|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Houses Passes the Bipartisan Parentage Act
|
|
During Monday's legislative session, the House passed the "Connecticut Parentage Act," legislation to protect Connecticut's parents, families, and children. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the Governor, the legislation will provide an update to our laws that reflects the diversity of families regardless of family structure. This issue hits home for me after hearing the struggle of my constituents - a female couple who made the intimate decision to transfer a fertilized egg from one spouse to the other to be carried to term. Because of Connecticut’s outdated laws, only one biological partner could be named on the birth certificate. This led to my constituents petitioning to add both names to the birth certificate. It should not be that hard to be named the legal parent to your child.
The meaning of family has evolved over time and Monday's vote aims to provide protections for LGBTQ+ parents and their children. Every parent and child deserves the security of legal parentage, and I am proud to have supported this legislation to ensure that all families are equal under the law.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
PURA Releases Final Decision After Investigation into Tropical Storm Isaias Response
|
|
Following an eight-month investigation into Eversource Energy and United Illuminating's response to Tropical Storm Isaias, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has found that the utility companies failed to properly respond. Following the August storm, approximately 1 million customers throughout the state were left without power for days. In contrast to claims made by Eversource and United Illuminating, PURA has concluded that response efforts featured both "inaction and deficiencies" that was a risk to public safety.
The utility companies could face millions of dollars in lost profit, and both companies will be expected to increase the number of line workers, damage assessors, and liaisons as well as improve communications, specifically with large customers and those facing medical hardships. Additionally, each company will face mandatory audits beginning this summer.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
House Passes Unemployment Tax Cut for Local Businesses
|
|
During Monday's session, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of H.B. 5377, An Act Concerning the Removal Of COVID-19 Related Layoffs From the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account. If passed by the Senate and approved by the Governor, this bill would cut taxes for local businesses.
This proposal excludes COVID-19 related layoffs from the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account and new contribution rate for 2021.
The usual rate that a business must contribute to the Unemployment Compensation Experience Account increases based on the number of employees laid off in order to compensate for the increased strain on our unemployment fund from those layoffs.
However, through H.B. 5377, unemployment benefits paid to former employees from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021 will not affect an employer’s experience rate. This is a huge relief for local businesses.
|
|
|
Small and local businesses were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Connecticut's strong COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution have signaled a brighter future, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially for small business owners. This bill will ensure that they will have one less financial burden to consider as they work towards rebuilding.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
|
|
|
Connecticut is ranking among the top 3 states in the country to have administered the most vaccines per capita. As of Thursday, over 3 million residents have received at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
|
|
|
Connecticut Department of Public Health's mobile van will be visiting Manchester again this week at East Side Neighborhood Resource Center from 2PM-6:30PM on Tuesday, May 4, Wednesday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 11 and at Mahoney Recreation Center from 2PM-6:30PM on Wednesday, May 5. This clinic is available for Manchester residents only, no appointment needed – first doses of Moderna will be distributed. If you have questions or require additional information, call the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
|
|
|
The Community Health Center vaccine clinic at the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford is now accepting walk-up appointments Monday-Saturday, 9AM-3PM. You are encouraged to bring ID and a medical insurance card, but this is not required.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Got vaccinated? Then you're eligible for a free drink! 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 in #CTDrinksOnUs, or to sign your business up, visit ctvisit.com/articles/DrinksOnUs.
|
|
|
Foodshare Distribution Site at Rentschler Field Ends Comes to a Close
|
|
On Thursday, Foodshare held their last drive-thru distribution at Rentschler Field. Foodshare has been an amazing partner to our communities. Their wonderful staff and volunteers have worked incredibly hard to ensure that more than 7 million meals were distributed at Rentschler to families and individuals struggling during this difficult time.
If you are still in need of additional food resources, be sure to check out the Mobile Foodshare distribution schedule. Foodshare will continue to hold pop-up food distribution events throughout the district.
To locate a mobile distribution site in East Hartford, click here.
To locate a mobile distribution site in Manchester, click here.
You can also call Foodshare's 24-hour phone line at (860) 856-4321 to find out where the Mobile Foodshare truck will be. To receive the Mobile Foodshare schedule on your cell phone text FOODSHARE to 85511.
|
|
The Manchester Regional Center will be collecting household hazardous waste on Saturday, May 1 from 8AM – 1PM at the Town Landfill (321 Olcott Street).
