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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
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Although Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and other celebrations are sure to look different once again this year, the CDC’s 2021 holiday guidelines ensure that with a few precautions, you’ll still be able to gather with family.
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Please be aware that West Hartford municipal offices, senior centers, community centers, libraries, and recreation facilities will be closed on Thursday.
The regular Thursday trash, recyclables, and bulky collections will occur on Friday, November 26. Friday's collection will happen on Saturday, November 27.
As you gather with friends and family, I hope your holiday is filled with peace, health and gratitude. I am grateful for you and your dedication to our West Hartford community.
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Last Friday, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention approved COVID-19 boosters for all U.S. adults who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months after their second dose. This is a critical step in our country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as this decision will provide increased protection against a severe case of COVID-19. An October 2021 study found that vaccine protection against a COVID-19 infection steadily decreased in the months following administration of a second dose. Another study also found that vaccine effectiveness eroded faster in individuals 65 years and older and among those with immunosuppression. Both studies analyzed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
To get boosted, or vaccinated for the first time, please visit the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District website for information about vaccine clinics in our community.
You can also find information about pharmacy locations, walk-up clinics, transportation to and from your appointment, vaccination information for homebound individuals and more on the Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.
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In case you missed it, on Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives took one giant leap forward in investing in our country's care infrastructure when it passed the Build Back Better Act - a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's working- and middle-class families. As we continue navigating the deleterious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this pivotal bill takes steps towards real economic recovery.
By making the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations begin to pay their fair share in federal taxes, this $1.7 trillion spending package will create jobs, reduce healthcare costs, expand Medicare, address the fractured childcare system, and more. It also includes the most ambitious climate provisions in U.S. history to ensure a habitable planet and clean energy future for generations to come.
The Build Back Better Act is a fiscally responsible piece of legislation that won't add to inflationary pressures and could reduce the federal deficit by about $100 billion over the next decade. Here's how it could help everyday Americans:
- Lowers costs for prescription drugs, health care, and housing
- Expands access to child care and senior care so workers don't have to choose between a paycheck and caring for loved ones
- Cuts taxes for working families and the middle class and extends the Child Tax Credit
- Provides universal pre-K for every 3- and 4-year old in our country
- Makes historic investments in higher education
This bill has the potential to be transformative for our state and country. It now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Read more about this monumental piece of legislation that will help shape a more promising future for us all here.
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This Saturday, November 27, is Small Business Saturday! Yesterday, West Hartford welcomed the U.S. Small Business Association along with Senator Blumenthal and Governor Lamont to highlight many businesses that received federal and state support to persist through this pandemic. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local and state economy. As we begin our holiday season, I hope we can keep the holiday spirit of giving alive by eating, shopping, and celebrating locally.
I look forward to visiting small businesses in our 20th District this Saturday! For local events throughout this holiday season, visit the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce's website.
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Don't drive buzzed this holiday season. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has partnered with Uber to offer $10 off your next Uber ride when you use the code: SAVE THE NIGHT CT.
Save this code and and get to your destination safely. If you are impaired or need a sober ride, this can help. Start using the discount code TODAY through January 14, 2022 between 5 p.m. and 4 a.m.
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Do you want to become a better leader for your child(ren) and family? The Bridge Family Center is recruiting parent leaders for its 2022 Parent Leadership Training Institute. This free, virtual, 24-session program combines advocacy, leadership, and citizenship skills to promote child success and encourage parents to get involved in community policy development. The program is designed by the American Leadership forum, Leadership Greater Hartford, and the Connecticut Commission on Children. To learn more about this great program and apply, please click here.
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As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!
Sincerely,
Kate Farrar
State Representative
she/her/hers
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