Kevin Brown

Medical Debt Relief is on the way for many Connecticut residents. I'll break down how Connecticut is canceling $30 million dollars worth of that debt.  

My colleagues and I are developing strategies to improve existing high school curricula and graduation requirements. Please keep scrolling to hear my comments at a task force meeting earlier this week.  

A brand-new state program stands to help thousands of people pay back part of their student loan debt. Read below to find out if you are eligible and when you can apply!

Here are the sections in this week's email:

• Medical Debt Relief
• Promoting Media Literacy and Civic Engagement
• Drone Activity in Connecticut
• Avoiding Porch Pirates
• Student Loan Reimbursement Program Rolls Out in January  
• Community Events

About one-third of adults in the United States have difficulty in paying their health care bills. That’s why Connecticut is teaming up with Undue Medical Debt to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses on its residents.

Under this first round, the state has allocated approximately $100,000 from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Undue Medical Debt was able to negotiate with a secondary market partner (i.e. collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.

Reminder: There is no application process for this medical debt relief, and it cannot be requested. Instead, residents whose debt has been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt indicating which debt or debts have been eliminated. Letters under this first round will be delivered to Connecticut residents through the U.S. mail beginning December 23, 2024.

You can learn more about the program and see an example of the letter individuals will begin receiving in the coming days here: https://shorturl.at/sIOPP
 

I chaired the Civics and Media Literacy Task Force Meeting on Tuesday. We discussed and are actively studying ways to promote civic engagement and improve education on civics, citizenship, media literacy, and American government. Another one of our goals is developing strategies to improve existing high school curricula and graduation requirements.

Click on the video above to hear an excerpt of my remarks. 

Below is a link to the full Task Force Meeting.
https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=24015 

Several agencies are monitoring numerous reports of large drone, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), sightings across Connecticut in recent days. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), which includes the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC) are all on alert. DESPP is working collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners on this drone investigation.

“We take all reports of suspicious drone activity seriously,” said Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “To ensure the continued safety of all Connecticut residents, DESPP is working closely with local, state, and federal partners, including the Transportation Safety Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.’’

DESPP has no authority to take down a drone. Drone operators are required to maintain a flight altitude of 400 feet or less, and maintain visual line of sight by the operator. If being used for commercial purposes, drone pilots generally require a federal license.

If residents are concerned for their immediate safety, contact local police or call 911 in an emergency. However, residents are encouraged to use online reporting methods to allow state and federal agencies to track and investigate these sightings appropriately.

Online reporting methods:
Suspicious Activity Reporting Form
CT Safe App for Apple and Android
 

While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who dampen the mood. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, package thieves – better known as porch pirates – have more opportunities to swipe deliveries.
 
The Better Business Bureau, citing a Security.org study, said package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year.
 
Here are some ways – courtesy of the BBB – to discourage porch pirates:

• Don’t leave unattended packages. 

Try to schedule a delivery when you know you will be home. If you aren't going to be home, ask a trusted neighbor if they mind holding on to packages. Also, some retailers offer garage delivery.

• Ship to store, storefront or post office box.

Consider shipping to a retailer with a physical location near your home or, if you have one, ship to a post office box that accepts packages.

• Use a security camera.

Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.

• Require a signature. 

Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package but be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.

• Opt-in to notifications

Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop.
If you fear your package being stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses.
 

Connecticut is taking a major step in trying to help people pay off their student loans. The state plans on launching a pilot program for Student Loan Reimbursement on January 1, 2025. The current budget cycle has allocated $6 million for the first year of the program.

This year, my colleagues and I approved this bipartisan measure, which could help hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. Eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years and will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis.

The requirements are the following:

• Must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education
• Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
• Must have an income below $125,000 if filing single in 2023
• Must have an income below $175,000 if filing married in 2023
• Must have made payments towards student loans
• Must have 50 hours of volunteering time after January 1, 2024

This legislation represents a true bipartisan effort to support the people of Connecticut and to spur economic growth across our state.
 
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opens on January 1.