Christine Palm

After several years marred by a bleak fiscal outlook, there is finally some good news.

I’m pleased to report that responsible budgeting and major structural changes the State has made to pension and teachers' retirements plans are putting Connecticut on much more solid fiscal footing. As a result, financial rating agencies continue to upgrade our status, because ultimately, this prudent management will save taxpayers billions in debt payments.

It’s no secret our schools have experienced a lot of upheaval over the past two years. How is your child’s school doing with all these changes? Tune in Wednesday, December 14 from 5:00 to 6 p.m. to learn how to find out.

We are blessed with farms that help define our towns' character and boost our local economy. But whether those tending the land are fourth-generation land owners or young farmers just starting out, it's always helpful to have financial support.

In a Special Session held Monday, my colleagues and I voted — on a bipartisan basis — on an omnibus bill aimed at lessening some of the financial burden many families are experiencing. The bill extends gas tax relief, extends free bus service, provides additional funding for energy assistance programs, continues premium pay for frontline workers, and slightly amends the Bottle Bill to make it easier for retailers to be in compliance.

Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period will open on Tuesday, November 1. During this period, individuals can renew their coverage, explore the various policy options for the first time or see if they can save money.

CT Humanities (CTH) is once again partnering with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to offer CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants. These non-competitive grants provide general operating support to our state's museums, cultural, humanities, and arts organizations - helping them to best serve our communities.

Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application process is now open!

Farmers -- whether first-timers or those who've worked the land for generations -- are an integral part of the character and economy of our district. That's why I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Governor Lamont's request to expand the natural disaster declaration for certain parts of our state due to the summer drought that has continued through fall. Agricultural producers in all 8 Connecticut counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Farm Service Agency to help offset production losses resulting from the drought.