Maria Horn

Last night I returned from my longest road trip of the summer, driving with my eldest daughter who is moving back from Minneapolis to attend graduate school in New England.  I enjoyed the trip, but it also felt very good to arrive home, watching the landscape become more familiar as we approached. 
 
A lot of the news this week involves the response to the Delta variant of COVID-19.  A few months ago, when my email inbox was flooded with constituents trying to get access to the vaccine, we were all hopeful that once supplies increased, and more of the population was vaccinated, our trajectory would continue to improve and we would begin to put this pandemic behind us.  Unfortunately, due largely to the politicization of both the vaccines and other mitigation efforts, that has not happened to the degree we hoped.  Significant parts of our state (and significant regions in our country) still have low vaccination rates, and the Delta variant has taken hold. 
 
On my long car ride, I was reflecting about how that kind of change can be particularly challenging to manage.  In the last years of my mother’s life, she suffered with dementia.  One of the hardest parts of that for me was the unevenness of her path: I never knew how any particular day would go and it was hard to get my bearings.  Or the sleepless nights of new parenthood: as long as you made a little progress every day, it was okay, but when the trend reversed suddenly it could really throw you.  That feels like where we are right now: because the trendline has taken a backwards step, it’s hard to see that we have made progress, though the overall statistics make clear that we have.
 
Between this week’s long car trip, and a four-day conference next week, my days in the district are packed at the moment.  Today alone included meetings with police chiefs on car theft and related violence in the state, with constituents on a legislative issue involving autobody shops, a public hearing on assistance with heat and water costs for low income families, and a call with advocates of returning passenger rail to the Northwest Corner.  Many of the issues I work on spring from conversations with constituents, so please keep reaching out with your thoughts! 
 
Tomorrow we wish Happy 50^th Birthday to the Salisbury Ambulance Service! Come on by Trotta Field in Salisbury to “Meet Your Hometown Heroes” on Saturday, August 21, from 11am to 3pm.  These volunteers have an impressive, and fascinating history. Did you know that, during the early days, desk clerks at the White Hart Inn acted as dispatchers as part of their duties?  For more on the history, click here.  
 
And on the topic of emergency services, please keep an eye on the weather this weekend, as Tropical Storm Henri approaches New England Sunday morning into Monday.  Stay safe.
 
 
Here’s a list of today’s topics:

• COVID Data. Click here.
• Governor Lamont issues executive order allowing patients and their doctors to access their own COVID-19 vaccination records. Click here.
• State Employees, childcare, and school staff will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Click here. 
• Nuvance Health requires COVID-19 vaccinations for its workforce. Click here.
• Student Loan subsidy legislation for educators who commit to serving in highest need school district is signed by Governor. Click here. 
• Virtual meeting to answer families’ questions about returning to school will be held on August 23. Click here. 
• Employment Opportunities at Regional School District 6. Click here.
• Operation Fuel. Click here.
• Charlene Russell-Tucker nominated as Education Commissioner. Click here.
• Earned Income Tax Credit to increase to 30.5%. Click here. 
• Visitation put on pause at Nuvance Health facilities, including Sharon Hospital. Click here. 
• Business focused events from the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Click here. 
• Governor Lamont Announces Booster Shots. Click here. 
   

COVID Data
For graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont issues executive order allowing patients and their doctors to access their own COVID-19 vaccination records
 
Governor Lamont issued an executive order related to the COVID-19 emergency declarations (Executive Order No. 13C) that permits patients, their doctors, and local health directors to access digital records related to their individual COVID-19 vaccination history from Connecticut’s immunization information system.
 
The order means that patients and their healthcare providers will be able to better keep track of their COVID-19 vaccination history and more easily obtain proof of vaccination when needed. It will bring Connecticut’s access to vaccine records more in line with those in effect in at least 37 states, including New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
  
Immunization information systems are a standard healthcare tool used in all 50 states to record information on routine immunizations. It functions as a digital registry so that individuals and their healthcare providers can better keep track of their own immunization status without needing to keep paperwork that could easily get lost, especially when a patient transfers to a new provider. The system was recently updated to keep track of COVID-19 vaccinations, however Connecticut state statutes currently prevent those records from being released to patients and healthcare providers.
 
Governor Lamont’s executive order will update those statutes to take the following actions:
 

1. Allow individuals to easily and securely access their own COVID-19 vaccine record: The Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Office of the Governor, and legislators have been receiving hundreds of requests on a regular basis by individuals seeking copies of their own COVID-19 vaccine records. This volume is increasing as vaccine mandates are put in place by employers, businesses, and for needs related to travel.
2. Allow healthcare providers to understand the immunization history of individuals to whom they offer vaccines: This will become increasingly important if COVID-19 vaccine boosters become approved in the coming months. If boosters are tied to specific vaccine products or individuals present for care with an unknown immunization history, a provider will not have the ability to easily resolve these issues.
3. Allow public health authorities and those acting to keep populations safe to understand the vaccine status of their community: Many communities in Connecticut are still below herd immunity thresholds for COVID-19, and it is important that continued outreach and access efforts continue and they are informed by data. Specifically, school nurses and local health directors will be equipped with timely information about the vaccination status of their communities.

