|
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
As you know, the work of a legislator does not stop when session ends. Throughout the year, I spend most of my week attending meetings and advocating for legislation that will positively impact the 57th district.
Below is just a highlight of some of the items I've been working on for you this week.
|
|
|
Ellington Youth Services Collaboration
|
|
|
Tonight, September 6 at 7:30PM, I'll be joined by Ellington's First Selectman Lori Spielman and Ellington Unified Advisor Tracy Kearcher to discuss how we can best support children and young adults with special needs in Ellington.
The meeting will be held in-person at Ellington Youth Services - or join virtually via Zoom here.
|
|
|
Aid Available for Farmers Affected by Drought
|
|
|
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated New London and Windham counties as primary natural disaster areas, and Hartford, Middlesex, and Tolland counties as “contiguous counties” due to the recent drought. Under the declaration, farms in those areas are eligible to be considered for federal assistance - like FSA emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, assuming other eligibility requirements are met.
Farmers in the eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for emergency loans. For those interested in applying, click here to get more information about assistance available and eligibility requirements or contact your local FSA office.
|
|
|
Farm estate planning is often overlooked, leading to a potential pile of problems and unnecessary challenges that may risk the farm’s survival. You’ve worked so hard to build a successful farm - be sure to take the steps necessary to protect it. Get more information on farm transition and estate planning strategies here.
|
|
|
I was pleased to have been selected by the Speaker of the House to attend the National Conference of State Legislators: Rural Health Roundtable this week. I was joined by State Senators Cathy Osten and Mae Flexer, and members of the General Assembly’s non-partisan offices.
We covered so many topics from our community health centers to rural maternity outcomes, community hospital closure, EMS/EMT shortages, Food as Medicine and more!
|
|
|
DEEP Comprehensive Energy Strategies Meeting
|
|
|
I had a meeting with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy to discuss comprehensive energy strategies.
|
|
|
Stop on Red - Kids Ahead!
|
|
|
Thank you to Broad Brook Fire Department for reminding everyone that school is in session - and the buses are back on the road! Please be cautious and remember to look out for kids. And remember - when the red light is activated, stop and do not pass.
|
|
|
CEAP Applications Open Today
|
|
|
The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open Today, September 1. As colder days approach, this program supports vulnerable Connecticut residents - both homeowners and renters - with the costs of heating their homes.
If you are interested, there are several ways to submit your application:
- Online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.
- Call the office of your local community action agency and request assistance applying, or schedule an in-person appointment
- Download and complete the CEAP application, and mail the completed application with the required documents to your local community action agency.
The contact information and addresses of Connecticut's community action agencies can be found here.
Benefits are based on your household’s income and number of family members. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $76,400 for a family of four.
Typically, benefits are paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank fills.
Applications for the 2022-2023 winter season must be received by May 31, 2023.
If you’d like more information, click here, call 2-1-1.
|
|
|
Last Day to Get FREE COVID Tests
|
|
|
The free COVID Test by mail program will be suspended tomorrow, September 2. To order before the program ends, click here. Households can request 3 orders of free at-home tests (16 tests total) per residential address.
|
|
|
Beware of Cryptocurrency Scams
|
|
|
The Connecticut State Police is asking residents to beware of scams involving cryptocurrency. The most common scams often begin with a strange text message, phone call, or email. Scammers will often lure victims to cryptocurrency ATMs or web-based investment sites or exchange platforms, where it is relatively easy to convert U.S. dollars into cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
- No legitimate business or government agency will direct you to withdraw money from your bank account or direct you to deposit funds at a cryptocurrency ATM machine.
- Text messages from unknown numbers attempting to gain your trust by beginning with something low threat such as, “Hi friend” or “Didn’t we meet last week?”
- If you own cryptocurrency, no legitimate entity will ever ask you, nor should you share, your private keys or account passwords.
- If you plan to invest in new cryptocurrency coins, always check to see if they are listed on a trusted, major exchange and research the “initial coin offering” paper.
- Never trust coin endorsements posted on social media, through email, or any source promising unrealistic profits.''
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Jaime Foster
State Representative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
