December 4th Updates
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family are healthy and well. Below you will find important updates on a variety of topics. For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on the pandemic, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
Public Health Committee
I have been named Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Public Health Committee.
I am honored to serve in this role, recognizing the weight of this responsibility as our state and country continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Council
I am also honored to be selected to serve as chair of the state’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Council.
The TIP Council is required by state statute and consists of members from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from state agencies, the judicial branch, law enforcement, motor transport and community-based organizations. The TIP Council consults with government and non-governmental organizations (both state and federal) to develop recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to prevent trafficking, protect and assist victims, prosecute traffickers, and provide updates and progress reports on trafficking in Connecticut.
I look forward to continuing to push for policies that will prevent and address the various forms of sex and labor trafficking that take place in our state.
Permanent Commission on the Status of Women Survey
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut is conducting a statewide data collection initiative to determine the economic impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut's women.
The survey can be taken in either English or Spanish, is just 30 questions, and can be done from your computer or mobile device. The results of the survey will be compiled into a report which will be sent to Connecticut's elected officials.
Executive Order Expanding Federal Lost Wages Assistance for Low-Wage Unemployed Workers During Pandemic Announced
Governor Lamont today announced that he plans to sign an executive order that expands eligibility to the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program for Connecticut residents who did not initially qualify for the program.
Due to a federal rule requiring claimants receive at least $100 per week in unemployment benefits to receive the additional LWA funding, approximately 38,000 residents were excluded from the program when it ran over six weeks late last summer. Governor Lamont’s executive order will retroactively and temporarily increase weekly unemployment benefits to $100 for most of these 38,000 residents, allowing them to qualify for the program.
LWA was in effect from July 26 through September 5 and offered $300 in additional weekly funding to claimants who were unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and who had a minimum weekly benefit of $100 or more. Expanding access to the program will cost the UI Trust Fund an average of $43 per week per claimant. That “plus up” from the state will bring in approximately $55 million in Lost Wages Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – a seven to one federal match. That money is expected to generate $115 million of economic activity and provide small businesses across the state with a much-needed boost in consumer spending.
In order to receive the LWA benefits, claimants must certify that they were unemployed due to COVID for the weeks covered by Lost Wages Assistance. They will receive information and instructions by mail and email directly from the Connecticut Department of Labor beginning the week of December 7, 2020. LWA benefits and the supplemental state payments are taxable income.
For example, if a claimant has a weekly benefit amount of $60, they will receive six payments of $40 to their account. They do not have to apply for these funds. That “plus up” will allow them to then qualify for the LWA program. They must certify that they were unemployed for any (or all) of the six weeks of the Lost Wages Assistance program. A few days after they complete the certification, they will see up to six additional deposits (one per eligible week), each for $300, in their account.
The executive order will also relieve reimbursing employers from charges for the additional funds needed to get claimants to the $100 threshold. Contributing employers have already been relieved of charges under Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7W.
The Connecticut Department of Labor has information and instructions on its federal supplements webpage and will notify customers directly through email and mail. The agency reminds customers that as part of fraud prevention practices, it will never ask for personal identifying information like username, password, or Social Security number in an email. Additionally, the state agency does not send any link by email that requires a username or password. Claimants are urged to call the agency’s contact center with any questions.
Winter Protection Program
The Winter Protection Program, which protects vulnerable households during the winter months, is in effect from November 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021.
If you are experiencing difficulty paying your utility bill, you can contact your utility company and ask if you are eligible to be “coded hardship” and get enrolled in the Winter Protection Program.