 
Connecticut’s immunization information system was launched in 1998 and is known as CT WiZ. All healthcare providers, school nurses, and local health department system users are required to sign a user agreement and a confidentiality agreement that is re-signed every two years. The database does not include personal information such as social security numbers or other HIPPA records, and individuals may opt out. Access is monitored and logged, and inappropriate activity can be investigated and addressed. The system has not had issues with abuse or data breaches.
 
 
State Employees, childcare, and school staff will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19
 
Governor Lamont issued an executive order related to the COVID-19 emergency declarations (Executive Order No. 13D) requiring that all Connecticut state employees and staff of all childcare facilities and preK-12 schools statewide must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 27, 2021. Those who do not get vaccinated due to certain exemptions will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. However, state hospital and long-term care employees will not have the option of being tested in lieu of vaccination.
 
The State of Connecticut is working with state employee unions to implement the requirement quickly and fairly.
 
To locate clinics in Connecticut providing COVID-19 vaccines, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
 
Nuvance Health requires COVID-19 vaccinations for its workforce
 
Nuvance Health, the parent company of Sharon Hospital, announced that all members of its workforce are now required to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment or the provision of services at Nuvance Health. The requirement applies to employees, medical staff, volunteers, students and contractors and is consistent with the policies of many health systems and hospitals nationwide who have adopted a similar requirement.
 
As hospitalizations from COVID-19 rise, and variants present a higher risk of spread, Nuvance Health launched the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine program in order to maintain the safest environment possible for employees, patients and visitors. 
 
Current workforce members must provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated by October 1, 2021. Effective August 23, 2021, new hires must provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination prior to starting employment.
 
Nuvance Health is providing ongoing communications and support for employees to address the reasoning, process, and expectations in preparation for full vaccination.
 
The health system also encourages workforce members with concerns or questions about COVID-19 vaccines to seek guidance from their primary care provider.
 
For more information, contact Andrea Rynn, Assistant Vice President, Community, Government and Public Relations: (203) 739-7919,  Andrea.Rynn@nuvancehealth.org
 
 
 
Student Loan subsidy legislation for educators who commit to serving in highest need school district is signed by Governor
 
Governor Lamont signed legislation establishing the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program, which will provide an interest rate subsidy on CHESLA loans to teachers who commit to teaching in one of Connecticut’s 33 highest need school districts.
 
The loan subsidy adds to a set of statewide initiatives designed to address persistent shortage areas and support teachers throughout every stage of their career by addressing the difficulties associated with recruiting and retaining teachers in districts that typically experience high turnover.
 
The legislation is Public Act 21-62, An Act Requiring a Study by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, Establishing a Working Group to Study Certain Issues Concerning Financing for Post-secondary Education and Establishing the Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program.
 
Virtual meeting to answer families’ questions about returning to school will be held on August 23

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), together with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and other healthcare providers, is hosting a virtual meeting on Monday August 23, 2021 from 5-6 p.m. to answer families’ questions about what to expect and how to prepare for a safe and successful return to school.  Please see below for further information:
professionalsupportseries_series26.pdf 
 
Employment Opportunities at Regional School District 6
 
Regional School District 6 announced employment opportunities for the upcoming 2021-22 school year, starting on August 25, 2021, including for paraprofessional aides and a licensed practical nurse (LPN). 
 
For more information, and to apply, submit an application online at www.rsd6.org and upload a cover letter, resume, 3 letters of reference.
 
Operation Fuel Ready to Help with Utility Bills

Electricity costs tend to be at their highest during the summer months - so families struggle to pay their utility bills during this time. But there’s good news. Operation Fuel has funds available to help struggling families – right now – with programs for year-round energy assistance, water assistance, and homeless intervention and prevention, too.
 
Households whose income does not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance.

To apply online, visit Operation Fuel's secure portal here.

You can also connect with a fuel bank in your area. To schedule an appointment, enter your town in Operation Fuel’s Fuel Bank Finder. If you have questions or need assistance, call 860-243-2345.

Thanks to last year’s Take Back Our Grid Act (H.B. 7006), the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is now empowered to direct fine money, paid by utility companies and suppliers for violations, to Operation Fuel, 100% of which goes directly to supporting residents in need.
 
Learn more at operationfuel.org.

Charlene Russell-Tucker nominated as Education Commissioner
 
Charlene M. Russell-Tucker was nominated this week to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education. The nomination follows a unanimous vote earlier in the day by the State Board of Education recommending her appointment to the governor under a process required by state statute.
 
Russell-Tucker has been serving at the State Department of Education for more than 20 years in several roles, including most recently as deputy commissioner, in which she has been responsible for overseeing educational supports and wellness priorities. Since March, she has been serving as the agency’s acting commissioner at the request of Governor Lamont due to the resignation of Miguel Cardona, who left his position as commissioner after being appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. 
 
