The days are getting longer, and the vaccinations are continuing - two things I am grateful for. I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine when we have it.
If you or someone you know needs help during this difficult time, please reach out to Representative Dolan or I and we will do our best to connect you with appropriate services. Contact us at lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us or KNDolan@leg.state.vt.us. VOTE All active voters received their Town Meeting Day ballot in the mail. If you have not yet voted, please bring your ballot to the Town offices by Monday March 1 or ballots may be returned in person at the polling places on Tuesday, March 2 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. If you did not receive a ballot in the mail, you may vote in person Tuesday, March 2nd. The polling place for Village of Essex Junction voters is the Essex High School. Please do not mail your ballot as it will not be received in time for your vote to be counted. This vote is for the Plan of Merger, Town of Essex budget and Selectboard members. Remember as Village residents we are also residents of the Town. This means we vote the Town of Essex budget now and the Village budget in April. We also vote as residents of the Town on the plan of merger between the Village of Essex Junction and the Town of Essex. Yes, the Village voters passed this plan last November, but we must vote again as a Town of Essex resident – this vote matters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Town Meeting will be an informational online meeting Monday March 1 starting at 7:30pm. This year we will have a brief update from Congressman Peter Welch. How to join and more information is available at www.essexvt.org. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The Vermont House gave approval last week to nearly $80 million in additional COVID-19 RELIEF & RECOVERY AID for Vermonters. H.315 provides critical assistance to working families and businesses struggling due to the pandemic. The intent of the funding is to address health disparities, increase social equity, and stimulate economic recovery. The COVID-19 relief package includes funding for:
SPECIAL HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT The State of Vermont is offering a COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period for Vermonters to enroll in a qualified health plan and receive premium and cost-sharing assistance, if eligible. Please apply by CALLING the State’s Customer Support Center at 855-899-9600, M-F, 8 am-4:30 pm, NOT ONLINE. Vermonters declared ineligible in the past are welcome to apply again. More details here: https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov. This enrollment period is open through May 14th 2021. VACCINATIONS UPDATE: Starting 8:15 a.m. on Monday, March 1, people in Vermont who are age 65 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Going online to healthvermont.gov/myvaccine is the fastest way to make an appointment and provides information on the process. I recommend you visit the site now to create an account to be ready to make the appointment starting Tuesday. If you already have an account because you were tested for COVID-19 through a Health Department site, use the same account to make your appointment. Family members and friends are encouraged to assist their loved ones with the online system as needed. Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, or who needs to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please continue wearing masks, washing hands, and practicing physical distancing. Be kind to each other and yourself. Rep. Lori Houghton
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