3/24/21 Newsletter: Equal Pay Day, Greek Independence Day, Access Health Enrollment

pay
March 24, 2021

Today is Equal Pay Day—a day that marks the point at which it takes a woman on average to earn what her male counterpart did the year before. In 2020, a woman in Connecticut earned only $0.83 for every dollar that a white, non-Hispanic man made. 

This wage gap exists regardless of where women live, what industry they work in or their education level. The gap increases in severity for minority women. The high unemployment rate during the pandemic is expected to only exacerbate these disparities.
 
In Connecticut and nationwide, the wage gap still exists due to gender and racial discrimination, women’s overrepresentation in low-wage jobs and underrepresentation in high-paying jobs, and economic barriers with caregiving responsibilities.
 
Over the years, Connecticut has taken significant steps to address the wage inequality, most notability the recent passage and implementation of paid family medical leave was a significant step for women’s ability to stay in the workforce. But, if we don’t do our part for working women in this moment of COVID-19 crisis, we will revert back decades in terms of women’s fair pay.
 
This session we are working to address income inequality through a number of legislative proposals, including H.B. 6380, which requires employers to provide job applicants and employees with salary ranges for vacant positions. With a high-end salary range, women are able to base their salary negotiations on an industry standard rather than their historical salaries which are often artificially lower from years of inequitable treatment in the workforce.
 
It’s time for us to close the gap and ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.
 
GREEK INDEPENDENCE BICENTENNIAL 
I hope you’ll have a moment to join me and my fellow Greeks tomorrow, March 25, as we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day. This day will be marked around the world wherever you find the Greek diaspora (from the Greek word diaspeirein).

Greek Independence Day marks the day the war of 1821 began to free the Greeks from the Ottoman Empire.

For more information regarding celebrations around the world, visit this link: https://greekreporter.com/.../world-turns-greek-march-25.../
You can join via zoom here.
 
CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE WEEK
Each year at the Capitol there is a day dedicated to recognizing our Connecticut farms. This year, Connecticut Grown Foods has created a logo which will appear in grocery stores on produce and products grown in Connecticut. Look out for this logo to support local farms!

It’s more important than ever that we look to protect our family farms, including our dairy farms, in Connecticut. I know I can’t wait for June when we will hopefully see our traditional Farmer’s Markets pop up at the Avon Library and in Collinsville. I can almost taste the tomatoes!
 
ACCESS HEALTH ENROLLMENT

Access Health CT (AHCT) continues to offer quality, affordable health care for those in need of coverage, especially during this public health crisis.

So far, thousands of Connecticut residents have taken advantage of a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) running now through April 15.

But wait! There is even better news.

If you buy insurance on the exchange, your monthly premiums could be as little as $5 per month or less. 

On the conservative side, CT residents stand to save $85 million annually by buying their insurance on the exchange.

New federal relief dollars have created huge tax credits for those who buy insurance through AHCT and if you're a small business owner with 50 employees or less you can save money by using Access Health CT for health insurance coverage with significant subsidies from the federal government.

If you need quality, affordable, low cost health insurance, hesitate no more. Click on the button below to enroll.
      Click here to enroll

      Special Enrollment Period coverage effective dates and guidelines are as follows:

      Consumers enrolling from

       

      March 16-31

       

      April 1-15

       

      Plan effective date

       

      May 1, 2021

       

      June 1, 2021
       

      Customer must pay their first month’s premium (monthly payment) for coverage to begin.

      Customer must pay their first month’s premium (monthly payment) for coverage to begin.
      • Consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this Special Enrollment Period
      • Consumers currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT will not be eligible to use this Special Enrollment Period to change plans
      • Financial help will continue to be available to consumers who qualify.
      • Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., loss of coverage due to job change or unemployment) or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can continue to enroll year-round.

      Access Health CT reminds residents of the importance of maintaining their coverage throughout the year, and not just during this public health crisis. It is critical that uninsured individuals take advantage of this opportunity to protect their health, wellbeing and ensure they have access to needed services.

      Access Health CT will continue to offer free help:

      • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (and click the “Live Chat” icon)
      • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri. 8 AM – 4 PM
      • With Enrollment Specialists in the community
      • In-person at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations**:
       
      NATIONAL PUPPY DAY
      I couldn't let National Puppy Day go by without sharing a photo of Dakota. His hobbies include snuggling his stuffed elephant and grunting like a pig when I'm not on mute in committee meetings.

      He's lucky that he's just as cute as when he was an actual puppy!