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Dear Neighbor,
Great news! As Connecticut continues a successful vaccine rollout, Governor Ned Lamont announced Thursday that all Connecticut residents aged 16 and older will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 1 (four days sooner than the previously accelerated timeline).
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The acceleration of the timeline comes as the state expects more doses and appointments to become available, but with the new eligibility bracket opening also comes about 1.3 million newly eligible residents. I encourage you to be patient as you try to access an appointment near you, especially in the first few days of the new eligibility.
For more information, or if you are already eligible (anyone 45 and older) and trying 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 a.m. to 8 p.m., at 877-918-2224.
Even as we ramp up and rapidly expand vaccine distribution, it's important to remember the pandemic is still ongoing. Receiving your vaccine when you are eligible is just one step in ensuring our community beats COVID. Even if you are vaccinated, it's still important to monitor how you are feeling – especially as we head into allergy season! While the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19 can be similar, there are some ways to tell them apart.
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Continuing to wear your mask, remaining socially distant, and following the CDC's guidelines are still as important as they were a year ago.
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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.
On Legislative Business:
On Community Resources:
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House Convenes for Session to Discuss Governor Lamont's Emergency Authority
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On Thursday, the House of Representatives convened to discuss Governor Ned Lamont's emergency authority. Originally set to expire on April 20, the House voted to extend the Governor's authority until May 20 to ensure that Connecticut continues its ability to safely and quickly respond to the pandemic.
As we continue to battle the ongoing pandemic, the Governor's emergency authority is critical to ensuring state agencies like the Department of Public Health (DPH) have the flexibility they need to continue a successful vaccine rollout. Additionally, the authority allows the state to receive FEMA funding that has been critical to keeping state agencies, municipalities and non-government facilities operating.
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When the Governor's emergency authority ultimately comes to an end, the legislature will decide which of the executive declarations should be codified into law and which should expire with the authority. On Thursday, the House voted to extend the wildly successful outdoor dining measures that were introduced last summer and seen throughout the fall. As we return to normalcy, restaurants will rely on these measures to keep customers feeling safe and comfortable.
Both bills will now move to the Senate, and action could be taken as early as next week.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Racism is a Public Health Crisis
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On Thursday, I joined leaders from across the state to support legislation declaring racism a public health crisis. Decades of systemic racism has resulted in disparate health outcomes for communities of color. The formal declaration of this fact not only acknowledges the legacy discrimination has had on our communities and our state, but also allows us to begin identifying ways to meaningfully address this crisis.
In addition to declaring racism a public health crisis in Connecticut, House Bill 6662 would also establish a commission on racial equity in public health and lay out a series of specific and measurable steps to address this issue.
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In the past year alone, 20 cities and towns across Connecticut, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have formally declared racism to be a public health crisis. Now is our opportunity to meaningfully address and eradicate racism across Connecticut – it can’t wait.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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New Savings With Access Health CT
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Access Health CT (AHCT) continues to offer quality, affordable health care for those in need of coverage, especially during this public health crisis.
So far, thousands of Connecticut residents have taken advantage of a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) running now through April 15.
But wait! There is even better news.
If you buy insurance on the exchange, your monthly premiums could be as little as $5 per month or less. CT residents cumulatively stand to save $85 million annually by buying their insurance on the exchange.
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New federal relief dollars have created huge tax credits for those who buy insurance through AHCT and if you're a small business owner with 50 employees or less you can save money by using Access Health CT for health insurance coverage with significant subsidies from the federal government.
If you need quality, affordable, low cost health insurance, hesitate no more.
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Special Enrollment Period coverage effective dates and guidelines are as follows:
| Consumers enrolling from |
March 16-31 |
April 1-15 |
Plan effective date |
May 1, 2021 |
June 1, 2021 |
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Customer must pay their first month’s premium (monthly payment) for coverage to begin. |
Customer must pay their first month’s premium (monthly payment) for coverage to begin. |
- Consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this Special Enrollment Period
- Consumers currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT will not be eligible to use this Special Enrollment Period to change plans
- Financial help will continue to be available to consumers who qualify.
- Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., loss of coverage due to job change or unemployment) or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can continue to enroll year-round.
Contact Access Health CT:
- Online: AccessHealthCT.com (and click the “Live Chat” icon)
- Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri. 8 AM – 4 PM
- With Enrollment Specialists in the community
- In-person at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations**:
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Weekend Construction in East Hartford
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Lane closures on Route 2 eastbound in East Hartford between Exits 5A and 5B are scheduled from Friday, March 26, 2021 to Monday, March 29, 2021.
Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be used to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
As you drive through the work area, please remain alert, drive cautiously, and maintain a safe speed. Read more here.
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Leadership Matters Exhibit
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You might see a familiar face during your next visit to The Shoppes at Buckland Hills! I was lucky enough to be selected by Positive Expression 93 to join some of our state’s great leaders in the “Leadership Matters” exhibit which aims to highlight what qualities make a leader. As we continue to work towards unity in what feels like extremely divided times, and as I hope to lead through the philosophy of servant leadership, what matters in leadership is humility. Thank you to Positive Expressions for helping me to express what matters in leadership through art!
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Be sure to check out the “Leadership Matters” exhibit and the entire Positive Expression exhibit at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills now through January 2022.
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The East Hartford Health Department will hold two after-hours COVID-19 vaccination clinics for childcare providers on the following dates:
- Saturday, March 27: 11 am. - 1 p.m.
- Monday, March 29: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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The clinics will be held at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, 50 Chapman Place. To schedule an appointment, call the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or email health@easthartfordct.gov.
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Did you hear? The East Hartford Public Library will be reopening to the public for limited access on Monday, March 29, 2021. Library hours will be Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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The following services will be available:
- Browsing and checking out new materials for all ages
- Picking up holds and requests (in the lobby or at the walkup window)
- Opening or renewing a library card
- Using a library computer by appointment (limit one hour per day)
- Drop-in computer use for brief transactions (15 minutes, no appointment required)
- Photocopying/printing (self-service)
- Faxing (self-service)
Individuals can call 860-290-4330 to make a computer appointment in advance. Exact change will be required for printing at $0.25 per page. Excess funds can be applied to future print jobs.
Please note all library programming will remain virtual. The library's Makerspace, meeting rooms, study rooms and tables, and chairs will not be available.
For more information, click here.
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Manchester Community College will be holding a free, virtual Open House Tuesday, March 30 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Whether you are looking to learn more about what MCC has to offer and get details on the enrollment process, this is a great opportunity for future and prospective students. For more information or to register, click here.
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In partnership with Winn Residential, Foodshare will host a mobile food pantry at Squire Village in Manchester on Tuesday, March 25. Please arrive early, Foodshare will begin handing out food at 9 AM. The mobile food pantry is open to the public, bring a sturdy grocery bag! For more information call 860-646-1280 or click here.
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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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