Medicaid Rally, EH Public Safety Concern and CT DOT update

March 21, 2025



 

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Tuesday's Medicaid rally at the Capitol was part of a nationwide day of action by members of Congress that brought together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients.  The rally aimed to warn of the consequences should Congress approve drastic reductions to Medicaid funding.
 


Medicaid serves hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people in our state, including children on the Husky program, people with disabilities, and seniors.
 

As you can see in the graphic below there are many East Hartford residents that will be directly affected by these federal funding cuts. Unfortunately our students are set to lose the most.  
  • East Hartford Public Schools receive $17.5 million in federal funding
  • 26,340 East Hartford residents receive healthcare through Medicaid
  • 13,844 East Hartford residents benefit from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
 

Public Safety Concern


On September 16, 2024, the residents of Rivermeade Pointe North Manufactured Home Community experienced a monumental shift in the security of their neighborhood. During the excavation of an unoccupied mobile home, a propane line was hit causing an explosive fire that ripped through four mobile homes and claimed the life of one of the resident’s beloved pet.

When the East Hartford firefighters arrived, they found that the fire hydrants on site did not have a sufficient stream of water. What resulted was the need to close an entire road to run an adequate water line to extinguish the fire, delaying the much-needed assistance to the owners who were watching their closest personal possessions burst into flames.

When the East Hartford fire chief was asked about the functioning of the park’s fire hydrants; he could not answer as the hydrants were privately owned and thus privately inspected and maintained.

As a co-sponsor of HB 5428 An Act Concerning Mobile Manufactured Home Parks, I want to make sure we improve public safety on fire hydrants at mobile home parks.
 
 
 

Energy Affordability


CT House and Senate Democrats are working hard to address energy affordability and utility accountability by voting to pass SB 4 out of the Energy & Technology Committee last week.

The goal of this bill is to improve service and reduce costs for electricity ratepayers in the state.
 
 

CT DOT RRFB Update


The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing the Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) on municipally owned and maintained roads in the Greater Hartford area. This project is scheduled to start on April 1 and be completed on November 1, 2025.  The Following roads in East Hartford will receive RRFB Beacons:

  • Pitkin Street at Mickey's Oceanic Grill
  • 32 Hillside Street, Trail Parking Lot
  • Roberts Street at Wrobel Place
  • 65 Roberts Street
 

National Agriculture Week
March 16-22


Honoring the heart and soul of Connecticut - our farmers. Your dedication fuels not just our state’s economy, but the spirit of resilience, sustainability, and community.

Connecticut farms employ 30,000 people and generate $4 billion each year to our economy. This week and all throughout the year, we celebrate our local farms, famers' markets, and all businesses who provide locally grown products!
 

Here are some fantastic local resources and programs to help you connect with our agricultural community:

  • Farmers Markets - Find fresh, locally grown produce near you. (shorturl.at/cgG8P)
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Directly support local farms by subscribing to a CSA. (shorturl.at/LnYOR)
  • CT Grown Trail - Explore farms, wineries, and more across Connecticut. (shorturl.at/Nfmev)
  • Connecticut Farm Bureau - A voice for Connecticut agriculture. (cfba.org)
  • Buy CT Grown - Discover and buy local products from Connecticut farms.  (buyctgrown.com)

Let’s continue to strengthen our local food systems and support the hardworking individuals who make it all possible!
 

 

Celebrating Women's History Month


Since last year, the number of women in the Connecticut State Legislature has dropped more than 3%.
 
If women make up about half of the population, doesn’t it make sense that they should have an equal voice in decisions that affect their lives? We cannot continue in the wrong direction.

Women bring different perspectives, priorities, and experiences to governance. Diverse leadership and representation lead to more well-rounded policies, which reflect the needs of the entire community and strengthen democracy.

It is very important important to me that I hear from women in the district on legislative issues that affect them so I can represent them as best I can.
 
 

Community Events


The Courageous Women of World War II. Saturday, March 29th 12:30 P.M. at the Warehouse Point Library in East Windsor.  Free for all to attend.

Come learn about the nearly 350,000 American women who served in uniform abroad and at home to support the war effort.  Several local and national female heroes who helped shape women's roles in American culture and society will be highlighted. 
 
 


In the Shadow of Suribachi:  Sammy's Story.  Sunday, March 30th 1:45 P.M. at the South Windsor Library.   Free for all to attend.

Howie Bernstein will introduce and discuss this very moving documentary about his Dad, Iwo Jima Survivor, Sam Bernstein.  Sammy tells, in his own words, his tale of two battles.  The first is his 36 days of hell on Iwo Jima and the second is being a Jew during World War II in the Marine Corp.  Howie will bring his father's actual battle mementos for you to see.  Sammy's story is one you will never forget.  If you have questions, please contact Gary Roy, Co-Founder at (860) 810-8736. 
 
 


Join East Hartford High School student Alison Villegas on Sunday, March 23, at 3:00 P.M. at the Raymond Library to learn about food and home insecurity in East Hartford.  Care packages will be assembled with donations will go to various shelters in town.

For grades 5 – 8,  click here to register. 
 
 

 


Job searching? Get free online resume templates with your East Hartford Public Library card using JobNow!

Need help using this resource? Contact EHPL's Digital Navigators: 860-471-1484; digitalnavigators@easthartfordct.gov.

Click on the image above to link to the digital resources.
 
 

At the East Hartford Public Library you can access top digital magazines from your tablet or mobile device through Flipster!  Flipster! is now offered in addition to convenient, remote access from any browser, and can be easily accessed through the Flipster iOS and Android apps. Through Flipster, you gain instant access to current and back issues of the magazines you know and love.

Click the above image to learn more about Flipster and browse the library’s collection of digital magazines: