In addition to the Legislative Conference (held on Feb 29, at the LOB).  AFT-CT also holds a series of Legislative regional meetings throughout the State.  This year's offerings are listed below... these are free events, typically with free food/drink and they offer a nice relaxed atmosphere to sit at a table with legislators.  There is no pressure, no need to engage if you don't wish to engage, just an opportunity to hear one-on-one discussions with legislators.

If you wish to attend, just simply show-up for the event.  View Flyer.  The venues are as follows:

Saturday March 14
9:00am-10:30am
Lyme

We proudly announce that Jan Bureau, long-time Treasurer for A&R has retired from state service!  We want to wish Jan well as she heads to Maine for the summer, but we also want to thank her for all she has done for us serving as a union officer and a friend.  Jan is the person who always found humor in life.  She smiled endlessly, and she always had a joke she wanted you to hear...her jokes were almost always corny, but they also made you smile every time (and shake your head).  She is loaded with life and finally decided that she was ready to enjoy something different after a 32 year career

Saturday February 29th (yes, it's a leap year!!!), AFT-CT is hosting a legislative conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford (you can park in the LOB garage for free).  It is a private event held at the LOB for A&R/AFT-CT members to meet and listen to State Senators and Representatives about the current legislative agenda.  This is your opportunity to hear and interact with legislators directly to see what they intend to accomplish in this legislative session.  The event is free and runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 29, 2020.  Breakfast and coffee are served

As you may recall, Comptroller Kevin Lembo recently announced  that Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be the sole administrator of the state employee health plan beginning July 1, 2020.   Those who currently utilize UnitedHealthcare plans will be moved into Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield at that time.  In the vast majority of circumstances, healthcare providers that accept UnitedHealthcare will also accept Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, but there may be exceptions.

To see if your healthcare provider is covered, follow this link to find Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield  in network providers https:/

Every year, A&R awards scholarships to qualifying children of A&R/AFT Local 4200 members or children of former A&R members who are now members of the A&R Retiree Chapter. 

Ten scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each will go to 2020 high school graduates or seniors who have been accepted to and will be entering a post-secondary educational institution.  These are one-time only awards. 

Five awards in the amount of $1,500 each will go to post secondary students who are continuing their education.  The continuing student awards are also one-time only, but the recipient may previously have received an entering student A&R scholarship.

One of the applicants will receive a $2,500 Harry Zilber Scholarship Award presented in recognition of community service activities.  The name of the Zilber Award winner is displayed at the A&R Headquarters on a commemorative plaque.

If you have a qualifying child who is continuing their education and wishes to apply for a scholarship, please complete the application and return it to the A&R Office by the April 2, 2020 deadline.

2020 A&R Scholarship Application

In addition, there are scholarship opportunities provided by AFT-CT and AFT National

Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced  that Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be the sole administrator of the State employee health plan beginning July 1, 2020.  We do not have any details of how this will impact those who currently utilize UnitedHealthcare plans but we will provide updates as we get them.  This will not impact Medicare Advantage for retirees over age 65; the Medicare Advantage plan will remain under UnitedHealthcare.