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I will be joining East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc, East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom, the East Hartford Delegation and the Town Council on Wednesday, July 28 at 6PM at East Hartford Middle School (777 Burnside Avenue) to discuss concerns regarding public safety and juvenile justice that have been a topic of recent conversations. This is an opportunity for our community to express concerns, asks questions and provide feedback on the topic. For more information, click here. Face masks are required for entry.
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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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Passed this year in CT, "Tristan's Law" Moves to National Stage
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Following its passage through the State Capitol during this year's legislative session, "Tristan's Law," which ensures that all ice cream trucks will have to be equipped with safety measures like flashing lights and a stop signal arm, is now headed to the U.S. Congress. A movement that started in Wallingford, the legislation was prompted by the tragic passing of 10-year-old resident, Tristan Barhorst who was struck and killed by a car while heading to an ice cream truck in June 2020.
Following Tristan's passing, more than 47,000 people signed a petition supporting legislation to implement safety measures to prevent future tragedies and Tristan's Family worked tirelessly to ensure that the state adopted these measures for ice cream Trucks across the state. The family is now working with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal to bring those safety measures nationwide. Blumenthal introduced legislation in Congress on Monday.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Connecticut to receive $300 Million from Settlement with Opioid Distributers and Manufacturer
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On Wednesday, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a historic $26 billion agreement with pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen and manufacturer Johnson & Johnson to bring desperately needed resources to fight the opioid crisis. As a part of the settlement, the largest legal settlement since the multistate tobacco settlement, Connecticut is expected to receive approximately $300 million. Funds will be directed to opioid abatement over 18 years to support efforts that expand access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery. Municipalities will receive 15 percent of the state’s allocation which will be distributed through a state Opioid Recovery & Remediation Fund Advisory Council, administered by the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
The settlement also includes a requirement for significant industry changes to ensure that any future crisis is prevented, including creating a centralized independent clearinghouse to provide distributers and regulators with data and analytics to better assess the current use and system for opioid distribution.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CSCU to Forgive $17 Million in Community College Student Debt Accrued During Pandemic
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Through funds provided by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) system will relieve the debt of 18,161 current and former students from summer 2019 to spring 2021, totaling $17 million worth of debt. The funding will offer community college students who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and who are struggling to repay the debt they've accrued, a clean slate to move forward, no strings attached. Since 2020, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has used stimulus funds to distribute more than $56 million in direct payments to students.
“Community college students have been hit especially hard by COVID-19,” CSCU President Terrence Cheng said. “By eliminating the debt those students owe to institutions, we are removing a hurdle that prevents far too many people from continuing their educational journeys. Our message to students is simple: you now have a clean slate, so if an account balance was standing in your way, you can now register for classes for the fall semester.”
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Abby Smith, who Refused to be Cowed
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Born into a prominent activist Glastonbury family, Smith and her four sisters were educated from birth to fight for what they believed in. Following a decades-long dedication to the cause of abolishing slavery, Abby and her sister, Julia attended Isabella Beecher Hooker’s 1869 conference in Hartford and helped form the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association. But it wasn’t until four years later that, thanks to Glastonbury’s tax collector, Abby achieved nearly instantaneous national fame as an advocate for women’s rights.
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In November 1873, Glastonbury’s assessor increased the taxes on Kimberly Mansion, the family home the sisters had inherited as well as the taxes for a property of two other town women who were widows – no home owned by a man saw a similar increase. Abby and Julia were incensed.
Abby and Julia refused to pay their taxes. That’s when the tax collector made Abby famous. Rather than offering to postpone payment by charging interest, as was the normal procedure, he seized seven of Abby’s prized Alderney cows to auction off to cover the tax bill. Prim but insistent bidders, Abby and her sister used their funds to reclaim four of the beloved cows. Up the river from Glastonbury, the editor of the Springfield, Massachusetts Republican heard of Abby’s tax protest and the auction. He recognized a good story when he saw one, and ran a sympathetic, patriotic account of Abby’s skirmish with the tax collector, reprinting her entire speech in full.
When Abby Smith died – today in 1878 at age 82, Isabella Beecher Hooker said, “Abby Smith and her cows are marching on like John Brown’s soul.”
Learn more about Abby Smith and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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State Bond Commission Approves Significant Funding for East Hartford & Manchester
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Significant funding is coming to the district! During Friday's State Bond Commission meeting, the commission approved a $300,000 grant-in-aid to support the preservation of 102 acres of Lombardo's Farm and a $950,000 grant-in-aid to support locker room renovations at East Hartford Middle and High School and support the restoration of the 3.2-acre East Hartford High School Softball Field.
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CT Launches Elder Justice Hotline
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Have you heard about the Elder Justice Hotline? The State of Connecticut has created a one stop shop to help older people navigate state services, for everything from age-based discrimination to neglect issues. Learn more by clicking here, or reach the Elder Justice Hotline Here: 1-860-808-5555.
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Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period Deadline is August 15
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If you are still in need of quality, affordable health care it is not too late to get a plan through Access Health Connecticut (AHCT), but time is running out. The American Rescue Plan Special Enrollment Period deadline is August 15!
