|
|
|
|
Several of my priorities this session have already gotten support among legislative leaders, as well as traction in the media.
Please take some time to click on the following:
Children and Social Media Legislation
New Britain Herald
New Britain Herald
The Hartford Courant
Fox61
Universal School Breakfast Proposal
New Britain Herald
Bristol Press
Fox61
These are by no means the only two things I'm focused on. I am committed to delivering as many resources as possible to Newington and New Britain, as well as other priorities, including affordability (housing, utilities, food), improvements to the child welfare system, provide more funding to schools (particularly to Newington and New Britain), and reforming long-term care insurance rates, among other things.
This week I hosted a pre-session Town Hall with Rep. Kate Farrar and Sen. Matthew Lesser, during which many of those priorities were discussed. I look forward to having more conversations with residents as the session continues. I will be hosting coffee hours and other forums for people to share their perspectives. |
|
I hosted two advisory councils -- one for teachers, the other for healthcare workers in the district -- last weekend during which we had robust conversations on the state of the professions in light of the federal administration's recent changes to student loan eligibility, as well as possible responses from the state legislature to boost the number of people becoming educators and nurses.
I will continue to advocate for the people working in these incredibly important professions, and I encourage more conversations and suggestions on how the legislature can help. |
|
| Passing of Jerrell Hargraves |
|
|
My condolences to the friends, family, colleagues and the entire city of New Britain for the recent passing of city Alderman Jerrell Hargraves.
In addition to serving as an elected official, he worked for the city for more than two decades, including most recently as the human rights and opportunities officer, a position he held since 2018.
He was woven into the fabric of the city and will be sorely missed. |
|
| Cold Weather Protocol Still in Effect |
|
|
|
The state's severe cold weather protocol has been extended to Tuesday, Feb. 10. This is the longest, continuous severe weather cold weather protocol we've experienced in over a decade.
It's cold -- especially at night.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.
While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
|
|
| Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period |
|
|
|
Access Health CT is offering a Special Enrollment Period for eligible customers to enroll in health coverage with the new state subsidy, which started Feb. 1. The Special Enrollment Period end date will be determined.
|
|
|
People who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:
- Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These people will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
- Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These people will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
Eligible people who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a 2026 health plan will see a credit applied to their carrier bill.
It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy.
Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone.
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them—including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or working with a Certified Broker in their area.
AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish.
To get help over the phone, customers can call 855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
|
|
Remote Access Medical (RAM) will be in Willimantic on March 7 and 8. This link is for the medical, vision, & dental clinics on that weekend. https://www.ramusa.org/events/willimantic-connecticut/?occurrence=2026-03-07
Here is the link for RAM USA. RAM USA. If you are able, please consider attending.
|
|
| New Town Assessor in Newington |
|
|
Congratulations to Danielle Dippolino, who has been named the new Town Assessor. Her background includes service in the United States Army Reserves and a variety of municipal roles. She began her career in law enforcement before moving into motor vehicle assessments and personal property work in Wethersfield.
Prior to her appointment she served as the town's deputy assessor since August 2023.
Congratulations, Danielle! |
|
|
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns at Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov or 860-240-8585.
Sincerely,
Gary Turco
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
