July 6th Updates: Schools Reopening, Housing Relief, Denouncing Racism
To help you and our neighbors stay up-to-date on the ever-evolving stream of information related to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, my office and I are working to provide news as it develops over social media and by email.
This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights:
- Schools Reopening
- Housing Relief Package
- Billions in PPP Loans
- Absentee Ballot Applications
- Denouncing Racism
- Happy July 4th!
For more information about the state's response efforts click here. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
Schools Reopening
The Department of Education has developed a plan for Connecticut public schools to fully reopen in the fall. The plan gives children the opportunity to return to the classroom while safeguarding the health of both students and faculty. Some of the safety measures include: full-time mask-wearing, smaller classrooms, socially-distanced desks, and cohort grouping of students.
To read the detailed plan, click here.
To read the detailed plan, click here.
Housing Relief Package
More than $33 million in state and federal resources is now available as emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. These funds will help provide a safety net for families and businesses struggling to make ends meet.
For more information, click here.
For more information, click here.
Billions in PPP Loans
As of June 20, a total of 58,257 Connecticut businesses had claimed $6.63 billion in loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, far outpacing most other states. Thanks to effective outreach by the state Department of Economic and Community Development, many of these loans were to unincorporated businesses owned by a single person.
To read more, click here.
To read more, click here.
Absentee Ballot Applications
Recently, the Secretary of the State mailed out applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans to provide individuals the opportunity to request an absentee ballot for the upcoming presidential primary. This is a common-sense measure that will protect our right to vote during the ongoing pandemic. No one should have to choose between staying safe and exercising their most fundamental right.
Denouncing Racism
I want to thank Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov Susan Bysiewicz for coming to Manchester Wednesday to denounce racism and racist incidents both here in Manchester and across Connecticut.
This community will not tolerate it and stands unified to do what is necessary to make a difference towards ending systemic racism. We have much to do, but I look forward to working with the Governor, my colleagues in the legislature, and the community to get started with some meaningful reforms during the upcoming special session.
This community will not tolerate it and stands unified to do what is necessary to make a difference towards ending systemic racism. We have much to do, but I look forward to working with the Governor, my colleagues in the legislature, and the community to get started with some meaningful reforms during the upcoming special session.