[CT-NFB] Fwd: Encompass Program Update
CHERI DUQUETTE
cbduquette at comcast.net
Wed Feb 19 17:43:24 UTC 2025
Hi Deb,
Thank you for this information, as Paul mentioned, he is a user of this service. Here's to hoping it will continue.
Have a good day,
Cheri
> On 02/19/2025 11:37 AM EST Deb Reed via CT-NFB <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
> For those of you that enjoy the reduced taxi service program called Encompass, please be aware that the funding for this program will be exhausted in June of this year unless additional funding is secured. The below email contains a list of state legislators in your town with their phone numbers to contact to advocate for The proposed Bill number.
> 5479.
>
> Deb Reed
>
> Central CT Chapter President of the National Federation of the Blind
> Deb.reed57 at gmail.com
> Cell-860-378-5370
>
> “Bloom where you are. “From mother, Theresa of Calcutta.
>
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
>
> > From: Margaret Banker <MBanker at ghtd.org>
> > Date: February 18, 2025 at 5:23:05 PM EST
> > To: Margaret Banker <MBanker at ghtd.org>
> > Subject: Encompass Program Update
> >
> >
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ENCOMPASS PROGRAM FUNDING
> >
> >
> >
> > This email is an appeal to assist in the preservation of an important transportation program for seniors and riders with disabilities.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Encompass program started as a two-year pilot project through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and the US Department of Transportation. The program is designed to fill many of the transportation service gaps in the Greater Hartford Metropolitan Areas and surrounding rural areas. The Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD) partners with M7 transportation to provide Encompass service for our passengers.
> >
> >
> >
> > The program began in September 2020 and has continued past the initial two-year grant period with temporary supplemental funding. This funding for the Encompass program will be exhausted in June of 2025 at which time, absent a new source of funding, the successful services may end. GHTD has been actively looking for additional funding sources to fund the program. A Proposed Bill No. 5479 AAC Funding for the Encompass Transportation Program Serving the Elderly and Disabled Population has been submitted for consideration.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Encompass program allows seniors (ages 60 and older) and/or riders with disabilities approved for the program the freedom to travel with few limitations. Riders load money onto their Encompass account and have the ability to book trips any time to any destination. The rider pays a base fare of $5.00 for the first eight miles traveled, and then an additional $2.90 for each additional mile. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle at no additional cost, and there are no wait fees which are typically associated with taxi rides. Each rider can bring up to three additional passengers in the vehicle as long as they are picked up at the same address.
> >
> >
> >
> > GHTD is reaching out to our riders and community agencies to ask for your support in getting Proposed Bill No. 5479 approved. Attached is testimony to the Appropriations Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly that our Executive Director submitted on behalf of the bill.
> >
> >
> >
> > How can you help? Reach out to your local legislators and ask them to support Proposed Bill No. 5479. The below is contact information for local legislators in your area. Attached is also a sample letter that can be mailed or emailed to your legislators.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thank you for your help with supporting the Encompass program.
> >
> >
> >
> > Local Legislators:
> >
> >
> >
> > Town/City
> >
> > First Name
> >
> > Last Name
> >
> > Phone
> >
> > Email
> >
> > Avon
> >
> > Eleni
> >
> > DeGraw
> >
> > (860) 240-0553
> >
> > eleni.kavrosdegraw at cga.ct.gov mailto:eleni.kavrosdegraw at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Avon
> >
> > Tammy
> >
> > Exum
> >
> > (860) 240-8568
> >
> > Tammy.Exum at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tammy.Exum at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Avon
> >
> > Paul
> >
> > Honig
> >
> > (860) 240-8600
> >
> > paul.honig at cga.ct.gov mailto:paul.honig at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Berlin
> >
> > Donna
> >
> > Veach
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > donna.veach at cga.ct.gov mailto:donna.veach at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Berlin
> >
> > Jack
> >
> > Fazzino
> >
> > (860) 240-8556
> >
> > jack.fazzino at cga.ct.gov mailto:jack.fazzino at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Berlin
> >
> > Rick
> >
> > Lopes
> >
> > (860) 240-0099
> >
> > rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov mailto:rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Bloomfield
> >
> > Bobby
> >
> > Gibson
> >
> > (860) 240-0141
> >
> > Bobby.Gibson at cga.ct.gov mailto:Bobby.Gibson at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Bloomfield
> >
> > Derek
> >
> > Slap
> >
> > (860) 240-1436
> >
> > Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov mailto:Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Bloomfield
> >
> > Douglas
> >
> > McCrory
> >
> > (860) 240-1453
> >
> > Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov mailto:Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Bristol
> >
> > Cara
> >
