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I hosted a panel discussion centered around two bills that I have proposed this session regarding groundbreaking Neuromodulation treatment for Veterans. The passage of these bills is imperative in providing much needed funding for this procedure in the hopes of tackling the Veterans Suicide Epidemic happening in this country.
You can read more about that below along with much more:
- Veterans with Disabilities Task Force
- Passport Event
- Real ID Information
- Scam alert
- Community Events
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| Veterans with Disabilities Task Force Panel Discussion on Neuromodulation |
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On Wednesday, the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force along with doctors, patients, and the makers of the Vivistim device used in the Neuromodulation brain surgery gathered for a roundtable discussion.
U.S. Veteran Suicide stands at a staggering 22 veterans a day but this is preventable. This groundbreaking procedure is a public health approach that is essential to reduce the suicide rate, identify & raise visibility of existing resources, and identify gaps in services and find solutions.
This procedure is life changing for the recipients and is only being performed in the U.S right now. We are lucky here in Connecticut to have Dr. Christopher Conner performing this revolutionary surgery. The 10th VIvistim procedure performed in Connecticut will be coming up on Monday, March 3rd.
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I have proposed two important bills this session regarding funding for Neuromodulation treatments for Veterans:
- HB 7080 **NEW BILL NUMBER (THIS WAS HB 5339): An Act Concerning Neuromodulation Treatments For Veterans at the University of Connecticut Health Center
- HB 5820: An Act Concerning Funding To Establish a Center For Neuromodulation Treatment For Veterans
On Monday, March 3rd at 11:30 A.M. you will have a chance to testify on one of those bills HB 7080 at the Public Health Committee Meeting, Room 1D, Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
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The Office of United States Senator Richard Blumenthal and State House Square Management will Welcome the U.S. Passport Agency *and* TSA Pre-Check for ONSITE SERVICES!
When: Wednesday, March 5
Where: 90 State House Square, 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Time: 9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
*To schedule an appointment please email – casework@blumenthal.senate.gov
*Walk-ins are welcome!
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| Deadline Coming Up for Real ID |
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
How do I get a REAL ID?
You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
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In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
- a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID
How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
- U.S. passport
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them
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DSS SCAM
Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. There are two scams making the rounds recently, both involving cellphones.
The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN number, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302. |
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IRS STIMULUS SCAM
The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.
DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.
First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago where some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.
Here are some Tips from the Better Business Bureau:
- Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails
- Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead go to IRS.gov.
- Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly, take time to confirm claims independently
Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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The Mobile Mammography Van is coming back to Raymond Library on Wednesday, March 5th and appointments are available!
If you're a women 35 years old or older, you may be eligible to receive a mammography!
Call the Health Department (860-291-7324) today to see if you're eligible to book an appointment. Early detection saves lives!
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April Vacation Camp registration will open March 1st!
Summer Camp Registration will open in late Spring!
Click here for registration information.
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East Hartford Public Library offers museum passes, including New England Air Museum. Combined with your library card, this pass is valid for 50% off admission for up to 5 visitors.
For more information Click Here.
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East Hartford Public Library is offering free tax preparation services to families with household income of up to $60,000. IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers will help you prepare and file your taxes, teach you new ways to save, and provide tips to help stretch your refund.
Remaining available dates are on the following Sundays: March 2 & 30 and April 6 &13 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
***Registration is required. Call 211 to make an appointment.***
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