Please follow COVID guidelines:
- Limit ONE person per vehicle
- You must remain in the vehicle with the windows closed and while wearing a face mask
- Be ready to present valid ID through the window
- All paperwork will be completed by CREOC staff
- Place ONLY waste items in the rear of vehicle & have compartment open prior to inspection
- Containers must be disposable. They will NOT be emptied and returned
- Please leave all material in their original containers, and separate paint care products from the other hazardous waste.
To learn more or find out about future dates, click here. For questions or more details, call (860) 647-3200, option 3.
|
|
The Manchester Youth Service Bureau is hosting Babysitter classes for youth ages 11 – 15 years old. Classes will cover everything from basic safety skills for caring responsibly for children and infants, including CPR and first aid.
- Session 1: Friday, May 7, 4:30PM-6:30 PM and Saturday, May 8, 9:45AM-11:45AM (You must attend both meetings), CPR, Friday, May 14, 4:00PM-7:00 PM
- Session 2: Friday, June 11, 4:30PM-6:30PM and Saturday, June 12, 9:45AM-11:45AM (You must attend both meetings), Friday, CPR, June 25, 4:00PM-7:00PM
Registration is required and open now, please call (860) 647-5213 to register.
|
|
Starting May 3, Manchester residents will be able to register for the upcoming Summer Day Camp Season. Camps start at $75 per week per child ($65 for each additional child). If you require financial assistance, please contact Katie Clark at (860) 647-3065 for a consultation.
For those who are unable to pay the full amount at once: a three-payment plan is available only for those registering for all six weeks of summer camp. For those individuals, a third of the total camp bill should be submitted when registering. The second and third payments are due on May 21 and June 18, respectively. Weeks of participation must be paid in full by June 18th. Failure to pay will result in the removal from camp for any unpaid weeks.
- Camp sites will be broken into the following age brackets:
- Center Springs Park (ages 5-7)
- Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, Community Y Recreation Center & Nathan Hale Activity Center (ages 5-11)
- Camp Kennedy Advantage Camp (ages 11-13)
- Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center (Recreation Leader in Training Program for ages 15)
Snacks and lunch will be provided at all camp locations. Swim lessons are available during camp hours at Robertson and Mahoney – registration for swim lessons open on May 5.
For more information, please review the Summer Day Camp Pre-Season Information Sheet. If you have questions or require more information, please call Senior Recreation Supervisor Calvin Harris at (860) 647-3088.
|
|
Interested in getting involved in the community? The Manchester Youth Commission is seeking highly motivated Manchester residents who are entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2021 to join! Applications must be submitted no later than May 14th, 2021, to apply click here.
Interviews are currently scheduled for May 18th, 2021 from 5:30PM-7:30PM and applicants will be notified by email whether the interviews will be conducted in person or virtually.
For additional information please contact Heather Wlochowski, Manchester Youth Commission Advisor at (860) 647-5215 or heatherw@manchesterct.gov.
|
|
Registration is now open for East Hartford Parks and Recreation's Special Olympics Track & Field program. The program is available for individuals with special needs ages 8 and older. Morning practices will be held at East Hartford High School May 1 – June 12 from 10:30AM-12PM leading up to the Special Olympics of Connecticut Summer Games held June 19-20. The program is $55 for residents and $65 for non-residents.
For more information, click here or call Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7160.
|
|
|
Calling teens in grades 8-12! The East Hartford Public Library is looking for new members to speak up and share their ideas for the library on Tuesday, May 4 at 7:15PM. To register, click here.
|
|
|
6-12th graders: Join East Hartford Public Library on Wednesday, May 5 at 3:30PM to craft and catch up over Zoom to make your very own Baby Yoda candle holder! Supplies can be picked up at the library in advance, you will receive an email when kits are ready for pick up. For more information or to register, click here.
|
|
|
In search of a summer job? East Hartford Parks and Recreation is looking to hire 30 lifeguards for the season. You must be at least 15 years old and have a current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding or obtain a certification prior to the start of the season. Applications are open now – for more info or to apply, click here. To register for the lifeguarding course, click here.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
