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With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all happening this week and the start of a new year next week, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season. May you take some time with your families and reflect on the year as it comes to an end. If this is a stressful time of year for you, the North Central District Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) offer some tips that I'll share with you in this e-newsletter (filed under "Resources").
I'm happy to share that I've been appointed as the House Chair of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee. I look forward to this new endeavor at the Connecticut General Assembly.
My office has been contacted by constituents who are having trouble canceling gym memberships. We reached out to Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection for additional information to share with you regarding cancellation laws and how to file a complaint if necessary.
As we approach January 1, new laws will go into effect in the state. You can read more about those new laws in this e-newsletter. |
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| I hope you had a wonderful holiday week and I wish you a joyous 2025!
Jaime |
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In this newsletter, you'll find:
- In the News
- New Chairmanship
- Moving Beyond Implications Wrap-Up
- CT Consumer Protection Department Tips for Membership Cancellations
- News Laws Effective January 1
- Drone Updates and Information to Report Suspicious Activity
- Scenes from Winterfest Events in Vernon and Ellington and Torchlight Parade in East Windsor
- Vernon Ice Skating Rink at Henry Park
- Ellington and Vernon Christmas Tree Disposal 2024
- East Windsor's First Day Hike 2025
- Preventing Porch Pirates
- Managing Holiday Stress
- And More!
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| This month's article in North Central News focused on the Moving Beyond Implications Conference, which took place on December 12. We had a great turnout (more on that in this e-newsletter) and wonderful ideas came out of the conference. To read the article, click HERE or click the graphic below. |
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| I'm honored and thrilled to share that I've been appointed as the House Chair of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee. I want to thank Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas for entrusting me with this chairmanship. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner - and with veterans - to create legislation that gives Connecticut veterans the thanks they are due.
Please feel free to reach out to my office if you need help on a veteran's issue or have suggestions on veteran-related legislation. |
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| Joined by State Representative Dominique Johnson and CT Scholars Strategy Network (CT SSN) co-leader Dr. Kerri Raissian, we were happy to host the second annual "Moving Beyond Implications: Research into Policy" conference on December 12 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. We partnered with the CT Scholars Strategy Network and UConn's InCHIP for a day of learning and sharing ideas. The conference aims to bring together academics and legislators and allow researchers to present their relevant scholarship to policymakers, provide an opportunity for policymakers to respond with their research needs and questions, and generate connections to inform evidence-based policymaking in Connecticut.
The legislative committees involved with the conference included Planning and Development, Public Health, Children's, Human Services, Education, and Judiciary. Each committee had a scholar presentation track, which included a variety of topics and presentations, including:
- Leveraging Web GIS Mapping for Broadening Community Impacts
- The Impact of Public Act 21-35 on the Children's Mental Health Continuum of Care
- The Geography of Poverty and Medical Debt in Connecticut
- Early Introduction of Allergens for the Prevention of Food Allergy
- The Technology Landscape for Connecticut Child Care Providers
- Child Maltreatment Investigations and Family Well-Being
- Experiences of Poverty Around the Time of a Birth
- Incorporating Eligible Participant Voices into CT SNAP
- Food as Medicine
- Supporting the Whole Child in Connecticut: Opportunities for Strengthening Educational Policies
- Universal Free School Meals: Protecting Our Investment in Public Education
- Farm to School Programs Empower CT Children to Thrive
- Addressing the Needs of Formerly Incarcerated People
The legislation that came out of the first conference included advancement for school-based indoor air quality work, progress in increasing engagement in the school nutrition programs, and bills that were introduced but not passed by a variety of other presenters. I look forward to what may come from the second conference during the 2025 legislative session.
I want to thank Ellington's own Luann's Bakery and JRego's for catering our food needs for the day.
To watch the CT-N coverage of the event, click HERE (the full day is covered in one video feed). |
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| My office has received a variety of complaints from constituents who want to cancel memberships - particularly gym memberships - and are unable to do so. We reached out to Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) for information to share.
It's important for consumers to research the gym they're interested in and to understand the contract requirements and their rights before signing up.
Before committing to a health club:
- Research - Look for reviews online and ask current customers about their experiences.
- Visit - Stop in at the health club you’re considering so you can see what equipment and conditions they have. Many health clubs offer free tours, and even free or discounted day passes for prospective members. Consumers should avoid signing an online contract without seeing a location first.
- Review the contract or agreement - It’s important to know how much you’re paying when your bill comes, and what the cancellation policy is. Connecticut law requires health clubs to have contracts in writing.
- Health club contracts can be offered for as long as two years, but not longer. Any club offering contracts longer than one year must also offer a one-year contract.
- Health club contracts cannot auto-renew. The only exception is after a one-month period. For example, if you sign up for a one-month trial period this month, your contract may auto-renew for the rest of the year at the end of that period. If the monthly price changes after the first month, that change must be disclosed upfront, in writing.
- You have a three-day right to cancel. If you sign up for a health club contract, you have the right to inform the health club in writing that you do not wish to continue your contract within the first three days of your agreement.
- State law also includes a right to cancel if you become injured or disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles from your health club. Consumers can review the statute for more information and the complete notice that should be included in their contract.
If you have paid for a contract, and your health club closes, you can apply to the Health Club Guaranty Fund through DCP, and if it is approved, get reimbursed. More information and the application form for the health club guaranty fund can be found at ct.gov/DCP.
Consumers with questions or complaints may contact the Department of Consumer Protection’s complaint center by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov, or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint.
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| A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect Wednesday, January 1. |
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| One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.
It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.
We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.
Other laws going into effect on January 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |
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| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol! |
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| Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) may approve the participation of any person in the student loan reimbursement program who meets the following requirements:
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut state public or private college or university 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 CT resident for at least five years.
- Must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants and file a federal tax return as unmarried or have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $175,000 for married applicants and file a federal tax return as head of household, married filing jointly or a surviving spouse.
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments in 2024 toward federal direct loans, federal direct PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, CHESLA loans, other state-sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
- Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization that is registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, municipal government, served on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, or has military service after January 1, 2024.
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This program represents a true bipartisan effort and will have a direct impact not only on Connecticut’s economy but also on its workforce.
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opens on January 1. For more information or to apply in January, click HERE. |
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More than 22,000 residents of Connecticut can expect some or all their medical debt to be eliminated, thanks to a major state initiative in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
Undue Medical Debt collaborates with state and local governments to leverage public investments, negotiating with hospitals and other providers to eliminate large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt. This initiative specifically targets patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level, or who have medical debt that constitutes 5% or more of their income. Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and pertain to individuals who are least able to pay, they can be purchased at a fraction of their face value.
In this initial round, the state allocated approximately $100,000 from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. With this investment, Undue Medical Debt successfully negotiated with a secondary market partner (such as a collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.
Residents do not need to apply for this medical debt relief, nor can they request it. Those whose debts have been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt detailing which debts have been eliminated. These letters will be sent out through the U.S. mail, starting this week.
To view a sample of the letter recipients will soon receive in the mail, please click HERE. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), which includes the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Connecticut State Police (CSP), and the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC), is monitoring reports of large drone - or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - sightings across Connecticut.
Connecticut is not alone in the drone sightings, as states along the East Coast, including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have reported sightings recently. In Connecticut, sightings have been reported in towns and cities including Stamford, Fairfield, East Windsor, and Enfield, and flying near Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks.
DESPP does not have the authority to take down a drone. Drone operators must maintain a flight altitude of 400 feet or less and maintain a visual line of sight by the operator. Drone pilots generally require a federal license if the device is being used for commercial purposes.
CSP monitors drone activity through a system of portable and fixed drone sensing devices Drone sightings by CSP are now being handled through a detailed reporting process to collect as much information as possible.
CTIC analysts are comparing reported sightings with Federal Aviation Administration flight data. CTIC has found most could be attributed to manned aircraft or those UAS devices lawfully operating in the private sector.
Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking member of the U.S. Intelligence Committee, recently met with FBI, CIA, and U.S. military officials. Congressman Himes says he is satisfied that the drones are not connected to a foreign power or the U.S. federal government. So far, the FBI's investigation hasn't found evidence pointing to anything nefarious, according to Himes.
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 |
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| The East Windsor Police Department is aware of reports and social media posts about drone sightings in East Windsor and the surrounding areas. The department is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with state and federal law enforcement partners.
Residents who observe drone activity or other suspicious behavior are encouraged to report it directly to the Connecticut Suspicious Activity Reporting Portal HERE.
If residents are concerned for their immediate safety, they can contact the East Windsor Police Department at 860-292-8240 or call 911 in an emergency. EWPD encourages using the online reporting methods above to help state and federal agencies effectively track and investigate these sightings. |
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| The Ellington Police Department was formally recognized for achieving law enforcement accreditation by the CT Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). Accreditation is required as part of CT’s police accountability act. Officer Don Bridge is pictured with First Selectman Lori Spielman and Town Administrator Matt Reed. |
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| Vernon Police Department is welcoming its two newest officers, Officer Jordan Roberts #300 and Officer Daniel D’Alessandro #301. Officers Roberts and D’Alessandro will begin several months of training at the POST academy starting February 3, 2025. Congratulations! |
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| Earlier this month, my sidekick and I had a great time at a cookie decorating night hosted by Luann's Bakery. It was a 10 out of 10 holiday activity and a great girls' night out with my daughter! |
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| Scenes from Vernon's and Ellington's Winterfest activities, and East Windsor's Torchlight Parade earlier this month. The first three photos are from Vernon's Winterfest. |
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| Below are a few photos from Ellington's Winterfest. |
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| Below are photos from the East Windsor Torchlight Parade on December 21. |
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| Vernon Parks and Recreation Department has installed an ice-skating rink on the tennis court at Henry Park.
NOTE: The ice rink opens December 27 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. until weather or ice conditions require closure. Check the Town of Vernon's Facebook page for updates. |
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| Here are your options when disposing of your Christmas Tree in Ellington. There's no curbside pickup this year, but you can drop trees off at Hoffman Road's brush dump or the recycling center. |
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| Vernon's Department of Public Works will collect Christmas trees (minus tinsel, decorations, or plastic bags) during the first full two weeks of January, weather permitting.
Residents can also drop trees off at the Vernon Transfer Station during the month of January, without a permit or punch card. |
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| Cornerstone Foundation is seeking help stocking its clothing bank. Current needs include children's clothing in sizes 4-16. For more information on how to donate, click HERE. Note: The Clothing Bank will be closed through January 1, reopening on January 2. The Clothing Bank is currently open to clients in Vernon, Ellington, and Tolland. |
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| The East Windsor American Heritage River Commission is hosting their 15th annual First Day Hike on January 1 at Scantic River State Park, 100 Melrose Road in Broad Brook. Explore the 2.5-mile loop trail. Hike steps off at 1 p.m. in the parking area at the end of Melrose Road, Broad Brook. Dress appropriately for the weather and proper footwear for conditions. Friendly/leashed dogs are welcome. Donations will be collected for our local food pantry (human and pet items). Hot chocolate and a warming barrel will be provided. Like American Heritage River Commission on for updates or email: ahriver@sbcglobal.net. |
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| Mark your calendars for the 2025 Panther Plunge in East Windsor. You have plenty of time to brainstorm your costumes! |
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While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who dampen 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.
Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.
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.
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 was 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.
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| The North Central District Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has tips for you this holiday season. Everyone manages stress differently, in the link below you can find and manage what triggers your stress and the right combination of healthy techniques that works for you.
Give yourself the gift of a less stressful holiday season!
To learn more about healthy techniques check out the CDC HERE. |
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