I would like to wish everyone in Hartford, West Hartford, and beyond a joyful holiday season filled with joy, gratitude, and warmth. As we reflect on the year behind us, thank you for making our community such a special place to live, work, and play!
The state is acting fast due to unprecedented cuts on the federal level. I'll break down a new emergency fund that will support our most vulnerable with food, health care, and housing.
Connecticut continues to protect thousands of residents from medical debt. I'll dig deeper into how we have helped those folks pay off significant hospital bills.
You don't want to miss the new year's eve party in downtown Hartford! Keep scrolling to see the entire schedule of festivities.
You will find the following sections in today's email:
- Emergency Response Fund Put To Use
- Erasing Medical Debt
- New Year's Eve Party in Hartford
| Emergency Response Fund Put To Use |
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We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks. Now, Governor Ned Lamont is putting a plan in motion to put that fund to good use. His $170 million proposal calls for committing:
- $115 million to offset cuts to health care subsidies and tax credits
- $24.5 million to support community food banks and pantries
- Nearly $7 million to combat homelessness
- $4.7 million for 2-1-1 to increase call volume and Community Action Agencies to support SNAP recipients
The state announced it has helped erase some or all of the medical debt for 40,000 Connecticut residents, a move to help those struggling to pay medical bills. Those affected should have received a letter in the mail this month informing them of the good news.
The governor's office says the debt is forgiven at a fraction of its face value - typically costing a few pennies on the dollar.
This is the third round of the initiative, which has now eliminated $198 million for 160,000 Connecticut residents since December 2024. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.
| New Year's Eve Party in Hartford |
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Hartford's annual New Year's Eve celebration is back this year, better than ever. Enjoy all that downtown Hartford's arts and culture scene has to offer, along with a stage packed full of live music and entertainment in Bushnell Park. From ice skating to arts and crafts to live music to dancing to fireworks, First Night Hartford has it all for children and adults!
