase workforce recruitment and proficiency, help employers transfer occupational skills to a new generation of workers, and ensure succession planning. Depending upon the trade, apprenticeship programs may last 1-4 years. 
When participants complete their program, the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training provides an industry recognized, portable credential that:
✅  Certifies completion of the program
✅  Distinguishes the apprentice as a master of their craft
✅  Makes the apprentice eligible to take any occupational licensing exams
For more information, click HERE.
 
Access Health CT Enrollment Now OPEN

Access Health CT's (AHCT) Enrollment Period for 2024 is officially OPEN! During this period, individuals can enroll for the first time, renew their coverage, and explore the various policy options to see which will be the most beneficial. 

If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:

  • In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click HERE to learn more.
 
Veteran's Park Elementary School Reaches Top Ten in CT

A new survey by the U.S News and World Report finds that Veteran's Park Elementary School was the tenth best in the entire state.

The survey is based on public data from the U.S. Department of Education which bases its findings on student performance in the core subjects.

To read more, click HERE.
 
 
Unemployment Insurance 101 Virtual Seminar for Employers

Employers of Ridgefield - you might be interested in taking part in a free virtual seminar about unemployment insurance. The CT Department of Labor's Business Engagement Unit will host the event on Thursday, December 14, at 10 a.m.

This highly anticipated seminar will provide an overview of Connecticut’s Unemployment Insurance system, eligibility requirements, and the responsibility of employers who are subject to Connecticut’s Unemployment Compensation Law.

Topics will include:

  • Background of the UI system
  • Claims filing in CT
  • Eligibility determinations
  • Employer charging
  • Overview of eligibility regulations
  • Employers’ obligations

To register, click HERE.