Protecting SNAP Benefits and more

July 12, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a high-visibility anti-speeding campaign aiming to increase awareness and promote safer driving behaviors with increased speed limit enforcement.

In 2022, Connecticut recorded 115 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving. This is unacceptable.

The campaign will provide local and state police grants to increase enforcement and officer visibility on the roads.

Deaths from speeding and reckless driving are completely preventable, and through this campaign I believe we can save many lives.
 
I wanted to inform you about the changes to motor vehicle tax assessments adopted by the Connecticut General Assembly during the special session last month. Here’s what you can expect going forward.

In addition to the recent income and property tax cuts, this measure will result in lower taxes for the vast majority of vehicle owners and small businesses. These changes were a bipartisan effort to lower the tax burden on Connecticut residents.

Many car owners will see their assessments fall compared to the previous system. The average car will have an 8% lower assessment.
This reform was originally passed in 2022 in response to rising used car prices during the pandemic. It creates more predictability for future car assessments.

I hope this information helps clarify the recent changes and provides a better understanding of what to expect in the future.
 
I wanted to give you an update on a national problem that’s been impacting SNAP beneficiaries here in Connecticut. SNAP benefits by criminals steadily increased between 2023 and 2024 in Connecticut, but this month SNAP beneficiaries took action to change their PINS and protect their benefits.

Below is information from the Department of Social Serviced on changing your PIN number and how to pick a safe PIN:
  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234 or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a card reader.
  • Beware of phishing. DSS and EBT customer service will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.
  • Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, especially right before your benefits are to be added to your card, by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666.
  • Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases.
  • To request a replacement of stolen SNAP benefits, please fill out the form at: https://dss-replacementbenefits.ct.gov/
 
As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,



Andre Baker
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