Your Input is Needed!

insurance
August 5, 2022
Insurance companies have requested that the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) approve a rate increase by an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. Insurers claim this proposed hike is a result of the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, but it comes at a time when we are already facing the highest inflation rates in 40 years.
 
You have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the insurance companies proposing these rate hikes!
 
On Monday, August 15th at 9:00 AM, the CID will host a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.
The Monday meeting will offer a hybrid participation platform. Anyone wishing to view the meeting virtually can watch on CT-N. Anyone who wants to speak virtually at the meeting via Zoom can sign up by clicking the button below to send an email with your name and written comments attached.
Virtual Sign-Up Email
Anyone wishing to view the meeting in person can watch it at the Legislative Office Building. Anyone who wants to speak in person can sign up on the morning of the meeting, just ahead of its 9:00 AM start time – 8:30 AM.
 
The CID is also seeking your input on increased rate proposals filed by Aetna, Anthem Health Plans, and United Healthcare/Oxford for the 2023 plan year. You can view the rate requests and provide public comment by clicking the button below.
Learn More and Provide Public Comment
 
Primary Elections
I just wanted to offer a reminder that the Republican and Democratic Primaries will be held this upcoming Tuesday, 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.

Because we are less than a week away from the primaries, if you cannot make it to the polls and need to vote Absentee, you must submit an Emergency Absentee Ballot Application!

To download an Emergency Application in either English or Spanish, click the buttons below. Applications mus be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office.

Polls will be open from 6AM - 8PM!

English: Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot
Spanish: Emergency Application for Absentee Ballot
 
Small Business Boost Fund
This is a reminder that applications are still being accepted for the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, a public-private partnership that provides low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut that. The program - with loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 - was made possible because of adjustments I supported in the 2021 budget.

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply online by clicking here, or the button below,

 and if they qualify, they will be matched with a lender. Once matched, the participating lender will assist the business owner throughout the application process.
Apply for Boost Fund
 
City of Derby Food Donations
Throughout the month of August, the City of Derby will be collecting Ready to Eat Soup for the St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley Food Bank!

I hope you will consider donating. Please bring all donations to the Town/City Clerk’s Office by the end of August and they will deliver them to the food bank.

Also, St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley is always in need of turkeys and hams for the 2022 Holiday season. Please call them at (203) 734-7577 to coordinate the details.
 
Woodbridge Summer Outdoor Films
Last night, the Woodbridge Town Library kicked-off their summer movie series!

Every Thursday throughout the month, the library will show family friendly films on the Town Green starting at approximately 8:15 PM (dusk). Just bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and bug-spray!

 
Orange Community Farmers' Market
The Town of Orange is hosting the Orange Community Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3:30PM - 7:00PM through September 29th!

They are located at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.

Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown ranging from:
  • Bakery products
  • Eggs
  • Flowers
  • Milk
  • Meats
  • Soaps
  • Plants
  • In-season vegetables
  • Crafts and services

Each week there will be vendors showcasing the freshest products. If you do not see something you want, contact the Market Master.
 
Derby Summer Concert Series

The City of Derby has announced its 2022 Concert Series on the Derby Green!

The series will continue on Tuesday nights from 7PM - 9PM during the month of August with the following bands:

  • August 9 - The Nu Haven Kapelye - Klezmer Band
  • August 16 - The Jolly Beggars - Irish
  • August 23 - Al Fenton Big Band - 18 Piece Swing Band
  • August 30 - Silver Steel - Steel Drum Band
During August there will be a rain date of Wednesday, if needed. The series will then continue on Friday nights in September from 6:30PM to 8:30PM:
  • September 2 - Old School - Classic Rock and Roll
  • September 9 - Chris Coogan - Jazz Quintet
  • September 16 - The Bernadettes - R&B, Funk, & Soul Show Band
  • September 23 - Rich Bobinski Orchestra - Oktoberfest / Polka Music
  • September 30 - Larry Ayce Band - Country
  • October 7 - Mark Lanzieri and Friends - Italian / Sinatra
There will be no rain date for Friday night concerts.
 
Orange Bicentennial Celebration
Don't forget about the final Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration event! Check out the link below:
 
In The News
“Given the drastic increases in natural disasters and the higher probability of needing the emergency backup it was a really important project to fund,” Welander said.
 
Woodbridge Hazard Mitigation Survey
The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) and its municipalities are working together to prepare an update to the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, and they need your input!

The purpose of this plan is to identify and assess the Region’s natural hazard risks (such as flooding, winter storms, and hurricanes) and determine how to best minimize or manage those risks.

Participation in this survey is voluntary and none of the information provided will be attributed to individuals directly. The survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and in Spanish.

To participate in the survey and to learn more, click the buttons or image below:
Survey in English
Survey in Spanish
Learn More
 
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.