September 16 Newsletter: Redistricting, Small Businesses

Rep. Exum at a 2021 Redistricting Committee Public Hearing
September 16, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
 

Redistricting Committee Update
Over the past couple of weeks, my colleagues and I on the Connecticut Reapportionment Committee have been holding public hearings in-person across the state and online to hear from residents on the redistricting process.

With residents able to give testimony and even propose maps to the committee on what their districts should look like, the hearings we have done have been very constructive and enlightening! 

To learn more about the Reapportionment Committee, visit https://bit.ly/38GOFyx. To make a map yourself, you can visit websites such as Districtr.org, DavesRedistricting.org and DistrictBuilder.org.
 

Utility Assistance
After roughly 18 months, the pandemic moratorium on utility service disconnections is ending for residential non-hardship customers, but there are still protections, assistance programs and payment plans available.

According to Eversource, the protection moratorium from shutoff for hardship customers will prevent service turnoffs between November 1 and May 1.

Apply for Aid

  • If you or a member of your household has a serious or life-threatening medical condition, please call (800) 286-2628 to learn more about protection from disconnection.
  • See if you are eligible for the Matching Payment Program for electric heating and gas heating, call (800) 286-2628 or click here.
  • Contact Eversource under the New Start program to have your outstanding balance eliminated in as little as 12 months.

For additional assistance with your utility bill, click here or call (877) 947-3873.
 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
This month, from September 15 through October 15, we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize and feature the countless achievements of many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities.

Their rich culture has influenced the entertainment industry, sports, fashion, food, the political landscape, education, science and more with an enormous economic impact worldwide.

I am proud the legislature adopted and included Latino studies in our public high school curriculum beginning in the fall of 2022, allowing for more diversity and inclusion of an integral part of American history.

Please join me in recognizing Hispanic American successes, challenges and stories throughout this month and appreciating their invaluable contributions to society.
 

Shop Local During National Small Business Week
It's National Small Business Week, the perfect opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our state’s and nation's small business owners and leaders. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create roughly 66% of jobs in our country each year.

At a time when small businesses matter more than ever for the local economies, and remembering the hard challenges faced by business owners during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, please take time this week to shop at local small businesses and restaurants and support those in your community. 

If you are a local business owner, please also remember that Connecticut offers a number of programs to ensure your success. Please click the button below to access resources available to you.
CT Small Business Resources
 

Yom Kippur
G'mar Hatima Tova. For those observing Yom Kippur, we wish you a meaningful fast and reflection.