House Republican Press Release

January 23, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State’s Department of Social Services brings services to clients via Rx-Xpress

Welcome to the first of my monthly columns here at The Reminder. I want to thank the editorial staff at The Reminder for giving me this opportunity to write about some of the key issues we are facing in the legislature and some of the important initiatives that I am currently working on.

One of my current projects is working with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to bring the Rx-Xpress bus to the 52^nd District. The Rx-Xpress bus is a unique and useful tool that the department has been using for the past three years to bring services and information to mostly rural areas of the state. The bus is used as a mobile center that offers a vast amount of information, including enrollment assistance and eligibility screening for programs and benefits. Residents will be able to visit the bus and determine, right at that time, if they qualify for certain assistance programs. I am asking DSS to send the bus to our district because I’ve talked with so many residents who need services but are not able to get to the office that services our district. The closest office is in Manchester.

The bus is equipped with four computer workstations with high-speed Internet access, booths that ensure privacy during counseling and interviewing, and DSS workers that can assist people who are struggling with issues such as heating assistance, housing, health care, childcare, food stamps, social security concerns and numerous other state and federal programs.

It has been my experience that many residents who are in need of assistance are not aware that they qualify for certain state programs, and it is my hope that having the bus come to Stafford, Somers and Union will provide an opportunity for residents to conveniently meet with DSS workers. Additionally, I am hoping to find a way to provide rides to residents who want to come to the Rx-Xpress but do not have transportation.

Stay tuned for the upcoming date and location for the Rx-Xpress bus. If you know someone who may qualify for services but isn’t getting the services, tell them about the Rx-Xpress.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a wide array of services to residents of our state. In 2006, DSS utilized more than $4.5 billion in state funding to assist Connecticut residents in need.

According to the DSS Web site, the Rx-Xpress travels to senior centers, community health centers, libraries, educational seminars, health fairs and expos, farmers markets, pharmacies and elderly/disabled housing facilities. I am currently in the process of working with DSS to bring the bus to Stafford, Somers and Union to allow residents of my district an opportunity to take advantage of the services it offers. It is my hope to be able to announce some confirmed dates and times in the near future.

Your feedback on my monthly column or any other issue is both welcomed and appreciated. Please feel free to email me at: penny.bacchiochi@cga.ct.gov,

or call me at (860) 240-8700, or 1-800-842-1423. You can also visit my Web site at www.housegop.ct.gov/members/bacchiochi.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.