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In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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Governor Lamont Unveils Budget Proposal
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On the Opening Day of the 2022 legislative session, Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State Address and unveiled his $24 billion budget proposal. Governor Lamont framed his proposal as a "rebound" from the years of budget deficits. As the current fiscal year is on track to have a significant surplus and an expected influx of federal dollars, the Governor's proposals focus on looking ahead and investing in the future of our state.
With the recent passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package, the state expects to receive more than a billion dollars from the federal government to support investments in repairing and modernizing the state's crumbling infrastructure. Governor Lamont touted two-way rail service between Bridgeport and Waterbury, increased express service out of Union Station in New Haven, and thousands of good-paying jobs as just a few examples of the infrastructure investments he plans to promote.
The Governor highlighted his hopes to ensure that Connecticut stays affordable for residents and their families. Reducing car tax bills and eliminating the income tax on pensions sand 401K income for most households are among his proposals.
The package also focuses on reducing and eliminating gun violence. During his speech, Lamont stated "you can't be tough on crime if you are weak on guns." The adjustments proposed would include a $64 million gun control and law enforcement package that in addition to hiring more police officers, would include:
- Establishing a gun tracing task force to identify the source of illegal guns
- Creating a statewide community violence intervention program
- Stopping the flow of illegal "ghost guns"
- Ensuring gun stores take their obligations seriously
- Modifying carry laws
- Closing loopholes in assault weapons laws
- Making domestic violence convictions an automatic disqualifier for holding a carry permit
- Strengthening laws on safe storage of firearms
Governor Lamont’s legislative agenda for the upcoming session is focused on making a meaningful, equitable difference for workers, families, minority and vulnerable residents, small businesses, our environment, and on a general belief in the direction Connecticut is headed.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT House Votes to Extend 11 Executive Orders Related to COVID
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On Thursday, we voted in the House to assume authority over the public health and civil preparedness emergencies related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and temporarily extend certain measures to ensure the state and municipalities have flexibility to respond in case of another surge over the next few months.
Continuation of the public health and civil preparedness emergencies ensures that Connecticut won't lose out on federal funding provided because those emergencies are in place. An example of that funding being $32.6 million in additional funds for food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The measures approved included continuing a temporary nurses aide program to ensure we have sufficient nursing staff in our hospitals, requiring testing or vaccinations for nursing home visitors, and allowing state agencies to provide non-congregate housing to at-risk individuals.
The House also approved measures to ensure that our schools and child care providers receive guidance and recommendations on how to maintain in-person learning and keep kids, teachers, and other staff safe.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: England’s Greatest Novelist Speed-Visits New Haven
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On the evening of February 11, 1842, three words spread through the streets of New Haven like wildfire, causing crowds of people to rush toward the city’s downtown Tontine Hotel: “Dickens has come!” Just before 8:00 p.m. that night, Charles Dickens had arrived at the city’s Union Station, traveling by rail from Hartford. The man who was then the most famous author in the English-speaking world had just turned 30 years old four days earlier and was four weeks into what would become a six-month tour of North America.
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While Dickens’ arrival did not come as a surprise (New Haven had been penciled in as a stop on his tour for some time), city residents were aware that his Elm City sojourn would be a brief one, and thousands filled the streets around the Toutine Hotel hoping to catch at least a glimpse of the literary celebrity before he left for New York City the next morning. The throngs of admirers became so unmanageable, hotel management had to place “two stout porters” at the foot of the hotel’s main staircase to act as crowd control, providing a much-needed barrier between the crowd and Mr. Dickens. The guards proceeded to let small groups of three or four people at a time pass through to a reception room, where they could shake the hand of the man who had written Oliver Twist and Nicolas Nickleby, and who would go on to write A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, and other classic novels.
After three hours of nonstop meet-and-greets with Yale students, city officials, and other enthusiastic Connecticans, Dickens and his wife finally retired for the evening. And though Dickens’ stay in New Haven was a short one, the city left quite an impression on the British author, who included a description of its handsome, tree-lined streets in his North American travelogue, American Notes:
“New Haven, known also as the City of Elms, is a fine town. … Many of its streets are planted with grand old elm-tree; and the same natural ornaments surround Yale College, an establishment of considerable eminence and reputation. …Even in the winter time, these groups of well-grown trees, clustering among the busy streets and houses of a thriving city, have a very quaint appearance: seeming to bring about a kind of compromise between town and country; as if each had met the other half-way, and shaken hands upon it; which is at once novel and pleasant.”