Russell-Tucker will serve as commissioner-designate effective immediately. Her nomination is being forwarded to the Connecticut General Assembly for its advice and consent. For more information, https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/08-2021/Governor-Lamont-Nominates-Charlene-Russell-Tucker-as-Education-Commissioner
 
 
Earned Income Tax Credit to increase to 30.5%
 
As a result of the bipartisan budget signed this year, thousands of low-to-moderate income working individuals and families in Connecticut will see a significantly larger state tax refund as the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is scheduled to increase from its most recent rate of 23% of the federal credit to 30.5% this year.

The Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable state income tax credit for working individuals and families. Qualifying Connecticut workers can now deduct 30.5% of their earned income from their annual state taxes. To qualify, individuals must have an adjusted gross income that is less than:

• $51,464 ($57,414 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children;
• $47,915 ($53,865 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children;
• $42,158 ($48,108 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child; or
• $15,980 ($21,920 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.

This increase will result in an additional $40 million delivered to the nearly 195,000 eligible households to assist with necessary expenses such as groceries, transportation, housing and more. 

Visitation put on pause at Nuvance Health facilities, including Sharon Hospital

Visitation across Nuvance Health is temporarily paused except for special patient populations and extenuating circumstance. This became effective Thursday, August 19.
 
This visitation policy update includes inpatient hospital units, emergency departments, ambulatory services and Nuvance Health Medical Practices.
 
Special populations or extenuating circumstances include: patients under 21, neonatal intensive care units, maternity departments, end-of-life patients or people with physical, intellectual, development or cognitive disabilities.
 
Recent data shows the escalation of positive COVID 19 infections in our communities. Nuvance Health urges community members to vaccinate against COVID-19 and stop further spread of the virus. 
  
The visitation policy can be found at https://www.nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus  
 
 
Business focused events from the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce
 
The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce regularly schedules a variety of events focused on local businesses, including these two upcoming events:
 

• Business with Breakfast at Five Points Center for the Arts: August 24 from 8:00am to 9:00am: Every month, new and veteran members gather for a morning networking session and roundtable business meeting. Hosts often provide a brief presentation on their products and services. Members have the opportunity to introduce themselves, share information about their own businesses, and distribute product samples or promotional material to all attendees. This has proven to generate many valuable leads for those who participate. Click here to RSVP. 

• Manufacturers' Coalition Meeting: September 3 @ 8:00am - 9:00am:  The Manufacturers’ Coalition, a group comprised of individuals from manufacturing companies in the Northwest corner, meets on the first Friday of every other month. All members of the business community are welcome to attend. Meetings focus on specific areas of interest including: employee recruitment and retention, workforce development, on-the-job training programs and grants, legislative updates that affect manufacturers, facility tours, sharing of best practices, and the development of industry-specific curriculum for local educational institutions.To be added to the Manufacturers’ Coalition, please contact Lauren Zordan at 860-482-6586 or lauren@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Implementing CDC Recommendations 
 
Note: there’s since been an announcement that booster will be recommended for most people…
 
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that at the advice of Connecticut Department of Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford, he is directing Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine program to implement the recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday regarding the administration of third doses of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
 
On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization for both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to allow for certain individuals with compromised immune systems to receive a third dose. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend a third dose for these individuals.
 
Specifically, recipients of solid organ transplants and others who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are advised to receive a third dose of that vaccine at least four weeks following their second dose. The CDC’s latest guidance on the third dose does not apply to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
 
“The Connecticut Department of Public Health will work with providers and the public to ensure that individuals who need a third dose can get one,” Governor Lamont said. “Our vaccine providers stand ready to provide COVID vaccines in line with these updated recommendations.”
 
Governor Lamont added that in line with federal guidelines, prescriptions or provider referral is not required for immunocompromised individuals to receive a third dose of a COVID vaccine, although the recommended time between the second and third dose is at least four weeks.
 
Individuals who meet the criteria for additional doses of a COVID-19 vaccine can make an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic at any COVID vaccine provider location, including pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, or doctor’s offices. Individuals who are not sure whether they meet the criteria for a third dose should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss this further.
 
“This recommendation will apply to a relatively small number of individuals in Connecticut and we do not anticipate any challenges with adequate vaccine supply,” Commissioner Gifford said. “We have a broad and strong network of vaccine providers, including approximately 400 pharmacy locations alone, across the state that are ready to administer additional COVID 19 vaccine doses in line with these recommendations.”
 
People are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised if they are/have:
 

• Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health will be working with vaccine and clinical partners in the coming days to implement this new policy.
 
Scheduled Two-Week Closure and Detour of Granite Avenue between Orchard Street and Route 7/44 in North Canaan
 
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing a scheduled two-week closure and detour of Granite Avenue between Orchard Street and Route 7/44 in North Canaan.  The detour will occur from Monday, August 23, 2021, at 7 AM, through Friday September 3, 2021, at 3:30 PM. 
 
The closure and detour are necessary to facilitate railroad-highway grade crossing Improvements on Routes 7 and 44 (Main Street) North Canaan. 
 
Local traffic will be permitted on the detour and business access will be available. Travelers should expect minor delays in the area.  
 
Providing information to Connecticut residents
 
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
 
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.