2/25/21 Newsletter: Legislative Session, Food Share, Today Magazine Black History Month & Payment Protection Plan Update

February 26, 2021
Yesterday, I was at our State Capitol for a virtual session day to vote on important pieces of legislation.

We worked on several measures that address constituent concerns across the state with respect to inequitable taxation when working from home, unfair burdens on the poor, and discrimination based on hair style.

While this year's session looks and feels a little different, due to the pandemic, our legislative work continues with the same commitment and diligence as we debate and consider legislation that will help improve our state.
House Bill #873 includes tax relief for residents who normally work in Massachusetts or New York but are forced to work remotely due to COVID-19. The bill creates a state income tax credit for many residents who normally commute to another state.

COVID-19 has presented many challenges for employees and I do not believe workers should shoulder all the burdens of working remotely.
The second piece of legislation we worked on yesterday is called the CROWN Act—HB6515—which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. It is part of a larger, national movement to prevent discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions based on natural hair and texture associated with race. While it should be unnecessary to legislate against discrimination, sadly, it is incredibly common to see people lose out on jobs or promotions or even on the purchase of a home because of this type of discrimination.
A section of House Bill #873 repeals the unfair practice of seeking repayment of state assistance by placing liens on real property of those who have public assistance - even if it was decades in the past.

If residents find themselves needing to apply and receive public assistance, it means they really need that help to get by. After a lifetime of clawing their way back from whatever adverse events led to them needing help in the first place, there is no legitimate reason to upend their lives by surprising them with a lien on their property. Yesterday, I was proud to vote to end this practice once and for all.
 
Attention Farmington Valley Families: Updated School Meal Information

Did you know all children 18 years and under are eligible for free meals?

Check out the school meal programs available by town. Contact information and pick up procedure is listed below. All meals must be pre-ordered to help reduce food waste. Please click the links to access more information.

Avon:
• Contact- Margaret E. Dreher, Director of Nutrition Services, (860) 404-4734 mdreher@avon.k12.ct.us or Corey Maclaurin, Assistant Director of Nutrition cmaclaurin@avon.k12.ct.us
• For details and ordering directions go to- https://www.avon.k12.ct.us/departments/nutrition-services
• Drive-up/Pick-up in front of Thompson Brook School, 150 Thompson Rd, for Virtual Learners
• Monday and Thursday mornings 9:00am through 10:00am
 

Canton:
• Contact -Margaret Dreher, Director of Nutrition Services (860) 673-2530, ext. 10128, mdreher@cantonschools.org 
• For details go to-  http://cantonschools.org/content/140/1701/2003/default.aspx
• Drive-up/Pick up pre ordered meals for remote learners in front of Canton High School on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:45am-9:30am. 

 
 
Today Magazine: Black History Month 
 

In honor of Black History Month, the February publication of Today Magazine featured statements from elected officials on racial equity. See my responses below to read what I believe is the most essential issue related to race in 2021, the most constructive step we can take to address this issue, and my hopes for the following decade. Click here to read the issue.
 
Payment Protection Program Update
 
In an effort to help small businesses across the country receive additional financial assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) introduced new reforms and guidelines to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to the following news release from the SBA, the agency will: 
  • Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This exclusive window opened yesterday, Wednesday, February 24th..
  • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants
  • Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal
  • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; and
  • Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.

For updated PPP information, including forms, guidance, and resources, visit www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.