Legislative Update 12.12

December 12, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! I know it's the end of the year, but there are some important things I think you should know. 

First, I want to remind you of the fast-approaching deadline to apply for health and dental insurance through Access Health CT. 
Also, the new year will bring the start of the state's student loan relief program. Please see below for more details.
While it's a festive time, it's also a solemn one, as the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Tragedy is Saturday, Dec. 14. My thoughts are will everyone who has been, and continues to be, affected by the horrific events from that day.

The following topics are included in this week's newsletter: 

•    Access Health CT deadline is Dec. 16
•    Connecticut's student loan relief program starts Jan. 1. 
•    The anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy is Dec. 14.
•    Wall Street Wonderland is Dec. 14.
•    I've been appointed deputy House speaker.
•    Happy holidays!

Have a great weekend,
Travis
 

Access Health CT Open Enrollment Deadline is Sunday
Access Health CT (AHCT) has announced that the deadline to enroll in health and dental coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025, is Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. Customers who enroll from Dec. 16, 2024, through Jan. 15, 2025, will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2025. The Open Enrollment Period for Connecticut residents to shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance or renew their coverage began Nov. 1, 2024, and runs through Jan. 15, 2025.

Customers may enroll in only health or dental coverage, or both. AHCT is the only place state residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers receive financial assistance to help pay for their health insurance. Some customers might qualify for the 

Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.

Go to 

AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.
 
Student Loan Reimbursement Program Rolls Out in January
Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Office of Higher Education (OHE) may approve the participation of any person in the student loan reimbursement program who meets the following requirements:

  1. Must have graduated from a Connecticut state public or private college or university with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education.
  2. Must be a CT resident for at least five years.
  3. Must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants and file a federal tax return as unmarried or have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $175,000 for married applicants and file a federal tax return as head of household, married filing jointly or a surviving spouse.
  4. Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments in 2024 toward federal direct loans, federal direct PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, CHESLA loans, other state-sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
  5. Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, municipal government, served on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, or has military service after January 1, 2024.
This program represents a true bipartisan effort and will have a direct impact not only on Connecticut’s economy but also on its workforce. Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opens on January 1. For more information or to apply in January, click HERE.
 
Sandy Hook Anniversary Nears
A date that never gets easier. So many lives were affected on this day in 2012, and many continue to struggle with the trauma that followed. My thoughts are with the victims' families, the survivors of that horrible day, the responding law enforcement, and the entire Newtown and Connecticut community. Though time has passed, you will never be forgotten.
 
💚Charlotte Bacon,, 6
💚Catherine Hubbard, 6
💚Chase Kowalski, 7
💚Jesse Lewis, 6
💚Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
💚James Mattioli, 6
💚Grace McDonnell, 7
💚Emilie Parker, 6
💚Jack Pinto, 6
💚Noah Pozner, 6
💚Caroline Previdi, 6
💚Jessica Rekos, 6
💚Avielle Richman, 6
💚Lauren Rousseau, 30
💚Mary Sherlach, 56
💚Victoria Soto, 27
💚Anne Marie Murphy, 52
💚Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, 47
💚Rachel D’Avino, 29
 
Upcoming Holiday Events
 
A Proud Appointment

I would like to thank the House Democrats leadership for bestowing this honor upon me. I am humbled and will proudly serve the residents of this state, and pridefully represent the 140th district.

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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