Legislative Update - 10/04/2024

October 4, 2024


 
View this email in your browser

Greetings Community!

October is a month that highlights many important topics/initiatives including breast cancer awareness, domestic violence, and disability employment. I touch on all of them below. Other news and updates below include Community Investment Funding (CIF) headed to West Haven for the Village Improvement District and changes that will help lower costs for early child care and education programs. I hope you enjoy the newsletter this week.

Have a great weekend,
Treneé
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.
 
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease.
 
Yale New-Haven's brand new Mobile Mammography and Brand Imaging services are coming to the North Haven library on October 9th. Please click on the image below for more details.
 
IT'S ALSO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Everyone deserves to feel safe.
 
In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.
 
I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse. You are not alone. 
 
Need to connect to an advocate?
Call, Text, Chat. Email. 24/7
CTSafeConnect.org  |  (888) 774-2900
 
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH IN CT
October is now Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut after Governor Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and, in honor of their many accomplishments.

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services has been a wonderful resource in assisting individuals with disabilities, too, from preparing for, maintaining, and advancing in employment. Services include vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and more!
From art to innovation the Hispanic community continues to shape our world tremendously. Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together!
In CT, assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person through a variety of resources, including:

·The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities can be accessed

HERE.

·Connect with the Connecticut Department of Disability Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities

HERE.

·Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available

HERE.

·Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available

HERE.

·Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, please visit

HERE.
 
CIF FUNDING FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
The improvements are being completed in two phases to add sidewalk pathways, curbs, landscaping, and functional traffic roundabouts. Extensive planning has been done to ensure there will be minimal traffic impacts.

Equitable growth is the path to economic prosperity, and I am thankful the CIF clearly understands. The West Haven Village Improvement District will benefit from this funding. Thank you to the CIF for its commitment to West Haven.
 
CHANGES TO EARLY CHILD CARE, EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Great news for families across Connecticut!

Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early child care and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
 
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of child care - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month!
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive childcare assistance anymore.
 
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
  • An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
  • An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.
 
YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR NEW COVID-19 VACCINE
Please see the flyers below for pertinent information about getting updated vaccines for COVID-19 and flu shots that may be helpful for you, your families, and your friends, including scheduling appointments with your healthcare provider, major CT insurance providers' COVID-19 resources, and how to get free COVID-19 tests at home.
 
A REMINDER: EARLY VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 21ST
Here's a reminder about early voting in Connecticut for the upcoming general election on November 5th.

The early voting period in

CT begins October 21-31, and Nov 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th and 31st. Please see the flyers below for more details.
The early voting location in West Haven is the City Hall Board of Education side of City Hall 1st Floor Separate Entrance, 355 Main Street.
 
CHET DREAM BIG! COMPETITION
The state Treasurer's office is hosting their annual Dream Big! Competition, which gives K-12 students the chance to win up to $20,000 toward their education.
To enter, students answer a question through artwork, an essay, or a video. Younger students focus on what they want to do when they grow up, and older students are asked to describe a lesson they’ve learned or a person who has impacted their lives.

The entry deadline is Nov. 4.

To learn more, click here.

As always, if I can ever be of any help, please feel free to contact my office at 

(860) 240-8585 or by emailing me directly.

Sincerely,

Treneé McGee
Twitter
Twitter
YouTube
YouTube
Website
Website
Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences