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| And, to all those who celebrate Shanah Tovah! |
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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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| CT Judicial Branch Makes Change to Provide Police with Juvenile Records |
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As of Wednesday, September 1, the Connecticut Judicial Branch will provide police departments with 24/7 access to juvenile arrest records to help curb car thefts and break-ins. The Judicial Branch and local police have struggled to share juvenile criminal history and that has hampered efforts to investigate and properly prosecute repeat offenders. Ultimately this new procedure, which is the result of continuing conversations with police chiefs across the state, will allow police departments the ability to seek a juvenile’s prior criminal history at any time.
While we continue to work on a bipartisan basis to keep our communities safe, this is an important step in response to concerns we heard from our police officers.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| US Supreme Court Rules to End Federal Eviction Moratorium |
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| Late last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal eviction moratorium, meaning that evictions for nonpayment of rent are permitted to resume under federal law.
In Connecticut, under Governor Lamont's Executive Order, landlords are required to encourage and provide time to tenants to apply for financial assistance to cover back rent before proceeding with an eviction – providing the estimated tens of thousands of Connecticut renters that are behind on payments some support.
To date, Connecticut's emergency rental assistance program, UniteCT, has aided about 8,828 renters. The program covers up to $15,000 in rental assistance and up to $1,500 in electric payments for a household that earns up to 80 percent of the area's median income and was financially impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The program, which was created through an executive order is set to end when Governor Lamont's emergency powers run out on Thursday, September 30 – renters have until that point to apply. To learn more or apply for UniteCT rental assistance, click here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Purdue Pharma Receives Conditional Approval of Reorganization Plan |
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On Wednesday, a federal bankruptcy judge gave conditional approval to a $10 billion reorganization plan for Purdue Pharma. The reorganization of the Stamford-based business provides sweeping immunity to members of the Sackler family who currently own the company for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.
If approved, the Sacklers would give up ownership of Purdue Pharma and contribute $4.3 billion over nine years to the plaintiffs of thousands of ongoing cases. However, the plan would also free them any future lawsuits related to the opioid crisis.
Following the conditional approval of the reorganization plan, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who has been long opposed to this plan, announced that the state is prepared to appeal the settlement.
“The Sacklers are not bankrupt, and they should not be allowed to manipulate bankruptcy laws to evade justice and protect their blood money,” Attorney General Tong said. “This decision is a slap in the face to the millions of suffering and grieving Americans who have lost their lives and loved ones due to the Sacklers’ calculated and craven pursuit of opioid profits.”
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Today in CT History: Marquis de Lafayette Returns to Connecticut on a “Last Man” Tour of America |
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Today in 1824, the venerable Revolutionary War hero Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier — the Marquis de Lafayette — was hailed by adoring crowds as he journeyed through Connecticut during his 1824-1825 “Last Man” grand tour of America.
Having joined the Revolutionary War effort almost fifty years earlier as a teenager, Lafayette was now in his late sixties and the war’s only surviving Major General. Lafayette’s American visit began at the request of President James Monroe, a fellow Revolutionary War veteran. He was eager to both commemorate the United States’ fiftieth anniversary and strengthen diplomatic goodwill between America and France. Lafayette arrived in New York City on August 15, then journeyed through several Connecticut coastal communities including Fairfield, New Haven, and Old Saybrook on his way to Boston. A few weeks later, Lafayette journeyed westward and re-entered the Constitution State on September 3, 1824 after a stop in Worcester, Massachusetts. He had originally intended to travel all the way to Hartford on the 3rd, but the overwhelmingly large crowds that had gathered to greet him in Worcester delayed him so much that he was forced to spend the night just over the Connecticut border at the famous Springs Hotel in Stafford Springs. |
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Lafayette, without question the greatest celebrity in America at the time, was greeted by adoring, patriotic crowds at every turn of his American tour. His stop in Tolland and overnight stay in Stafford Springs on September 3rd were no different. And the next day, when he arrived in Hartford, he was, in the words of Lafayette’s secretary, “welcomed by the whole population with the liveliest demonstrations of veneration and love.” After being escorted by an elaborate military parade, lionized in a speech by Governor Oliver Wolcott, and greeted by hundreds of schoolchildren, Lafayette boarded a steamboat and continued his tour southward, stopping at Middletown the next day before returning to New York City.
In the span of only 13 months, America’s favorite French ally and “Last Man” of the Revolution would visit all 24 American states on a grand tour of the nation whose independence he had played a vital role in helping secure. Today, numerous streets, public plazas, buildings, and schools throughout Connecticut are named in Lafayette’s honor. Several can trace their honorific origins to 1824, when the beloved Revolutionary War veteran traveled through the state.
Learn more about Lafayette's "Last Man" Tour and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here. |
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| Manchester Little League Honored at the State Capitol |
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| I had the privilege of celebrating our CT State Champs, the Manchester 12U All Stars, with Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and the Manchester legislative delegation at the Capitol this week. This team played their hearts out, truly making our state proud as they became the first team from Manchester to earn the state title and finishing at the New England Regional runner-up. It was an honor to celebrate the team and let them know how proud they've made our state. |
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The Journal Inquirer stopped by to get the story and took great pictures of the team exploring the House Chamber.
Don't forget – you can celebrate them too! Keep reading to get all the info on the town's congratulatory celebration! |
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| East Hartford Public Library Now Open on Saturdays |
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| Beginning Saturday, September 11, the East Hartford Public Library will be open to the public on Saturdays 10AM-2PM. Stop by the Raymond Library to browse new materials, renew your library card, use the copier or fax machine, and check out books, audiobooks, and DVDs. To check out current hours, service updates, and upcoming programs for the fall, click here.
And, while you're visiting – don't forget to check out MARC, Inc. of Manchester's art exhibit, "Our Happiness Throughout the Pandemic." During the past year of COVID-19, the people of MARC, Inc. have been using their creativity to fashion art to uplift people during tough times. Photographic artist Lynn Damon and MARC staff and volunteers provided instruction. |
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| The exhibit will be on display through the month of September during the library's hours of operation. |
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| Sneak Peek: Renovated MHS Gym Floor Almost Ready! |
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| We got a sneak peek of the nearly completed renovation of the gym floor at Manchester High School in this week's OneManchester newsletter. The new floor is on track to be completed and ready for use by the fall season – along with a new scoreboard on the football field! |
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| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
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| The start of school and fall sports is here! It is our priority to have children participate in in-classroom learning this year. And the best way to do that is to follow CDC recommendations and get vaccinated. 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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| For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination clinic by clicking 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.
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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| To finally turn the corner, it's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: wear a face mask, observe social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already. |
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| After this week's severe weather, the celebration of our 12U Little League All-Stars District 8, Section 4 Champs has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 9 at 6:30PM at Northwest Park (Ed Dettore Little League Field, 448 Tolland Turnpike). A team procession from Town Hall to the park will begin at 6:15PM and the congratulatory celebration will begin at 6:30PM. |
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| Join Manchester's Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation at Charter Oak Park on Friday, September 10 at 6PM for Slime Night! All our welcome for this interaction fun event where you get to play with and customize your own slime. For more information, click here. |
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| The incredibly popular Farmer Minor and Daisy the Pig are returning to Manchester Public Library on Saturday, September 25 at 10:30AM. Daisy is book lover – specifically book about pigs (of which she has a collection of over 1000 books). Children and their families will have the opportunity to read some books with Farmer Minor and Daisy, then have the chance to meet Daisy up close. Registration is required, and open Monday, September 13 – to register call (860) 645-0577. For more information, click here. |
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| Did you know that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month? East Hartford Public Library is here to help you celebrate with a personalized keychain DIY so you can always have your library card barcode handy! Register for a kit by clicking here, and then join the Zoom on Wednesday, September 8 at 3:30PM to craft together. Best for tweens, teens, and adults. |
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Every Friday at 10AM, stop by the East Hartford Farmers Market for not only locally grown fruits and veggies, but stories, songs, and crafts with East Hartford Public Library! All ages are welcome, but best suited for kids 3-8 accompanied by caregivers. The themes for the remainder of the season are:
- September 10: Animals, Animals, Animals
- September 17: Apples & Popcorn
- October 1: Feelings
- October 15: Unicorn Day
- October 22: Fall & Apples
- October 29: Monsters & Creepy Crawlies
If a program is postponed or canceled due to inclement weather, the library will update their online events calendar and e-mail registered participants. Bring a mask! Masks may be required outdoors. For more information on East Hartford Public Library's outdoor programs for September and October, click here. |
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| Mark your calendars! The East Hartford Senior Picnic is back on Wednesday, September 22 at 10:30AM. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now through Thursday, September 16. You can purchase tickets at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM. For more information, 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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