The federal government has invested $154 million dollars in Connecticut to transform rural health care across our state. On my radio show, we spoke with Dan Sinclair, the project manager on the newly formed Rural Health Transformation Program leadership team, about his work to improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities like Windham.
Although the Connecticut Department of Social Services announced the formation of the team only four months ago, Sinclair and his colleagues have hit the ground running, meeting directly with local stakeholders and advocates to identify what is and is not working.
One priority is expanding access to crisis stabilization units, secure, short-term facilities that provide around-the-clock medical and clinical care for people experiencing severe mental health or substance use crises. These facilities can help ease pressures on emergency rooms.
Sinclair’s team is also working to build a pipeline of rural health care providers. One option is creating opportunities for students at Eastern Connecticut State University and Quinebaug Valley Community College who already have strong connections to the Willimantic area.
Another focus is bringing care directly to rural communities. Working with the Department of Public Health, the team is expanding access to mobile medical and dental clinics, allowing residents to receive care closer to home.
We also discussed expanding a program supporting postpartum women and their newborns, increasing exercise opportunities, and making the Air Line Trail more accessible.
Please click on the video below to listen to the entire conversation.
Discussing plans to improve rural health care with Dan Sinclair
Sales Tax Free Week
Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week returns Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, giving families and shoppers a chance to save money on back-to-school supplies and other everyday essentials.
During Sales Tax Free Week, eligible clothing, footwear, and backpacks purchased from Connecticut retailers and participating online retailers are exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax.
This year, my colleagues and I expanded the tax exemption to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $300, helping families stretch their budgets as students prepare to head back to the classroom.
We also permanently removed the sales tax on non-electronic school supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, paper, folders, binders, lunch boxes, and more.
Some items are not eligible for the exemption, including:
Specialized athletic or protective clothing and footwear
Jewelry, handbags, purses, umbrellas
Watches, waders, wetsuits
Click here to view the complete list of tax-exempt and taxable items.
Whether you're shopping for your children or picking up something for yourself, I hope you take advantage of these savings and keep a little more of your hard-earned money as you prepare for the new school year.
The federal and our state government are stepping up to support Connecticut farmers who suffered losses from severe weather. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a nearly $53 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant.
Here’s how it works: farmers who earned at least $1,000 in farm income and experienced at least $500 in documented losses from weather events in 2023 and 2024 will be eligible. Payments may cover up to 95% of losses, with a minimum of $1 million per year, per category.
This investment recognizes the vital role Connecticut farmers play in our economy and in providing fresh, nutritious food to families across our state. Supporting our farmers helps ensure that Connecticut agriculture remains strong and resilient for years to come.
Join the community for an evening of outdoor poetry, readings, and open mics at Poetry in the Park. The Curbstone Foundation will welcome Wayne Karlin, a talented writer who’s published nine novels, a collection of short stories, three non-fiction books, and a new chapbook of poems. His work analyzes the aftermath and trauma of war.
📅 Thursday, August 27 🕡 6:30 p.m. 📍 Poet's Corner, Julia De Burgos Park, Willimantic
