Aimee Berger-Girvalo

Just a few items to share this week, as we transition from summer to fall. As much as I love summer weather, I always welcome the onset of my favorite season. I’m ready for sweaters and boots, and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything!

As always, if you have any questions about anything in this newsletter, or need help from my office, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Aimee

Special Session Called for Supreme Court Nomination

The governor is calling the Connecticut General Assembly to meet in a special session to consider the nomination of Nora R. Dannehy to serve as an Associate Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. The House and Senate will both be coming in to vote on this nominee on Tuesday.

If confirmed, Dannehy would fill the vacancy on the court that was created by the resignation of Maria Araújo Kahn, who now serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 

Join Me for a Community Conversation

Ridgefield Climate, Coffee, and Conversation

Join me, along with State Senators Ceci Maher and Julie Kushner, and the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, for the Ridgefield Climate, Coffee, and Conversation on September 28 at Queen B Coffee Co., 417 Main Street in Ridgefield, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you're on Facebook, you can let us know if you can attend HERE.  

Honoring the Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the year in Judaism – begins at sunset on Sunday.
 
Known as the "Day of Atonement," Yom Kippur's central themes are atonement and repentance. The Jewish faith traditionally observes this holy day through fasting and intensive prayer until sunset the next day. 

To everyone in the 111th District observing Yom Kippur, I hope you have a blessed and meaningful holiday.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Join me all month long in celebrating the rich culture and contributions this community brings to Connecticut. 

New Year, New Wage 

Effective January 1, 2024, the state's minimum wage of $15 will increase to $15.69 as part of its first-ever economic indicator adjustment. 

This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1. 

Providing livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help them make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills. Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the Current Population Survey, calculated by the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

No one should be forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. I stand in strong support of this pay adjustment and the workers who will benefit from it. 

CT Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications 

The application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is open!

The program helps Connecticut residents – including both homeowners and renters – with the costs associated with heating their homes. Applications must be received by May 31, 2024.

You can learn more about the program and find ways to apply HERE or call 2-1-1.

Applications Accepted for Home Energy Assistance 

Do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut that are facing financial crisis. Applications for energy assistance are now open through November 10!

You can learn more HERE.

Covid-19 Test Kits Available Starting Monday

The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. Beginning on Monday, September 25, you can place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

The ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other locations to make sure communities have widespread access to COVID-19 tests.

These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

ArrayRx Cards Coming to CT 

Connecticut is about to take a transformative step toward making prescription drugs more affordable for all.
 
On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.
 
Valid physical Connecticut addresses and email addresses are required to enroll, and a digital card will be provided after registering.

The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.
 
I highly encourage you to not miss out on this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.
 

OPM Nonprofit Grant Program 

Attention nonprofits! The Office of Policy and Management is accpeting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program. You have until October 18 to apply.

You can find more information HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact: OPM.NPGrantProgramApplications@ct.gov
 

Health Care Assistance for Paraeducators 

Paraeducators provide critical and direct support to teachers and students, which makes them an integral part of the school ecosystem. That is why I am happy to share that the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program will provide $5 million in financial assistance and increase access to quality health care.

This program was created during the 2023 Legislative Session and signed into law as part of the bipartisan biennium budget. It will help paraeducators enrolled in high-deductible health plans with a health savings account and employed by a local or regional school district with a one-time stipend to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Payments are expected to go out in September to more than 4,000 paraeducators.

Legislative leadership made appropriating these funds a priority in budget negotiations to help bridge the painful gap between high-deductible health plans and low wages for paraeducators, who are critical to our classrooms. We must continue efforts that ensure that paraeducators receive proper compensation and benefits.

Phishing Scam

Important information to share with you regarding a phishing scam. Criminals are posing as the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL). If you receive an email like the one pictured in the graphic, do not respond and report the email as a phishing scam.

New Website Launched for CT State Parks 

CTParks.com is the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Connecticut State Parks continue to rank among the top regional tourist destinations and play a significant role in the state’s tourism sector and local economy. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

• ParkFinder Tool: Equipped with a user-friendly ParkFinder Tool, visitors can effortlessly discover the perfect state park based on their interests or location. Geo-location technology is seamlessly integrated, enabling users to identify nearby parks based on their current location and filter their search to parks based on their plans for the day or what they are looking to do.
• Dynamic Park Listings: Each state park enjoys a dedicated dynamic listing page that extensively promotes available activities, events, photography, social media content, and more. These listings provide comprehensive insights into the unique offerings of each park.
• “While You’re Here” Functionality: Visitors are offered an array of options to extend their stay by exploring nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. This feature seamlessly integrates information from CTVisit.com, the state’s official tourism website, providing a comprehensive and constantly updated guide for a trip beyond the park.
• Event Awareness: The new website features an advanced event management system that not only highlights ongoing activities within the parks but also showcases upcoming events, further encouraging visitation and park engagement.
• User-Generated Content: The website harnesses Instagram content, shared by actual visitors to Connecticut State Parks. This user-generated content authentically represents our parks and the unique experiences they offer.
• Content Organization: The website is thoughtfully structured around core activities and interests, illuminating facets of state parks of which visitors may not have been aware. This intuitive design provides streamlined access to parks that cater to specific activities, simplifying the process of finding the ideal park to match individual interests.
• Video-Rich Experience: Site visitors can enjoy a video-rich environment that showcases a curated selection of more than 20 state park feature videos. These immersive visuals provide a captivating introduction to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities found within Connecticut State Parks and offer a glimpse to visitors of what to expect before they get there.
• Multi-Language Support: In line with the state’s focus on inclusivity, the website offers multi-language support to ensure that Spanish-speaking visitors can enjoy a translated experience.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring accessibility for all, the website is ADA compliant, featuring essential tools, readers, and navigational support to assist visitors with unique accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can access information.

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.

Applications Open for Congress-Bundestag
Youth Exchange 2024-25 

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 year. The CBYX program is a fully funded scholarship from the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag for 250 American high school students to spend an academic year in Germany. 

No previous German language experience is needed to apply.

Interested applicants can visit the CBYX website (www.usagermanyscholarship.org) to learn more, explore stories from current and past participants, and begin the application process. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on November 1.

Spotted Lanternfly: If You See It, Squash It! 

Through November, the adults of the spotted lanterfly pest may be seen and can attach themselves or enter vehicles and trailers, “hitchhiking” their way into our state, and threatening our crops and trees. The Department of Transportation is asking travelers to check their vehicles for this pest, and if found, take a picture, destroy the insect, and report it to The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

The spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula, (SLF) is not a fly but is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding planthopper that has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s agricultural crops, particularly apples, grapes, hops, and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults feed on more than 70 species of plants. Its preferred host tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is highly invasive and is abundant along highways, in urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas, where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established.

Approximately half of Connecticut's trees are threatened by a spotted lanternfly invasion according to data from Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). As spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults feed on the sap from trees and vines, the entire plant can become weakened. The excretions from these leaf-hopping insects encourage the growth of black sooty mold, thereby reducing photosynthesis. Agricultural crops will have reduced yields due to the SLF feeding on fruit and generally weakening plants, if not destroying them (DEEP, 2020).

The public is urged to report potential sightings of this invasive pest. If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it, destroy the insect, and fill out the reporting form by clicking this link: SLF Reporting Form. If you have other questions or comments, please email ReportSLF@ct.gov. Include in your email your contact information, any photos, and any other pertinent information. Permission by residents and businesses for state and federal plant inspectors to examine host trees on private property will be helpful in determining the extent of the infestation. All reports are confidential. 

To learn more, click HERE.