November 16th Newsletter: Infrastructure Deal, Vaccine Update

Farmington Trail
November 16, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some recent highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
 

Small Business Resources for CT Paid Family Leave
In 2019, Connecticut was one of the first states in the nation to pass paid family and medical leave to provide working parents with the support they deserve. As our state begins to roll out these benefits this January, the CT Paid Leave Authority has developed several resources to assist small businesses throughout this transition.

Beginning January 1st, there will be significant changes to the CT Family and Medical Leave Act. Income replacement benefits will be available for Connecticut workers who need to take unpaid time away from work to attend to their personal — or a loved one’s — health needs. 

Previously, Connecticut’s Family and Medical Leave Act only applied to workplaces with 50 or more employees, but as of January 1st, the CT FMLA's job-protections will apply to workplaces with one or more employees to ensure all workers in Connecticut receive the assistance they need.

It is equally important that we support both families and small business owners throughout the state. While these benefits begin in January, applicants may begin to file before the start date. In preparation, the CT Paid Leave Authority has put together the following webpage to guide businesses as they navigate this shift.
Resources for Small Businesses

Additionally, the Connecticut Small Business Development Center will host a series of webinars on the subject. I will continue to provide updates about these resources as they roll out.

If you have any questions about these resources or the CT Family and Medical Leave Act, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. 
 

COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
Earlier this month, the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. The doses, which have been found to be 90% effective in preventing infections in this age group, are already being administered.

If you are a parent or guardian and have not yet signed up your child to receive the vaccine, there are many locations in our area which are offering the vaccine to the 5-11 age group. Here are just a few:

- Walgreens: CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment at any nearby Walgreens location.

- Connecticut Children's Medial Center: CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment at this location in Hartford.

- UCONN Health Outpatient Pavilion: CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment at this location on Dowling Way in Farmington.

You may also use the CT Vaccine Portal to search for other locations and appointments. For additional information about vaccine safety, guidance on vaccinating children with special needs, and common FAQs, click HERE.
 

How The Federal Infrastructure Bill Helps Connecticut
Our country has been in desperate need for a modernization of our physical and digital infrastructure for several years. From the ravaging effects of climate change to deadly lead pipes in Michigan to more than 300 structurally deficient bridges right here in Connecticut, our infrastructure has been hit hard since the last major transportation bill was passed six years ago.

After six years of delay and months of negotiations this year, yesterday President Biden officially signed the new $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law (Congress passed the legislation earlier this month). 

Below are some highlights of the law, including items which will provide direct assistance to Connecticut and our district.

Climate Change

  • $79 million to help reduce our state's carbon footprint
  • $90 million to help protect our roads, railways, and airports from more extreme weather
  • $106 million for the protection of Long Island Sound and its ecosystem
  • $1 billion for coastal resiliency projects, which are meant to protect our state's coast from rising sea levels and flooding brought on by climate change

Transportation

  • $52.5 million for the installation of more electric vehicle charging stations
  • $561 million to repair structurally deficient bridges
  • $1.3 billion for improvements to modes of public transportation, such as buses and railways
  • $30 billion for enhancements to the Northeast Rail corridor, which will seek to make significant improvements to travel times

Digital Infrastructure

  • $100 million to ensure all Connecticut residents have access to affordable high-speed internet 
  • $1.9 billion for the U.S. as a whole to boost our cybersecurity defenses

For a more detailed list of $5.38 billion in funding Connecticut will receive through this legislation (including an additional $100 billion in grants our state is eligible for), click HERE.

I am extremely grateful to Connecticut's federal delegation for their tremendous work in ensuring that our state receives a significant portion of the funds allocated in this legislation.