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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
Friends and Neighbors,
It’s Friday night, your eyes are likely tired, so a friendly warning to those who immediately proceed: there is a TON of information in this edition of “Currey-ently.” I hope you enjoy and share with your friends, family, neighborhood business buds, and anyone else who would benefit from knowing what’s going on in town, around the region, and throughout the State of Connecticut.
In less than three weeks, the Connecticut General Assembly will gavel into the 2022 legislative session! While session does not officially start until Wednesday, February 9, the legislative process has already begun with the proposed bill system now open and committee deadlines set. My legislative colleagues and I are busy meeting with constituents, advocates, agency heads, and anyone else looking to speak to better inform our proposals for potential legislation and outline the priorities for 2022. Because this year's session occurs in an even-numbered year, legislators can only introduce bills related to budgetary, revenue, and financial matters. Other proposals must be introduced through a legislative committee. This means that committee Chairs must agree to take up a proposal if it does not meet the criteria previously noted.
And new this session, I will be one of those Chairs making these and many other types of decisions. In addition to the three committees I sit on (Education, Judiciary, and Appropriations), as well as serving as the Chair of the Majority Leader’s Screening Committee, I was recently appointed as the Co-Chair of the Commerce Committee. This committee has cognizance over all matters relating to the state Department of Economic and Community Development and Connecticut Innovations, Inc. I look forward to this new opportunity and how we may continue to build upon the great work this committee has done over the last few years under the leadership of Sen. Hartley and former Rep., now Stamford Mayor, Caroline Simmons.
So what can YOU be doing to help get my colleagues and me prepare for the start of Session? Call us, email us, stop us at the gas station with your ideas, suggestions, concerns. No idea is too small and no initiative too big! Your voice is the most important cog in our legislative wheel, so let’s get rolling!
In the past few days, the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research published its 2022 Major Issues Report, which outlines some of the top issues that could come up during the session. This document is published ahead of every session and is based on interim studies, research requests, non-confidential discussions with legislators and other legislative participants. OLR works with the Office of Fiscal Analysis and the Legislative Commissioner's Office to highlight issues.
As always, I’ll be sure to keep you up to date as we move through the session, and you can always keep an eye on the CGA website for more information. |
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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. |
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Yesterday
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COVID-19 Cases (confirmed and probable)
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671,674
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+4,444
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COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)
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14,261,842
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+32,459
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Daily Test Positivity
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--
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13.69%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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1,69
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-38
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Last Thursday
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COVID-19 Associated Deaths*
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9,683
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+241
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Of the 1,695 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 965 (56.9%) are not fully vaccinated.
Compared to being vaccinated, being unvaccinated currently has the following relative risk:
- 3.2 times higher risk of being infected with COVID-19
- 13.9 times higher risk of dying from COVID-19
- 7 times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Number of Positive Tests |
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| East Hartford |
11,801 |
177 |
202,262 |
14,736 |
| Manchester |
9,477 |
167 |
195,425 |
11,547 |
| South Windsor |
3,316 |
61 |
69,106 |
3,883 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| In what may be the easiest and quickest government interaction you'll have possibly this year (LOL), the Federal Government launched a website for Americans wanting to request free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. You can request your free COVID-19 testing kits at COVIDTests.gov.
Up to four at-home tests per residential address may be requested. Tests are expected to ship within 7- 12 days of ordering through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
East Hartford residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are showing symptoms can pick up a free rapid antigen test kit at the East Hartford Health Department. Call 860-291-7324 to reserve a kit and request pickup at Town Hall.
Testing is a vital strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 should get tested. There are several drive-up and walk-up test sites in our area for residents who need a COVID-19 test now:
East Hartford
- Town of East Hartford & Express Diagnostics, at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1 Community Street - On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can receive free rapid COVID-19 testing. ID and insurance are not required.
- CVS Pharmacy, 20 Burnside Ave - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 972 Silver Lane - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 16 Main Street - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Walgreens, 922 Silver Lane - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 477 Connecticut Blvd - Open 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., by appointment only, ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
Manchester
- CVS Pharmacy, 1221 Main Street - By appointment only, individuals 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 241 Middle Tpke - By appointment only, individuals 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- PhysicianOne Urgent Care - 370 Middle Tpke, Open Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat - Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., all ages can get tested, call 860-516-5070 or click here to make an appointment.
