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.
My commitment to you and your family has not changed. We will get through the pandemic and work through the challenges facing our state.
This newsletter provides you with helpful information and resources as well as updating you on the work my office has been doing to help residents of Greenwich.
If you have any questions, concerns or if I can be helpful to you in any way please call or email me.
Best,
Coronavirus Resources
For the most up to date information please visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus
The CDC and Governor Lamont continue to require us to wear masks in public when we are unable to maintain a “social distance” of more than 6 feet.
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. My office is working with the Department of Labor to fix issues with unemployment applications.
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 which are found at business.ct.gov/Recovery. Also available is a small business hotline at 860-500-2333. If you notice a business operating in an unsafe manner, please call 2-1-1.
If you are having trouble paying your residential mortgage or rent, the state has successfully worked with banks and landlords to provide for additional time to make payments. We may be able to assist you. For more information on these programs, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/information-for/homeowners-and-renters.
I know that working with state agencies and their partners can sometimes be complicated. Phone lines may be crowded and applications may be confusing. My office is here to help. Call or email me anytime, and I promise I will do my level best to resolve your issue.
Advocating for you during this time
Working with legislative colleagues and the Governor we have expanded tele-medicine, brought additional COVID-19 testing sites to our communities, expanded affordable childcare options for front-line workers, and delayed due dates for state income taxes and municipal property taxes. If there are more ways that we can make state government work better for you, please let me know.
The Legislation session that wasn’t
When we began this year’s legislative session on February 5th, I had a robust agenda prioritized by my constituents. My goals included reducing the cost of health insurance and prescription medications, making it easier to exercise our right to vote, bringing home more support for our schools and improving the fiscal health of our state.
As vice-chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, and as a member of the Energy and Technology and Aging Committees, I am immersed in issues that matter to you.
One of the few votes we took this year in the House of Representatives was for the Bond Act. I am proud to report that this legislation contains $1,054,152 for the Town of Greenwich in FY 2021.
| Town Budget Summary | FY 20 | FY 21 |
|---|---|---|
| LoCIP (Local Capital Improvement Project) |
$320,382 | $320,381 |
| Town Aid Road | $750,459 | $750,469 |
| Grants For Municipal Projects | $89,022 | $89,022 |
| Education Cost Sharing | $277,367 | $277,366 |
| PILOT | $674,786 | $674,786 |
| Total State Funds To Town | $952,153 | $1,054,152 |
| Total Bonded Aid | $2,112,025 | $2,214,024 |
In addition, the bill contained funds for workforce development, launching the Paid Family Medical Leave insurance program and funding transportation improvements. It is now up to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission to release these funds, and I will hold them to that.
Where Do We Go From Here?
An imperative is providing for expanded use of absentee ballots for all voters on November 3, 2020. I am pushing for a special session of the legislature to address this issue.
We are working to ensure hospitals and health care providers such as nursing homes have an adequate stock of personal protective equipment. And we are working with farmers and food banks to protect and localize our food supply chain.
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 economy.
Your stories and experiences help us improve our service to you.
How well did the safety net work for you and your family? How can we do better? What services were not available that you really needed? I want to hear from you!
More than ever, it continues to be an honor and privilege to represent you.