> > Pavalock-D'Amato
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > cara at housegop.ct.gov mailto:cara at housegop.ct.gov
> >
> > Bristol
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > Hoxha
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > joe.hoxha at housegop.ct.gov mailto:joe.hoxha at housegop.ct.gov
> >
> > Bristol
> >
> > Mary
> >
> > Fortier
> >
> > (860) 240-0464
> >
> > mary.fortier at cga.ct.gov mailto:mary.fortier at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Bristol
> >
> > Henri
> >
> > Martin
> >
> > (860) 240-0529
> >
> > henri.martin at cga.ct.gov mailto:henri.martin at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Cromwell
> >
> > Christie
> >
> > Carpino
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Christie.Carpino at housegop.ct.gov mailto:Christie.Carpino at housegop.ct.gov
> >
> > Cromwell
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > Lesser
> >
> > (860) 240-0511
> >
> > matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov mailto:matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > East Hartford
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > Rojas
> >
> > (860) 240-8541
> >
> > Jason.Rojas at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jason.Rojas at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > East Hartford
> >
> > Henry
> >
> > Genga
> >
> > (860) 240-8584
> >
> > Henry.Genga at cga.ct.gov mailto:Henry.Genga at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > East Hartford
> >
> > Saud
> >
> > Anwar
> >
> > (860) 240-0347
> >
> > Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov mailto:Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > East Hartford
> >
> > Patrick
> >
> > Biggins
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > Patrick.Biggins at cga.ct.gov mailto:Patrick.Biggins at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Ellington
> >
> > John
> >
> > Kissel
> >
> > (860) 240-0531
> >
> > John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov mailto:John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Ellington
> >
> > Saud
> >
> > Anwar
> >
> > (860) 240-0347
> >
> > Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov mailto:Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Ellington
> >
> > Jaime
> >
> > Foster
> >
> > (860) 240-0378
> >
> > Jaime.Foster at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jaime.Foster at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Ellington
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> > Gordon
> >
> > (860) 240-8800
> >
> > Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Farmington
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > Demicco
> >
> > (860) 240-8522
> >
> > Mike.Demicco at cga.ct.gov mailto:Mike.Demicco at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Farmington
> >
> > Derek
> >
> > Slap
> >
> > (860) 240-1436
> >
> > Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov mailto:Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Farmington
> >
> > Rick
> >
> > Lopes
> >
> > (860) 240-0099
> >
> > rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov mailto:rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Farmington
> >
> > Rebecca
> >
> > Martinez
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > rebecca.martinez at cga.ct.gov mailto:rebecca.martinez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Glastonbury
> >
> > Jill
> >
> > Barry
> >
> > (860) 240-8583
> >
> > Jill.Barry at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jill.Barry at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Glastonbury
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > Doucette
> >
> > (860) 240-0410
> >
> > Jason.Doucette at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jason.Doucette at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Glastonbury
> >
> > MD
> >
> > Rahman
> >
> > (860) 240-5302
> >
> > MD.Rahman at cga.ct.gov mailto:MD.Rahman at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Glastonbury
> >
> > Steve
> >
> > Weir
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > steve.weir at housegop.ct.gov mailto:steve.weir at housegop.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Minnie
> >
> > Gonzalez
> >
> > (860) 240-1468
> >
> > Minnie.Gonzalez at cga.ct.gov mailto:Minnie.Gonzalez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > John
> >
> > Fonfara
> >
> > (860) 240-0043
> >
> > John.Fonfara at cga.ct.gov mailto:John.Fonfara at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Matthew
> >
> > Ritter
> >
> > (860) 240-8489
> >
> > Matthew.Ritter at cga.ct.gov mailto:Matthew.Ritter at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Douglas
> >
> > McCrory
> >
> > (860) 240-1453
> >
> > Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov mailto:Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Joshua
> >
> > Hall
> >
> > (860) 240-8387
> >
> > Joshua.Hall at cga.ct.gov mailto:Joshua.Hall at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Julio
> >
> > Concepcion
> >
> > (860) 240-8542
> >
> > Julio.Concepcion at cga.ct.gov mailto:Julio.Concepcion at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > Maryam
> >
> > Khan
> >
> > (860) 240-0191
> >
> > Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov mailto:Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Hartford
> >
> > James
> >
> > Sanchez
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > James.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov mailto:James.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Manchester
