Access Health CT Open Enrollment Now Underway

November 5, 2021


Staying Current with Currey
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Friends and Neighbors,

Another Election Day has come and gone, and with it hopefully some of the increasingly negative ways in which political parties, candidates, and residents have chosen to make their feelings heard. Nothing changes when you choose to repost rage or vomit vitriol across social media, mail pieces, and tv/print ads. And even worse is to lump entire categories of people into a single group based off one story you saw in the news or the action of another they do not control. If you have an issue with the words or ideas of an individual, then question that individual and demand more of them as a human being living in (what should be) a civilized society. Do we have pockets of hate and ignorance in our communities that some candidates more than willingly embrace? Absolutely. Is it our job as neighbors and members of the same communities to speak up and call it out for what it is? Also absolutely, and luckily, voters in our communities did just that this past Tuesday. Those who need some time to educate themselves on the issues they may be ignorant about now have the time to further their understanding of the issues before giving it another go a year or two from now.

I know I go on and on each time you get one of these about "being in this together," and "needing to do better," but it may be the only thing that’s going to prevent an all-out meltdown of our modern day society as we slip further into the "Metaverse." And I know, I know – there goes Jeff being dramatic again. But maybe it’s because I’ve been connected in one way, shape, or form to public service for almost 40 years? Maybe it’s because I come from a family who at our core has always believed it was about everyone else and the betterment of our town? Maybe it’s because I know kindness and decency are a lot less exhausting than hate and incivility? Maybe I consider elected bodies to be sacred institutions that demand respect and dignity and if you aren’t bringing either of those to the table, consider finding another way to feed your desire for change.

Now that the dust has settled, pundits have speculated about what this could mean for the next few years, and our hard working Town Clerks and Registrars of Voters have gotten some sleep (thank them if you haven’t already), I hope we will find our way back to a point of civil discourse where we decide elections, whether it's based on policies, positions, or your gut, with respect. I mean, Ms. Franklin hasn’t had a hit for this long for no reason.

In the meantime, I'm sure you're curious about how our communities voted during the municipal elections? For town-by-town results, scroll down to the Election Day section. 

Below you will find a guide to the following information. Click the subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.

You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,
 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Overall Summary

Total

Change Since Yesterday

COVID-19 Cases (confirmed and probable)

404,969

+320

COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)

11,912,317

+24,051

Daily Test Positivity

--

1.33%

Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19

197

-12

Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 8,776.

Click Here for COVID-19 Data Updates
Click Here for Governor Lamont's Updates
Click Here for Information on Getting Vaccinated

Specific Updates for Our Community

Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Number of Positive Tests
East Hartford 7,449 159 170,530 9,260
Manchester 5,932 163 167,262 7,210
South Windsor 2,029 58 57,904 2,381

Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map

 
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for children 5-11 years of age. The vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children in this age group. There were no serious side effects detected in a study of 3,100 children 5-11 years old. The dose for children in this age range will be smaller than the dose for those 12 and older. 

To read the FDA's announcement, click here.

 
 

On Thursday, Governor Lamont announced the rollout of the Screen and Stay Initiative to help relieve frequent and repeated quarantines that have impacted student learning and working families throughout the pandemic. The initiative allows students and staff who have been identified as close contacts for a known COVID-19 case but are not yet fully vaccinated will be able to remain in school if they were wearing masks and don't show symptoms of COVID-19.

So, what are the key points of the Screen and Stay Initiative?

  • Kids won’t need to quarantine if they do not have symptoms 
  • We need to keep kids in school and pay attention to their emotional and behavioral wellbeing
  • This is optional for both school districts and they are still waiting on final guidance from the State Department of Education before making any decisions
  • Has been found to be very effective in both North Carolina and Arizona 

Additionally, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for children 5-11 years old and the state will host a vaccine clinic at the Connecticut State Soccer Championship and students who get the shot will get free admission. Read the full announcement at https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/11-2021/Governor-Lamont-Announces-the-Screen-and-Stay-Initiative-for-Connecticut-Schools

 
Are you looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19? The Connecticut Department of Public Health mobile vaccination team is making stops in our region to ensure everyone has access to the vaccine. To view the daily schedule, click here.

With the approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11, the East Hartford Health Department is partnering with Griffin Health to conduct two vaccine clinics on Saturday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 16. Parents will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Visa gift card for each child 5 to 11 years old that is vaccinated. Visit easthartfordct.gov to learn more.

The Town of Manchester is partnering with Griffin Hospital and the Connecticut Department of Public Health to offer a free first and second dose and booster shot clinic on Tuesday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Whiton Library on North Main Street. Insurance is not required. 
The South Windsor Health Department, Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Griffin Health will host a free vaccination clinic tomorrow, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk, 400 Evergreen Way in South Windsor. The site will be at the former BabyGap location across from the Apple Store. No appointment is needed. Pfizer shots will be available for individuals 12 and up, and the Johnson & Johnson shot will be available for those 18 and up. The first 13 vaccine recipients will receive a $25 gift card from Sawadee Thai Cuisine, Geissler's Supermarket, or Aldi! 
Additional information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.

If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.

If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started.


2021 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

If you would like to see how your town voted, click the links below, or head over to the Connecticut Secretary of State's website, here, for the unofficial results. The county boards of elections must complete their official canvass of the results. Once that happens, the official results will be posed on the SOTS website.

Statewide, approximately 31.94 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot this election cycle. This was also the second year where voters could choose to cast an absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No voter should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. To expand access to voting, in 2024, Connecticut voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment providing for no-excuse absentee voting. Under state law, voters can vote absentee if they are serving in the U.S. armed forces, will be absent from town during all voting hours, have an illness or physical disability, if their religion forbids secular activity that day, or if they are performing duties as a primary, referendum, or election official at a polling place other than their own. 

During the 2020 elections where voters had the option to cast an absentee ballot due to COVID-19, about 650,000 voters chose this method. It's a safe alternative to voting that offers flexibility. 

You can read more about the bill we passed this session that could help pave the way for no-excuse absentee voting. 


AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
Don't forget to turn your clocks back! Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, November 7, 2021. This is also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Did you know 3 out of every 5 residential fire deaths results from fires at properties without working smoke alarms? Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years and tested monthly.
 
If you are looking for good, quality, healthcare the annual Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period began on Monday, November 1 and runs through January 15, 2022. Residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance coverage for the 2022 plan year.

To ensure your coverage starts on January 1, 2022, residents must enroll and complete their application by December 15, 2021. You can still enroll between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022 and apply for coverage that will start on February 1, 2022.  
 
Starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.
 
There are several ways Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment, including:

  • In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visitaccesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com.

 

I would like to share some excellent fiscal news regarding Connecticut’s rainy-day fund. Our state currently has $3.1 billion saved in this fund, making Connecticut a national leader in budget reserves! The Pew Charitable Trusts found that, in 2020, Connecticut’s reserves grew the second-fastest nationally, even in the midst of a global pandemic.  

With $3.1 billion in savings, the state has the ability to operate essential programs and services such as education, healthcare, and municipal aid for nearly 70 days in the event of an economic downturn or natural disaster.  

Our rainy-day fund is a critical resource in times of budgetary uncertainty. These reserves are a financial cushion which can soften the need for severe spending cuts or tax increases.  

The profound growth of the rainy-day fund, from only $138 million in 2017 to $3.1 billion in 2021, is the result of smart fiscal policies, such as the strong bipartisan budget and saving reforms passed in 2017.  

Overall, our abundant rainy-day fund is great news for the future of Connecticut as we continue to pay down our debts and emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever!  

 
The crumbling concrete foundations epidemic continues to impact our community, region, and state in very real ways. On November 8, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the University of Connecticut and Trinity College will hold a virtual Crumbling Foundations Update to present the latest news on this crisis impacting Connecticut. To join the discussion, please RSVP to Laura Quintiliani at lquintiliani@crcog.org. You can read more about this event here.
 
Earlier today, the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity in partnership with the Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Advisory Committee held a public hearing to listen to law enforcement, emergency first responders, public safety, criminal justice representatives, and more about the methods they are using to reduce community gun violence. If you missed the hearing, you can watch it on the Connecticut Network (CT-N). 

The Commission and Advisory Committee will hold another public hearing on Wednesday, November 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for members of the public, grassroots organizations, and local violence prevention advocates to share their lessons and personal experiences relating to gun violence in our communities. The Commission and Advisory Committee are seeking recommendations on how to reduce community and gun-related violence. 

If you would like to testify during the virtual hearing or submit written testimony, please email Dr. Pina Violano at pina.violano@cga.ct.gov no later than November 12. Each person testifying will be limited to a maximum of 3 minutes. If you are submitting written testimony, please send it as a PDF document. 

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
It's seems that almost every day we see stories about the continued increase of mental health issues in our society, especially in children. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning, and social media have all affected our children and their mental well-being. As a parent, it can be overwhelming and emotional task to ensure your child gets the help they need. 

Below I have highlighted a couple resources, including an upcoming mental health forum, for parents with children who are struggling:
 
Immediate Assistance: 

  • Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 911, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24 hour, 7 day a week free service to have your child immediately evaluated by a mental health professional. NOTE: If calling by cell phone, 2-1-1 can also be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234 
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.

NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.

Additionally, last week the CGA's Children's Committee hosted a roundtable discussion for families with children needing mental health. The panel provided practical advice and resources for parents of children experiencing depression, anxiety, are engaging in self-harm. It also covered alternatives to the Emergency Room and specialty LGBTQ+ outreach for kids. If you missed the hearing, you can watch a recording of it here.

