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Dear neighbor,
I want to share with you some updates and information I hope you find useful that is affecting our district and state. I hope you have a great rest of the week!
Best,
Saud
State Funding For Important Local Projects
This week, the State Bond Commission approved funding for several projects supporting East Hartford and East Windsor. I’m extremely encouraged and excited that important causes will receive key funding, including:
- In East Hartford, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Innovation Fund will receive $3 million in grants for projects including apprenticeship programs.
- In East Hartford, Intercommunity Healthcare will receive $556,116 to support expansion of services.
- In East Windsor, town parks will receive $800,000 of investments, which will support installing lighting and irrigation among other upgrades.
Sales Tax Holiday April 10-16
Beginning Sunday, April 10, and continuing through Saturday, April 16, all clothing and shoes with a listed price under $100 will be exempt from the state’s sales tax in a sales tax holiday week. Senate Democrats voted for the sales tax holiday to provide relief to residents, keeping money in their wallets. This is in addition to the regularly observed sales tax free week held annually in August. Some items, including sports helmets and shoes, specialized boots and specialized gloves, will still be taxed; for a full list of taxable and non-taxed items, please click here.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an annual reminder that far too many women – and men – are sexually assaulted every year. This year’s theme for the month is “Healing Through Community,” intended to aid individuals in reflecting on the benefits of healing through groups providing solace and connection, also helping prevent further violence. Sexual harassment, assault and abuse can happen anywhere, including online; this month is a way for us to remember the victims and empower their recovery. The Connecticut Alliance To End Sexual Violence has arranged resources, including events and ways individuals can reflect on this important issue.
GDP Rises 6.9 Percent In Fourth Quarter Nationally – Connecticut, At 7.7 Percent, Stronger Than Florida
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real gross domestic product in the United States increased in 48 of 51 states and territories, rising by 6.9 percent, with 19 of 21 industry groups monitored seeing growth. Connecticut saw GDP growth of 7.7 percent in that time, seeing stronger results than states including Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Arizona and Colorado, ranking in the top 13 of all states in the fourth quarter. Industries seeing sharp increases included information services, professional, scientific and technical services.
From 2020 to 2021, real gross domestic product rise 4.2 percent in Connecticut, below the national rate of 5.7% but comparable to states including Pennsylvania and Virginia. 2021 GDP increases were largely driven by finance and insurance, information services and professional, scientific and technical services.
Public Safety Committee Passes Bill Seeking To Reduce Catalytic Converter Theft
In recent weeks, news stories reported an increase in catalytic converter thefts in Connecticut and across the country. The Public Safety Committee took action this week to attempt to kill the criminal market for stolen catalytic converters by passing legislation to end the practice. Under Senate Bill 256, motor vehicle recyclers cannot take catalytic converters from customers unless they are physically attached to the motor vehicle; converters cannot be resold until they are etched with the vehicle’s identification number; and scrap metal processors, junk dealers and junk yards would need to track and monitor catalytic converter sales. If the Senate and House approve this legislation, it will go into effect July 1. It comes as a national rise in converter theft is spurred by the increasing value of materials in the converters, including rhodium, palladium and platinum; thefts rose national 326% from 2019 to 2020 and 293% from 2020 to mid-2021, according to State Farm.
Gas Prices Falling In Connecticut -- Highest Decline In Country In Last Week
Gas prices may still be annoyingly high, but Connecticut is taking action and getting results. According to AAA, Connecticut is below the national average when it comes to gas prices, ranking 28th, with our average of $4.03 per gallon (still high) standing well below Nevada’s $5.19, Arizona’s $4.65 and Florida’s $4.16, among others. Even more noticeable – Connecticut is tied with South Dakota for the highest drop in gas prices in the last week, seeing an average decline of 19 cents per gallon. That’s likely an effect of Connecticut legislators voting to provide the public with relief by imposing a pause on the state’s 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax through June 30, providing key relief during a time when every cent matters.
CDC Approves Second Booster Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccines For 50+, Immunocompromised
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated recommendations, allowing for individuals over the age of 50 and immunocompromised individuals who last received a booster dose at least four months ago to receive a second booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Additionally, adults who took the Johnson and Johnson vaccine booster at least four months ago can receive a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna. The second booster is valuable for those populations to reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death they may face from a COVID-19 infection. During the Omicron surge of COVID-19, boosted individuals faced a rate of death 21 times lower than those who were unvaccinated; they were seven times less likely to be hospitalized. Those eligible for a booster are encouraged to visit ct.gov/covidvaccine; nearly 800 locations statewide are administering boosters as soon as today.
The CDC’s recommendation comes as older age is the most consistent risk factor for potentially developing severe disease from COVID-19, and comes as the BA.2 Omicron subvariant of COVID-19 displaces the original Omicron variant in Connecticut. Health experts currently expect this will lead to an increase in cases and spread of COVID-19, though it is unknown how severe that increase will be. Those vulnerable are advised to take precautions including boosters to reduce their risk of severe disease.
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Beelzebub Road Closed In South Windsor April 6
On April 6, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Beelzebub Road will be closed to traffic so the town can remove trees in anticipation of a road reconstruction project later this year. School buses, emergency services and area residents will have access.
East Hartford Road Improvement Projects
East Hartford recently released a list of roads in town to be improved through roadwork in coming months. A list of vendor-in-place roads is available here; approximately 8 miles of roadway will be affected, with up to 3 additional miles potentially receiving work.
East Hartford Offering Teen & Adult Social Club
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is again offering its Teen and Adult Social Club meet ups, intended for participants with special needs aged 13 and up. Activities include dinner, bowling, movies, a trip to Lake Compounce and mini-golf; staff will be on hand to aid attendees. To sign up, visit www.ehparks.org.
Ellington Tree Dedication April 9
On Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. in Ellington’s Arbor Park, the Rotary Club of Rockville and Ellington First Selectman will join together for the dedication of a Gingko tree, chosen not just for its beauty but its nesting material and shelter for area wildlife. The dedication is part of a Rotary Day of Service in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, with thousands volunteering to support their communities.
Ellington Earth Day Cleanup April 23
On April 23, Earth Day, Ellington will celebrate with a town-wide cleanup day. Garbage bags can be obtained at Town Hall, Public Works, the Senior Center and Hall Memorial Library; residents are asked to collect roadside trash in neighborhoods, parks, fields and trails and bring it to the dumpster in the Congregational Church’s parking lot on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
East Windsor Horse Drawn Plow Event
On April 16, at 1 p.m. at the East Windsor Community Garden, there will be a horse-drawn plowing event. Local farmer and Agricultural Commission member Jim Strempfer will bring his draft horses to give a display of horse-drawn plowing, an old and effective way to plant for agriculture – and a wonderful photo opportunity and event for children to enjoy.
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If you have a direct question about legislation or an issue you’re seeking help with, please reach out to my office. My staff and I are dedicated to representing you and assisting you with any issues you may be experiencing. Please contact me at 860-240-0347 or by email at anwar@senatedems.ct.gov |