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > Rojas
> >
> > (860) 240-8541
> >
> > Jason.Rojas at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jason.Rojas at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Manchester
> >
> > Geoff
> >
> > Luxenberg
> >
> > (860) 240-0378
> >
> > Geoff.Luxenberg at cga.ct.gov mailto:Geoff.Luxenberg at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Manchester
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > Doucette
> >
> > (860) 240-0410
> >
> > Jason.Doucette at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jason.Doucette at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Manchester
> >
> > MD
> >
> > Rahman
> >
> > (860) 240-5302
> >
> > MD.Rahman at cga.ct.gov mailto:MD.Rahman at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Manchester
> >
> > Patrick
> >
> > Biggins
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > Patrick.Biggins at cga.ct.gov mailto:Patrick.Biggins at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Meriden
> >
> > Hilda
> >
> > Santiago
> >
> > (860) 240-8387
> >
> > Hilda.Santiago at cga.ct.gov mailto:Hilda.Santiago at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Meriden
> >
> > Michael
> >
> > Quinn
> >
> > (860) 240-1373
> >
> > Michael.Quinn at cga.ct.gov mailto:Michael.Quinn at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Meriden
> >
> > Jan
> >
> > Hochadel
> >
> > (860) 240-0584
> >
> > Jan.Hochadel at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jan.Hochadel at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Meriden
> >
> > Jack
> >
> > Fazzino
> >
> > (860) 240-8556
> >
> > jack.fazzino at cga.ct.gov mailto:jack.fazzino at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Middletown
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > Lesser
> >
> > (860) 240-0511
> >
> > matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov mailto:matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Middletown
> >
> > Brandon
> >
> > Chafee
> >
> > (860) 240-1373
> >
> > Brandon.Chafee at cga.ct.gov mailto:Brandon.Chafee at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Middletown
> >
> > Jan
> >
> > Hochadel
> >
> > (860) 240-0584
> >
> > Jan.Hochadel at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jan.Hochadel at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Middletown
> >
> > Kai
> >
> > Belton
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > Kai.Belton at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kai.Belton at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > New Britain
> >
> > Robert
> >
> > Sanchez
> >
> > (860) 240-1468
> >
> > Robert.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov mailto:Robert.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > New Britain
> >
> > Gary
> >
> > Turco
> >
> > (860) 240-8378
> >
> > Robert.Turco at cga.ct.gov mailto:Robert.Turco at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > New Britain
> >
> > Rick
> >
> > Lopes
> >
> > (860) 240-0099
> >
> > rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov mailto:rick.lopes at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > New Britain
> >
> > Manny
> >
> > Sanchez
> >
> > (860) 240-8387
> >
> > Manny.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov mailto:Manny.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > New Britain
> >
> > David
> >
> > DeFronzo
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > David.DeFonzo at cga.ct.gov mailto:David.DeFonzo at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Newington
> >
> > Gary
> >
> > Turco
> >
> > (860) 240-8378
> >
> > Robert.Turco at cga.ct.gov mailto:Robert.Turco at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Newington
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > Lesser
> >
> > (860) 240-0511
> >
> > matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov mailto:matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Newington
> >
> > Kate
> >
> > Farrar
> >
> > (860) 240-8583
> >
> > Kate.Farrar at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kate.Farrar at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Plainville
> >
> > Henri
> >
> > Martin
> >
> > (860) 240-0529
> >
> > henri.martin at cga.ct.gov mailto:henri.martin at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Plainville
> >
> > Rebecca
> >
> > Martinez
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > rebecca.martinez at cga.ct.gov mailto:rebecca.martinez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Rocky Hill
> >
> > Kerry
> >
> > Wood
> >
> > (860) 240-0516
> >
> > Kerry.Wood at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kerry.Wood at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Rocky Hill
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > Lesser
> >
> > (860) 240-0511
> >
> > matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov mailto:matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > South Windsor
> >
> > Tom
> >
> > Delnicki
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Tom.Delnicki at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tom.Delnicki at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > South Windsor
> >
> > Saud
> >
> > Anwar
> >
> > (860) 240-0347
> >
> > Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov mailto:Saud.Anwar at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > South Windsor
> >
> > Maryam
> >
> > Khan
> >
> > (860) 240-0191
> >
> > Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov mailto:Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Tolland
> >
> > Tim
> >
