Plainville– State Representative William A. Petit, Jr. (R-22) and State Senator Henri Martin (R-31) will again participate in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign by ringing bells at Gnazzo’s on Friday, December 14 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Community members are invited to support the cause and donate whatever they can.

Gnazzo’s is located at 73 East Street in Plainville, CT.

WHO: Rep. William A. Petit, Jr. (R-22) and Sen. Henri Martin(R-31)
WHAT: Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign bell ringing
WHEN: Friday, December 14 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
WHERE: Gnazzo’s – 73 East Street, Plainville, CT
WHY: State Legislators will join fellow volunteers ringing bells to raise money for the Salvation Army this holiday season.

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Connecticut currently ranks in the top five highest energy costs in the nation. With the cold weather upon us, many residents may struggle to pay their heating bills. However, fuel assistance is available to those in need.

Operation Fuel is now accepting applications for one-time grants of up to $500 per household for deliverable fuel, gas and electric utilities. Qualified individuals are those who have received a shut-off notice, have no utility service, or need assistance to maintain payment arrangements or have a past due balance of 30 days or more.

In order to apply for an Operation Fuel utility or deliverable fuel grant, you must submit an application through a fuel bank. To find the fuel bank that serves your town, please either use the Fuel Bank Finder or call 2-1-1.

You will need to provide proof of the last 4 weeks of income for all household members, the name of your fuel vendor (for deliverable fuel customers only), or your utility bill and payment history (for electric and gas utility customers only).

Operation Fuel is a non-profit organization that partners with local government and community-based organizations at more than 100 sites throughout Connecticut to ensure that families in need have access to year-round energy assistance. Their partner agencies may also be able to connect residents with programs that provide assistance for food, clothing, health services, childcare, and more.

Plainville – Sen. Henri Martin (left, at head of table) and Rep. Bill Petit (at far right) talk with area taxpayers during their Nov. 20 “Coffee and Conversation” event at Bolo Bakery.

Martin and Petit, who are currently preparing for the 2019 session of the Connecticut General Assembly, said the regular question and answer sessions with taxpayers help make them better informed lawmakers.

Martin can be reached at 800-842-1421 and Petit can be reached at 800-842-1423.

Hartford –  State Rep. William A. Petit, Jr. (R-Plainville) has announced an upcoming opportunity to join he and Sen. Henri Martin for coffee and conversation on Tuesday, November 20 at Bolo Bakery & Cafe (33 Whiting Street, Plainville) from 8am – 9am.

Residents are invited to join their legislators as they discuss the latest updates from the State Capitol and answer questions. 
The event is free and open to residents. Coffee will be served.

Anyone unable to attend but wishing to contact Rep. Petit to discuss a state or local issue may call 800-842-1423 or email william.petit@housegop.ct.gov.

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Schedule refinements allow for additional service to Springfield and weekday connecting service arriving in New York City before 9 a.m.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that a new CTrail Hartford Line schedule will go into effect on Monday, November 12, 2018. The new Hartford Line schedule is not drastically different than the previous schedule, but does feature refinements that will provide more service between Hartford and Springfield as well as connecting New Haven Line service on Metro-North that arrives in New York City before 9 a.m.

The new schedule also covers operations during the upcoming holidays. Hartford Line trains will operate every day, but using a Saturday or Sunday schedule when the holiday (including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Day this year) falls on a weekday. Riders planning travel during these timeframes should visit www.hartfordline.com for the exact schedule.

Improvement in the new schedule came as a result of the completed installation of a second track between Hartford and Windsor, as well as schedule adjustments by Metro-North and Amtrak regional service.

The second track allows trains operating north of Hartford to pass each other quickly and efficiently, providing additional rail capacity and increasing reliability. Two sets of track now run the length of the Hartford Line corridor from New Haven to Windsor, except for a small portion of single track near Hartford’s Union Station which will be completed as part of the I-84 Hartford Project.

“The new Hartford Line schedule includes an additional trip extended to Springfield every day. We will now offer 2 4 daily weekday trips between Hartford and Springfield,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “Less than six months after the launch of the Hartford Line, we have increased service on the line and are closer to reaching the 2030 vision of rail passenger service in New England.”

The 2030 vision for the Hartford Line includes 50 trains per day between New Haven and Springfield, as well as new stations in North Haven, Newington, West Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Enfield.

The new schedule can be viewed at (direct link to new schedule on the HL website). Hard copies of the schedule are available at all train stations along the Hartford Line corridor.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a nighttime micro milling project will be performed on a 0.2-mile segment of I-84 westbound in Plainville on Sunday, November 11, 2018.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Motorists can expect lane closures on I-84 westbound in Plainville in the vicinity of Exit 33 (Route 72 West Bristol).  Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.  The regular work schedule for this project is 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday).

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

Connecticut residents can get free help signing up for healthcare coverage

HARTFORD, Conn. (October 30, 2018)—Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced state residents who are looking to enroll, re-enroll or have questions about their healthcare coverage can talk to certified brokers, enrollment specialists and Access Health CT staff at several locations during weekdays and Saturdays beginning November 1, 2018.

“We are here to help,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “If you need help enrolling or re-enrolling for health insurance, we have many people who will help you.  All help is free and we have many locations where you can find in person help near you. Bring your questions, and we will help you find the answers.”

Enrollment Center locations are open on weekdays. Enrollment Fairs take place on Saturdays (snow day on Sunday).

“You do not need an appointment for weekday Enrollment Centers or Saturday Enrollment Fairs, but you can register for a Saturday Enrollment Fair ahead of time to make sure you get the help you need,” said Access Health CT Director of Marketing, Andrea Ravitz. To register for an Enrollment Fair visit learn.accesshealthct.com/locations for more information.

The following “Enrollment Centers” are places where people can find free help during weekdays starting November 1, 2018:

Danbury, CFIC Greater Danbury Community Health Center
120 Main Street (first floor)
Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. 

East Hartford, Raymond Library
840 Main Street (lower level, side entrance)
Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Groton, Groton Senior Center
102 Newtown Road
Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

New Britain, Trinity-on-Main
69 Main Street
Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

New Haven
2 Howe Street (around the corner from main entrance)
Monday-Friday 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

Stamford, Ferguson Main Library
One Public Library Plaza (second floor)
Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

West Hartford, Noah Webster Library
20 South Main Street
Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  

Note: These locations are closed Saturdays & Sundays

The following “Enrollment Fairs” are places where people can find help on Saturdays starting November 3, 2018 (with snow day on Sunday):

Fairfield, Saturday, November 3, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fairfield University, Faber Dining Commons
42 Bellarmine Road

Manchester, Saturday, November 10, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
71 Haynes Street

New London, Saturday, November 17, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
OIC of New London
106 Truman Street

Bridgeport, Saturday, December 1, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
2800 Main Street

Waterbury, Saturday, December 8, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Waterbury Hospital
64 Robbins Street

Milford, Saturday December 15, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Jonathan Law High School
20 Lansdale Avenue

Hartford – The Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association, comprised of more than 200 doctors of podiatric medicine, has recognized State Rep. William A. Petit, Jr. (R-22) for his advocacy of common sense, patient-friendly healthcare policies.

“I would like to thank the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association for their recognition of my legislative work, and my priority of making these important medical services more accessible to patients who need them. Podiatric health is critical in how we are able to go about our day-to-day lives, and I’m pleased to shed light on an issue that was in much need of attention,” said Rep. Petit.

During the 2018 Legislative Session, Petit had a leading role in the passage of legislation that updates the scope of practice of podiatry to make their surgical services more available to patients in Connecticut. The provisions were included in House Bill 5163, now Public Act 18-168, which was signed into law by Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

“Connecticut’s podiatric doctors provide leading medical care in the foot and ankle to thousands of patients in the state. We appreciate Representative Petit’s expertise and knowledge of healthcare issues and for taking positive and proactive actions to improve the system for Connecticut consumers,” said Joe Treadwell, DPM, the group’s legislative chair.

Additionally, the podiatrists praised Petit’s opposition to higher taxes on healthcare and medical professionals. Proposals for a “medical provider tax” have been discussed at the Legislature for a number of years now but, fortunately, were not enacted during the deliberations over reducing the state’s budget deficit.

Finally, the group thanked Petit for his support of adequate funding for the Medicaid program that serves hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents. Podiatric services are provided to enrollees of the program.
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Hartford – The Radiological Society of Connecticut has recognized State Rep. William A. Petit, Jr. (R-22) for his advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life-saving breast cancer screenings.

