Mental Health is a Legislative Priority

welander
February 18, 2022

 

At 11:30 this morning, I will join House Speaker Ritter, Chair of the Committee on Children Rep. Linehan, and a number of my legislative colleagues to discuss a priority bill of ours this session to address growing mental health concerns for children and families.

As Vice-Chair of the Committee on Children, the mental health and well-being of our state's youth have been a leading priority of mine. I am excited to share aspects of the bill we have worked collaboratively on in a bipartisan and multi-agency capacity.

The press conference will be streamed Live on CT-N, and I encourage you to watch. As the bill moves through the committee process, I will be sure to share information when it is scheduled for a public hearing so you can offer input.

During the 2022 session, public hearings will remain virtual as they were last year. Virtual hearings offer higher accessibility to residents ensuring that your voice heard without having to travel to Hartford.

During virtual hearings, there are three ways you can submit testimony:

  • In Writing - Use the Calendar, Bulletins & Agenda to find out how to submit testimony in writing before the start of the hearing. Most committees will accept written testimony via email, prior to start of the hearing. Some may also accept written testimony by mail. 
  • By Phone - If a phone number is listed on the bulletin, you may be allowed to testify by phone. Follow the instructions in the bulletin to make sure you have been authorized to testify, as well as any special instructions you might need to follow. 
  • By Video Call - Virtual Hearings are conducted via Zoom. Some committees may allow you testify by pre-registering to testify live via zoom.

For step-by-step instructions, click here. To watch any public hearing, you can stream it live on CT-N.
 
Special Enrollment Period
If you need high-quality affordable healthcare and meet certain eligibility requirements, the Covered Connecticut Program, through Access Health CT (AHCT), has opened a Special Enrollment Period running now through June 30.

The Covered Connecticut Program pays the customer’s portion of their monthly premium directly to their insurance company. The program also covers the cost-sharing amounts residents normally would have to pay with a health insurance plan, including co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.
To qualify for the Covered Connecticut Program, Connecticut residents must:
  • Meet income requirements
  • Be a parent or caretaker relative with children in the household that are under age 19 (if the children are age 18 or older, they must be full-time students in secondary school)
  • Use all the financial help available through Access Health CT
  • Be enrolled in an eligible Silver level health insurance plan.

To determine if you are eligible, have your questions answered and enroll in the Covered Connecticut Program during this Special Enrollment Period, call the Access Health CT Covered Connecticut Program hotline at (860) 241-8478, Monday-Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM You can also click on the button below for more details.
Covered Connecticut
Coverage begins on the first of the month following enrollment so, if you enroll today, your coverage begins on March 1.
 
Upcoming Roadwork in Orange
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be making scheduled improvements to Route 15 in Orange beginning Monday, February 21. The roadwork is expected to cause weekday lane closures.

Lane Closure Info
  • Expect lane closures on Route 15 southbound and northbound weekdays from 9AM - 3PM and 6PM - 6AM
  • Look out for traffic control personnel and updated signing patterns
  • Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions and should seek alternate routes
 
AARP Grant
This is a reminder that AARP Connecticut invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 22, 2022.

These grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its sixth year, the grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide 

Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live. Click here to learn more.
 
Scam Spotlight
Avoiding scams has become nearly impossible! In an effort to protect you and keep you alert, I will continue sharing a series of short informational videos on Facebook called the Scam Spotlight.
 
We have all been tricked by believable "phishing" emails, so here are a ways to identify them!

Are you all caught up on previous Scam Spotlights? Visit

 my webpage, or click the buttons below, to make sure.
 
Introduction to Scam Spotlight
Scam Spotlight: Small Businesses
Scam Spotlight: Seniors