<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">in case you missed the earlier information about who to contact to show support and ask for funding for the 24 hour seven day a week Encompass reduced cab program, it is included in the previous email along with some new CT legislators to either call or email. The funding for this program will run out in June if we do not advocate.<br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr"><div>Sincerely,</div><div><br></div>Deb Reed<div><br></div><div>Central CT Chapter President of the National Federation of the Blind</div><div>Deb.reed57@gmail.com</div><div>Cell-860-378-5370</div><div><br></div><div>\u201cBloom where you are. \u201cFrom mother, Theresa of Calcutta.</div><div><br></div></div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> Administrative Assistant <adminassistant@m7ride.com><br><b>Date:</b> April 12, 2025 at 11:22:54\u202fAM EDT<br><b>To:</b> Info <info@m7ride.com><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>New notice to Encompass members</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Hello Hartford Encompass Members,
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">After sending my latest email to all of you this past Tuesday I received the following email from one member:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">
ALYCE J LACEY <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, April 9, 2025 4:58 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Bill Scalzi <<a href="mailto:bill@m7ride.com"><span style="color:blue">bill@m7ride.com</span></a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> RESPONSE FROM SENATOR re: Encompass SupportFwd: Responding to your message</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Hello, Bill,
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">FYI. I have received two response emails from the CT legislators I wrote asking for
their support with funding. <span style="background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow">
Interesting that neither is aware that Encompass may lose funding in June.</span> I understand the legislators are busy with other matters, but I hope others are also writing about this forthcoming vote on funding Encompass.
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Regards,
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua",serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Alyce Lacey
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Everyone at M7 are extremely grateful to those of you who have taken the time to contact your representative(s) but, as previously stated, obtaining this funding is a heavy lift. Given Alyce\u2019s experience above we need more calls to more
legislators \u2013 making certain that they all know how important Encompass is to you all.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As mentioned in the email below, please also include<span style="font-size:11.0pt">
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none">House Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas in your emails. These leaders represent Hartford, East Hartford and Manchester and are
<b><u>key leaders in the budget process in the state</u></b>. Their email addresses are:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:Matthew.Ritter@cga.ct.gov">Matthew.Ritter@cga.ct.gov</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><u><span style="color:blue;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov">Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov</a> </span></u><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Please call now \u2013 Encompass transportation will end in June!
</span></u></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have copied all of my previous emails below for reference.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best Regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0093D9">Bill Scalzi</span></b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">President / M7</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">P:</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> 203.934.2096 x1105 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> <b>F:</b> 203.937.0700 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> <b>E:</b> <a href="mailto:bill@m7ride.com"><span style="color:blue">bill@m7ride.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">65 Industry Drive, West Haven, CT 06516</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.m7ride.com%2f&c=E,1,BmLUP2fnqGjJ_YGnJ3UCjOhFJGZ6366EzNib-tAunDucan7mF3oQEKQ7YYX2rDCuPaw8vDiHuoOn2aUZUpgkeqGr-aAm48S1p35yb10SMTAcBdRIbw,,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">m7ride.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uridesafecard.com%2f&c=E,1,-v7kEd7bVdTNYbvjtqRUyBvklp-NZfTZ_rz_Lg3dLTzR_M_qIZmzaq53GHvX2WovIYQQ8nRy_PUXDZmprARjJ7MHyAazFDuSukPd1I7MO_prFuA,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">uridesafecard.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0094D9">Expanding Freedom, Independence & Equality in Transportation</span></i></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"> Administrative Assistant <<a href="mailto:adminassistant@m7ride.com">adminassistant@m7ride.com</a>>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 8, 2025 10:57 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Info <<a href="mailto:info@m7ride.com">info@m7ride.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Another Very Important Update Regarding ENCOMPASS Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To All our Greater Hartford Encompass Members,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once again, I\u2019d like to thank those of you who took the time to reach out to your State Representatives in an effort to help save our Encompass transportation program! We are getting ready to launch our 3<sup>rd</sup> such program in CT,
this one in the Middlesex County area, and each program to date has been extremely successful. It\u2019s very clear that our elderly and disabled communities have long been in need of an affordable private car service to help improve their independence and overall
quality of life!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result of our campaign, many CT Legislators have now become aware of the Encompass program and realize how important it is to our two communities. They are working on our behalf to find a funding source in the already over-challenged
State budget and as yet have not attained that goal. There is less than 2 months before the current legislative session ends on June 3<sup>rd,</sup> so time is of the essence. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">For those of you who have not yet contacted your Representative(s) please take the time to do so now. For those who already have I would again reach out to their offices and encourage your friends and family,
those who know how important Encompass is to you, to also reach out. It\u2019s the only way to secure this vital program for future use beyond June 30<sup>th</sup>.
