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| Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well. I have some good news to share! The State Bond Commission met on Friday to approve state bonding for numerous community initiatives across our state. Among the selected awards was nearly $1.35 million for Griffin Hospital to replace an emergency generator. |
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Griffin hospital currently has two indoor emergency generators, but one generator is over 40 years old and is beyond its useful life. The demand for emergency power far exceeds what the system can support, so the generator will be replaced with a higher capacity generator to meet energy demands during a power outage.
Tens of thousands of residents of the Lower Valley and beyond rely on this small hospital for medical care. Health emergencies don't stop when the power goes out, so it's vitally important that Griffin Hospital has a functional emergency power system so patients can continue receiving high quality care no matter the situation.
I would like to thank the Governor and the entire State Bond Commission for supporting this vital investment in Griffin Hospital and the health of people who live in the Valley. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Derby Delegation for signing onto the request and being strong partners in securing its placement on the Bond Commission's agenda.
Legislators across the state are permitted to apply for funding to benefit nonprofits when the projects are in the public interest.
Griffin Hospital is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves more than 130,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. It employs more than 1,500 caregivers, making it the largest employer in the 104th House District. Griffin Hospital plays an integral role in community health and wellness, and a reliable emergency power system is vital to provide patients quality care. For this reason, the Derby Delegation applied for funding. |
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| Prior to the start of the 2022 legislative session, my legislative colleagues and I pledged to support policies and bills that would help cut our carbon footprint, increase our reliance on clean energy sources, and protect the health of Connecticut residents. I'm pleased to share that several bills have been signed into law. Below is a look at some of the new laws:
SB 4, An Act Concerning the Connecticut Clean Air Act addresses clean energy through the following:
- Speeds up the timeline for the electrification of the state fleet of vehicles
- Makes it easier for renters and condo owners to install electric vehicle chargers
- Requires the installation of electric vehicle chargers at new state and commercial buildings
- Exempts electric charging stations from property tax assessments
- Incentivizes school districts to use electric school buses
- Increases financial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles and e-bikes
- Establishes a grant program to help municipalities improve traffic signals to lower emissions
SB 10, An Act Concerning Climate Change Mitigation requires Connecticut to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions produced by the state's electric grid by January 1, 2040. After the transportation sector, our electric grid (essentially, how energy is supplied and consumed) is the second highest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the state. This law seeks to change that by giving utility companies and suppliers the necessary push to find cleaner, zero-carbon ways to provide consumers with energy.
SB 176, An Act Concerning Clean Energy Tariff Programs increases the amount of energy solar farms are allowed to produce. |
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| EXTREME HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL ACTIVATED UNTIL FRIDAY |
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| High temperatures are in the forecast over the next several days, prompting activation of Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol, which will remain in effect through 8 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022. Temperatures are expected to reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index in the low to mid 90s.
The state's extreme hot weather protocol ensures vulnerable populations can access protection from the heat. A system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information about cooling centers so residents can seek relief from the heat.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to locate one near them.
For more information and tips on how to stay safe during the extreme heat, please click here. |
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| ALLIANCE DISTRICT TEACHER LOAN SUBSIDY PROGRAM |
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| Connecticut's Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program (ADTLS) aims to increase recruitment and retention of high-quality staff in Alliance School Districts. Passed in 2021, this program allows educators who commit to teaching in an Alliance Districts to refinance their student loans at a lower interest rate.
When teachers refinance to a Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) alliance district teacher loan, their interest rate will be reduced by a three-percentage point subsidy compared to the standard finance rate.
Teachers will receive that interest rate subsidy as long as they continue to teach in an Alliance District and maintain a Connecticut Educator Certification. Teachers can refinance any amount between $5,000 and $25,000.
Learn more about the program here. |
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| MATERNITY LEAVE EXPANSION |
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| There were many people involved in this fight, and I'm so proud to announce that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the State of Connecticut’s request to extend Medicaid (known in Connecticut as HUSKY) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for twelve months after pregnancy.
This extension will allow all individuals twelve months of HUSKY coverage to address postpartum health needs, which may include recovery from childbirth, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. This will help reduce maternal mortality rates, keeping more mothers healthy.
Parents enrolled in HUSKY Health will automatically receive this extended coverage. Parents not currently enrolled in HUSKY Health can apply through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com or 1-855-805-4325. |
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| CALL 988 FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE & CRISIS INTERVENTION LIFELINE |
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| Those who are experiencing a mental health crisis no longer need to remember 1-800-273-8255 or wait hours for help. They can now call or text the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to connect with mental health professionals who are trained to respond to these emergencies.
The three-digit number replaces the 10-digit 800 number to the Lifeline. Individuals can call, chat, or text 988 to reach free and confidential emotional support around the clock, seven days a week.
The Lifeline consists of a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers to get people the help they need, when they need it. Last year, one in five calls to a suicide crisis hotline resulted in a dropped call while others waited hours for assistance.
The three-digit Lifeline is a step forward in transforming America's mental health response and suicide prevention. You can learn more about the Lifeline here.
For further crisis intervention resources available here in Connecticut, click here. |
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| FREE, VIRTUAL CAMP FOR 1.5-5 YEAR OLDS |
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| Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood's Camp Sparkler is underway! This is a FREE, 8-week virtual camp for children ages 1.5 to 5. Camp started on July 4, but activities fun for the whole family are planned all summer long. The last week of Camp Sparkler is August 22 to 28.
To participate in this fun camp, download the Sparkler mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Connecticut residents can use the access code CT or a local code from their CT school or program to register.
To learn more about Camp Sparkler and find all the weekly themes, please click here. |
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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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