The American Rescue Plan has virtually eliminated, or vastly reduced monthly payments (premiums) for many people with low and moderate incomes and has saved Connecticut residents more than $4.5 million to date.
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This financial help is offered only through Access Health CT and benefits many, including those with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums. If you need coverage please don't hesitate to reach out.
Access Health CT will continue to offer free help:
- Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: click “Live Chat” icon)
- Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri., 8AM – 5PM
- If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us with a relay operator
- Extended Call Center Hours for close of the Special Enrollment Period: Sat., August 14 and Sun., August 15 from 9AM – 3PM
- With Enrollment Specialists in the community
- In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations*:
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An Online Hub for Working Professionals
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Connecticut is an excellent place to live and start a career. In addition to the state’s high quality education and healthcare systems, Connecticut also offers several different types of living spaces – there are rural areas, urban centers, and everything in between.
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CTForMe is a new online hub that will highlight all of the advantages of living in the Nutmeg state. The website and the Instagram page (@CTForMe) will feature first-person accounts of young professionals in Connecticut. The content will focus on issues that a young professional may consider when choosing a place to settle- such as employment opportunities, the arts and culture scene, as well as sustainability initiatives in the community.
CTForMe will be shared through universities, organizations, social media pages around Connecticut and surrounding states. It's designed to be a resource for young, talented professionals who are considering making their lives in Connecticut.
Connecticut is a great state to live, work and raise a family. It's time to spread the word!
Check out CTforMe to see all that Connecticut has to offer our young people.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Connecticut was named on of the 'safest states' in a new COVID-19 travel study by WalletHub. Ranking #2, Connecticut was recognized for having one of the highest vaccination rates and lowest death rates. But we aren't done yet! With the Delta Variant still a possible threat, getting vaccinated is more important than ever.
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The start of school and fall sports is right around the corner! Make in-person learning a priority this school year by ensuring that children aged 12 and over follow CDC recommendations, and get the vaccine! To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for your child, call the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324, and for Manchester, call (860) 647-5235.
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The Town of East Hartford will be hosting a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on tonight, July 23 until 7PM and Saturday, July 24, 11AM – 3PM at Krauzer's Food Store (468 Main Street). No appointment or insurance required, the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered.
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The CT DPH Mobile Vaccination Team is coming to the neighborhood on Saturday, July 31, 1PM – 5PM at Charity Seventh Day Adventist Church (1535 Forbes Street). The pop-up clinic is open to all Connecticut residents 12 and over (all minors must be accompanied by an adult), no appointment or insurance required. Gift cards will be available for all eligible first dose recipients upon vaccination!
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.
Get rewarded for doing your part to support the public health of our communities! All summer, CT is offering so many opportunities to get rewarded for getting the vaccine – check it out: Check it out: "Make a Splash, Get Vaxxed," "CT Food On Us," and "CT Fun on Us."
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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Boy Scouts of America Troop 123 is holding a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, July 24, 9 AM – 1 PM at Community Baptist Church (585 East Center Street). Funds from this event will help defray the cost of program activities chosen and planned by the Scouts. For more details about the car wash or the Scouting program, please contact 123scoutmaster@gmail.com.
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Manchester Public Library will be hosting CT DEEP Wildlife expert, Ginny Apple again on Monday, July 26 at 7PM to discuss Connecticut's fisher population. This is a free, in-person program – no registration required. For more information, click here.
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It's Salute to Veterans Night at the MARC Inc. 2021 Summer Concert Series (151 Sheldon Road, Manchester) on Tuesday, July 27, 6:30PM – 8:30PM. Enjoy Original Rock/Country and Bruce Springsteen Tribute performer, Alex Shillo – plus a performance by CAST Children's Theatre. Food from The Hollow at Manchester Country Club will be for sale.
If you have any questions or require additional information, you can contact the information hotline (after 3PM day of the show) by calling (860) 474-2700. In the event of inclement weather, the raindate is Wednesday, July 28. For more information on the MARC Inc. or the 2021 Summer Concert Series, click here.
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Join East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc, East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom, the East Hartford Delegation and the Town Council on Wednesday, July 28 at 6PM at East Hartford Middle School (777 Burnside Avenue) to discuss concerns regarding public safety and juvenile justice that have been a topic of recent conversations. This is an opportunity for our community to express concerns, asks questions and provide feedback on the topic. For more information, click here.
Face masks are required for entry.
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This week's Sounds of Summer concert series on Thursday, July 29, 6PM – 8PM at Great River Park (301 East River Drive) is bringing you Reggae Fusion group, Sound Pipers.
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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Attention teens interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)! Join East Hartford Public Library Tuesday, August 10 through Thursday, August 12 to hear from a diverse group of STEM professionals including representatives from the medical, engineering, and scientific fields. Learn about careers, conduct hands-on activities, and get excited about STEM! All are welcome, best for teens entering grades 7-12. Participants in this three-day, in-person program series will be required to wear masks and observe physical distancing. Registration is required, to register 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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