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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
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Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’re all having an easy summer with a chance to relax and enjoy your friends and family before the hustle and bustle of fall and all that comes with it are knocking on our doors. Seeing leaves on the ground this morning on my way to join Congressman Larson as he announced the largest FEMA grant in East Hartford’s history for Assistance to Firefighters was a bit unsettling and way too soon to be thinking leaf collection and all things annoyingly pumpkin spice. While it may not be due to the season but rather the current drought conditions, it’s another reminder to get outside if you can and take in what CT has to offer.
If outside isn’t your thing, and instead you find yourself in an airconditioned small business or other shopping centers, you are in luck. Connecticut's 2022 Sales Tax Free Week runs from August 21 to August 27. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.
Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, providing consumers with even more savings.
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During the one-week sales tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption during Sales Tax Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. The tax holiday applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
The sales tax holiday occurs once a year as a result of legislation passed in 2015. However, in 2022, we passed a special act to establish an additional one-time tax holiday that ran from April 10 to 16 to help ease some of the financial strain on residents. The law also established CT's gas tax holiday and free bus service, which have been extended through the end of November.
More information about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of exempt and taxable items, is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.
On Sunday, 15,000 low-income households with children will start receiving a one-time, back-to-school, COVID-19 relief special benefit of $257.87 per child. This will benefit approximately 27,000 children in CT. The Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund comes from a $7 million federal grant the state Department of Social Services receives through the American Rescue Plan Act. This relief will be delivered just in time for the one-week sales tax holiday. You can learn more about the relief here.
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To stay up-to-date with everything happening in Hartford, click the "At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond" link below, but also please check out the other subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
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We continue to ask that our friends, family, and neighbors consider using all the tools within their reach to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information for testing, vaccine clinics, and those who are homebound and need assistance are noted below. We must be in this together.
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Overall Summary
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Cumulative
(except for hospital census)
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Past 7 days
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Positive PCR/NAAT Tests
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943,633
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3,988
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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15,186,443
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38,254
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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10.43%
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Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19
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358
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23
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COVID-19-Associated Deaths
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11,180
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0
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) |
| East Hartford |
14,259 |
199 |
231,289 |
10.98% |
| Manchester |
12,542 |
194 |
226,229 |
14.61% |
| South Windsor |
4,966 |
69 |
82,928 |
10.82% |
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Vaccines continue to be effective tools in protecting residents from severe COVID-19 infections. To get vaccinated or your booster, please click here to locate vaccination sites in our community.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Saturday, Aug. 20
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., for ages 6 months+
- Friday, Aug. 26
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., for ages 6 months+
Information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started.
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UPDATE ON MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK
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Eligible Connecticut residents who are at high risk of becoming sick with monkeypox can now make an appointment at one of 16 community-based sites. Click the button below to learn more about eligibility criteria and to find a vaccination site. Vaccination is free to qualifying persons, regardless of their immigration status or whether they have insurance. Those who believe they were exposed to monkeypox, or have questions about the vaccine or virus, should call their health care provider.
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There are two vaccines that medical experts are hopeful will both treat and prevent the spread of monkeypox: JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. JYNNEOS is safe to be administered to immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Individuals are likely to develop the maximum immune response 14 days after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. It is important that individuals understand that the efficacy of both vaccines is uncertain. Data is not available on the clinical efficacy of either vaccine in the ongoing outbreak. Due to this limitation, vaccinated individuals should take steps to protect themselves from infection. This is especially true for the population of men who have sex with men. The Harford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective is continuously updating their site with useful information, including safer sex suggestions.
Monkeypox spreads through physical contact with infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids; personal belongings (like clothing or bedding) that have made contact with the rash, and respiratory droplets with close, extended, face-to-face contact. The CDC recommends the following prevention steps:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin conact with those who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used
- Wash hands often, do not touch any rash
A person who has monkeypox is contagious from the start of their symptoms until their rash is fully healed and symptoms have subsided. More information about monkeypox and vaccination is available on the CDC's monkeypox webpage and the DPH monkeypox webpage.
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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Lead poisoning can be permanently damaging for young people. This session, I was proud to support legislation that will actively address lead poisoning among children. The governor has signed into law Public Act 22-49, which will align our state's standard on childhood lead poisoning with standards set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics. The law gradually reduces the blood lead level that triggers parental notifications and home inspections. It also empowers the state Department of Public Health to require more testing of children living in cities and towns where exposure to lead is most common. This bill takes active steps to protect our children's mental and physical health. You can read more about it here.
