Legislative and Vaccine Eligibility Updates

mccv
February 25, 2021
I wanted to give you an update about this week’s work in the legislature, the latest news about vaccine timelines, work from some of our amazing local activists, and information about how to sign up for the Fairfield Public Library’ One Book One Town event.
Yesterday's Session Accomplishments

Yesterday we were up at the Capitol for a rare in person session day. The House convened and passed a number of important pieces of legislation. I supported each of these measures. The Senate is set to take up these items next week.
  • H.B. 6516
    • Addresses several tax- and economic-related issues for Connecticut residents. The bill prevents Connecticut residents, who normally commute to neighboring states for work, from being double-taxed in 2020 as they've had to work remotely during the pandemic.
    • Proposes to eliminate the use of welfare liens, also known as the "poverty tax." This archaic piece of legislation forces recipients of public assistance programs to pay the state back for the aid they once received. This “poverty tax” sadly, only works to keep people – trying to better their lives – in a cycle of inevitable poverty.
    • Calls for improved PILOT reimbursement for communities, including Fairfield.
  • H.B. 6515
    • Known as The Crown Act, this bill prohibits employers from discriminating against workers for hairstyles that are historically associated with race and extends statutory protections to hair texture and protective styles.
  • H.B. 6514
    • Provides a framework and incentives to attract data centers to our state, which will create short term construction jobs as well as other long term employment. This bill brings in an industry that doesn’t exist in Connecticut today and strategically positions our state to attract new companies.
Stratfield Revitalization

Many thanks to the Stratfield Village Association (SVA) for all of their work on the Four Corners project which will revitalize  the heart of Stratfield and make it more of a gathering spot. The town expects to break ground this summer or fall.

While the town is coordinating the project, the SVA is working to raise additional funds. With $900,000 already in place, $650,000 from a state grant I was proud to help secure, and $100,000 each from the town and Sacred Heart University, there is still more SVA hopes to raise.

The remaining funds are being collected through community events and fundraisers. The latest fundraiser encourages residents, businesses and organizations to buy an engraved brick that will be incorporated into the Four Corners design. Bricks range from $100 to $500 each, depending on the size and amount of text, and can be purchased online through the association’s donor page on the Bricks R Us website.
Updates to Vaccine Rollout

Monday, Governor Lamont announced that the state will be taking an age-based approach to the COVID vaccination eligibility schedule. Many of you have voiced your concerns to me about this new approach and how it neglects essential workers and people with underlying health conditions. Please know that I will continue to advocate for you when discussing vaccination eligibility with the Governor's office. That said, I have been open with those who have reached out in saying that I am not hopeful that this policy will change. I will continue to advocate.

Vaccine eligibility will expand to the 55-64 age group beginning on March 1 and dedicated clinics for educators and childcare providers will also begin in March.

The Governor said that age has proven to be one of the strongest factors contributing to COVID-19 deaths, with 96% of COVID-19 deaths in Connecticut occurring in people over the age of 55.

The Governor also announced that teachers and childcare providers will be eligible to receive the vaccine at dedicated clinics. They will receive information soon from their school administrators and employers on where and when they will be able to receive the vaccine, regardless of age.
One Book One Town

This upcoming Tuesday, Fairfield's signature event One Book One Town 2021 will host its celebration! Join them for a wonderful evening with the authors of "Punching the Air," Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam. The story of a tragic event leading to an unjust imprisonment and the impact it has on family and community, Punching the Air shows how strength can be found in the power of art and poetry. Ibi Zoboi is a New York Times bestselling author; Dr. Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five, is a poet, prison reform activist and inspirational speaker.

Registration for this virtual event is required. Attendees will receive login information prior to the event. Please call (203) 256-3160 with any questions. Click the button below to sign up.
Register Here