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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and yours well.
We continue to navigate challenging times, but there are silver linings and so much to be grateful for - like spending more time together with loved ones, catching every milestone. I hope this holiday season is filled with joy and happiness, and that you have the opportunity to enjoy your favorite holiday traditions with your family, in-person or virtually.
Wherever you are, however you celebrate - stay safe, stay well.
From my family to yours, happy holidays and happy New Year. |
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| STATE BONDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY |
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| On Tuesday, the Connecticut State Bond Commission approved $12 million to match a federal grant to renovate the Derby-Shelton Multimodal Station!
Last month, the state Department of Transportation received a $12.6 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant for modernization and improvements to the Derby train station and its multimodal transportation hub.
These two awards will fund significant upgrades to the station including an ADA-compliant raised platform, ticket kiosk, security cameras and other modern platform amenities, enhanced bus and rail amenities, improved bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity to downtown Derby and the Naugatuck Valley Greenway trails. It will also support new electric bus and car charging stations. You can read more about this project here.
The funds also build upon our recent legislative win at the state level to secure more than $1.2 million annually in new funding in the state budget for the addition of seven trains daily, increasing weekday service.
The State Bond Commission also approved $200,000 for TEAM, Inc to replace its elevator and second floor windows in its headquarters building on Elizabeth Street in Derby! In addition to TEAM, the Derby Housing Authority and outreach workers for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program have offices in this building.
The funds will help to ensure that thousands of residents in our region can more reliably access the building, which provides vital support and services to children, families, and seniors in our community.
I am grateful for the Governor and Commission’s support, and for having strong partners in my colleagues in the Derby delegation to secure this vital funding. |
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| ACCESS HEALTH CT EXTENDS ENROLLMENT DATE |
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Connecticut residents have more time to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT for coverage starting with the new year! Residents who enroll between December 16 and December 31 can choose between coverage starting on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022. Those who enroll between January 1, 2022 and January 15, 2022 will have coverage starting on February 1, 2022.
There are substantial savings available to most families, particularly middle income families, through the new state and federal initiatives enacted. These savings are available to all: first time enrollees, those who currently have private insurance, or are currently enrolled with Access Health CT are looking to renew, change, or update their policy.
Additionally, starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.
Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment through the following:
- In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com.
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| WHAT HAS YOUR STATE REP BEEN UP TO? |
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| Yesterday, I was happy to join Griffin Hospital, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and a variety of state and local dignitaries—along with three members of the Harlem Wizards—to celebrate the reopening of the Ansonia Armory. It was closed for upgrades and renovations. Thank you to Griffin Hospital, Ion Bank, Lockheed Martin, and Haynes Construction Inc. for their part in revitalizing this important community space for our residents! |
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| It was truly special to attend the Wreaths Across America event last weekend in Derby. A thank you to Catholic War Veterans St.Michael's Post 1562 and Auxiliary, the U.S. Marines and Sea Cadets, and all the speakers and attendees who came together to honor our veterans. |
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| TEAM, Inc has been making magic happen through their Toys4Kids program and I loved spending an afternoon last week helping with this initiative to ensure every family in the Valley can enjoy the holidays this year. Over 900 kids in Ansonia and Derby are gifted through this program. Thank you to to all the community sponsors, donors, and volunteers. The holidays are about spreading cheer and Team and our community make sure that cheer reaches every family. |
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| $2.7 MILLION FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES |
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| You're not alone. Our state recently launched the Connecticut Campus Mental Health Program to provide $2.7 million to colleges and universities across our state as they respond to the ongoing student mental health challenges driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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| Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against a severe case of COVID-19, including against the Delta variant. If you were vaccinated over 6 months ago, public health and medical experts recommend getting boosted.
If you're looking to get your first COVID-19 shot or a booster, the state Department of Public Health Mobile Vaccination Team will host vaccination clinics in our community. You can find a full list of mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics here.
Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccination location in your area, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 vaccine locator, here.
You can also text your zip code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish to instantly receive details about clinics in your area and assistance with transportation, childcare, and more.
If you would like assistance over the phone, dial 2-1-1 to get connected with a specialist. |
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| Additional information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started. |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
All my Best,
Kara Rochelle
State Representative
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