Anabel Figueroa

Members of the Latino community from all over the state came together to celebrate Central American culture and freedom. On September 15, 1821, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica jointly declared their independence from Spain and formed a union called the Federal Republic of Central America.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of speaking as the El Salvadorian flag was flying high above the State Capitol. The ceremony was very emotional because I am the first Connecticut representative from El Salvador, and the first Latina to hold the 148th district seat. My family and I are so thankful for everything we have accomplished since moving to the United States 40 years ago. This is why I have dedicated my life to public service.  

We talked about the vibrant culture of El Salvador and the rest of Central America. Dancers wore elaborate clothing and put on a fantastic show that none of us will forget any time soon.

There is no doubt that Central Americans in Connecticut have had a positive impact in Stamford and all over Connecticut, and I will continue to support all Latino communities. Our vibrancy, diversity, and culture is what makes our great state a welcoming place for so many immigrants.

I joined Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes, and other colleagues at the 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport to pay tribute to the 161 Connecticut residents who lost their lives 22 years ago.

The state park was chosen as the site for the memorial because it is the location where many people, in the immediate hours following the attacks, gathered to observe the devastation on Manhattan from across Long Island Sound. The site was also used by the Connecticut National Guard in the following days as a staging area for Connecticut's relief efforts to New York City.

Paraeducators provide critical and direct support to teachers and students, which makes them an integral part of the school ecosystem. That is why I am happy to share that the Paraeducator Healthcare Subsidy Program will provide $5 million in financial assistance and increase access to quality health care.

This program was created during the 2023 Legislative Session and signed into law as part of the bipartisan biennium budget. It will help paraeducators enrolled in high-deductible health plans with a health savings account and employed by a local or regional school district with a one-time stipend to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Payments are expected to go out in September to more than 4,000 paraeducators.

Legislative leadership made appropriating these funds a priority in budget negotiations to help bridge the painful gap between high-deductible health plans and low wages for paraeducators, who are critical to our classrooms. We must continue efforts that ensure that paraeducators receive proper compensation and benefits.

The Office of Policy and Management is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program, which provides grants-in-aid to certain profit, nonprofit health and human service organizations.

All communications regarding this Request For Applications (RFA) must be directed only to the Official Agency Contact as noted below:

Judi Jordan

Office of Policy and Management

450 Capitol Avenue

MS#52LTC

Hartford, CT 06106

Telelephone: (860) 418-6237

E-mail: OPM.NPGrantProgramApplications@ct.gov

You can find more information by CLICKING HERE.

Non profits are often the safety nets and backbone of our community, and I applaud our state for its continued support of these critical institutions.