| A brand-new state program stands to help thousands of people pay back part of their student loan debt. There are strict requirements to determine eligibility; read below for those details and when you can apply!
I am honored to serve as the top House Democrat on the Regulation Review Committee. I will breakdown of why this role is important.
Derby is taking more vital steps to giving new life to a historic opera house. I will provide a timeline below on what to expect in the coming weeks and months.
Time is running out to enroll for health insurance via Access Health CT. Please keep scrolling to see one of the upcoming deadlines for coverage.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Top House Democrat of Regulation Review Committee
- Student Loan Reimbursement Program Rolls Out in January
- Remembering the Victims of Sandy Hook
- Wreaths Across America
- Safety Improvements Coming To Orange & Hamden
- Inspecting the Sterling Opera House
- Access Health CT Open Enrollment Deadline
- Lighted Tractor Parade Highlights
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Top House Democrat of Regulation Review Committee |
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House Speaker Ritter and Majority Leader Rojas appointed me to serve as the top House Democrat on the Regulation Review Committee. I am honored to hold this position, and I will ensure that new regulations from any state agency are implemented within the legal framework of Connecticut while promoting transparency and accountability.
This joint bipartisan committee is made up of 14 members divided equally by party. In keeping with the bipartisan nature of the committee, the chairmanship of the committee changes every two years. It pairs either a Senate Democrat and a House Republican or a Senate Republican and a House Democrat as co‑chairs. |
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“Mary is ready to take on this leadership role,” Speaker Ritter said. “State regulations do not go into effect without this bipartisan committee’s blessing. It is a lot of work, but Rep. Welander is up for the challenge.”
“There has been growing recognition of the important role that the Regulation Review Committee has in our policymaking process. Representative Welander’s appointment as House Democratic leader of the committee, a bipartisan committee divided equally by party, reflects the confidence that we have in her as an experienced, skilled legislator who is known for working across the aisle. Rep. Welander has the legislative experience and understanding of policy design to take on this important leadership role,” Majority Leader Rojas said.
I am deeply grateful to House Speaker Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for entrusting me with this new responsibility. |
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Student Loan Reimbursement
Program Rolls Out in January |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| Remembering the Victims of Sandy Hook |
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| Tomorrow marks 12 years since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. While we have strong, common sense gun laws here in Connecticut, more work needs to happen on a federal level to ensure this tragedy never happens again.
Gun violence does not happen in a vacuum, and there are simple steps we can all take to keep our communities and loved ones safer. I encourage everyone to visit www.sandyhookpromise.org to learn about these violence prevention programs. |
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| My thoughts are with the victims' families, the survivors of that horrible day, the responding law enforcement, and the entire Newtown and Connecticut community. Though time has passed, you will never be forgotten. |
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Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeleine Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
Ana Márquez-Greene, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6 |
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6
Rachel D'Avino, 29
Dawn Hochsprung, 47
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Lauren Rousseau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Leigh Soto, 27 |
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| Consider joining the community on National Wreaths Across America Day to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. You're invited to attend Saturday's event in Derby or Orange. |
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| The Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562 will place wreaths on the graves of U.S. military veterans that are buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby. The event will begin at noon on Saturday at the alter in the upper portion of the cemetery. Retired Captain Thomas Wilson of the U.S. Navy will serve as the keynote speaker.
Wreaths Across America will be at Orange Cemetery at the same time and lay remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. They will also say the name each and every veteran out loud.
CLICK HERE to sponsor a wreath or donate to relevant programs. |
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| Safety Improvements Coming To Orange & Hamden |
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You are invited to learn about the work that will be done to improve four intersections in Orange and nine in Hamden. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, December 19, at 6 P.M.
The $4.33 million statewide construction project will replace:
- existing stop signs
- stop bars
- approximately 50 feet of double yellow pavement marking
Crews will also introduce oversized stop signs, stop ahead signs, and intersection ahead warning signs with the goal of improving safety by avoiding future crashes. The CTDOT expects construction to begin in spring 2026. |
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| Below you will find the list of intersections that will be improved in Orange: |
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- Old Tavern Rd. at Peck Ln.
- Lambert Rd. at Old Tavern Rd.
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- Prindle Hill Rd. at Edison Rd.
- Old Grassy Hill Rd. at Ridge Rd.
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| Here is the list in Hamden: |
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- Circular Ave. at Cherry Hill Rd.
- Circular Ave. at Pearl Ave./Beacon St.
- Benham St. Vantage Rd.
- Whitney Ave. at Eli Rd.
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- Shepard Ave. at 4 Rod Rd.
- Jones Rd. at Fairview Ave.
- Warren St. at 4th St.
- Morse St. at Winchester Ave.
- Ridge Rd. at Haverford St./High Meadow Rd.
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| Inspecting the Sterling Opera House |
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| Plans are moving forward to revitalize the Sterling Opera House in Derby. On Monday, firms that are interested in restoring the facility will have the opportunity to walk through the 135-year-old building. |
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| The City of Derby is asking qualified firms to develop a plan to investigate and document the current status of the Sterling Opera House. The goal is to determine what crews need to repair the Sterling Opera House for its to return to its glory. |
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| You may recall, I secured $100,000 in our 2023 state budget to evaluate needed repairs and renovations. Those funds will be used to pay for the assessment. Interested parties need to submit sealed bids by Wednesday, January 15 at 4:00 P.M. via the city’s secure online portal. |
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| Access Health CT Open Enrollment Deadline |
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| You can enroll right now for health insurance through Access Health CT (AHCT). If you want coverage to start on January 1, 2025, you must enroll on or before Sunday. If a customer enrolls between December 16, 2024, and January 15, 2025, coverage will start February 1, 2025.
Anyone who lives in Connecticut can shop and compare health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers may also enroll in dental insurance through AHCT. Open enrollment runs through January 15, 2025. |
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| AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) receive assistance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost insurance for eligible residents.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations is also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. |
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| Visit AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. |
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| Lighted Tractor Parade Highlights |
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| The Lighted Tractor Parade was quite the spectacle last Saturday night in Orange. Dozens of tractors lit up the night sky with their festive displays. Your creativity is unmatched! |
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| This is an amazing tradition that is unique to our community, and we all look forward to the amazing light displays each year. I would like to thank everyone who took part including the Orange Police Department for ensuring a safe event for hundreds of people of all ages. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 PM - 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Join Stappa Vineyard for its annual Holiday Flea on Saturday from 12 P.M. - 4 P.M. Enjoy seasonal drink specials, live music, and shop small with amazing vendors! |
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| You can get into the holiday spirit with Chabad of Orange/Woodbridge Chabad of Orange/ Woodbridge by taking part in a Menorah Workshop on Monday at 4 P.M. Make sure to reserve your spot by CLICKING HERE. Organizers will reveal the location of this free event once you register. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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The Amity Creative Theater presents “The Minutes” tonight through Saturday at 7:30 P.M. This comedy about small-town politics turns from hilarious to chilling as petty policy matters give way to the truth roiling just beneath the surface of the town’s historical mythology. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
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