IORBETA Program Grant Funding & Access Health CT Open Enrollment

November 3, 2023


It has been a chilly start to November, and if you need home heating help please CLICK HERE for more information on eligibility.

November also brings the start of Access Health CT's open enrollment. You will find out how to enroll and get more information on all available plans below.

All K-12 students have an opportunity to win up to $20,000 for their future education in a special contest. They need to submit an essay, drawing, or video. Keep scrolling to learn more, but you have to act fast because the deadline to submit is approaching quickly.

And, don't miss the Veterans Day Parade this weekend! Please keep reading for more details below.

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

Have a great weekend!
 
Applauding Grant Funding from IOREBTA Program
Great news! The Housing Advisory Panel approved one-time grant funding awards as part of the Interest on Real Estate Brokers Trust Account (IOREBTA) Program, which includes $20,000 for Pacific House, $10,000 for Building One Community, and $5,000 for HomeFront.

IOREBTA Program funds annually support appraisal gap financing for first-time homebuyers, development of affordable housing projects, counseling for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, and second mortgage down payment assistance when the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan was suspended. The IOREBTA Program has also funded the purchase of mortgages from Connecticut chapters of Habitat for Humanity and other housing subsidies. This year's grant awards include help for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and Veterans' housing, low-income and affordable housing and homelessness assistance and prevention programs. 

These grants will allow the Pacific House to buy home furnishings to individuals and families who are moving from homelessness into housing.

Building One Community will use the funds to support its Family & Individual Services Program, which provides an academic enrichment program and supports immigrant families by connecting them with resources that help them meet basic needs.

Finally, HomeFront plans to use the grants to repair homes in Stamford.

Thank you to the Housing Advisory Panel, including State Representative Geoff Luxenberg, Co-Chair of the Housing Committee and Panel, for approving these grants and recognizing that Pacific House, Building One Community, and HomeFront are dedicated to helping our community.
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You can now enroll, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options with Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment started on November 1.
If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:
  • In-person: There will be an enrollment fair on Wednesday, November 8 at UConn Stamford. CLICK HERE for more information. You can also enroll at Ferguson Library.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
 
Opportunity To Win Up To $20K For Your Child's Education
Time is running out to participate in a competition giving students an opportunity to win up to $20,000 toward their future education. The CHET Dream Big! Competition asks all Connecticut students to answer a question in the form of a drawing, essay, or video.
 
You must act now because the deadline to enter is Monday, November 6!
 
The competition is broken up into three different age groups and questions.
  • K-4th grade: What is something you could do to make your community or neighborhood better?
  • 5th-8th grade: What is something you could do to help make the lives of others better?
  • 9th-12th grade: What is a lesson you've learned and how will it influence your future?
Official Contest Rules
Some amazing prizes will be awarded in the form of contributions to a CHET 529 college savings account and support for local schools.
 
·      3 Grand Prize winners receive $20,000 (one student from each age group)
·      24 winners receive $6,000 (eight students per age group)
·      336 winners receive $500 (112 students per age group)
·      10 randomly selected participating schools will win $7,500 in tech                          equipment
 
The competition is open to all Connecticut K-12 students, and every child has the chance to participate. Good luck!
 
Veterans Day Parade

Many communities all over the country will honor our heroes next week for Veterans Day. It’s a day to thank and recognize the more than 19 million men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Stamford will host a Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, September 5 at 12 P.M. starting at the Police Department to Veterans Memorial Park via Bedford Street, across Broad Street, and continuing on Atlantic Street.

There will be a ceremony immediately after the parade in Veterans Memorial Park.
More on the Parade & New History Display
 
Veterans Informational Meeting
Our veterans have an opportunity to share their concerns regarding veterans affairs with state lawmakers. The Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee will host an informational hearing on November 8 from 1 P.M.- 4 P.M. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
 
The meeting is designed to gather feedback from veterans, military personnel, their loved ones, advocates, and other members of the public in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.
Sign Up To Speak In Person or Online
 
Food Distribution at Fairgate Farm
I had the honor of joining my friends at Fairgate Farm for the final outdoor food distribution event of the year. It was a pleasure to share this wonderful experience with amazing volunteers. Fairgate Farm allows people to eat locally grown and healthy produce. 
Stop by Fairgate Farm on Saturday, November 4 to get a tote bag to fill with as much farm produce as you can for $30. The event is from 9 A.M. - 11 A.M. or until supplies last!
 
Celebrating our Newest U.S. Citizens!

Congratulations to my friends Mirna and Roselin who are now U.S. citizens! They recently attended a naturalization ceremony, and I could not be happier for them!

Mirna is originally from Guatemala, and Roselin is from the Dominican Republic. Thank you for believing the United States of American is worthy of your aspirations!
 
Fall Foliage Timeline
Check out the timeline below for peak foliage. We still have a little time to enjoy the changing of the colors! CLICK HERE for the fall foliage report!