> > Ackert
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Tim.Ackert at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tim.Ackert at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Tolland
> >
> > Tammy
> >
> > Nuccio
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Tammy.Nuccio at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tammy.Nuccio at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Tolland
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> > Gordon
> >
> > (860) 240-8800
> >
> > Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Vernon
> >
> > Tammy
> >
> > Nuccio
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Tammy.Nuccio at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tammy.Nuccio at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Vernon
> >
> > Jaime
> >
> > Foster
> >
> > (860) 240-0378
> >
> > Jaime.Foster at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jaime.Foster at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Vernon
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> > Gordon
> >
> > (860) 240-8800
> >
> > Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jeff.Gordon at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Vernon
> >
> > Kevin
> >
> > Brown
> >
> > (860) 240-8466
> >
> > Kevin.Brown at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kevin.Brown at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > Bobby
> >
> > Gibson
> >
> > (860) 240-0141
> >
> > Bobby.Gibson at cga.ct.gov mailto:Bobby.Gibson at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > Jillian
> >
> > Gilchrest
> >
> > (860) 240-0492
> >
> > Jilian.Gilchrest at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jilian.Gilchrest at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > Derek
> >
> > Slap
> >
> > (860) 240-1436
> >
> > Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov mailto:Derek.Slap at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > Tammy
> >
> > Exum
> >
> > (860) 240-8568
> >
> > Tammy.Exum at cga.ct.gov mailto:Tammy.Exum at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > Kate
> >
> > Farrar
> >
> > (860) 240-8583
> >
> > Kate.Farrar at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kate.Farrar at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > West Hartford
> >
> > James
> >
> > Sanchez
> >
> > (860) 240-8500
> >
> > James.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov mailto:James.Sanchez at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Wethersfield
> >
> > John
> >
> > Fonfara
> >
> > (860) 240-0043
> >
> > John.Fonfara at cga.ct.gov mailto:John.Fonfara at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Wethersfield
> >
> > Kerry
> >
> > Wood
> >
> > (860) 240-0516
> >
> > Kerry.Wood at cga.ct.gov mailto:Kerry.Wood at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Wethersfield
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > Lesser
> >
> > (860) 240-0511
> >
> > matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov mailto:matt.lesser at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Wethersfield
> >
> > Amy
> >
> > Morrin Bello
> >
> > (860) 240-0515
> >
> > amy.morrinbello at cga.ct.gov mailto:amy.morrinbello at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor
> >
> > John
> >
> > Kissel
> >
> > (860) 240-0531
> >
> > John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov mailto:John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor
> >
> > Douglas
> >
> > McCrory
> >
> > (860) 240-1453
> >
> > Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov mailto:Douglas.McCrory at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor
> >
> > Jane
> >
> > Garibay
> >
> > (860) 240-8583
> >
> > Jane.Garibay at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jane.Garibay at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor
> >
> > Maryam
> >
> > Khan
> >
> > (860) 240-0191
> >
> > Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov mailto:Maryam.Khan at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor Locks
> >
> > John
> >
> > Kissel
> >
> > (860) 240-0531
> >
> > John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov mailto:John.Kissel at cga.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor Locks
> >
> > Tami
> >
> > Zawistowski
> >
> > (860) 240-8700
> >
> > Tami.Zawistowski at housegop.ct.gov mailto:Tami.Zawistowski at housegop.ct.gov
> >
> > Windsor Locks
> >
> > Jane
> >
> > Garibay
> >
> > (860) 240-8583
> >
> > Jane.Garibay at cga.ct.gov mailto:Jane.Garibay at cga.ct.gov
> >
> >
> >
> > Thank you!
> >
> >
> >
> > Margaret Banker, LMSW
> >
> > Director of ADA Paratransit Services
> >
> > Greater Hartford Transit District
> >
> > One Union Place
> >
> > Hartford, CT 06103
> >
> > Direct Tel: 860.380.2023
> >
> > Email: mbanker at ghtd.org mailto:mbanker at ghtd.org
> >
> > Website: www.hartfordtransit.org http://www.hartfordtransit.org/
> >
> > Book/confirm/cancel/pay for trips online! Visit https://ghtdonlinebooking.org https://ghtdonlinebooking.org
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________________________
> >
> > This email contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended to be delivered only to the individual(s) indicated above. If you are NOT the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail or by telephone and delete the transmission.
> >
> >
> >
> > <Proposed Bill 5479.pdf>
> > <Sample Letter to Legislators Encompass.docx>
> > <Testimony in Support.pdf>
> >
> _______________________________________________
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