Learn more about Charles Dickens' visit to New Haven and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Save the Date: Building a Diverse Manufacturing Pipeline Webinar
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A diverse and inclusive work environment leads to an increased sense of belonging, which leads to more connection, which leads to more engagement, which results in higher quality work. Join the conversation on Wednesday, February 28 from 11AM-1:30PM during the webinar, "Promoting Diversity Equity & Inclusion: Building a Diverse Manufacturing Pipeline." The panel, and speakers AJ Jorgenson, Vice President, Strategic Engagement and Inclusion and H. Ray Keith, CEO and Founder of E&A Consulting, DEI, will share information on the following topics:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in strategic planning
- Organizational culture and communities within manufacturing
- Recruitment and retention strategies
- Network resources available to manufacturers
This webinar is free and open to all, a Zoom link will be sent following registration – click here to register now.
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East Hartford Seeking Public Input on Town's Community Newsletter
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The Town of East Hartford is about to launch its first community newsletter – but first, they want to hear from you! Residents are asked to fill out a survey to share what types of content and topics are of interest to you. This valuable feedback will help the town to create an engaging, community-oriented, and fun resource! The survey will run through Wednesday, February 16 at 4:30PM.
And, this newsletter needs a name! Residents are also invited to suggest a fun, creative and unique name for East Hartford’s newsletter. The author of the winning name will receive a gift card to a local business and a shout-out on the Town’s official Facebook page, so put you're thinking caps on and get creative!
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CTDOT to Hold Virtual Public Information Session on Capital Plan
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released an interim five-year Capital Plan, covering fiscal years 2022 – 2026 with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emission, protecting natural and community resources, and improving the health and safety of residents.
Members of the public interested in learning more about proposed transportation projects or who are interested in shaping the future of transportation systems are invited to share ideas and feedback on the 5-year Capital Plan on Wednesday, February 23 at 7PM. For those unable to attend the public information session, it will be recorded and posted online with a form available to submit public comments after reviewing the capital plan and the presentation. To register to participate, click here.
The capital plan (both a narrative and a project listing) can be found here. The form to submit comments after review of the capital plan can be found here. Comments can also be submitted via email at: DOT.CapitalPlan@ct.gov.
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Manchester to Conduct Fire Flow Tests
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The Town of Manchester will conduct fire flow/hydraulic capacity tests at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant (21 Redstone Road) on Wednesday, February 16 at 10AM to determine the effects upon the water distribution system. The hydrant flow test may result in reduced pressure and/or discoloration of the water around the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. If water appears discolored, you should try to avoid using it until it clears, as that will prevent rust and sediment from being brought into the home’s system.
If sediment does get into a home’s hot water tank, you should wait until the water clears and then open the faucet at the bottom of the tank to drain the collected material, which will settle at the bottom.
It can take a few hours for the water to turn clear. If water continues to appear discolored for an extended period, call the Water Division at (860) 647-3201. For more information, click here.
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Olympics Update: Westport Snowboarder Earns Team USA's First Medal
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There's no shortage of Connecticut pride at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games! Team USA is comprised of several athletes with Connecticut ties. Here's the latest on how they are doing:
- In the women's snowboard cross final, Roxbury native Lindsey Jacobellis earned Team USA's first gold medal of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
- Westport's Julia Marino earned Team USA's first medal of the 2022 Beijing Olympics, earning silver in the women's snowboard slopestyle final.
- Team USA figure skating, which features Madison's Zach Donohue, earned silver in the team event.
- Yale Student Nathan Chen opened the week with a record-setting score of 113.97 in the Men’s Individual Short Program, and on Thursday morning took gold with a score of 218.63 in the Free Skate, earning a total 332.60 points – just three points shy of his own world record.
- Southport's Mac Forehand finished 11th in the men's freestyle skiing big air finals.
- Coming back from a crash during her Olympic debut in 2018, Suffield's Emily Sweeny completed her Olympic redemption in 26th place with an overall time of three minutes in the women’s singles luge competition.
- Ridgefield native Tucker West finished 13th in the medal event for men's singles in luge.
- Redding's Olivia GIaccio and Hannah Soar from Somers competed in the final round of the women's mogul skiing event. Both in their Olympic debut, Olivia finished 6th and Hannah finished 7th.
To learn more about athletes with Connecticut ties competing this month, click here. For a complete TV and streaming schedule, click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The best defense against COVID-19 continues to be a good offense. It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: observe social distancing, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible or indoors, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already or getting a booster if it's been six months since you're last COVID vaccine.
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The Town of East Hartford Health Department, with the State Department of Public Health, will be offering vaccine clinics for all ages 5 and up on the following dates:
- Monday, February 14, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue)
- Thursday, February 17, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
- Saturday, February 19, 11AM-3PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
First, second, and third/booster doses will be available to all eligible CT residents. No ID or insurance required; clinics are open to all CT residents. Walk-ins will be accepted, but appointments are preferred – to reserve your spot, call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324. If transportation is required to get to and from a clinic site, please reach out to the Health Department for a bus pass.
