Thousands Secured on Bonding Agenda for our District

welander
December 17, 2021
I am excited to announce that my $200,000 state bonding request for the construction of Orange's first ever accessible public playground has been placed on the state's bonding commission's agenda by the Governor.
I am so happy to share this first-of-its-kind victory with our community. I submitted this bonding request to support our town’s effort in creating a destination playground for all ages that is inclusive of all abilities, is available for use during the school day hours, and reflects the way that the Town of Orange supports and welcomes all families. Having proudly served on the Orange Board of Education and seeing firsthand how our community makes it a priority to support all of our children, I knew how important it was to have a space in town that allows for children and families to play safely. I am grateful for the collaboration with Senator James Maroney, Travis Ewen, Chair of the Orange Playground Committee, and the entirety of the playground committee in this effort. I would also like to thank the Governor and the State Bond Commission for the allocation of these funds to support all of the children and families of our area.

"I want to applaud Representative Welander for her diligence in securing this grant and I am thankful for Governor Lamont for approving this request," said Sen. Maroney. "One thing we have learned through the pandemic, is the importance of having safe gathering spaces outdoors.  The playground improvements will provide a safe and healthy place for families and friends to come together."
 
Governor Ned Lamont said, "I am glad we are able to get this state funding approved for the Town of Orange and that it will be used to ensure children of all abilities have access to a playground where they can feel safe, enjoy recreational activities, make friends, and have fun."
 
If approved next week, the $200,000 bonding request will provide the remaining funds needed to complete construction of the fully accessible public playground with an estimated total cost of $504,801.
 
While not officially approved, most bonding requests that appear on the Commission's Agenda are approved. Their upcoming meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
 
Laws Going into Effect in 2022

Several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect in 2022. These laws are a result of the hard work of my colleagues and I during the 2021 session. We worked tirelessly to push for change that would benefit all Connecticut residents.

While several laws also went into effect in 2021, here’s a look at some of the laws taking effect in 2022.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
  • Starting January 1, Connecticut employees will be able to earn family and medical leave benefits through the Paid Family Leave Insurance Authority.
  • The act provides up to 12 weeks of benefits over a 12-month period and provides two additional weeks of benefits for a serious health condition that “results in incapacitation during pregnancy.” This is an increase from the current 16 weeks of leave offered in a 24-month time frame.
  • Employees and self-employed individuals have been making a contribution of one half of one percent of wages to the CT Paid Leave Authority Trust Fund since the start of 2021.
  • At the beginning of December 2021, employees could begin submitting applications for paid leave benefits that begin on or after the new year. Click here to apply.

Adult-use Cannabis

  • By July 2022, people who were charged with possession of 4 oz. or less of marijuana - before January 1, 2000, or between October 1, 2015 and June 30, 2021 - can petition the court to have the charges erased.
    • Those with the same charges incurred between - January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2015 - can have them automatically erased starting in January 2023. 
  • Buying legal marijuana in retail stores is set to come in summer 2022.
  • Connecticut residents 21 and older currently can carry up to 1.5 ounces and have 5 ounces of cannabis in a locked container in their home or locked portion of their car.
  • Residents with medical marijuana cards who are at least 18 years old may grow up to six plants indoors.
  • In 2023, all adults 21 and older will be permitted to grow no more than six marijuana plants indoors. click here to learn more about adult-use cannabis laws.
Parental Rights for Same-Sex, Unmarried and Nonbiological Parents
  • The Connecticut Parentage Act will take effect on January 1, 2022, and will ensure equal treatment under the law for children born to same-sex couples.
  • It will also provide equal access to legal parentage rights for children with unmarried or nonbiological parents.
  • The new law will also clarify the rights of a non-biological parent in a couple that uses surrogacy or other means of assisted reproduction to have a child whether straight or gay.
  • It also clarifies the rights of a surrogate who carries a child to birth under contract.

For a full list of laws going into effect in 2022, click here.
 
Remembering Sandy Hook
Nine years ago the unthinkable happened. It's incredibly hard - but so important - to remember that day. To remember the names of those who were senselessly murdered, to keep their families in our hearts, and to do what we can to prevent this from happening again.
 