“I’m honored to have received this award, and more importantly, as a member of the state legislature’s Public Health Committee, I’m very proud of the work I’ve done to usher this bill into law on behalf of  women across Connecticut, who will benefit immensely from this life-saving technology,” said Rep. Petit.

The award is timely as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The radiologists named Petit their “Patient Hero”, and presented him with an award at their semi-annual meeting in New Haven.

Rep. Petit supported House Bill 5208 this past session that will enable women to have their annual breast exam using the latest technology without having to pay a deductible or co-pay.

The technology is called Breast Tomosynthesis, a three dimensional mammogram, which enables the radiologist to better determine if small cancers are present in the breast. The test has been shown to reduce by 40 percent patient callbacks for an additional test due to the uncertainty of images.

“This legislation is critical for our ability to make sure that patients continue to have access to these needed mammography tests. We thank Representative Petit for his leadership on the issue,” said Alan Kaye, MD, president of the RSC.

House Bill 5208 includes Breast Tomosynthesis in the definition of a mammogram so that a patient no longer will be charged a deductible or co-pay for the annual screening.

The RSC thanked Petit for supporting the bill and for showing a “significant knowledge” of healthcare policy and using that knowledge to benefit patients.

The legislation passed both the House and Senate this year and was signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy as Public Act 18-159. It is effective January 1, 2019.

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) has issued the following statement regarding upcoming nighttime railroad crossing repairs on Routes 372, 177, & 10 in Plainville.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to the below schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in the work vicinity.

Please read for more information as road closures may impact your travel plans.

Nighttime Railroad Crossing Repairs, Route 372 in Plainville

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that nighttime railroad crossing repairs will be performed on the Route 372 (West Main Street) in Plainville, beginning Friday, October 26, 2018.

The railroad crossing repairs include the upgrading and replacement of the crossing riding surface.  This project will require Route 372 (West Main Street) at Whiting Street in Plainville to be closed for consecutive days from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 to the morning of Monday, October 29, 2018, unless the work is completed sooner.

This work is being performed by Pan Am Railroad in cooperation with the Department of Transportation.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Route 372 eastbound motorists will be detoured onto Washington Street, Broad Street and Whiting Street.  Route 372 westbound motorists will be detoured using the same roads. Traffic control personnel, police and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the detour.

The detour is scheduled to be in place from 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018 unless the work is completed sooner.
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Railroad Crossing Repairs on Route 177 in Plainville

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that railroad crossing repairs will be performed on Route 177 (Town Line Rd.) in Plainville, beginning Friday, October 26, 2018.

The railroad crossing repairs upgrade includes the replacement of the crossing riding surface. This project will require Route 177 (Town Line Rd.) at grade crossing west of Route 10 (East St.) in Plainville to be closed for consecutive days beginning on Wednesday morning, October 31, 2018 to Thursday, November 1, 2018, unless the work is completed sooner.

This work is being performed by Pan Am Railroad in cooperation with the Department of Transportation.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Route 177 (Town Line Rd.) northbound motorists will be detoured north along Route 10, west onto Broad Street back to Route 177. Route 177 southbound motorists will be detoured east onto Broad Street, south onto Route 10 back to Route 177. Traffic control personnel, police and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the detour.

The detour is scheduled to be in place from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2018 through 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018, unless the work is completed sooner.
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Nighttime Railroad Crossing Repairs on Route 10 in Plainville

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a nighttime railroad crossing repair project will be performed on Route 10 (East St.) in Plainville, beginning Friday, November 2, 2018.

The railroad crossing repairs upgrade includes the replacement of the crossing riding surface.  This project will require Route 10 (East St.) at grade crossing south of Route 372 (East Main St.) in Plainville to be closed for consecutive days from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Friday, November 2, 2018 to the morning of Monday, November 5, 2018, unless the work is completed sooner.

This work is being performed by Pan Am Railroad in cooperation with the Department of Transportation.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Route 10 (East St.) northbound motorists will be detoured west onto Pine Street, east onto Main Street back to Route 10.  Route 10 (East St.) southbound motorists will be detoured west onto Main Street, east onto Pine Street back to Route 10.  Traffic control personnel, police and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the detour.

The detour is scheduled to be in place from 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 2, 2018 through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 5, 2018, unless the work is completed sooner.