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Not just on Memorial Day, but every day, I am thinking of all those who have lost their lives serving our country, without whom we would not have our freedom. From parades to remembrance ceremonies, communities across the state are gathering to honor the lives we lost, learn more about Memorial Day events happening this weekend here.
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In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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House Moves to Expand Eligibility for Absentee Voting
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The House of Representatives passed legislation this week to make voting more accessible and convenient for Connecticut residents. HB 6205 expands eligibility for absentee voting in a common-sense way.
Under current law, caregivers and family members of those with a disability or illness are not eligible to vote by absentee, forcing them to choose between their right to vote and caring for a loved one. HB 6205 adopts a more general standard of sickness and disability, thereby allowing caregivers and family members the opportunity to vote by absentee.
Connecticut continues to work on voter protections to make voting as easy, safe, and accessible as possible. The House also passed two resolutions focused on voting rights earlier this month: HJ 58 which calls for no-excuse absentee voting, and HJ 59 which allows for early voting.
While HB 6295 and HJ 58 are still awaiting action, on Thursday the Senate approved HJ 59 moving the early voting resolution to the voters in the 2022 general election.
While other states are passing legislation to disenfranchise voters, Connecticut is acting to support participation in the democratic process.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Clean Slate Legislation Passes the House
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During Thursday's legislative session, the House voted to address the social and economic disparities experienced by individuals with criminal records and those who were formerly incarcerated.
Known as the Clean Slate Bill, SB 1019 is groundbreaking legislation that will help thousands of formerly incarcerated citizens in Connecticut by clearing their records and paving the way for re-entry to society with access to good paying jobs, education, and quality housing.
For certain low-level offenses, if the individual has not committed another offense after several years, their record will be considered erased. This will allow them to fully reenter society and have access to opportunities that would otherwise be denied.
Studies show that a very small percentage of those once-incarcerated become repeat offenders. However, those with prior criminal convictions can carry the burden of their record for the rest of their lives – a burden that falls disproportionately on people of color. Having a criminal record can restrict a person’s earnings, reduce quality of life, and prohibit formerly incarcerated individuals from fully participating in society again.
It is our responsibility to ensure everyone has a second chance and the opportunity to be productive citizens.
This is common sense legislation that helps those who've paid their dues. The state benefits as well as these citizens begin to contribute to the economy with jobs and business opportunities.
You can find my closing remarks on the legislation here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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New State Unemployment Work Search Requirement
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If you have been collecting COVID-related unemployment, you should be aware of upcoming changes which will affect the way you file for and receive your benefits.
Last year, Connecticut Department of Labor waived the mandatory work search requirement as part of Connecticut’s public health response to the pandemic. The waiver allowed unemployed individuals to receive benefits even though they were not actively searching for work.
As of Monday, May 31 the work search requirement will again be in effect and will require those receiving unemployment to document their efforts to find a job.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
If you, as a claimant, have been collecting COVID-related unemployment, you must now make reasonable weekly work search efforts by:
- Contacting an employer: Claimants must contact at least one employer per week for work for which the claimant is reasonably suited based upon prior work experience, skills, knowledge, and ability. Claimants may initiate contact online, in person, by phone, or by mail. They must ensure the employer has their call back information for hiring purposes.
- Documenting your work search efforts.
Claimants must also engage in at least two of the following or other similar work search activities (either in person or virtually):
- Participate in a job interview.
- Attend a workshop at an American Job Center or a job fair.
- Participate in reemployment service activities at an American Job Center.
- Create a reemployment plan.
- Create and post a resume to www.CTHires.com.
- Create a personal user profile on a professional networking site.
- Contact another employer for a job for which the claimant is reasonably suited as outlined above.
You can record your work search efforts using this form HERE. Beginning in July, claimants will be required to report this information when you file your weekly claim. If you fail to provide this information, it could result in your being denied unemployment for that week.
For a list of frequently asked questions regarding the work search requirement, click HERE. You may also contact the Consumer Contact Center by clicking HERE or by calling 203-941-6868 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Get Outdoors with DEEP Fishing Trips
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) Fisheries Division is offering the opportunity to learn to fish for FREE! To get you started, you can register for a Zoom Introduction to Fishing course, offered weekly, to learn all the basics of fishing from the comfort of your own couch. Then put your new skills to the test, while enjoying some time spent outdoors at an upcoming free Fishing Field Trip!
Fishing has been awesome over the past month, with plenty of catches of catfish, trout, bass, and sunfish at each event – my own daughter recently participated and absolutely loved it!
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Pre-registration is strongly encouraged – to view a schedule of upcoming trips and register, click here and search "Fishing Field Trip" in the filter by event box. CT DEEP will provide all the rods, bait, tackle, and instruction. You just need a fishing license if 16 years and older. And, most important, be ready to have some fun!
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Enjoy the Summer with Fare-Free Weekend Wheels!
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced Weekend Wheels, the fare-free CTtransit bus service will be available to EVERYONE each weekend this summer, including all bus routes statewide. This means, customers will not be charged any bus fares on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. For more details, click here. For information about local bus operations, visit CTrides.com or call CTrides during weekday business hours from 8AM to 5PM at (877) 287-4337.
