Dear Neighbor,
On March 8th, Connecticut had its first confirmed case of coronavirus. On March 9th, the Governor declared a state of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies. And our lives have been radically changed ever since.
However, my commitment to you and your family has not changed. We will get through this period, and I know our state will be stronger on the other side.
This newsletter is intended to provide you with helpful information and resources, as well as an overview of some of the work my office has been doing during this time.
If you have any questions, concerns, or if I can be helpful to you in working with any state agency or understanding how any of our state laws or regulations can affect your work, our schools, or your opportunities, please call or email me anytime.
Best,
Coronavirus Resources
For the most up to date information please visit: portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
The CDC and Governor Lamont are continuing to require individuals wear masks in public when you are unable to “social distance” more than 6 feet away from others.
If you are out of work, you have the right to file for unemployment insurance. Visit www.FileCTUI.com to file your claim or call: 860-263-6975, 203-455-2653, 860-263-6974 or 203-455-2650.
If you are a business owner, the Department of Economic and Community Development is developing and updating guidelines on safe ways to operate your business: business.ct.gov/Recovery. They have also opened a small business hotline: 860-500-2333.
If you notice a business not operating in a safe manner, call 2-1-1.If you are having trouble paying your residential mortgage or rent, we have worked with banks and landlords to provide you additional time to put together payments. For more information on these programs, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/information-for/homeowners-and-renters.
In addition, we have worked with the federal delegation and the Governor’s office to develop and fund a number of smaller assistance programs ranging from funding for artists to farmers, to helping our schools deal with unexpected expenditures. For more on these, please visit my website: www.housedems.ct.gov/Barry.
I know that working with state agencies and our partners during this time can be complicated. Phone lines are crowded, applications may be confusing. My office is here to help. Call or email me anytime, and I promise I will get you help.
The Legislative Session That Wasn’t
When we began this year’s legislative session on February 5th, I looked forward to working on critical issues like reducing the cost of health insurance, expanding support for Glastonbury schools, preserving open space, and reducing burdens on Glastonbury businesses. As vice-chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee as well as the Public Safety and Security Committee, I remain deeply involved in efforts to enhance our school curriculum, provide common sense budgets, and ensure our law enforcement receive the right training and resources to properly serve our communities.
Much of this work remains ongoing, and I hope to work on it in a special session later this year.
Moving our Community Forward
I was happy to work with the Department of Transportation to ensure that the historical tradition of operating ferry service across the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury continued this year. The original ferry voyage took place in 1655 and today it is the nation’s oldest continuously running ferry.
Ferry Service Schedule
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday thru Friday | 7:00am to 6:45pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | 10:30am to 5:00pm |
| Closed | Thanksgiving Day |
Ferry Fee Rates
$5.00 per vehicle weekdays/$6.00 per vehicle weekends
$2.00 walk on for bicycle’s and pedestrians (all days)
Advocating For You During This Time
This has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us. Since the pandemic began, I’ve worked around the clock to help Glastonbury residents and businesses with everything from unemployment claims, small business loans, payroll assistance, healthcare questions, and more. This is why our government is here: to provide the help and services we need in the most difficult times.
Throughout this crisis, I’ve worked with my colleagues, the Governor and his entire administration to advocate for Glastonbury. I’ve done my best to provide daily updates about the pandemic and our efforts to contain it. It has not been an easy task, but I am proud of the progress we have made to flatten the curve and protect public health. If you have ideas about how government can work better for you, please let me know.
Though the legislative session ended early, I worked hard with Governor Lamont and all my colleagues to rapidly expand tele-health services, bring additional Covid-19 testing sites to Glastonbury, expand affordable childcare for frontline workers, and provide relief and flexibility for taxpayers.
Questions and concerns remain. The Governor has unveiled Connecticut’s plan to reopen schools in the fall, and as the vice-chair of the Education Committee, I vow to do all I can to make sure we protect our students’ health while making sure they continue to reap the benefits of our great school system.
If you need help during these times or have questions about the pandemic response, the school reopening plan, or anything else, please reach out. I’m here to help.
Where Do We Go From Here?
I have listened intently to the guidance from public health experts about how to safely reopen Connecticut. We continue to work to make sure our frontline workers and first responders receive the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe. We are working with farmers and food banks to ensure Glastonbury residents don’t go hungry. We are expanding aid for small businesses so they can keep employees on the payroll even if they have to temporarily close or reduce services during these times.
Your stories and experiences are important to helping us improve your quality of life. How well did the safety net work for you and your family? What can we do better? What services were not available that you really needed? I want to hear from you, and I want Connecticut to do better for you.
More than ever, it continues to be an honor and privilege to represent you.