Major Boost For High School Students

September 29, 2023


Thanks to some critical state funding, Stamford high school students are getting a major boost in the form of more opportunities to earn college credits before graduation. Accumulating those credits can help students get a jump start in their postsecondary program, while also saving money.

In Hartford, the Connecticut legislature voted in a Special Session to move the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. I'll break down why that is so important.

Eversource is offering a new discount for families and individuals in need. Read below to find out how to qualify for lower rates.

Please contact my office if you have any questions or comments about the items in this newsletter.


Have a great weekend!

 
Major Boost For High School Students
The Connecticut State Department of Education awarded $87,775 to Stamford Public Schools to expand dual credit offerings in high schools. This investment is part of a $3.8 million statewide investment to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation through partnerships formed between high schools and public and private colleges and universities.
Stamford Public Schools will use the funding to:
  • Enter into an agreement with The Workplace and Housatonic Community College (HCC) to allow students to earn college credits in Advanced Manufacturing courses
  • Develop the curriculum in collaboration with HCC for the Intermediate and Subtractive Manufacturing Course
  • Evaluate the Introduction to Manufacturing curriculum
  • Recruit students
  • Provide professional development to teacher(s)
  • Purchase classroom simulators and Computer Numerical Control machines

CLICK HERE to see more about Stamford School District's individual application.
 
Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks

During Tuesday’s Special Session, we took a bipartisan proposal and moved the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. It will occur on the first Tuesday in April.

We made this decision after carefully considering how moving the primary would benefit Connecticut voters. By advancing the primary date, we aim to increase our influence in the national political landscape and encourage more candidates to visit us during the 2024 campaign season.

The bipartisan support for this important bill serves as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that every single voice has a meaningful opportunity to be heard and valued.

As we move forward, I encourage you to stay informed about the upcoming presidential primary and actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote matters, and your voice deserves to be heard.
 
New Electric Bill Discount Available in December
Beginning December 1, 2023, a new electric bill discount will be available if you have a financial hardship status on your Eversource electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month. Your discount will depend on your annual household income for all adults over 18 or receipt of a public assistance benefit for at least one household member.
You must apply for or verify the financial hardship status on your electric account before the new hardship year begins on November 1. This will prevent service shut-off and ensure that you get a discount. This verification is required annually.
How To Qualify for 10% and 50% Discount Rates
 
Laws Effective October 1

A number of new laws that were passed during the 2023 legislative session are effective on October 1. New laws include:

  • wrong-way driving prevention with a test program on 120 highway exit ramps that are determined high risk for wrong-way drivers
  • prohibiting open carrying of firearms (does not prohibit concealed carry) and limiting permit holders to three firearms purchases per month
  • charging any adult over the age of 25 with a Class A misdemeanor for intentionally targeting a minor through online communication with the purpose of exploiting or abusing that child
  • making confessions obtained through deceptive and coercive interrogation methods inadmissible in court, unless prosecutors can prove they were voluntary and uncoerced

These are just some of the laws, click on the button below for the full list.
Laws Effective October 1

Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.
 
You need a valid physical Connecticut address and an email address to enroll. A digital card will be provided after registering.
 
The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.
I highly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all. 
Learn More About ArrayRx
 
Free COVID-19 Tests Available

The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. You can place an order right now to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

The ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other locations to make sure communities have widespread access to COVID-19 tests.

These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

There are numerous other options to get tested for free, such as free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across Connecticut and the rest of the country. I encourage you to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.

The mission of the ASPR is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.