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Today, we hit a major milestone in lowering costs and ensuring all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care: a record-breaking 20 million Americans have enrolled in health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. With six days left to still get covered, 8 million more Americans have signed up for ACA coverage than when I took office.
The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and Affordable Care Act coverage is more affordable than ever. Thanks to efforts by my Administration, millions of Americans are saving hundreds or thousands of dollars each year on health insurance premiums, and most people who shop for coverage at HealthCare.gov can find a plan for $10 a month or less.
We must build upon this progress and make these lower health care premiums permanent. But extreme Republicans have blocked these efforts at every turn. Their plan would raise costs for millions of people, especially older Americans and small business owners who rely on the marketplace for their coverage, by repealing the improvements I signed into law. In fact, they want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, just as my predecessor tried and failed to do, which would strip these 20 million people of their coverage, end Medicaid coverage for millions more, and return to the days when insurance companies had free reign to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions and charge women more than men.
That would be a catastrophe for families who would face skyrocketing health care costs. I won’t let it happen on my watch. As too many Americans know: access to quality, affordable health care can mean the difference between life and death, and hope and fear. That’s why I will continue fighting to bring down health care and prescription drug costs. I encourage Americans to visit HealthCare.gov before January 16th to sign up for health coverage this year.
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While walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend, Eva Longoria had a major wardrobe malfunction with her dress…and she clearly didn’t come prepared. Breaking the cardinal rule, the actress left her underwear at home, leaving room for total exposure of what’s going on between her legs
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PHOTO: Treasurer Russell signs Trust documents with Deputy Treasurer Sarah Sanders (right) and Chief of Staff Andréa Comer (left)
[Click picture for larger version. More here and here.]
Hartford, CT – Treasurer Erick Russell announced the creation of the Connecticut Baby Bond Trust on Tuesday. Legal documents forming the Trust have been filed and $398 million in funds have been moved into the Trust, which will hold and invest funds for the first-in-the-nation CT Baby Bonds program.
CT Baby Bonds is an innovative policy to combat generational poverty and promote economic opportunity through direct investments in young people. Eligibility for the program began on July 1 and includes Connecticut babies whose birth is covered by HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program.
“This is another important milestone in the early stages of CT Baby Bonds,” said Treasurer Russell. “While the program won’t pay its first claim for another 18 years, the Trust funded today will protect the investments made on behalf of Connecticut children as they grow over time. As we continue to educate new parents about CT Baby Bonds, and work with leaders across the state to raise awareness for the program, behind-the-scenes work will continue to maximize the return on these investments and the overall impact of the program.”
In May, Treasurer Russell, Governor Ned Lamont, and legislative leaders announced CT Baby Bonds would be funded by repurposing available cash reserves set aside during a 2019 restructuring of the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Due in part to the state’s progress in stabilizing and strengthening its finances in recent years, that reserve fund can now be replaced by a relatively inexpensive insurance policy.
That policy, known as a surety, was projected to cost up to $12 million. After a competitive bidding process, the Office of the Treasurer was able to secure the policy – thought to be among the largest of its kind in the nation – at a cost of $2.7 million. The resulting savings will be deposited into the Trust as well.
The funding solution, which was passed as part of this year’s bipartisan state budget, reduces the overall cost of the program by over $200 million. The initial structure, passed in 2021, would have required $600 million in state borrowing over 12 years with subsequent debt service costs. Instead, $398 million has been deposited into the Trust upfront, capitalizing on more time for returns to grow to reduce the overall funding required.
Each eligible child will have up to $3,200 invested on their behalf. Over time, those investments will grow. Between the ages of 18-30, participants can file claims to use the full amount – estimated to be between $11,000 – 24,000 – for specific purposes intended to help build generational wealth. Those include buying a home in Connecticut, starting or investing in a Connecticut business, paying for education or job training, or saving for retirement.
Parents of eligible newborns do not need to take any action to enroll. Additional outreach, educational opportunities, and further resources will continuously be developed in the coming months and years to support CT Baby Bonds participants and their families.
“CT Baby Bonds is an amazing commitment to the future of our state,” said Treasurer Russell. “Leaders across government, nonprofits, hospitals and more have already stepped up to the plate, determined to make sure these investments are transformative for these kids, their families, their communities and Connecticut’s economic future.”