Working with Sandy Hook Promise has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Resources offered on the website can provide tips on how you can help keep our community safer.
💚Charlotte Bacon, 6
💚Daniel Barden, 7
💚Rachel D'Avino, 29, behavior therapist
💚Olivia Engel, 6
💚Josephine Gay, 7
💚Dawn Hochsprung, 47, principal
💚Dylan Hockley, 6
💚Madeleine Hsu, 6
💚Catherine Hubbard, 6
💚Chase Kowalski, 7
💚Jesse Lewis, 6
💚Ana Márquez-Greene, 6
💚James Mattioli, 6
💚Grace McDonnell, 7
💚Anne Marie Murphy, 52, special education teacher
💚Emilie Parker, 6
💚Jack Pinto, 6
💚Noah Pozner, 6
💚Caroline Previdi, 6
💚Jessica Rekos, 6
💚Avielle Richman, 6
💚Lauren Rousseau, 30, teacher
💚Mary Sherlach, 56, school psychologist
💚Victoria Leigh Soto, 27, teacher
💚Benjamin Wheeler, 6
💚Allison Wyatt, 6
 
CT COVID-19 Hospitalizations
On Wednesday, Connecticut's COVID-19 hospitalizations hit their highest number – 716 – since February 10th. This alarming news is a reminder to take all the proper safety precautions in the coming weeks as we gather with loved ones for the holidays.

The COVID-19 vaccine remains our greatest weapon against this deadly virus. As new variants continue to develop and spread, it is critical that everyone get vaccinated. I encourage all those who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster, click the button below to schedule an appointment. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated, you can also click the button below to schedule your initial vaccine appointment.

Please also remember that getting tested for COVID-19 is also a way to monitor your health status as you may be asymptomatic. You can click the button below to find testing sites near you.
COVID Vaccines for Kids
Find a COVID Vaccine or Booster: Derby
Find a COVID Vaccine or Booster: Orange
Find a COVID Vaccine or Booster: Woodbridge
Get Tested for COVID
 
Open Enrollment Deadline Extended

If you are looking for good, quality, healthcare, but haven't yet utilized Access Health CT's Open Enrollment Period, I am happy to report good news! The open enrollment period has been extended through the end of the year for coverage beginning January 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:

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity.
 
CT Paid Family and Medical Leave
This is a reminder that the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program applications are now being accepted for residents who want to participate in the state’s program. Claims are being considered for qualifying events occurring 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.

Connecticut is only the eighth state in the nation to enact a paid family and medical leave program. Currently, only 13% of private-sector workers in the United States have access to paid family and medical leave.

The program is administered by the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority.

You can apply now by clicking here, sending an email, sending a fax to (888) 485-0973, calling a Customer Care Advocate at (877) 499-8606 , or mailing your claim to Administrative Office, PO Box 84077, Columbus, GA 31908-4077.
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 click here.
 
Upcoming Events
Here are a few upcoming events happening in our community this week. If you can, gather friends and family, bundle up and head out to any of these gatherings. As always, please practice all the necessary COVID-19 safety measures.

Derby

Woodbridge
 
In the Community
On top of securing my funding request for Orange on the Bond Commission's, my colleagues and I in Derby, also secured an additional $200,000 on the Commission's agenda to replace an elevator and windows at Century Center,TEAM, Inc.'s headquarters. The facility houses several other nonprofit organizations for the Naugatuck Valley and surrounding region.

At a time when being able to connect residents to resources is more important than ever, I am incredibly grateful for the anticipation of the allocation of funds. If approved, this will make necessary improvements to create a safer, more accessible space many organizations utilize. This will help residents and families throughout the area lead more successful lives, leading to more successful communities. I would like to sincerely thank the Governor and the Bond Commission for their support of the district in this effort.
 
I recently stopped by TEAM, Inc. to record a short video to celebrate Toys4Kids!

You can truly help kids in need throughout our community by making a donation. Learn more about how to help by watching the video below, and by clicking the button.
Donate to Toys4Kids
 
 
On Sunday, I stopped by the Holiday Fair at New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge!

It was amazing to see so many local makers gathered in our community. I was proud to show my support and even pick up a few gifts for family members and friends!