- Walgreens, 295 Main St - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 555 Main St - Open Mon - Fri: 6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sat: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., by appointment only, ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Hartford HealthCare GoHealth, 244 Spencer St - Open Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat - Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., call 860-474-3963 or click here to make an appointment.
South Windsor
- CVS Pharmacy, 525 Buckland Rd - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 1735 Ellington Rd - Open Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Hartford HealthCare GoHealth, 25 Buckland Rd - Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., call 860-698-4301 or click here to make an appointment.
- Eastern Connecticut Health Network, 2800 Tamarack Ave, Suite 105 - Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat - Sun: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., call 860-533-4686 to make an appointment.
For additional test sites across the region and our state, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and then type your zip code into the box that says "Find a Testing Site Near You" and click "GO." Individuals can also visit 211ct.org for additional locations.
In addition to testing, vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be important. Vaccination can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and can help protect against a severe case as well as hospitalization.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Saturday, Jan. 22, Nomads Entertainment Quest, 100 Bidwell Rd, South Windsor, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., for ages 5+
- Monday, Jan. 24, Stone Academy, 745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Tuesday, Jan. 25
- East Hartford Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Odyssey Community School, 579 Middle Tpke West, Manchester, 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., for ages 5+
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. |
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| Colder than average temperatures are moving into our state, prompting Governor Lamont to extend the state's severe weather protocol until February 2. Frigid temperatures can bring black ice to commutes, frozen pipes, cold weather injuries like frostbite and hypothermia, and more.
Warming centers and shelters will be open across our state. If you or someone you know needs shelter, please call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location and transportation if necessary. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| January 21 is the 49th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion and protected choice in the decision to carry a pregnancy to term. At a time where reproductive rights are in limbo across our country, I joined my colleagues in the legislature's newly formed Reproductive Rights Caucus, members of Connecticut's federal delegation and pro-choice advocates to recognize the ruling's significance. The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overturn this historic ruling, and it's vital that states like Connecticut step up and act to protect reproductive freedom, especially for those who will be hurt most by these attempts.
During the 2022 session, the caucus plans to champion legislation that will expand access to care by ensuring abortion-related care is covered by health plans, permitting Telehealth for certain abortion-related care, and more. At the national level, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are working to pass the Women's Health Protection Act to guarantee abortion access across the U.S. by overturning and halting medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care that obstruct patient choice. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure and it is now awaiting action by the U.S. Senate. |
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| On Wednesday, East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh's held his first Town Hall to present the Control Tower - a plan for future projects and goals. If you missed the Town Hall, you can find the presentation here or click the image above.
If you want to stay up-to-date on town services, programs, and important notices, you can sign up to receive notifications from East Hartford. To sign up, please click here. |
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| I'm pleased to announce that CT Humanities has awarded a total of $16 million in CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants to 624 nonprofit museums and cultural, humanities, and arts organizations. Of this funding, a combined $93,400 was awarded to eight arts and culture nonprofits in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor. Among these is Friends of the Wood Memorial Library right here in the 11th House District! These funds were allocated on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly budget approved by Governor Lamont last years. CT Humanities worked in partnership with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to award the funds to ensure all residents had access to rich cultural experiences.
Investing in our arts and culture are essential to our communities - now and for our future. You can read more about these awards on the CT Humanities website here. |
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| Our state launched the 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit enhancement program last month as a way to help low and moderate income families struggling with the financial impacts of COVID-19. This program uses households' eligibility for and receipt of a 2020 federal earned income tax credit to assess individual need and eligibility for Connecticut's program. Payments will be based on 2020 tax filings up to December 31, 2021. Residents do not need to apply to the program or take any steps to receive the payments.
Qualifying households will receive 18.5% of their 2020 federal EITC or up to $1,232 for a low-income family with three children or other dependents. Payments will arrive by mail by the end of February. Learn more about this program on the state Department of Revenue Services website here. |
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Governor Lamont announced the launch of the CTpass Program which offers organizations group rates to access public transportation. Organizations that can participate in CTpass include but are not limited to:
- Organizations that provide a training program listed on the Connecticut Department of Labor Department’s Eligible Training Provider List
- Apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program sponsors
- Providers of an alternate route to a certification program that the Connecticut State Board of Education has approved
- Institutions of higher education
- Private occupational schools
- Private employers
- State or municipal agencies
- Public or nonprofit social service providers in Connecticut
For more information on CTpass or to download the initial application, visit ct.gov/dot/CTpass. Questions or requests for additional information can be emailed to DOT.CTpass@ct.gov. |
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Senator Anwar and I touring the South Windsor hemp farm in 2019
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| The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved the Connecticut State Plan for Hemp Production. The approved plan supports the Connecticut hemp law and governs registration, production, and compliance for hemp cultivation starting in 2022. South Windsor already has a hemp grower, the Hempery at Well Flowers Farm, participating in the program.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture will be holding a hemp producer webinar on January 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to review the changes to the state's hemp program.