More information on CT Baby Bonds can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/OTT/Debt-Management/CT-Baby-Bonds
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About the Office of the Treasurer
The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut’s financial resources through prudent cash and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and nine state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state’s fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut’s social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the only Black elected state treasurer in the country. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ott.
CES Boxing continues it's "Summer Heat" Press Tour TODAY stopping at Top Shelf Bar & Grill in New Bedford, MA at 3 pm to hear from welterweight prospect Wilson Mascarenhas, hall-of-famer Jamie Clampitt, and heavyweight puncher Chad Leoncello ahead of their August 12th event at Mohegan Sun Arena!
The press & public are welcome to attend, speak and take pictures with the combatants and special guest Ray 'Sucra' Oliveira.
–CES–
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MAYOR TONI HARP ENDORSES SHAFIQ ABDUSSABUR,
KICKS OFF SIGNATURE DRIVE WITH FIRST SIGNATURE
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Wednesday, July 26, 2023 — Today, Democratic Candidate for Mayor Shafiq Abdussabur was joined by former Mayor of New Haven, Toni N. Harp, community leaders, members of the clergy and other faith leaders for a formal endorsement of the campaign.
“I am supporting Shafiq Abdussabur for Mayor of New Haven,” said Mayor Toni Harp. “I’ve known him since he was a young man and have seen him grow and develop. He is someone who deeply cares about our city. His experience as a police officer working in city government is someone that can move the city forward.”
After brief remarks by candidate Abdussabur, Mayor Toni Harp kicked off the signature drive with its first signature. The campaign is tasked with collecting 1,623 signatures from New Haven registered Democrats over the next two weeks to secure a spot on the September 12th Primary ballot.
“This is what democracy looks like,” added Democrat Shafiq Abdussabur as he shouted out all those in attendance. “Thank you, Mayor Harp. She is a mentor, a friend, and someone I’ve always looked up to as a local leader. This endorsement from the first female and second African-American Mayor of New Haven means so much. Her historic election was such an inspiration, and with your support, we can make this another historic election season.”
The group also included community advocate Barbara Fair, activist Leslie Radcliffe of the Hill North Community Management Team, community leader Stanley Welch, local business owner Allen McCullum, Muhammad Turi of Masjid Al-Islam, and Chris Campbell—Abdussabur’s Campaign Chair and former Senior Advisor to Mayor Harp’s 2013 campaign.
“I was proud to stand alongside Mayor Harp in support of Shafiq Abdussabur,” added Campaign Chair Chris Campbell. “He has the integrity that we look for in a public servant and understands that leadership isn’t about arrogance or entitlement—it's about compassion and understanding.”
Democrat Shafiq Abdussabur is running for Mayor of New Haven. The Democratic Primary is Tuesday, September 12, 2023. For more information, visit www.voteshafiq.com.
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Earl Whitaker & Friends presents Sunday Soul Edition @ The Legendary Chazmos Cafe & lounge 819 Dixwell CT Hamden CT ... associated with Bud Mench Media Group & Majestic LLC
Earl Whitaker have been playing music around CT for over 45 years or more..
He worked with alot of musical Legends from Connecticut / New York area his musical talent took him around the world. Edinburg, Scotland,2017.
He appeared with Paul Mills and the trio that he was performing with.
Earl had a performance scheduled in London the following week, so he went to visit Paul in Scotland and they put Earl on the gig that night.
local area artists have joined him in creating Sunday Soul Edition in July 2023 a one month series.
Playing live music ranging from Jazz to R&B soul..
Each week the event bring people together
On a nice Sunday evening from 4:00 pm to 7:00 p.m.
July 23rd performing musicians
Percussionist:
Roy Alexander. Second from left
Trumpet:
Randy Bost 4th from left
Bass:
Mark Moore 1st from left
Guitar, Vocals: Third from left
Earl Whitaker
For upcoming events and information about Sunday soul Edition
Follow Chazmo bar on Facebook & Bud Mench Media group on Facebook.
www.bmmg.ning.com
YOU MAKE MY DAY BY EARL WHITAKER
