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Dear Neighbor,
Now that the election is over and we have somewhat more permanent staff in place, I am back on my regular Wednesday update schedule. Thank you for your patience last week and as you'll see below, we have a lot going on to share with you.
After our celebration of Veterans' Day last week, you'll see some important information for our veterans and military families in Connecticut. I'm looking forward to serving on the Task Force to Evaluate Veteran Property Tax Exemptions, Abatements and Other Relief in our upcoming 2022 session.
There are several Open Enrollment Zoom sessions available for those needing assistance with Medicare. Additionally, it's Alzheimer's Awareness Month and Family Caregiver Month. I heard from many of you as I knocked doors about the challenges you face caring for an elderly parent or spouse. You are not alone and if there is anything my office can do to connect you with services, please reach out.
As you probably heard, we will most likely have a special session in the next few weeks to discuss extending the suspension of the gas tax. We recognize that Connecticut residents are still struggling, and this is one more way we can help ease the pressure from inflation. More information to come!
Looking ahead, Small Business Saturday is less than two weeks away and while I hope you shop small all year, I hope you’ll take advantage of supporting our local businesses this holiday season.
Have a great week,
Eleni
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ALICE in Focus: Veterans Research Brief
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The ALICE data uncovers the harsh realities faced by these struggling veterans.
Data reveals that while 5% of veterans live in poverty, another 18% — more than 3 times as many — are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and living paycheck to paycheck in our state.
It's one of the reasons I wrote HB 5478, an act concerning a property tax exemption for certain veterans, and the provision of written notice to municipalities and veterans' organizations of certain optional municipal property tax exemptions.
It eventually passed as part of a larger "aircraft carrier" bill in the Veteran's Committee, HB 5367, to aid our veterans making $50,000 or less (the average income of veterans in Connecticut) via a municipal property tax exemption.
In 2019, 57% of veterans living in financial hardship in Connecticut spent at least 35% of their income on rent, stretching their budgets even thinner. And 17% of veterans living paycheck to paycheck participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – which means nearly 6,000 may have gone to bed hungry.
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Military Family Appreciation Month
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Spread the word for CT military families! The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children provides the highest quality education for military children, especially during times of relocation and deployment.
You can learn more here: https://bit.ly/3NUKDGI |
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Medicare Open Enrollment Zoom Q&A!
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Medicare Open Enrollment Zoom Q&A!
Medicare enrollment begins now and choices can be confusing. Drop in and get expert help. No waiting in line. OHA in partnership with CHOICES and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program are providing an open Zoom Room with knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions. Each Wednesday until December 7th, You can use the link below - note: PASSWORD may be needed.
Topic: Virtual Medicare Open Enrollment Q&A Session
Nov 23, 2022 11:00 AM
Nov 30, 2022 11:00 AM
Dec 7, 2022 11:00 AM
JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82778742647
PASSWORD: Twffy3
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Aid and Resources to Support Those
Experiencing Homelessness
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A recent report detailed that throughout Connecticut there was an increase of 13% in overall homelessness from 2021 to 2022.
My legislative colleagues and I are actively working on solutions ahead of the upcoming winter season. Most recently, as part of the state budget adjustment passed during the 2022 legislative session, we included $5 million for the Connecticut Department of Housing (CTDOH) for eviction prevention. The funding will be divided as follows:
- $2 million for Project Longevity housing vouchers to be issued in Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport and New Haven
- $1.5 million for the Rent Bank
$1.5 million for the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks, which is nearly triple the appropriation from the previous two years.
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CTDOH and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) recently announced the release of nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services like housing, food, and mental health services.
This includes:
- $5 million from CTDOH to support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter
- $2.5 million from CTDOH to develop new hubs within Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported
- $500,000 from CTDOH for the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1
- $475,000 from DMHAS for the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather
Anyone who is experiencing homelessness or is at imminent risk of homelessness should call 2-1-1 to get connected to available resources.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. |
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Alzheimer's Awareness Month (CT Stats)
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Right now, there are 80,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease in Connecticut and twice as many caregivers, many unpaid family members and friends. Not only is November Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it is also National Family Caregivers Month. Below are resources for those struggling with or supporting a loved on with Alzheimer's.
Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program: https://bit.ly/3tAm6x7
The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter: www.alz.org/ct
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Teens Share Experience with Antisemitism
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I want to call attention to this piece that aired on CBS Mornings yesterday morning—Jewish teens sharing their in-person and online experiences with antisemitism. It mirrors some of the comments I have heard from local teens and it shakes me every time I hear it.
Our kids shouldn’t have to erase a fundamental part of their identity to not be a victim of hate. They shouldn’t feel that their cultural and/or religious identity is okay to be openly mocked.
We have many teaching opportunities with our children and we need to make sure age-appropriate Holocaust and anti-Semitic lessons are part of that.
Watch the story here.
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Native American Heritage Month (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
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DID YOU KNOW? ⬇️
🛣️ 60% of roads on Tribal lands are unpaved.
🚧 Tribal communities are disproportionately impacted by roadway fatalities.
🏘 Native Americans live in overcrowded housing at a rate higher than any other racial group.
📡 Native American workers fell behind during the height of the pandemic due to lack of necessary technology for remote work.
The Biden/Harris administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law addresses not only these issues, but also access to clean water, climate action and more. Swipe to see the historic funding. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth |
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Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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