Legislative Session Recap

recap
July 8, 2022

This upcoming Monday, July 11th, I will co-host a session recap with Senator Maroney. This is a great opportunity to hear about legislation that may not have made headlines, and an even greater opportunity to let us know how we can better advocate for you in Hartford.

The event will run from 7-8PM at the High Plains Community Center in Orange. I hope to see you there!

 
Orange Bicentennial Celebrations
Don't forget, the Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration is well underway! Check out the links below for Upcoming Events, including the Town's 4th of July Firework Show TOMORROW:
 
Youth Service & Safety Week
This upcoming week, July 11-15, the Orange PD Youth Detectives will be combining their powers with Orange Volunteer Fire Department and Orange Youth Services to bring you the first Youth Service & Safety Week. Join them for fun events, great food, and a good time. Open to Orange residents.

Please keep in mind that any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions please reach out to any of the following: cbailey@orange-ct.gov, cknepper@orange-ct.gov, or jsimone@orange-ct.gov.

 
Woodbridge Summer Concert Series
Every Tuesday night from 6PM - 8PM throughout the Month of July, the Town of Woodbridge is hosting a summer concert on the green. Please find the full concert list below:
  • Tuesday, July 12
    • Boogie Chillun
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather on Tuesday July 12th, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 13th
    • Description: R & B, Funk, Soul, Rap, Rock,  Reggae, Disco, Pop, and Jazz
  • Tuesday, July 19
    • Abe Ovadia Trio
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 20th
    • Description: Jazz
  • Tuesday, July 26
    • Rumrunners
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 27th
    • Description: Party Rock / Classic Rock
 
 
FREE Community College

Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) was established by the legislature in 2019 to provide free tuition for students attending all twelve community colleges. PACT bridges the tuition gap students may have after receiving scholarships and other financial aid – and we allocated funds for this critical program in our budget adjustment this year to expand eligibility.
 
Don't delay! Students must apply by July 15 to take advantage of PACT. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.
 
To qualify for PACT, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a CT High School Graduate, GED and home schooled students qualify
  • Be a first-time college student
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used to package federal, state and often institutional aid and accept all awards
  • Attend community college part- or full-time (6+ credits/semester)
  • Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program
  • Once Enrolled, remain in good academic standing

Students from all financial backgrounds are eligible.

To get started, click the button below:
Learn More & Apply
 
Primary Elections
This is a reminder that the Republican and Democratic Primaries will be held on August 9, 2022. You must be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote in your respective Primary. Check your party affiliation and voter status on the Secretary of the State's website.

Applications for Absentee Ballots are now available to download from the Town Clerk's website. Applications can be returned to the drop box located outside of Town Hall. Absentee Ballots will be available beginning July 19th from the Town Clerk’s office.

Polls will be open from 6AM - 8PM!

 
CoveredCT Expansion
Last week, Access Health CT (AHCT) announced expanded eligibility for the Covered Connecticut Program and additional benefits for those that qualify. Adults without children now qualify for the program.

The CoveredCT provides no cost health insurance to parents, caretaker relatives and single adults who meet all eligibility requirements and, as of July 1, the program provides dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation benefits.

To Qualify CT Residents Must:
  • Have a household income up to and including 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (see chart below) and not qualify for HUSKY Health/Medicaid because of income
  • Be eligible for financial help including Advance Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions
  • Use 100% of the financial help available to them
  • Be enrolled in a Silver-level health insurance plan
Learn More About CoveredCT
 
What Does Our Community Need?
TEAM, Inc. is working on there annual Community Needs Assessment and wants to hear from you!

Residents of Derby, Orange and Woodbridge are asked to take this short survey, which will clarify what resources we need in the community to better provide for residents like you. The group is hoping to receive responses by mid-June, so if you are willing, please click or scan the QR code below to take the survey.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.