To learn more about the webinar or hemp regulation in Connecticut, click here. |
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| Did you know that 1 in 4 people who menstruate cannot afford an adequate supply of period products? The cost of these products makes them inaccessible for many individuals with lower incomes, forcing them to use unsafe alternatives. To raise awareness and end #PeriodPoverty, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut and the youth led project Humans with Periods will be sharing stories about people's experiences with periods. Individuals can share their stories through the button below. These stories help inform legislation that I was proud to co-introduce in a prior session that helped to better educate our colleagues and hopefully continue the push for ending yet another disparity within many of our communities. |
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| Last month, the Connecticut Department of Public Health released updated guidelines for COVID-19 quarantine, isolation, testing, and contact tracing policies for preK-12 schools to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated isolation and quarantine guidance. The updated guidelines focus on the increased risk from individuals attending school-related activities with active COVID-19 symptoms and the decreased risk from fully vaccinated individuals.
Individuals who are mildly symptomatic with any COVID-19 symptoms should isolate and receive a PCR, antigen, or self-test for COVID-19 and remain at home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours and symptoms improve.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for 5 days or longer if symptoms develop and persist. A mask should be worn for an additional 5 days when around others.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals who are identified as close contact of an individual with COVID-19 should quarantine at home and test for the virus 5 days after their last exposure.
To read the full guidelines, click here. |
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Last session my legislative colleagues and I worked collaboratively with the Governor to secure and allocate $70 Million in funding for Connecticut workers. With funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, we created CareerConneCT, a program designed to help those whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am excited to share – as of last week – the program has launched and is accepting applications from training providers.
For Training Providers
Under CareerConneCT training providers can:
- Apply for Grants: Over the next four years providers can receive funding to design programs that offer industry-recognized credentials and job placement services with priority across several sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure
- Clean Energy
- Other In-Demand Industries
The program is anticipated to support training for approximately 8,000 participants. Grants will be issued twice per year, every February and August.
The first application round is now open, and training providers can click the button below to login to their CT.Gov accounts and apply. The first application deadline is February 20, 2022. |
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| For Workers
CareerConneCT is focused on:
- Reskilling and Upskilling: Continuous learning and job training are essential.
- Inclusiveness and Effectiveness: Help propel worker success while advancing social equity.
- Mutual Success: Helps students, workers, and Connecticut thrive by uniting employers, workforce development boards, secondary- and post-secondary institutions, and community and economic organizations.
Workers will now have online access to short-term training programs, where they can earn an industry-recognized credential and enter employment in in-demand careers. Click the button below to visit the CareerConneCT portal and stay up to date on training opportunities. |
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| The East Hartford Senior Center is partnering with the Hockanum Valley Community Council to provide FREE transportation to seniors in East Hartford. Rides are available to East Hartford residents who are 60 years or older, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transportation is available to and from the senior center, medical appointments in East Hartford, Glastonbury and Manchester, work, banks, post office, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Residents can call 860-870-7940 to register over the phone. Click here to learn more. |
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| There are numerous food resources in our community if you need extra support.
For a calendar of food resources in East Hartford, click here.
Connecticut Foodshare's mobile food pantry makes stops in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor. You can click here to download the mobile pantry's schedule.
Residents can get free community dinners every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. from Literacy Volunteers Community Take-Out Dinners. These meals are available to anyone.
Additionally, students who are interested in a career in food service are encouraged to volunteer with the New Covenant United Methodist Church in East Hartford. Volunteers will gain training in food preparation, kitchen safety, storage techniques, and ServSafe Certification by preparing and serving community dinners on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Interested students can complete a student application and select "Career Pathways/Job Training." For more information, contact Rebecca Hawkins at Rebecca.Hawkins@lvh.org or call 860-233-3853. Click here to learn more.