 
Did you recently receive a letter from the Connecticut Department of Labor notifying you that you were potentially overpaid unemployment benefits and you must pay that money back? If you believe the DOL is incorrect, even if there may have been a mistake by accident, you should take action immediately. Earlier this week, the CGA's Appropriations Committee held an informational forum on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund where members discussed changes to the fund, its current status, and information from the DOL regarding the non-fraud unemployment benefit overpayments. CT Legal Services has provided helpful information for those who have received letters notifying them of an overpayment. Click here to visit the CT Legal Services web page on this issue.

If you did not tune-in to the information forum, you can watch a recording of it here.

 
Throughout the month of November, BiCi Co. Community Bike Shop/Center for Latino Progress is highlighting several virtual and in-person events for members of the public to get involved in the effort to develop sustainable transportation and vibrant, walkable communities. Below are just a few of the events:
  • Thursday, November 11 - Connecticut Transit Oriented Development Lunchtime Seminar, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Monday, November 15 - Strong Towns Speaker in New Haven, Charles Marohn, 6 p.m. Learn more and register here.
  • Friday, November 19 - Bike West Hartford Happy Hour Multimodal Meetup at WeHa Brewing & Roasting, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Monday, November 22 - 4th Annual 2021 Northeast Multimodal and Transit Summit: Greener, Safer, and Together. Learn more and register here.

You can find more information about the events here.


SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Game on! 

It's fall sports season at our middle and high schools! Click the links below for schedules of this week's games:

You can also find schedules and results on the CIAC website.

CIAC Website

COMMUNITY EVENTS
The East Hartford Veterans Commission is holding its Flag Placing Ceremony on Saturday, November 6 at 8 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery to honor our communities veterans. There will be a brief service in memory of their sacrifices at the main flag pole. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a screw driver to assist in the flag placements. You can learn more here.
 
Manchester Public Works is hosting a Community Clean Up & Shred event on Saturday, November 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Manchester Transfer Station, 311 Olcott St. The shred event will occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You must be a Manchester resident to participate. ID or proof of residence will be required to participate. For more information, call 860-647-3200. For a list of acceptable items, click here.
 
Rockville's Local Interagency Service Team is offering a free virtual Internet Safety course on November 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The presentation will be held via Zoom and will feature guest speaker Officer Ryan Moan, who will provide an overview of apps, websites, and other virtual components young people engage with so parents and guardians better understand the steps they can take to keep kids safe online. To register for this online event, please email tolson@manchesterct.gov

IN THE NEWS
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology recently unveiled the Advanced Composites Technology Center at Goodwin University in East Hartford. The center comes with a $5 million state investment and will partner with Pratt & Whitney, Goodwin, the state and CCAT to alleviate some of the stress the manufacturing supply chain is experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut exports approximately $15 billion from its manufacturing sector, and this public-private partnership will help strengthen the industry by building out the workforce pipeline to help nearly 4,000 Connecticut manufacturers hire qualified workers. Click here to read the full story on the Hartford Courant website.

CONSTRUCTION ALERT
Are you tired of sitting in traffic on I-91 North or Route 5/15 North on your way to Hartford or East Hartford? The CT Department of Transportation is making improvements to the Charter Oak Bridge to reduce congestion and delays and announced the left lane of Route 5/15 North at Exit 89 will reopen by November 24, before Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, a new lane on I-91 North will open between Exit 27 and 29 by December 13, 2021. In December, a new lane on Route 5/15 North over the Charter Oak Bridge heading into East Hartford will also open. 
 
In the meantime, lane closures will occur during off-peak hours and weekends for I-91, Route 5/15, associated ramps and turning roadways, Airport Road Reserve Road in Hartford, and Main Street and Silver Lane in East Hartford. The whole Charter Oak Bridge project is expected to wrap up in October 2022. You can learn more about this project here

JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here.
 
Are you an East Hartford resident looking to take your career to the next level? East Hartford CONNects is providing FREE career consultations in-person and virtually. These workshops can help you find job training opportunities, streamline your job search, update your resume, and more. To learn more about East Hartford CONNects' Career Navigator, email EHCinfo@easthartford.org or call 860-622-5507.
 
U.S. Congressman John Larson is seeking a Staff Assistant for his Hartford office. The incumbent will help manage the front office, supervise interns, organize incoming mail and phone messages, provide general administrative support, and other duties as assigned. The position requires strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment. Applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, a one-page writing sample and two references to ct01SA@mail.house.gov with "CT-01 Staff Assistant" in the subject line. Please send all materials in one PDF. The application deadline is November 10, 2021.
 
EAST HARTFORD:

Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.

Click here for the Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library. 

Click here for East Hartford Community Television. 

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Website

SOUTH WINDSOR:

Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.

Click here for the Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library. 

Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings! 

Twitter
Website

MANCHESTER:

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library. 

Click here for Manchester Public Television. 

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Website
 
Upcoming Meetings and Events

A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website

You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.

You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House so far this session here.

 
 
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Connecticut House Democrats · Legislative Office Building, Room 4000 · 300 Capitol Avenue · Hartford, CT 06106 · USA