Weekly Highlights - Special Session & More

July 17, 2020

During the last few months, we have been working to help you stay up-to-date on information related to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, and issues important to you.
 

Below is this week's recap that I hope you will find helpful:
  • Catch up with Rep. Comey - Sunday
  • CT's Temporary Housing Assistance Initiatives Which Began Wednesday
  • Regional Travel Advisory Updated
  • Special Session Slated for Next Week
  • Police Accountability Bill Proposed

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus

To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.

 
Please come join me this Sunday, July 19 between 10am-11am at Hammer Field Playground at the Community House - 46 Church Street - for another  opportunity to go over issues that you want to bring to my attention, or simply to say hello. We are expecting a nice hot summer day! Hope to see you then.
CT's Temporary Housing Assistance Initiatives Began Wednesday
As of July 15, Connecticut's Temporary Rental Housing Assistance (TRHAP) and Temporary-Mortgage Assistance (T-MAP) Programs are now available.

Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Program:

  • Initial priority for TRHAP assistance will be targeted at individuals and families who have been denied unemployment assistance from the Department of Labor. Potential applicants will be directed to a Centralized Call Center for Threshold eligibility, after which a detailed application must be completed.
  • Individuals who are unemployed or under-employed and who have not yet filed for unemployment assistance should file as soon as possible.
  • Individuals who would like to speak to a Call Center Representative to determine their eligibility for TRHAP assistance can call 1-860-785-3111. 

Temporary-Mortgage Assistance Program:

  • The program will provide up to $10,000 in emergency loan funds for low and moderate income homeowners to pay their housing costs.
  • Eligible households with incomes at or below 120 percent of the area median income will be eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in the form of a second mortgage loan.
  • Individuals who would like to speak with a Call Center Representative to determine their eligibility and apply should call 1-860-785-3111.

Further information about either program is available on the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website, here.

 
More States Added to Regional Travel Advisory
The regional travel advisory between Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York that went into effect in June now includes 22 states. Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin were added recently, and Delaware has been removed. 

The advisory directs incoming travelers from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for a 14-day period. 

As of Tuesday the advisory includes the following 22 states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Wisconsin

The travel advisory is updated regularly. Updates and additional information are available here.

 
Special Session Slated For Next Week
The Connecticut General Assembly will hold a historic special session next week. Using video conferencing technology, staggered debates, and social distancing, legislators will be able to fulfill their elected duties while also following safety guidelines and recommendations. A date has yet to be set for the Special Session, but my office will keep you updated as more details become available.
 
Police Accountability Proposal Up for Listening Session
Last week the Judiciary Committee released a bipartisan police accountability bill that will be voted on during the upcoming special session next week.

A virtual listening session on the proposal was heard today, with members of the public and others testifying remotely. The listening session streamed on CT-N, which is available here.

To read the full proposal please click here.