For more food resources in our area, please visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1. |
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| Connecticut tax payers can get right on their taxes through our state's Tax Amnesty program. The program offers a 75% reduction in interest, waives penalties, and the possibility of criminal prosecution to those who have not filed, have under-reported, or have existing liabilities related to taxes to owed to the State for any tax period ending on or prior to December 31, 2020. Applications must be submitted and payments made in full by January 31, 2022. For more information and to get started, click here. |
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| Preservation Connecticut is holding its second photography show, "Picturing History: Historic Landscapes of Connecticut." This year's theme celebrates Frederick Law Olmsted's 200th birthday. Serious amateur and student photographers ages 8 and up are welcome to submit photos featuring landscapes in the following categories: Color; Black & White; Olmsted Firm Design; and Smartphone images.
Submissions will be accepted online until April 23, 2022. This June, Preservation Connecticut will display selected works at the Art League of New Britain's gallery. For more information and to submit your photo, click the button below. |
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| The 29th annual Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash 5K Road Race has been rescheduled to January 30, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The race will start and end at Langford School, 61 Alps Drive. Proceeds benefit the East Hartford Police Department Child Safety and Crime Prevention Programs and the Officer Brian Aselton Scholarship Fund. To register for the race and to learn more, please click here. |
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| Sign ups are open for Manchester Little League Softball and Baseball! Visit the Manchester Little League website or email manchlittleleague@gmail.com to register. Registration is open until February 14, 2022. |
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| South Windsor Public Schools will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pleasant Valley Elementary School on Saturday, January 29 at 2 p.m. Join members of the South Windsor Board of Education, Town Council and Public Building Commission, teachers, administrators, students, families, and residents to celebrate this important milestone. The ceremony will be held in the Pleasant Valley School Gymnasium, 591 Ellington Rd. For more information, click here. |
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During the pandemic, we have seen the affects isolation has had on mental health. With the reopening of schools and businesses on the horizon, doctors have expressed the likelihood of separation anxiety, public anxiety, survivors guilt, and of course, grief over all those who have been lost. Expressing the importance of taking care of your mental health and sharing resources can help fight the stigma and let your constituents know that we are in this together every step of the way. Below are several resources if you or someone you know is in need of support:
- 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.
- The State of Connecticut has several mental health resource. Find the list here.
- The Connecticut Children's Behavioral Health Toolkit also has helpful resources for children experiencing a mental health crisis.
- State Rep. Liz Linehan's website also has helpful mental health resources for children.
- CHR Health can help young adults and teens who may be struggling with substance use disorder through a comprehensive network of support. For more information about CHR's Substance Screening and Treatment Recovery services, click here.
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| The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has released guidelines for the winter sports season, currently underway. These updated guidelines align with the state Department of Public Health's COVID-19 guidance released on January 10. The guidance includes recommendations for mask wearing, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and isolation and quarantine protocol for individuals who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case. You can read the new guidelines here.
The state Department of Public Health also released updated guidance for the interscholastic, youth, and other amateur sport activities during COVID-19. The guidance covers risk categorizations for indoor and outdoor sports, COVID-19 transmission strategies, and more. The DPH guidelines are available here. |
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| Game on!
It's winter 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. |
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| The 11-acre retail plaza off Route 5 in East Hartford recently sold and an Indian grocery store is planned to be installed in a space. The plaza, which is at the corner of Ellington Road and School Street, also has a fitness center, Dunkin' Donuts and other stores. In addition to the new grocery store, the new owner plan to complete the facade renovation the prior owner initiated. Read more about the transaction in the Hartford Business Journal here. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| 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. |
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| Goodwin University and East Hartford CONNects are partnering to offer East Hartford residents with a high school diploma, GED or NEDP a free 4-week, part-time career skills training through its Professional Skills Academy. The academy will help participants develop their resume writing, computer, and financial literacy skills. Students will also receive career coaching from workforce specialists to help launch their careers and gain access to virtual sessions and independent training. Graduates could also earn up to 4 continuing credits from Goodwin University. Classes start on February 22. For more information and to start the application process, please call 860-622-5507. |
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| FedEx Ground is part of our country's rapidly growing warehouse and transportation sector and it's hiring to meet the demand for faster delivery. The FedEx Ground location in South Windsor is hiring a Warehouse Package Hander. The position offers competitive wages, $5,250 tuition reimbursement annually, paid time off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid parental leave and more. Click the button to learn more and start your application. |
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| Travelers in Hartford is looking for an Auto Claim Representative to join its team. In this role, the incumbent will handle low complexity personal insurance auto damage claims from the first notice of lost through the resolution/settlement and payment process. This will be a remote opportunity. To learn more and apply, click the button below. |
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| 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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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! |
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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. |
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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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