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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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Appropriations Committee Release Budget Proposal
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On Wednesday, the Appropriations Committee released their budget proposal for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Among other investments in our families and our communities' futures, the proposed budget would support new funding for municipal aid, higher education, and social services. Most importantly, as we work to recover from the economic fallout of the pandemic, this budget ensures that Connecticut receives every federal relief dollar it is owed while maximizing the funding already received and continuing to invest in the programs that were vital to our response efforts. I thank Chairs Toni Walker and Cathy Osten, and the entire Appropriations Committee for their dedication and commitment to ensuring a sustainable, forward-looking budget that meets the needs of this moment in our state's history.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Bipartisan Agreement to Restore the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Announced
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Over my years in public service, addressing the solvency of Connecticut's Unemployment Trust Fund has been a priority of mine. On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont, joined by a bipartisan group of legislators, the business community, and our labor leaders unveiled a comprehensive plan that creates a more resilient unemployment insurance trust fund that can endure future recessions. This pandemic, and its subsequent economic crisis, has only further demonstrated that Connecticut must create pathways that not only kickstart our recovery but facilitate an economy for our businesses and families to thrive.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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In partnership with UConn Health, the Town of East Hartford will bring a mobile vaccination clinic to 936 Silver Lane (the former Showcase Cinemas site) on Wednesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 29 from 10AM-7PM. Walk-ups will be permitted based on availability, but pre-registration is highly recommended. To register, call (860) 679-6547. The call center is available Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM.
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Connecticut Department of Public Health's mobile van will be in East Hartford on Monday, April 26 and Tuesday, April 27 from 12PM-6PM at the Summerfield Townhomes in the Community Room providing free COVID-19 vaccines. No appointment necessary, no insurance required. Vaccines available to all adults 18 and up.
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The mobile van will also be visiting Manchester in the coming week! Stop by the East Side Neighborhood Resource Center on Monday, April 26, Tuesday, April 27, and Wednesday, April 28 from 2PM-6:30PM. The 3-Day Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is open to Manchester residents only. No appointment necessary! For questions, please call the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
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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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SBA Announces Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application & Guidelines
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released details on the application and eligibility requirements for the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The funding – included in the American Rescue Plan and run by the SBA – will assist the hardest-hit restaurants with the funds they need to meet payroll, purchase COVID-related supplies, and recover industry jobs lost during the pandemic.
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The application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English and Spanish.
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Over the next two weeks, the SBA will create a seven-day pilot period for the application portal and conduct outreach and training. Participants in the pilot program will be randomly selected from existing Payroll Protection Program borrowers and will not receive RRF funds until the application portal is open to the public. During the pilot period, the SBA will address technical issues ahead of the public launch.
All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply, but during the first 21 days, priority will be given to businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
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April 24 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
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According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. Alarmingly – those who misused prescriptions often obtained the drugs from the medicine cabinets of their family and friends.
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Hosted twice a year in October and April by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its partners, National Take Back Day provides us an opportunity to combat and hopefully prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. In October 2020, the 19th National Take Back Day collected an estimate 985,392 pounds of unused medication at 4,587 collection sites across the country.
The East Hartford Police Department will be hosting a collection site on Saturday, April 24 from 10AM – 2PM at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.
Can't make it on Saturday but still have unused prescriptions you're looking to safely dispose of? Find year-round disposals and authorized collectors here.
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On Saturday, April 24 from 9AM-12PM, the Knights of Columbus Council 1155 will be collecting cans and bottles in the St. James Church parking lot of support the council's charitable activities. For more information, please contact Grand Knight Bob Misage at (860) 559-2742.
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Looking for some family fun? Join Manchester Youth Service Bureau on Friday, April 30th, at 7PM for Hot Fingers Virtual Family Trivia! This fun, interactive event is appropriate for families with children ages 10 and up. Event includes a family snack pack delivered to your home and prizes for winners! Registration is required for this FREE event. For more information or to register, please contact Kellie Gauvin, ksheridan@manchesterct.gov.
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Calling all local artists and artisans! Downtown Manchester is seeking vendors of locally made products for the 2nd Saturdays Downtown & Butterfly Stroll Outdoor Market this summer and fall. Applications are being accepted now through May 1. To get more information or fill out an application, click here.
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Looking for a fun activity to get you outside and active? Join the East Hartford Wednesday League at East Hartford Golf Club for a 9-hole, social golf league organized to be casual and fun, with a touch of friendly competition. Joining the league is free! League rounds are available for purchase each week or you can save money by pre-paying for 9 or 18 rounds. Join as a two-person team or a single and play as your schedule allows. To learn more or join now, click here.
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Calling East Hartford youth ages 14 to 24! Looking to gain work experience and get paid this summer? Check out East Hartford CONNects Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program. Applications are be accepted now through May 1st. To apply, click here.
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Looking to start a new career? Train with East Hartford CONNects and Goodwin University and work smarter this summer by signing up for the Professional Skills Academy! Available to East Hartford residents with a high school diploma, GED, or NEDP. This 4-week, part-time program will offer everything from resume development to financial literacy. Classes start May 10! Space is limited, apply today by calling (860) 622-5507.
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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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