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In the wake of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it's not enough that we fight for the right to choose - we must also ensure individuals know how to exercise that right and empower them to reach out for support.
With that in mind, Connecticut has launched a reproductive rights telephone hotline and website to provide assistance to those seeking factual information on abortion and to connect them to reliable services and resources.
Individuals seeking abortion services can call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or visit the website by clicking the button below to find providers available in their area, community services, and other useful resources.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has detected the Spotted Lanterfly (SLF) in our state. DEEP has declared a quarantine for any movement of any materials (brush, trees, firewood, pallets) to prevent the spread of this highly invasive insect. The SLF feeds on about 60 types of trees and plants found in North America, and in our state, about 47% of trees are considered potentially susceptible. This poses a major concern for fruit and cosmetic landscape trees and crops like grapes and hops. Here's what you can do if you spot the SLF:
- Kill the insect
- Do not attempt to move any wood or other potentially infested material from the site
- Follow the CT Agricultural Experiment Station's instructions on sending a dead specimen sample; or
- Take photos and carefully note the location to report your finding to the CT Agricultural Experiment Station at ReportSLF@ct.gov.
Click here to learn more about the SLF.
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President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act this week. The law makes key investments to lower energy costs, fight climate change, lower the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance, and ensure the wealthiest corporations and Americans pay their fair share. The Inflation Reduction Act will extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies through 2025. These subsidies have helped thousands of residents afford healthcare in light of financial challenges as a result of COVID-19 and inflation. About 65,000 Connecticut residents receive some subsidy support, and those subsidies, created under the American Rescue Plan of 2021, would have expired at the end of this year.
The Inflation Reduction Act will help keep many Connecticut families' monthly premium payments from ballooning. This is particularly important as several Connecticut insurers have submitted requests for double-digit rate hikes on individual and small group insurance plans. Earlier this week, the Connecticut Insurance Department held a public informational meeting to provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions and make comments on some of the rate increase proposals.
In addition to making health insurance more affordable, the Inflation Reduction Act also takes steps to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare patients, makes sweeping investments in energy security and environmental justice, and closes loopholes the wealthiest Americans and corporations have used to avoid taxes.
No one should be priced out of receiving medical care, and here in Connecticut, I will continue to fight for more affordable insurance coverage and health care for all.
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AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications through September 7 at 5 p.m. This program seeks to help Connecticut's neighborhoods, towns, and cities become great places to live for all. The program is open to 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut municipalities that seek to improve neighborhoods. Grants range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions. The maximum grant is $5,000. More information about the program and the application can be found here.
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For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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Over the last two years, led by Connecticut House Democrats, the legislature has expanded the state’s food assistance programs with the goal of ensuring that households of all income levels have access to nutritious, fresh, locally grown food, while at the same time supporting local farmers. Here are some Farmers' Market Programs that help Connecticut families.
Learn more about programs, services, and grant opportunities here.
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In less than a month, we will commemorate the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks with the National Day of Service and Remembrance. This day honors those who died in the tragic attacks and rekindles the spirit of service to one's community. To learn more, click here.
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On Sunday, September 11 at 10 a.m., Goodwin University will hold its 9/11 Day of Remembrance Event at the Fallen Star Memorial on campus. All students, employees, and the public are invited to attend. To learn more about the event, please email cjordan@goodwin.edu.
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Eversource offers several resources to help ratepayers with their energy bills year-round. On Tuesday, August 23 at 12 PM, Eversource will offer a free virtual webinar on available financial assistance, payment plans, and energy efficiency programs to help consumers lower their monthly energy bills.
Interested persons can register for this informational webinar here. To learn more about Eversource's energy assistance programs, please click here. Ratepayers can also call 800-286-2828 for more information.
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Join Mayor Walk for a second kickball event at Martin Park on Aug. 27 from 11AM to 3PM! There will be food trucks, music, and kickball. Contact Daron Ross at 860-569-9169 to learn more.
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The Town of East Hartford is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) free, 10-week Basic Training Course starting September 14. Apply before September 7, 2022. Learn more here.
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Manchester has received helpful community input from its recent outreach efforts like "Planapalooza" and On The Table. The town wants to hear what residents think of the findings as it develops Manchester NEXT, its 10-year plan of Conservation and Development. Learn more and take the survey here.
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The Manchester K9 Kerplunk is back at Globe Hollow Swimming Area on Tuesday, August 23. There will be two sessions offered for dogs to swim at Globe Hollow. All dogs must be licensed, up to date on shots, and well-behaved. A $5 pre-registration fee per dog per swim session is required. Learn more here.
