Heating Bill Assistance, Bipartisanship on Student Loan Reimbursement Program

November 20, 2024


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

As you’ll see below, we have quite a few things happening. Up first, for those needing home heating assistance this winter, I’ve included information on how to apply. I have heard from constituents that they have also found the budget billing helpful in providing a more consistent bill each month that is less susceptible to spikes.
 
Today, Representative Corey Paris, I, and several of our colleagues held a press conference and a roundtable discussion today on the bill we passed to help alleviate student loan debt for Connecticut. The details of the program are included below but stay tuned because the program will kick off in January 2025.
 
This week, the Public Health Committee and the Appropriations Committee met to discuss the tobacco settlement fund and how those funds are used. I was honestly shocked to hear that vape devices can now have a gaming component to them. If that isn’t a direct ploy to get more kids addicted, I don’t know what is and I’m disgusted. I’ve included information on cessation and hope you will take the time to watch if you or someone you know needs to quit.
 
I’m also pleased to share that I have been reappointed as the House Chair of the Planning and Development Committee. Soon, we will know our other committee assignments and I will let you know as soon as we do where I will be spending the majority of my time.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni


 
Heating Bill Assistance Available 
Colder temperatures will soon give way to higher heating bills. November is Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, and we are informing residents about several programs available that can help pay or lower their heating bills this winter. Whether it be state assistance, protection from shutoff service, financial assistance programs, or energy efficiency, there is a plan for everyone.
Here is a closer look at what's available:

State and Other Assistance Programs

  • You can get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online here or visit your local Community Action Agency. You can also find your closest agency by calling 211. 

Protection from Service Shut-Off

  • Protect your gas or electric service from shut off, from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.
  • You may also be eligible for Medical Protection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.

Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans

  • The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay, and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP),  Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
  • An Electric Discount Rate You may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit if you have a financial hardship status on your account.
  • Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of their income.
  • With Budget Billing, pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.   

Energy Efficiency

  • Eversource has energy efficiency programs, incentives, and money-saving tips to help you reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.  

To learn more about the programs, and which one may be right for you, please call 1-800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp. You can get a jump on lowering your heating bill and keeping your home this winter today.

 
Bipartisanhip on Student Loan Reimbursement
Program
As I mentioned above, Rep. Paris and I hosted a press conference and roundtable discussion today at Southern Connecticut State University on the bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt in Connecticut.
I have had many people recently ask me about this bill and I want to provide some details so that you or someone you know will be ready to apply. The legislation provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (for a total of up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. This will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and as this is a pilot program, six million dollars has been allocated for the current budget cycle.
 
Eligibility requirements are as follows. Applicants must be a current resident of Connecticut and have lived in the state for at least five years. Applicants must have an outstanding student loan balance and during 2024 have paid toward a federal direct, federal direct PLU, federal Perkins, CHESLA, or other states sponsored student loan.
 
Applicants must have graduated from a Connecticut public or private college or university with a degree or have earned an occupation/professional license or certificate. Applicants must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants, or $175,000 for married applicants in 2023.
 
Applicants must have volunteered at least 50 hours after January 1, 2024. These hours must be completed at a CT nonprofit organization, including serving on its Board of Directors, in municipal government, or through military service. Proof of volunteer documentation must be notarized.
 
Questions should be directed to
OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process will open on January 1, 2025.
 
This legislation represents a true bipartisan effort and I am incredibly proud that it will have a direct impact on not only Connecticut’s economy but additionally, its workforce. Please see the video below.
 
Commit to Quit
Commit to Quit CT is a program that provides free resources and support for Connecticut residents who want to quit smoking or vaping. Please see the short video below.
You can also enroll online here or here. There are also resources for those under 18.
 
Investing in Connecticut Rails
After receiving approximately $291 million from the federal government, Connecticut is ready to improve its railways. The money comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will provide $120 million, and Amtrak will contribute $11.7 million to several rail projects across the state.
This game-changing investment will modernize our transportation system, making it more reliable while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Track and rail improvements will give commuters more options to move around the state, shorten travel times, and reduce traffic and pollution statewide. Thank you to the White House and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for securing this vital funding. For more specifics on the rail projects, please click HERE.
 
2025 NATIONAL SBA WEEK AWARDS
In this info session, SBA Outreach & Marketing Specialist Sheri Cote will provide an overview of the SBA's National Small Business Week Awards and share what it takes to submit a winning nomination package. 
Sheri will explain the process, review the required forms, and share ideas on how to create a competitive package. You can register by clicking HERE. The nomination deadline is December 5th.
 
Squash Food Waste! Recycle Your Pumpkin
 
Route 44 Corridor Study Preferred Alternatives Meeting is

December 9th

 
Proud to Return As House P&D Chair
Yesterday, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) and Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester) reappointed me as the House Chair of the Planning and Development Committee.
I am grateful to them for their faith in my ability to chair the committee. I remain committed to focusing on Connecticut’s future by working with our diverse municipalities toward the goals of sustainability and resilience regardless of the challenges we might face together as a state. Onward!
 
Sincerely,


Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences