Maria Horn

I’m just going to say it: December is off to a rough start this week.  While I do enjoy a good New England winter, the icy snow and wind (and whatever noisy storm blew through Salisbury last night) wasn’t exactly festive, particularly joined with the arrival of the Omicron variant, the uptick of COVID infections across the state, the prospect of energy cost hikes, the loss of some treasured trees in a local park, and maybe even hungry bears looking around for their last bit of bird feed before hibernation.  

The good news is that, once we’ve had a therapeutic vent, there are several things that can be done to address all of these issues.  For one, if you haven’t put the snow stakes in on your driveway, now’s the time (meaning, ahem, we forgot to put them in last month, so we’re catching up now).  Holiday lights and wreaths are also popping up throughout the district, which helps.  I grew up in rural Ohio, where colorful lights and exuberant displays were the norm: while I have learned to appreciate the more austere New England approach, I am glad that there is still plenty of exuberance to be found in our region! 

If you haven’t had a booster shot, now’s a good time for that, too.  Though we are awaiting more details on the Omicron variant, so far vaccines have been an effective defense against both infection and serious illness, and have made it possible to have holiday family gatherings while limiting the risk to vulnerable people in our households and communities.

While the state continues to wrestle with high energy costs, there are a number of programs that can help pay the bills in this moment (see that section of the newsletter for more information). 

And we will continue to stand up for the trees.  Though recent tree-cutting in a state park by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) was disheartening, there is a recognition that it was handled poorly by the state.  We will replant, and work to create a policy that will improve this process in the future. 

Finally, I try to include as many local events in this newsletter as I can, but there are many that I miss, so please send them my way at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov. Here are a couple of important ones focusing on supporting the homeless:

• Friday, December 3 at 6pm (TONIGHT!) on the Winsted Green:  Northwest CT YMCA is holding its 10^th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason winter sleepout on the Winsted Green, to raise funds for the Winchester Emergency Shelter located at the Winsted YMCA. Pitch a tent, a cardboard box, or sleep out under the stars to help raise awareness for our homeless neighbors. Can’t spend the night? Stop by for a few hours, drink some cocoa and make some friends by the fire, and support this cause through a donation. Click the link to make a donation online or by sending a check to Winsted YMCA, 480 Main Street, Winsted, CT 06098 Attn: Greg Brisco.
• Sunday, December 5 at 3pm at the White Hart Inn: If you’re interested in taking part in a shorter warmer event to support the homeless in Connecticut, the Scoville Library of Salisbury and the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon are partnering with the regional Sotheby’s, the Connecticut Realtors Association, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and the Connecticut State Library for their annual Be Homeful for the Holidays fundraiser. The partnership is based on the idea that many homeless families will spend the day at their public library, where it’s warm and safe, there are bathrooms and there are activities/books for the children.  Join us for a read aloud by the two children’s librarians of the first Paddington book. (Thanks to Cynthia Hochswender of the Lakeville Journal for this one.)

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

• COVID Data. Click here
• Kevin Lembo Resigns. Click here.
• Update on DEEP Tree Cutting in Housatonic Meadows State Park. Click here.
• Governor Lamont on Omicron. Click here.
• Vaccination Clinics in the Region. Click here. 
• Rising Heating Costs and Home Heating Assistance. Click here. 
• Warning About Bears. Click here.
• CT's Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Click here.
• Opportunities for Students From Jackson Laboratory. Click here.
• Requirements Waived for Small Business to Obtain Group Health Insurance. Click here.
• Upcoming Timber Harvests in Sharon and Norfolk. Click here. 

COVID Data

For several additional 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.” 
 
Comptroller Kevin Lembo resigning effective December 31, 2021 

Today we received the announcement made today by State Comptroller Kevin Lembo that he intends to resign from his elected office effective December 31, 2021, due to an ongoing “serious and debilitating” medical condition.  His medical team advised him to resign before his term ended in 2023. 
 
Comptroller Lembo, the state’s highest-ranking gay official, paved the way on a lot of issues of importance to every resident in the state. His leadership, particularly in healthcare and in fiscal transparency and discipline,  and his personal model of integrity and character, will be missed in state government.  He always looked out for those most vulnerable. He was also one of the first state-wide officials I got to know as I pursued the office I now hold, and I value his counsel and model greatly. 

Click here if you are interested in reading more.  
 
 
As required by state statute, when the legislature is not in session, the responsibility to fill the vacancy falls to the governor. Governor Lamont will announce an appointment soon.
 
Update on DEEP tree cutting in Housatonic Meadows State Park 

Over the course of the last two weeks, I have had many conversations and meetings concerning the removal of mature trees along the riverbank in Housatonic Meadows State Park, as well as the additional trees in the park marked for future removal as “hazard” trees.  We in the Northwest Corner understand the value of our green and wild spaces, including our state parks, and we have the great benefit of having a number of local organizations with expertise in forest and river health, upon whom I have relied.  

Here’s what has happened so far.  The cutting of the oak trees along the riverbank was undertaken by the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) with no notice whatsoever.  As soon as it was brought to my attention on a Sunday afternoon, I (and others) reached out to DEEP and got the work paused until we could discuss it further.  I, and Senator Miner, joined the DEEP Deputy Commissioner and a group of DEEP foresters to walk through the park together the following Wednesday, with the foresters pointing out the problems they saw.  In the course of that meeting, we got DEEP to agree to a few limited things: 1) with respect to the trees marked for further removal as “hazard” trees, they would have their forestry team take a second look to see if they could reduce the number marked, and 2) DEEP agreed to meet, at an unspecified future date,  with various community organizations engaged in, and knowledgeable about, forest and river health to discuss policies going forward, including community notice and the replanting of the riverbank.   
  
DEEP then took a second look at the marked trees as promised, and agreed to remove the “hazardous” designation from a limited number of trees. They also indicated they intended to resume the removal of the remaining trees in the next couple of weeks.  Obviously, there is much disagreement on what qualifies as a “hazard” tree.   With respect to the pines marked for removal, the DEEP foresters pointed to structural weakness caused by weevil damage, to the limited canopy or exposed root structure of some trees which made them unstable and unhealthy, and the generally higher risk pine trees pose in recreation areas.  I am not a forester, which is why I have felt it was important that DEEP explain and defend their conclusions before some of the experts we are lucky to have in our region.  I was unable to get DEEP to commit to a meeting with those groups before resuming the work, but I did get them to promise to call certain organizations (Audubon, Housatonic Valley Association, the Housatonic River Commission) individually before they resumed.  I am still confirming whether all of those calls were made.   
  
We still intend (and DEEP has agreed) to schedule a meeting to discuss replanting, for example, so that will be forthcoming.  There are a number of things that went wrong here that need addressing, with respect to the process for designating hazard tees, and the notice to the community, among others.  DEEP has also promised to articulate a policy for how they intend to handle these issues in the future, which I await.  It is important to note that DEEP is a state agency with the authority to make these decisions.  As a legislator, I have no power to force them to stop.  The legislature, however, does have the ability to make legislative changes that would require DEEP to follow a specific process in this area in the future, so that will remain a topic for consideration, and perhaps motivate DEEP to make changes on their own, particularly with respect to how they engage with the community on this kind of work.   
  
Thanks to all who have been engaged in this issue – you have helped ensure that DEEP understands the importance of these issues, not just to the Northwest Corner, but to the entire state. 
 
Governor Lamont's statement on new COVID variant Omicron  

On Monday, Governor Lamont released a statement regarding the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant: 

“We are monitoring a new COVID variant of concern, which was identified by the World Health Organization on Friday. This new variant – named Omicron – was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Our team at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, led by Commissioner Manisha Juthani, is following these developments closely. While there have been no cases of the Omicron variant reported here in Connecticut or the United States to date, we still must be vigilant. Given the number of countries where Omicron has already been detected, it may already be present in the U.S. 

“Earlier this year we set up a network of labs, coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, that are conducting genomic sequencing on positive test specimens to provide understanding of the variants circulating in Connecticut. Our advance planning in this area will help us track Omicron, in addition to other variants that could appear in the future. 

“The best defense against COVID-19 is a good offense. 
“This news of the Omicron variant reminds us about the importance of being vaccinated and getting a booster. We have now entered the winter holiday season and still need to mask while in indoor public places, practice proper hand hygiene, get tested, and stay home if you feel sick. That cold may be more than just a cold. It is particularly important to take extra precautions when visiting with older or immune-compromised friends or family who are at higher risk from COVID. 
“There’s a reason why Connecticut has garnered national recognition during this pandemic and that’s because of our residents. With your help, we will get through this next stage, as well.” 
 
Vaccination clinics in the region 

The towns of Salisbury and North Canaan will both be COVID Vaccination Clinics (for ages 12 and older) in the coming weeks.
In Salisbury, the clinics will be held at the Town Grove Senior Center in Lakeville on December 7 and December 28, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.  All vaccines and boosters will be available.  Please see the flier below for more information: 
COVID Vaccination Clinic - Grove, Lakeville.pdf  

The Town of North Canaan will be holding its clinic on Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Please see the flier below for further information: 
North Canaan Vaccine Clinic 12.4.21.pdf  

Please note, pediatric vaccinations (ages 5-11) will NOT be available at any of these clinics 
 
Rising heating costs and Home Heating Assistance 

It felt like winter arrived as soon as Thanksgiving was over.  With the cold weather came Eversource’s announcement of energy bills increasing over 20% in some instances.  This increase springs largely from the global increase in fuel costs.  Eversource is an energy delivery company, not an energy producer.  The state has regulatory authority over those delivery costs, and we have tightened our oversight through recent legislation.  The energy itself, however, has to be purchased on the open market, something the state and Eversource have limited control over. It is notable, however, that Eversource’s rate increase exceeds that of the other major CT energy utility, United Illuminating (UI), which raises some questions we will need answered. 

For those struggling with paying heating costs, there are a number of energy assistance services that are available in the state for those who need help keeping their homes and families warm this winter. 

Some of the energy assistance programs available in Connecticut include: 

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), provides winter heating cost assistance to more than 75,000 income-eligible households every year, regardless of their heat source. People should contact their local Community Action Agency to apply. Statewide consumer and application information is available on the web at www.ct.gov/staywarm or by calling 2-1-1. CEAP has significantly higher benefit levels from a record $135 million in federal funding to help heat Connecticut homes. Both homeowners and renters can be eligible. CEAP helps enrollees afford the cost of natural gas and electric heat, as well as deliverable fuels like oil and propane. 

• Nonprofit heating assistance services: Operation Fuel and other nonprofits provide year-round emergency energy assistance to low-to-moderate-income households that don’t qualify for CEAP or who run out of CEAP benefits. Information is available at operationfuel.org. 

• COVID-19 Payment Plans for Utility-Heated Customers: The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has directed all regulated electric, gas, and water utilities in the state to offer COVID-19 payment plans, which both residential and non-residential customers are eligible to enroll in through the end of the public health emergency declaration. COVID-19 payment plans are available to any customer requesting financial assistance to facilitate the repayment of past due balances in addition to the customer’s current monthly bill. These plans require no initial or down payment or demonstration of financial need; can be up to 24 months in length; and waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount. Customers can receive information on these payment plans by contacting their utility companies. 

• Electric Utility Bill Assistance from UniteCT: Established by Governor Lamont and administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing, UniteCT provides rental and utility assistance funding for those financially impacted by COVID-19. UniteCT has become a model for other states by successfully delivering more than $18 million to electric customers to date to help pay down their arrearages (back bills). Connecticut residents who rent their homes can apply through their electric utility company or municipal electric company.  For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT. 

• Winter Protection Program – Moratorium on Heating Source Shut-Offs: From November 1 through May 1, there is a moratorium in Connecticut on heating source shut-offs for eligible households. Customers should contact their utility and inquire about the Winter Protection Program, as well as other programs for which they may be eligible. More information is available from 2-1-1 by visiting uwc.211ct.org/winter-protection-winter-moratorium/. 

• Energy-Saving Solutions – Energize CT: Energize CT can help customers save money on energy bills by providing advice, information, and financial incentives to make homes more energy efficient. For more information, visit energizect.com. 

• Consumer Protections Regarding Third-Party Electricity Suppliers: Over the past decade, Connecticut has enacted a series of consumer protections for customers of electric suppliers, including prohibiting variable rates and giving PURA the discretion to prevent customers who were designated as “utility hardship” from being switched to electric suppliers. Just this year, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-117, which prohibits cancellation fees for residential customers who are under contract with an electric supplier and strengthens PURA’s oversight over electric suppliers. 

For further guidance on energy assistance programs available in Connecticut, customers can call 2-1-1.  

Bears: if they haven’t entered hibernation yet, they’re still hungry

Before bears enter their winter hibernation, they go through a period of extreme eating.  Though the wintry weather is bringing this period to an end, it’s always a good time to remember not to provide food sources for them, such as bird feeders or unsecured garbage containers.  For some tips on how to avoid contact with hungry bears, click here.

Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program will start accepting applications for events on or after January 1, 2022 

Connecticut's landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave Program will start accepting applications for claims of qualifying events on or after January 1, 2022. 
Under the program, which the legislature passed in 2019, eligible workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of time off work for certain qualifying events without losing income. 

The program is administered by the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority. Applications can be submitted starting in January 2022 through the website at ctpaidleave.org or via email, fax, phone, or mail. The toll-free application hotline is 877-499-8606. 

Qualifying reasons to submit a claim include: 
  
• Medical leave for a serious health condition including pregnancy, or serving as a bone marrow or organ donor 
• Caregiver leave to care for a family member experiencing a serious health condition 
• Bonding leave for a newborn child through birth, adoption, or foster care 
• Family violence leave to get medical or psychological care 
• Workers caring for injured military family members or a spouse’s military deployment 
  
The amount of income replacement varies based on a worker’s earnings and is capped at 60 times the state minimum wage up to $780 per week. The combination of employer-provided benefits and benefits received under the paid leave program cannot exceed 100% of a worker’s normal weekly earnings. 
  
For more information about the program, please visit ctpaidleave.org.
 
Opportunities for students from Jackson Laboratory

Jackson Laboratory has sponsored several opportunities that students might consider over the winter break.   
Three JAX educational programs that are now accepting applications:  

• the $10,000 JAX College Scholarship supporting future scientists in Biomedicine and Research; 
• the JAX Summer Student Program, offering immersive, paid residential research opportunities for undergrad and high school students; and
• the Postbacc @ JAX – a structured scientific training pathway towards an M.D. - Ph.D

For more information on these programs and other opportunities, click here. 
 
Requirements waived for small business to obtain group health insurance

From now until December 15, small businesses in Connecticut can obtain group health insurance regardless of the number of employees who enroll, thanks to Access Health CT's Employee Participation Waiver Period. Any local small business with 50 employees or fewer that is not currently enrolled through Access Health CT Small Business can participate. 
  
By waiving the minimum number of employees typically required to enroll in a small group health insurance plan, Access Health CT is offering some relief for local small businesses, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and peace of mind for their employees.  

From furloughing employees to laying off non-essential staff, many small businesses in our community were forced to make tough decisions to offset the economic impact of the pandemic and may no longer qualify for the group health insurance plans outside of the waiver period because they don’t have enough employees who elect to participate. The Employment Participation Waiver Period can provide some relief for small businesses that may be struggling to provide healthcare coverage to their employees. 
  
To learn more about how to make health insurance possible for your small business employees, visit AccessHealthCTSmallBiz.com.  
 
Upcoming timber harvests in Sharon and Norfolk

In light of recent tree work by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) for which we received no notice, I wanted to share the notice I received this week re two upcoming timber harvests in our region.  Both seek to remove hazardous trees that were identified between 2018 and 2019.

The first is at the Sharon Mountain Block of Housatonic State Forest. The harvest is planned to begin in winter 2021-2022, or in the summer 2022, pending contractor availability. 
The second is at Haystack Mountain State Park, and is scheduled to begin the week of November 29^th.  For more information, click here. 
  
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.