| We are bracing for some of the coldest weather of the season, and the governor is activating the cold weather protocol. I'll let you know when it goes into effect, for how long, and how you can help loved ones who need a warm place to stay.
Thousands of individuals in need will get an early Christmas present this year. I'll break down how Connecticut is canceling $30 million dollars worth of medical debt.
The state is offering a lifeline to children and their families who are experiencing homelessness in Connecticut. Please read below to learn how they can access permanent housing.
I spoke to the Connecticut Humane Society to share how my colleagues and I try to support pets and their owners across the state. Keep scrolling to see a picture of me playing with an adorable dog!
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Severe Cold Weather Protocol
- Medical Debt Relief
- Help for Families of Young Children Access Permanent Housing
- Wreaths Across America
- Orange Police Department Honored
- Support for the Connecticut Humane Society
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Severe Cold Weather Protocol |
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| The severe cold weather protocol will go into effect on Saturday at noon until Tuesday at noon as wintry conditions make their way to Connecticut. This is the first time the governor has activated the protocol this season. The move gives our most vulnerable an opportunity to find a warm place during dangerously cold weather. |
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During the protocol, state agencies and municipalities coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter.
Anyone who needs a warm place to stay is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary. |
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More than 22,000 people in Connecticut can expect some or all of their medical debt to be eliminated, thanks to a major state initiative in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
Residents do not need to apply for this medical debt relief, nor can they request it. Those whose debts have been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt detailing which debts have been eliminated. These letters will be sent out through the U.S. mail, starting December 23, 2024.
Click HERE to view a sample of the letter recipients will soon receive in the mail. |
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Undue Medical Debt collaborates with state and local governments to leverage public investments, negotiating with hospitals and other providers to eliminate large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt. This initiative specifically targets patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level, or who have medical debt that constitutes 5% or more of their income. Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and pertain to individuals who are least able to pay, they can be purchased at a fraction of their face value.
In this initial round, the state allocated approximately $100,000 from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. With this investment, Undue Medical Debt successfully negotiated with a secondary market partner, such as a collections agency, and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents. |
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Help for Families of Young
Children Access Permanent Housing |
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| Governor Lamont’s administration is continuing a groundbreaking initiative to connect young children experiencing homelessness with permanent housing. This initiative works collaboratively with the recently launched Head Start on Housing pilot program. It provides low-income families with young children access to free services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being. |
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| Since its launch, Connecticut’s Head Start on Housing pilot program has housed 144 families, including 317 children. The Connecticut Department of Housing will allocate 50 vouchers annually for Head Start and Early Head Start families. Connecticut has engaged housing and Head Start providers in several other states who have requested assistance in modeling the program. |
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| I was honored to join veterans, their families, and many others to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom on National Wreaths Across America Day. The pictures directly below are from the touching ceremony in Orange last Saturday. |
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| Retired Captain Thomas Wilson of the U.S. Navy gave a rousing speech at a similar event in Derby. The Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562 placed wreaths on the graves of U.S. military veterans that are buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery. |
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| I would like to thank everyone who was involved in coordinating these events. It's always important to honor and remember the sacrifice our brave servicemen and women made and continue to make in order to protect our freedoms. |
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| Orange Police Department Honored |
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| The state recognized the Town of Orange Police Department for its amazing work serving our community. The department achieved Tier Two Accreditation from the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council. This intensive process demonstrates our police officers’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards in training, policies, accountability, and integrity. |
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| Support for the Connecticut Humane Society |
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| Some of my colleagues and I stopped by the Connecticut Humane Society to discuss how the legislature can help animals and pet owners across the state. While we toured the facility in Newington, I couldn’t resist playing with one of the adorable and friendly dogs! |
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The CT Humane Society’s Fox Clinic provides:
- low cost medical services
- programs to help with medical expenses
- services for temporary sheltering of pets
- pet food assistance
- surrendering/adoption of pets
- a medical team that cares for sick and injured strays and surrendered animals
- spay/neuter services
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| I am grateful to the CT Humane Society for providing so many valuable services across the state. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to support animals out of the kindness of their hearts. We cannot thank you enough. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Derby Elks Lodge #571 invited the public to its annual cookie walk at 73 Elizabeth Street. You can shop for delicious homemade cookies in a festive environment on Saturday from 4 P.M. - 8 P.M. and Sunday from 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. |
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| Derby fire trucks from the East End Firehouse will deliver gifts to children at their home address on Sunday at 9 A.M. ! Crews are working on the route before Santa stops by with presents and popcorn balls! |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| You're invited to create your own holiday centerpiece on Saturday at 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. at Buttermilk Lane Farm at 870 Garden Road. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| The Pickle Spot at 401 Boston Post Road is hosting a Holiday Round Robin Cheer & Pickle event on Sunday from 1 P.M. - 3 P.M. for beginners and 3 P.M. - 5 P.M. for intermediate/advanced players. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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