Hilda E. Santiago

Last Friday, over 57,800 students enrolled in the free or reduced-price meals program received the last round of the Pandemic EBT funding. This Friday, over 218,500 qualifying families will receive additional emergency food benefits through SNAP. Please find more information below on these latest rounds of food support and how to access assistance.

The Child Tax Credit in President Biden's American Rescue Plan helps hard-working families with the costs of raising children. Based on 2019 and 2020 tax returns, the IRS began issuing monthly child tax credits on July 15.

The long hurricane season began June 1st and is expected to be an active one. Connecticut has largely been spared from major hurricanes in recent years – for that we are thankful – but residents should always be prepared, especially with Elsa coming our way.

A reminder that as of July 1, 2021 single-use plastic bags will no longer be an option during checkout. The General Assembly enacted a plastic bag fee that went into effect on August 1, 2019 with the complete elimination of plastic bags in 2021. Some merchants may offer paper bags or reusable bags for a fee or free of charge depending on the individual stores. I encourage you to bring your reusable bags when shopping.

Over 100 new laws in Connecticut will go into effect today, July 1st. These laws mark the tireless work put in by my colleagues and I over the past few months. We all worked hard to listen to your concerns in order to advocate for you in Hartford.

Starting today, July 1st, all children—plus one accompanying adult--will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program will be offered through September 6th to all Connecticut children, ages 18 and under.

I was so proud to work with Speaker Matt Ritter and my colleagues on the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to develop the Community Investment Fund 2030, a 10 year/ $2.5 billion-plus investment in historically underserved and marginalized communities.