Dear Neighbor,
On March 8th, Connecticut recorded its first case of COVID-19. Subsequently, the Governor declared a Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency 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 and our state will be stronger.
This newsletter provides 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 or if I can be helpful in working with any state agency or understanding how our state laws or regulations affect your work or our schools, please email me.
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.
I know 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. Email me at joseph.gresko@cga.ct.gov.
Advocating For You During this Time
It has been a remarkably challenging time for all of us. My office has worked with dozens of you to fix issues with your unemployment applications, help your business apply for financial aid and work with the DMV to get your car registered. During these challenging times, we need government help and services the most. That’s why I have advocated for all of you with the Governor and his administration. I am proud to say we have expanded tele-medicine, brought additional COVID-19 testing sites to Stratford (CVS), expanded affordable childcare options for front-line workers and delayed due dates for state income taxes and municipal property taxes.
The Legislative Session That Wasn’t
When this year’s legislative session began on February 5th, I expected to be working on the issues you prioritized for me including reducing the cost of health insurance, making it easier to vote and bringing back more support for our schools. This work continues now and will continue through any special session of the legislature this summer or fall. One of the few laws passed this year in the House of Representatives was for the bond act. I am proud to say this legislation contained authorizations for state aid for Stratford:
| Town Budget Summary | FY 20 | FY 21 |
|---|---|---|
| LoCIP (Local Capital Improvement Project) |
390,729 | 390,729 |
| Town Aid Road | 600,187 | 600,187 |
| Grants For Municipal Projects | 4,682,925 | 4,682,925 |
In addition, the legislation contained funds for workforce development, launching the Earned Family Medical Leave insurance program and funding transportation improvements.
Where Do We Go From Here?
While we continue to be guided by public health experts on the steps we need to take to safely “reopen”, we also have an opportunity to build a stronger and more robust state.
Already we are working to ensure hospitals and health care providers such as nursing homes have adequate stock of personal protective equipment. And we are working with farmers and food banks to protect and localize our food supply chain.
More than ever, it continues to be an honor and privilege to represent you!