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South Windsor Parks and Recreation's second annual Mud Run with Your First Mud Run is Sunday, September 18 at Rye Street Park. The family-friendly mud run includes 8-12 obstacles over 1.5 to 2 miles. Learn more and register for this event here.
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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If you applied for Connecticut Child Tax Payments, you should be getting your check within the next few weeks. The state Department of Revenue Services is planning to start sending payments to families in the next 2 weeks. Income-eligible households could apply to receive $250 per child up to 3 children. The deadline to apply for the program was July 31, 2022.
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East Hartford elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to Elexio's Barber Shop on Monday, August 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Haircut with a Cop. Students will get a FREE haircut just in time to go back to school. Backpacks and school supplies will also be given out (while supplies last). Walk-ins are welcome; no appointments are necessary. To learn more about this great event, please click here.
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The next date for the Manchester Public Library's bookmarked boxes for kids is Monday, August 22! These boxes contain great books for kids to read and surprise goodies. You can call the library at 860-645-0577 to learn more and register. Make sure you have your library card if you register for these fun boxes.
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The South Windsor Teen Center is looking for Youth Council Volunteers for the new school year. This is a great opportunity for middle and high schoolers who are looking to gain leadership skills and give back to their community. Volunteers will help plan Teen Center events, organize fundraisers and donation drives, participate in pen-pals, and help with events at the senior center. Individuals who are interested in joining the South Windsor Youth Council can reach out to Danielle at 860-648-6360 or Danielle.Bifolck@southwindsor-ct.gov to learn more.
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WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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I am excited to announce that CareerConneCT, a program I supported to help individuals whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is underway.
The initiative, which will benefit thousands of state residents, is funded with $70 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
More than 19 job training programs are available to help train Connecticut workers mostly underrepresented in the workforce, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, the re-entry population, opportunity youth, veterans, immigrants, and women.
Potential job seekers will have access to several training options including opportunities in manufacturing, information technology, health care, infrastructure and clean energy, and other high-demand sectors.
Each program will include supportive services to promote successful completion of training and connection to employment including childcare, transportation, career advising, and other forms of case management. Training and supportive services will be available at no cost to eligible participants.
In Connecticut, we are investing American Rescue Plan funds in workforce development and our state’s economic future.
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Connecticut's hospitality industry was hit hard by COVID-19. While many of our favorite restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, entertainment venues and more have made progress in their recovery, we know they're still trying to rebuild.
More than 1,700 eligible CT-based hospitality businesses will receive checks in the mail through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's CT Hospitality Industry Support Program. The new grant program was established in the biennium state budget passed during the 2021 legislative session allocating $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support hospitality businesses that experienced financial losses because of the pandemic.
Last week, businesses began receiving checks directly from the state Department of Revenue Services in amounts ranging from $7,500 to $49,999. The base grant for businesses located in distressed municipalities is $15,000. Businesses DO NOT have to apply for the grant.
To receive a grant, existing businesses must meet several criteria, including a decline of 15% or more in gross receipts when comparing calendar years 2019 to 2021. Grants can be used to support payroll and benefits; employee retention; mortgage, rent, utility, and other operating expenses; existing equipment/facilities maintenance; or costs to support COVID-19 mitigation and infection prevention strategies.
These grants will help offset some of the financial challenges these businesses experienced in the face of the pandemic and stabilize them for future challenges.
You can learn more about this new grant program here.
Our state continues to support our business community and as co-Chair of the legislature's Commerce Committee, I was proud to work alongside Senator Joan Hartley to prioritize additional relief for this key industry.
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Connecticut has launched a new initiative to address the state's shortage of nurses and social workers. The new program, CT Health Horizons, will help support 1,200 students get the training they need to land jobs in these high-demand fields. This program was included in the state budget we passed during the 2022 session. CT Health Horizons will offer tuition assistance for accelerated learning programs, recruit & retain faculty to expand education program capacity, and promote partnerships with employers to open more career pathways. You can read more about this program here.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here.
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The State of Connecticut is hiring! You can find a variety of seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions. There are jobs open to members of the public as well as those already employed at a state agency or organization. You can find a full list of openings here.
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EAST HARTFORD:
Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library.
Click here for East Hartford Community Television.
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SOUTH WINDSOR:
Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library.
Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings!
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MANCHESTER:
Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.
Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library.
Click here for Manchester Public Television.
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website.
You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.
You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House this session here.
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