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The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is Back
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Big news – the Sounds of Summer concert series at Great River Park (301 East River Drive) in East Hartford is back for what looks to be another successful summer season. Concerts will run 6PM – 8PM every week beginning on Thursday, June 24 and run through Thursday, August 5 (there will be no concert on July 1).
2021 Summer Concert Series Schedule
- Thursday, June 24 - Shaded Soul (Vocal and Instrumental Variety)
- Thursday, July 1 - No Concert
- Thursday, July 8 - Larry Stevens (Pop/Rock and Classic Rock)
- Thursday, July 15 - Soul Sound Revue (9-piece Motown Revue)
- Thursday, July 22 - Dually Noted (Rock-n-Roll classics)
- Thursday, July 29 - Sound Pipers (Reggae Fusion)
- Thursday, August 5 - The Score (Classic Party Rock)
Concerts will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on the Town of East Hartford website and Facebook page. Any cancelled concert will attempt to be rescheduled.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The Community Health Center vaccine clinic at the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford is accepting walk-up appointments Monday - Saturday, 9AM - 3PM. You are encouraged to bring ID and a medical insurance card, but this is not required. The East Hartford Health Department will also continue to offer vaccinations to medically homebound residents. Homebound residents should fill out this form or call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center (9 Delmont Street) in Manchester will be extending their COVID-19 vaccine clinics through the month of June. No appointment, ID, or insurance required, walk-ins are welcome! Vaccinations for children aged 12-15 are now available. For more information, contact MD Rahman at (860) 597-4669.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at 877-918-2224.
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Need a ride? Lyft and Uber will be offering a ride to and from a vaccine site for free until July 4. To learn more click here or here.
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Got vaccinated? Get rewarded! This is your last weekend to take advantage of #CTDrinksOnUs. Participating Connecticut restaurants are offering one free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink to customers who show their vaccine card between May 19-31. Food purchase will be required, with the limit of one drink per person. For a full list of restaurants participating, visit ctvisit.com/articles/DrinksOnUs.
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Get ready for summer temperatures! Cool off at the Sprayground located next to Verplank School (126 Olcott Street). The Sprayground will reopen for the summer on Saturday, May 29 and be open daily 10AM to 8PM through Labor Day weekend.
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Manchester Public Library's Walking Book Club will be meeting up on Thursday, June 3 to discuss "A Place for Us" by Fatima Farheen Mirza – two discussion time slots will be available at 1PM and 6:30PM. Attendees will enjoy a socially distanced two-mile walk starting in the Mary Cheney Library Building and stopping for discussion, masks will be required. This is a free program, but registration is required, and slots are limited. For more information or to register, please call Jenn Bartlett at (860) 645-0821 or click here.
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Registration is now open for Virtual Pajama Storytime! Starting on Monday, June 7, the Manchester Public Library will be offering a four-week virtual story time session for children ages 2-6 years old. Beginning on June 7, registered participants will receive links to a recorded story time video each week that will include books, fingerplays, and a craft to enjoy at home at a time that is best for you! Registration is required and limited, craft supplies for the session will be available for registrants to pick up during the week of June 1 at the Mary Cheney Library Building. Call (860) 645-0577 to sign-up!
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Webster Bank, the Hartford Marathon Foundation, Bike Walk Bolton, and the Town of Manchester will host the Manchester Youth Bike Safety Rodeo, a free youth bike safety course for Manchester residents 5-12 years old, on Saturday, June 9 at 9AM, 10AM, or 11AM. During the hour-long course, kids will learn about proper helmet fitting, bike safety check, obstacle avoidance, and more! Participants will receive a new helmet & bike bell, report card, certificate of completion, and other fun swag all compliments of Webster Bank! Capacity is capped at 50 kids, so register early to reserve your spot. To register click here. If you require additional information, contact matt@hartfordmarathon.com.
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Honor East Hartford's fallen military heroes with the East Hartford Veterans Commission at Bicentennial Park on Sunday, May 30 at 6PM. The event will feature guest speaker Congressman John Larson and Brigadier General John Lawlor – plus a performance by Luc Lacasse of East Hartford High School. Commission members will conduct a “Roll Call of the Fallen” to honor fallen veterans from East Hartford, followed by a Rifle Honors Salute by the Korean War Veterans Final Honors Squad. For more information, click here.
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Join East Hartford Youth Services and East Hartford Hunger Action Team on Tuesday, June 1 from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM at the First Congressional Church (837 Main Street) for the Garden Bucket Sale to increase access to fresh, home grown vegetables. Start your own garden with a bucket provided to you with everything you need to start successfully! Buckets will be available for pickup on a first come, first served basis – while supplies last. No registration required. For more information, click here.
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East Hartford Public Library will be kicking off "Make + Mail" on Thursday, June 3 at 4PM – a monthly event to create a cross stitch greeting card. Register in advance for a supply kit and join the Zoom on Thursday to craft together. No experience needed, best for teens and adults. For more information or to register, click here.
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Looking for summer plans for your elementary school student? The Family Resource Center Summer Playgroups will be meeting at Mayberry School (101 Great Hill Road) select dates in July at 10AM. Choose your day of the week! Thursdays will be outdoors in person, everyone age two or above will be required to wear a mask and playgroup will be weather permitting. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be virtual. To register, please call (860) 622-5515.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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