Dear Neighbor,
When we began this year’s legislative session on February 5th, I expected to be working on many of the issues that you all have prioritized for me including reducing the cost of health insurance, advocating for small business, and bringing back more support for our schools. Then, on March 8th Connecticut had its first confirmed case of coronavirus, and on March 9th, the Governor declared a state of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergencies. Our lives have been radically changed ever since.
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.
More than ever, it continues to be an honor and privilege to represent you in the General Assembly.
Sincerely,
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 to 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.
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 and assisting small businesses. For more on these, please visit my website: www.housedems.ct.gov/Napoli.
I know that working with state agencies and our partners during this time can be complicated. Phone lines are crowded, and applications may be confusing. My office is here to help. Call or email me anytime, and I promise I will get you help.
Sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system,
which provides text message notifications to users.
To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777
Advocating For You During this Time
I heard from many residents that the rising cost of living was This has been a remarkably challenging time for all of us. My office has worked with many of you to fix issues including unemployment applications, helping your businesses apply for financial aid, and working with the DMV to get your cars registered. I know that it is during these challenging times when we need government help and services the most.
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, we have expanded tele-medicine, brought additional COVID-19 testing sites to our community, 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 Bond Package
One of the few votes we took this year in the House of Representatives was for the Bond Act. I am proud to say that this legislation contained authorizations for state aid for our community. The bill also contained funds for workforce development, launching the Paid Family Medical Leave insurance program and funding transportation improvements for the Mixmaster through Waterbury. As a Member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, I was able to secure an additional $1 million for Municipal Projects for the City of Waterbury (HB 5518).
| Waterbury Budget Summary | FY 20 | FY 21 |
|---|---|---|
| LoCIP (Local Capital Improvement Project) |
$1,309,565 | $1,309,565 |
| Aid For Waterbury Roads | $1,068,475 | $1,068,475 |
| Grants For Waterbury Projects | $3,506,785 | $3,506,785 |
| Education Cost Sharing | $143,020,652 | $149,840,041 |
| PILOT | $6,727,224 | $6,727,224 |
| Total State Funds To Waterbury | $173,520,331 | $180,344,906 |
Veterans Affairs Committee
As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I was part of the decision to induct four Waterbury based servicemen into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame: Robert Cahill Sr., Alfred Comeau, John Sarlo and Jack Shea. I’m grateful for the years of service these men have given to their country and neighbors in Waterbury.
On This Summer’s Special Session
In early June, legislative leadership and the Governor agreed that it was time for members of the General Assembly to meet and pass reforms in response to the current crises our state faces. In addition to ensuring that our residents have the resources to avoid the COVID-19 virus and are adequately supported to cope with social distancing, we intend to ensure that everyone has access to absentee ballots in the November general election. We also intend to take immediate action on police accountability and transparency legislation. I was one of the few legislators who was in attendance for 100% of the votes taken during my first term in the General Assembly, and I will continue that commitment to you through these momentous votes.
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.
Your stories and experiences are important to helping us improve the quality of life for 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!