<u>To find your State Representative\u2019s contact please see my previous emails below.</u><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">Lastly, In addition to contacting your own State Senator and Representative it could be helpful to also drop a note to the House Speaker Matt Ritter and Majority Leader Jason Rojas. These leaders represent
Hartford, East Hartford and Manchester and are <b><u>key leaders in the budget process in the state</u></b>. Their email addresses are:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:Matthew.Ritter@cga.ct.gov">Matthew.Ritter@cga.ct.gov</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><u><span style="color:blue;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov">Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov</a> </span></u><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you all for your help! I will keep sending these updates so that you all remain informed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0093D9">Bill Scalzi</span></b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">President / M7</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">P:</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> 203.934.2096 x1105 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> <b>F:</b> 203.937.0700 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> <b>E:</b> </span><a href="mailto:bill@m7ride.com"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue">bill@m7ride.com</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">65 Industry Drive, West Haven, CT 06516</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt:11.25pt"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.m7ride.com%2f&c=E,1,BmLUP2fnqGjJ_YGnJ3UCjOhFJGZ6366EzNib-tAunDucan7mF3oQEKQ7YYX2rDCuPaw8vDiHuoOn2aUZUpgkeqGr-aAm48S1p35yb10SMTAcBdRIbw,,&typo=1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">m7ride.com</span></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222"> </span><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uridesafecard.com%2f&c=E,1,-v7kEd7bVdTNYbvjtqRUyBvklp-NZfTZ_rz_Lg3dLTzR_M_qIZmzaq53GHvX2WovIYQQ8nRy_PUXDZmprARjJ7MHyAazFDuSukPd1I7MO_prFuA,&typo=1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222">uridesafecard.com</span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0094D9">Expanding Freedom, Independence & Equality in Transportation</span></i></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"> Administrative Assistant <<a href="mailto:adminassistant@m7ride.com">adminassistant@m7ride.com</a>>
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, March 10, 2025 2:19 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <br>
<b>Subject:</b> Very Important Message Regarding ENCOMPASS Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Hello Again Encompass Riders,
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">First and foremost, a hearty
<i>thanks</i> to all who reached out to their State representatives to support the Encompass program and help to keep it running! We have received many emails from you, letting us know who you contacted so we can track our progress. Our lobbyists have been
contacted by numerous legislators who are inquiring about Encompass; many are personally not familiar with the program but they want to support it because their constituents are telling them how vital this transportation is to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">As a reminder, the program is scheduled to end on June 30<sup>th</sup> due to a lack of funding. Unfortunately, just this week we had to further restrict the number of trips we allow per
day so that we can reach June 30<sup>th </sup>without running out of funds. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">We\u2019re off to a good campaign start but the calls need to keep coming. The legislators don\u2019t necessarily want to hear from me, rather they want to hear from the people who are actually using
Encompass. They need to hear how vital it is to be able to have transportation available to you whenever you want it, not be restricted to where you can go, and not have to plan your ride 24 to 48 hours in advance. In other words, have the same options as
anyone else but at an affordable price. Encompass helps to heighten your quality of life, thereby contributing to your increased quality of health!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">There are many CT residents reaching out to our legislators in order to get a wide variety of programs approved, many of which are far more costly than Encompass. We\u2019ve made great strides
since our launch in 2020. You\u2019re only asking for better access to medical appointments and to run errands as you please. In other words, you\u2019re asking to hold onto your independence!