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This week, the Town of East Hartford announced a partnership with Curative and Goodwin University to offer ongoing PCR COVID-19 testing for all Connecticut residents at 417 Main Street during the following hours:
- Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM
- Saturdays, 8:30AM-2PM
There is not an out-of-pocket cost, and tests are available regardless of if you are insured or uninsured. For patients with insurance, please bring you ID and insurance card to receive a test. Appointments are preferred and will be prioritized over walk-ins, schedule an appointment here. If you are visually impaired or need additional assistance, please call (888) 702-9042 to find and book an appointment.
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Express Diagnostics will offer free, rapid COVID-19 testing every Wednesday through February, 10AM-2PM at St. Isaac Jogues Church (1 Community Street). These events are walk-up only, no appointment is required. Testing will be offered to all on a first come, first served basis and supplies are limited. There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for individuals. ID and insurance card are not required, but insured individuals are advised to bring their insurance information.
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First Choice Health Centers is offering PCR COVID-19 testing Monday through Thursday at their 265 Ellington Road location. Testing is by appointment only and is done outside in the patients' car. Please call (860) 528-1359 in the morning to schedule an appointment. The testing schedule is as follows:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 9AM-4PM
- Wednesdays: 9:30AM-5:30PM
ID and insurance are required – if you are uninsured, you can still get a test, but Quest will bill the patient on a sliding scale.
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East Hartford Residents who are symptomatic or have been exposed may contact the East Hartford Health Department to receive a rapid COVID-19 test and N95 mask. Additionally, East Hartford’s vulnerable town residents and/or those with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to obtain the N95 masks or rapid antigen test kits should contact the Town of East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Written requests for a reasonable accommodation may be sent to health@easthartfordct.gov. Please be advised there is a limit of one test kit per household.
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Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will ship free via USPS and usually ship in 7-12 days. There is a limit of one order per residential address, which equates to four tests. To place an order for your household, click here. To place an order or receive additional support, call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489 – the phone line will be available to offer assistance in more than 150 languages 7 days a week from 8AM-12AM.
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A reminder for those that don't want to carry around their paper CDC cards or who lost them, CT residents can now utilize "SMART Health Cards" to securely show proof of being vaccinated. The digital card can be obtained via a QR code that you can find here. To get more info on SMART Health Cards, or how to access them and download to your smartphone device, click here.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic by clicking here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at (877) 918-2224.
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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The Earth's climate has always been changing, so what's different about it now? Join Manchester Public Library on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30PM to for a discussion with Stephen A. Nathan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Energy Geoscience and Chair of the Environmental Earth Science Department at Eastern Connecticut State University. Participants will discover why climate change is important and the role we all play in this story. Most importantly, you'll learn how we can all help the generations that follow us. This event is best suited for adults and registration is required. Call (860) 645-0821 to secure your spot.
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Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade Valentine's Day, Birthday, or "just thinking of you" gifts on Saturday, February 12 from 10AM-2PM during 2nd Saturday Open House at WORK_SPACE. Fun, functional, and non-traditional items from local artisans will be available to buy for yourself or your loved ones.
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I will be joining Manchester's legislative leaders, State Representatives Jeff Currey, Jason Doucette, and Geoff Luxenberg, and State Senator Steve Cassano, to discuss what’s to come in the 2022 legislative session on Thursday, February 25 from 6:30PM-7:30PM. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person the Lincoln Center (429 Main Street), and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page. If you are joining us in-person, please note that masks and social distancing are required.
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Celebrate Valentine's Day by decorating cupcakes with East Hartford Library on Monday, February 14 from 3:30PM-4:30PM! Register in advance and pick up your supplies at the library, then hop on Zoom on Monday to craft alongside your friends at the library! Program is available to ages 9-12.
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Everyone ages 11-14 is invited to join Kylah and Anne for Talk-It-Out-Tuesdays to discuss ways to become our best selves, connect with others, and grow as individuals. Talk-It-Out-Tuesdays are available on the following dates:
- February 15, 7PM
- March 1, 7PM
- March 15, 7PM
- March 29, 7PM
- April 12, 7PM
To register for one or all of the above sessions, click here.
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I will be joining East Hartford's legislative leaders, State Representatives Jeff Currey and Henry Genga and State Senator Saud Anwar, to discuss what’s to come in the 2022 legislative session on Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30PM-7:30PM. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person East Hartford Town Hall (740 Main Street), and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page. If you are joining us in-person, please note that masks and social distancing are required.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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