COVID Update, Session Review and Dept. of Labor Employment Services

February 24, 2021
The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.
The CT Department of Labor is pleased to provide in-person employment services at the Regional American Job Centers (AJCs) to individuals with scheduled appointments.

Due to the continuing pandemic, the number of people in each Center must be limited to allow for social distancing. You must first schedule an appointment to visit an AJC.

How to make an in-person appointment: Online scheduling:
Go to portal.ct.gov/ajc where you will find the link to appointment scheduling (or use this direct electronic access to the appointment form).

After the form is submitted, our staff will call to set up your appointment. *New Haven residents online link below Schedule appointment by phone:
• Bridgeport (203) 455-2700
• Hamden (203) 859-3200
• Hartford (860) 256-3700
• Montville (860) 848-5200
• Waterbury (203) 437-3380
• New Haven (203) 624-1493
*https://www.workforcealliance.biz

Appointments for assistance with:
• Job search
• Résumé and cover letter writing
• interviewing skills
• Career counseling
• CTHires registration
• Workshop registration
• Training program(s) information
• Recruitment (Employers only)

Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and claims assistance only available through CTDOL. Consumer Contact Center Online information and access to claim support: www.FileCTUI.com
Today, I am here at the State Capitol for a virtual session day to vote on some important bills.

We will be working 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.

We are all following all the public health safety guidelines as well wearing our masks.

Please remember that you can connect with us via the Connecticut TV Network – CT-N.com which provides real-time coverage of today's session and most of our public hearings and committee meetings.

See below for some additional details on today's session.
House Bill #873 includes tax relief for residents who normally work in MA or NY 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.
I don't believe anyone should be discriminated against because of the color of their skin and no one should be discriminated against because of the way they wear their hair – but it happens.

House Bill #6376 - The CROWN Act or Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is part of a national movement to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions based on natural hair and texture historically associated with race.

Oftentimes, there is a lot of effort that goes into these unique hairstyles. However, some with preconceived prejudicial views see these hairstyles as somehow inappropriate.

No one should be discriminated against for their hair style.
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. Why place liens on properties when they get back on their feet?

It is time to put stop to this practice and allow those that need it to get help without risking their homes.