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">I have included my previous email at the bottom and ask that, if you haven\u2019t done so yet, please call your State legislators and tell them to keep the Encompass program running! It takes
so little time to do and yields so much to gain, most importantly the quality of life.</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Bill<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0093D9;mso-ligatures:none">Bill Scalzi</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">President / M7</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">P:</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> 203.934.2096 x1105 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <b>F:</b> 203.937.0700 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <b>E:</b> <a href="mailto:bill@m7ride.com"><span style="color:blue">bill@m7ride.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">65 Industry Drive, West Haven, CT 06516</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.m7ride.com%2f&c=E,1,BmLUP2fnqGjJ_YGnJ3UCjOhFJGZ6366EzNib-tAunDucan7mF3oQEKQ7YYX2rDCuPaw8vDiHuoOn2aUZUpgkeqGr-aAm48S1p35yb10SMTAcBdRIbw,,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">m7ride.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uridesafecard.com%2f&c=E,1,-v7kEd7bVdTNYbvjtqRUyBvklp-NZfTZ_rz_Lg3dLTzR_M_qIZmzaq53GHvX2WovIYQQ8nRy_PUXDZmprARjJ7MHyAazFDuSukPd1I7MO_prFuA,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">uridesafecard.com</span></a></span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0094D9;mso-ligatures:none">Expanding Freedom, Independence & Equality in Transportation</span></i></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <span style="color:black">Dear Encompass
</span>Transportation Member<span style="color:black">,</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Thank you for using Encompass, the private car transportation service created for the elderly and disabled communities. It has been an incredible success and a lifeline to many who do not
have other transportation options.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Unfortunately, t<span style="color:black">h</span>is<span style="color:black"> door-to-door transportation service you rely on is at risk of ending in June 2025 when our federal funding
runs out. <b><u>We need your help to keep Encompass running</u></b></span>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Your story matters. State legislators need to hear directly from riders like you about how Encompass helps you get to medical appointments, work, and other important destinations
24/7, without advance booking.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">To save encompass,
<b><u>p<span style="color:black">lease take two actions today</span></u></b><span style="color:black">:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Find your state legislator using this link:
<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp"><span style="color:blue">https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Call or email them with this simple message: "I am an Encompass rider from [your town]. Please support funding for the Encompass Transportation Program in the Department of Transportation's budget. This service
is my lifeline for [briefly mention how you use it - medical appointments, work, etc.]. Without Encompass, I would lose my independence to travel when and where I need to go. Please help keep this vital service running."<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The Encompass Program
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">dramatically improves the quality of life for<span style="color:black"> seniors and people with disabilities
</span>by providing over 4000 on-demand rides per month <span style="color:black">
across the Capitol Region. Your voice can help ensure this essential service continues.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> </span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> </span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none">Please call now \u2013 Encompass transportation will end in June!
</span></u></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Thank you for your help.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0093D9;mso-ligatures:none">Bill Scalzi</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><br>
</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">President / M7</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">P:</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> 203.934.2096 x1105 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <b>F:</b> 203.937.0700 </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <b>E:</b> <a href="mailto:bill@m7ride.com"><span style="color:blue">bill@m7ride.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">65 Industry Drive, West Haven, CT 06516</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.m7ride.com%2f&c=E,1,BmLUP2fnqGjJ_YGnJ3UCjOhFJGZ6366EzNib-tAunDucan7mF3oQEKQ7YYX2rDCuPaw8vDiHuoOn2aUZUpgkeqGr-aAm48S1p35yb10SMTAcBdRIbw,,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">m7ride.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none">\u22c5</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-ligatures:none"> <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uridesafecard.com%2f&c=E,1,-v7kEd7bVdTNYbvjtqRUyBvklp-NZfTZ_rz_Lg3dLTzR_M_qIZmzaq53GHvX2WovIYQQ8nRy_PUXDZmprARjJ7MHyAazFDuSukPd1I7MO_prFuA,&typo=1"><span style="color:#222222">uridesafecard.com</span></a></span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0094D9;mso-ligatures:none">Expanding Freedom, Independence & Equality in Transportation</span></i></b><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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