If you don't know who your representative and senator is, call your town hall or go to this website: http://www.cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp

Governor: 860.566.4840 or 800.406.1527
Senate Democrats: 860.240.8600 or 800.842.1420
Senate Republicans: 860.240.8800 or 800.842.1421
House Democrats: 860.240.8500 or 800.842.8267
House Republicans: 860.240.8700 or 800.842.1423

For more information about the executive order, please read below:

State Budget

Governor Rell has signed an Executive Order for the month of July directing payments from the state. Below is her press release, as well as links to her Executive Order and the July Allotment.

Several services provided by nonprofits do not appear to be receiving an allotment for the month of July. To find out if your program will be funded in July, go to the “Fiscal Year 2010 Allotment” link below - look for your funding state agency and then your line item. C ontact your contract manager with the appropriate state agency to get more details on funding for your program.

Governor Rell: Executive Order Continues Funding for State Operations While Budget Talks Continue

Read the Executive Order

Fiscal Year 2010 July Allotment

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has signed an Executive Order that will ensure the continued efficient operation of state government until a new, two-year state budget has been signed into law. The action is necessary because Wednesday marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for Connecticut but the General Assembly and the Governor have not yet completed negotiations on a new budget.

The order also provides specific dollar allotments to state agencies for the month of July 2009 so that they can continue to function. A new Executive Order would be issued if August nears without a budget in place.

“First and foremost, people should rest assured that state government will continue to operate – services will be delivered; we will care for the vulnerable and the sick; public safety and public health will be protected,” Governor Rell said. “Negotiations between my Administration and legislative leaders from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses are continuing.

“I remain hopeful that we will resolve the budget issues that divide us and bring an affordable, responsible budget proposal to the General Assembly for a vote in the very near future,” the Governor said. “In the interim, I am taking all of the steps necessary to ensure that state government functions smoothly.”

Under Executive Order No. 28, Governor Rell declares that a fiscal emergency exists because there is no budget. The order directs agency chiefs to limit all purchases to only those items essential to continued operations.

“All state parks remain open, all services will continue and the public should see no change in state operations,” Governor Rell said.

This proposal is not only short-sighted but poor public health policy. The state has a responsibility to maintain good public health policy and programs that have far-reaching effects with regard to prevention. It's well-documented that the SEPs have contributed to the reduction of HIV among injecting drug users and their partners. If programs are to be cut, it should be based on scientifically-based evidence and clear outcomes!!!

Please click here for a quick fact sheet about SEP.

Please take 2 minutes to call your state representative and your state senator and urge them to RESTORE THIS important program. If you've been helped by these programs, let them know that.

There are serious and harmful political games going on at the Capitol at this point and we must be on top of every proposal and take appropriate action!!

To find your Senator: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp

Senate Democrats  860.240.8600/800.842.1420
Senate Republicans 860.240.8800/800.842.1421

To find your Representative: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp

House Democrats 860.240.8585/800.842.1902
House Republicans 860.240.8787/800.842.8270

There are increasing rumors in Congress that we are losing ground on two of our most important health care reform priorities: 

1) Eliminating the Medicaid disability requirement and ensuring that all low income people have early access to affordable, quality care through Medicaid.

• This will give approximately 42% of all people living with HIV who are currently uninsured immediate access to health care through Medicaid.
• Yet, there are increasing signs that important members of Congress are backpedaling on this important goal by excluding childless adults.

2) Expanding access to Medicaid for higher income people living with HIV by having Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA) language included in health care reform.

• This will give states the option to expand coverage for people living with HIV and AIDS, reaching more than 75% who are currently uninsured.
• Yet, there are strong indications that Congress may not include this provision in health care reform.

ACT TODAY TO JOIN THE FIGHT FOR THESE 2 TOP ISSUES IN HEALTH CARE REFORM:

Over the next two months we need your help!
 
We need you to register TODAY as local, state and national leaders for the work outlined below: Contact Robert Greenwald at rgreenwa@law.harvard.edu or Laura Hanen at lhanen@nastad.org to offer assistance or for more information.

Strengthening Medicaid and Expanding Coverage for Pre-Disabled, Low-Income HIV Positive Individuals:

TOP PRIORITY: We need people to be on Capitol Hill on a regular basis talking to Congressional leaders and members about our top legislative priorities. 

WE ALSO NEED: Sign-on letters from all state delegations, district meetings with members, and local media stories on the importance of expanded access to Medicaid.

This is a crisis situation that demands immediate attention and increased advocacy.

We are losing ground on accomplishing our goal of expanding early health care access to all low income people with HIV through Medicaid. Medicaid expansion must cover both families and single individuals who have no children. The lives of hundreds of thousands of people living with HIV depend on early health care access. Please help by participating in any way you can.