Kai Belton

If you're struggling to pay utility bills, there is still time to apply to Operation Fuel for help.

Applications for Operation Fuel's energy assistance program for the Winter/Spring season will be accepted until March 1, unless available funds run out before that date.

Many of the new state laws passed during the 2023 legislative session take effect on January 1, 2024.

Some of the various issues addressed by the new laws include early voting, healthcare services, as well as online privacy and data protection.

Also on January 1, the state's minimum wage will increase from $15.00 to $15.69 as a result of 2019 legislation, which implemented five incremental increases followed by future adjustments based on the federal employment cost index.

On this Thanksgiving, I wish to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. In this season of reflection, I am especially thankful for the unique gift of friends like you, the joy of shared moments and the support that surrounds us.

A recent report commissioned by the Connecticut-based Dalio Education found more than 63,000 young adults were "disconnected," and 56,000 students were "at risk" between 2021 and 2022.

This identified group of disconnected and at-risk youth include young people who have either dropped out of school or are in danger of dropping out of school, and those aged 18-26 who are unemployed and in many cases unemployable.

Attention Middletown residents - the Health and Wellness Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 30 from 10 AM to 1 PM. It will still be held on the South Green of Union Park in Middletown. The fair will feature free massages, resources from various organizations, and more! Please reach out to my office with any additional questions.

Four new Children's Urgent Crisis Centers recently opened throughout the state to help better address the mental health needs of children and teens.

Created by legislation passed last year, the centers function as walk-in clinics for youths and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis, such as thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.

Great news for first-time homeowners! An additional $20 million has been added to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's (CHFA) Time To Own Program. Funding for the program - which offers down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut - now stands at $80 million, with over $21.5 million currently available for loan reservations.

I am pleased to announce the Northern Middlesex YMCA in Middletown will receive $2 million in state bonding. This funding will help support renovations and equipment for youth-serving areas.