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 me at 860-240-8545 or email me at Mike.Demicco@cga.ct.gov anytime.
Sincerely,
Coronavirus Resources
For the most up to date information please visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
The CDC, and Governor Lamont, continue to require that 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/Demicco.
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. Feel free to call me at 860-240-8545 or email me at Mike.Demicco@cga.ct.gov, and I promise I will get you help.
Advocating For You During this Time
The most important job that I have as your State Representative is to be your voice and advocate at the State Capitol. That’s why I have worked with my colleagues to advocate for all of you with the governor and his administration. I am proud to say that because of our advocacy, Connecticut has:
- Expanded tele-medicine services
- Brought additional COVID-19 testing sites to locations across our state
- Expanded childcare options for frontline workers
- Delayed due dates for state income taxes and municipal property taxes
My office has also worked with many of you to fix issues that you have with various state agencies. Please know that you can always contact me to assist on any issues that you have. Some examples include:
- Helping with unemployment claims
- Helping businesses apply for financial aid
- Working with the DMV to get registrations and other issues resolved
State Aid to Farmington Included in the 2020 Bond Bill |
FY 20 | FY 21 |
---|---|---|
LoCIP (Local Capital Improvement Project) |
$137,177 | $137,177 |
Town Aid Road | $373,521 | $373,521 |
Grants For Municipal Projects | $545,804 | $545,804 |
Prior to the legislative session being suspended, I was proud to support this year’s bond bill which included over $2 million in new state aid to Farmington and Unionville. This is in addition to statutory state aid that was appropriated in the 2019 biennial budget. We eagerly await the release of these funds by the Governor and the State Bond Commission.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As we enter summertime here in Connecticut, Governor Lamont announced updated guidance for indoor and outdoor gatherings over the next several weeks. Some recent plans that are effective July 3 are included below. Also, please visit my website at housedems.ct.gov/Demicco and subscribe to my e-newsletter for updates on Connecticut’s reopening plans.
- Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
- Outdoor private gatherings – 100 people
- Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, cap of 500 people; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
2020 Special Session
While COVID-19 suspended the 2020 legislative session, there are still important issues to work on. In the coming weeks, we expect to convene in special session to address critical issues facing our state.
Chief among those issues are police accountability and transparency. In light of recent tragic events, and the worldwide protests that followed, now is the time for Connecticut to eliminate racial disparities and inequities in the administration of justice. I will support comprehensive legislation to achieve this goal.
It has also become clear that in order to protect our state’s most vulnerable residents, we must pass legislation allowing for no-excuse absentee ballots for the primary and general elections. Connecticut voters should not be forced to risk their health to cast a ballot, and I look forward to this proposal passing with bipartisan support.