Jeff Currey

On Thursday, the House of Representatives convened to vote on the extension of the emergency declaration to June 30, 2022, and the bill that outlines which of the Governor’s prior executive orders will remain in place, and the dates in which they will expire prior to the June 30, 2022 end date. 

Opening day of the 2022 session is February 9 and we'll be back the next day to debate and potentially codify some of the governor's executive orders into state law. Details are still in the works, so stay tuned for additional updates. I hope you'll take a moment to familiarize yourself, or refamiliarize as the case may be, with the Connecticut General Assembly’s website and all of its features available at your fingertips so you never miss anything happening here at the Capitol or Legislative Office Building.

For this year's tax prep, assistance can be found through the AARP Tax-Aide Program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and the UConn Law School Tax Clinic. Keep reading to learn more about all of the programs and services available in our state so you can stay ahead this tax season.

The US government launched a website for Americans wanting to request free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. You can request your free COVID-19 testing kits at COVIDTests.gov. Up to four at-home tests per residential address may be requested. Tests are expected to ship within 7- 12 days of ordering through the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Frigid temperatures are in Connecticut's forecast this week, prompting Governor Lamont to activate the state's severe cold weather protocol for the first time this winter which will be in effect through 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. There are warming centers and resources in our community to help you stay warm.

Are you or do you know an essential worker who was impacted by COVID-19 and had out-of-pocket medical costs and lost wages? They may be eligible for relief through the Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund administered by the Office of the State Comptroller with the assistance of Public Consulting Group. 

Connecticut residents have more time to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT for coverage starting with the new year! Residents who enroll between December 16 and December 31 can choose between coverage starting on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022. Those who enroll between January 1, 2022 and January 15, 2022 will have coverage starting on February 1, 2022.

This past week, Connecticut's landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave Program started accepting applications from Connecticut residents who want to apply for paid leave benefits. Claims are being accepted for qualifying events that are happening on or after January 1, 2022.