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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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Legislators Unveil Bipartisan Children's Mental Health Bill
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One of the hardest things as a parent is knowing your kid needs help but being unable to find them appropriate care. The pandemic has been trying on all of us, and one of the areas that it has exposed as an area needing attention is our pediatric mental health system. Yesterday, I joined my colleagues to unveil a bipartisan bill aimed at prioritizing the mental health of Connecticut's children. This bill is an opportunity to close the gaps in our state's mental health care system and strengthen it for years to come. House Bill 5001 - An Act Concerning Children’s Mental Health addresses the mental health crisis in Connecticut through five main components:
- Invests in workforce development programs to ensure mental health jobs in the state are fully staffed with qualified caregivers
- Expands current systems to meet the growing demand
- Increases school-based delivery of mental health services
- Ensures insurance coverage of mental health care treatment for children
- Provides resources for providers and programs to directly care for children
The bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Governor Lamont Announces Plan to Cap Prescription Drug Prices
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Connecticut has some of the highest healthcare costs in the country, and to demonstrate what he has penned, "The Connecticut Difference," Governor Ned Lamont proposed increasing transparency of the costs of providing health care, setting maximum prices for prescription drugs, as well as importing prescription drugs from Canada as part of his health care legislative package for the 2022 session.
The proposal focuses on codifying an executive order from January 2020 which would permanently enhance the Office of Health Strategy’s (OHS) ability to facilitate meaningful policy change and promote a more transparent, accountable, equitable, and innovative healthcare system in Connecticut. The Governor believes that HB 5402: An Act Concerning Health Care Cost Growth would ensure a sustainable benchmark initiative program, guarantee access to data necessary to drive accountability, hold entities publicly accountable for meeting set benchmarks, and identify discrete, additional policy initiatives.
With SB 13: An Act Reducing Prescription Drug Costs, Governor Lamont intends to work with Massachusetts to limit drug prices to set levels of growth. Through the proposal, and in collaboration with Massachusetts, drug prices would be limited to no more than inflation plus 2%. The Governor is also endorsing a plan in SB 13 to allow the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to oversee the safe importation of certain drugs from Canada – a proposal that he believes could allow pharmaceutical costs to fall 75 percent. Some skeptics warn that regulations in the U.S. and Canada are not consistent as well as concerns over the Canadian government being under pressure from the industry to resist exports.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Supreme Court Approves Minimal Changes to Congressional Map
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Last Week, the Connecticut Supreme Court approved minimal revisions to the state's congressional map. The changes, which were necessary to equalize population across the state's five congressional districts, made minor changes to the boundaries of each of the five districts. Ultimately, the map moved about 71,736 residents into a new district and shifted the boundary lines of four municipalities (all of which were already split between two districts).
Following the approval by the court, the plan was sent to the Secretary of the State's office where it has since been approved – marking the end of the state's reapportionment process!
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The Wiffle Ball Hits It Out of the Park
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One summer evening in 1953, David N. Mullany, a father, former college baseball player, and recently laid off salesman, was watching his son attempt to play baseball with his friends in the backyard of their Fairfield, Connecticut home when a curious idea came to him. The boys were playing with a broomstick and perforated golf ball, fearing that a regular baseball would be more likely to fly out of the modestly sized backyard and damage a neighbor’s window or car. Mullany began thinking of the ideal ball for pickup games played in a typical suburban backyard: something resilient and lightweight (in case the ball flew over the fence), but still aerodynamic enough to mimic the motions of a real baseball.
Mullany began experimenting with round, plastic cases used by a local company to package perfumes. He soon discovered that punching holes in one side of the light, plastic spheres made them more aerodynamic. This gave the pitcher the ability to throw curveballs and spinners easily based on his or her grip. As a result, the invention we now know as the WIFFLE® Ball was born on August 17, 1953.
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Mullany offered a number of these new perforated, plastic “baseballs” for sale at a nearby diner. After they quickly sold out, he took out a loan to produce them on a larger scale. Half a year later, on February 18, 1954, Mullany filed a patent for his innovative “game ball.” He later renamed it the “Wiffle Ball” in reference to how easy it was for pitchers to control their throws in ways that would make batters “whiff” – that is, swing at and miss – their pitches.
The Wiffle Ball, Inc. is still headquartered in Shelton and managed by Mullany’s descendants, who have bucked the late 20th-century trend of outsourcing plastic manufacturing and are proud to point out that every Wiffle Ball ever made has been manufactured in Connecticut. An all-American icon and beloved childhood toy scored a home run for millions, starting today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about the invention of Wiffle Ball and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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East Hartford Legislative Town Hall Recap
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Thank you to all those who came out on Wednesday for East Hartford's Legislative Town Hall! I was joined by my delegation colleagues, Representatives Currey and Genga, and Senator Anwar, to discuss what’s to come in the 2022 legislative session. I always appreciate the thoughtful conversation and hearing directly from you – my constituents, especially as we get into the process of reviewing this year's proposed bills. During the conversation on Thursday, we discussed everything from ways we can make our community safe to Brainard Airport and how residents can track bills and engaging in the legislative process.
If you weren't able to make it, and want to check out the discussion, click here. And, Manchester residents – we'll see you on Thursday!
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Scholarship Deadlines Approaching!
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Know an inspiring East Hartford student in the graduating class of 2022? The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation (EHAAEF) is now accepting applications for scholarships available to graduating members of the East Hartford Public Schools Class of 2022. The qualifications for the available scholarships are as follows:
- EHAAEF Scholarship ($2,000) – pursuing undergraduate degree or vocational training program, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
- The Dotson-Renta Family Fund ($500) – demonstrates commitment to the community, cumulative GPA of at least 3.6
- Coach Konopka 'For the Team' Scholarship ($2,500) – pursuing continued education with a focus in public service, student athlete (*members of the wrestling team are highly encouraged to apply)
- Reimagine Tomorrow Scholarship ($1,000) – pursuing a degree in STEM, athletes and those with strong community service experience are strongly encouraged to apply
- Melissa Mateo Blank Award ($1,000) – demonstrates character, intellectual curiosity, and civic engagement, cumulative GPA of at least 3.6
- The Alicea Scholarship for Redefining Norms ($500) – first generation college student, demonstrates ongoing commitment to personal and professional development
All scholarship applications are due by Tuesday, March 1. Interested students can learn more and apply by clicking here.
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The Manchester Scholarship Foundation offers over $600,000 in scholarships each year to students in our community. Applications are now being accepted for the following scholarships:
- 2022 High School Seniors – non-renewable award given to graduating high school seniors who are Manchester residents. Applications for Part A are due by Tuesday, March 1.
- Arthur Goodman Strong Memorial Scholarship – renewable scholarship for recipients with a disability or impairment. Applications for a fall 2022 scholarship due by Friday, June 15.
- Damato Adult Learners Scholarship – renewable scholarship awarded to eligible adult students. Application is due by Friday, April 15.
- Jarvis Memorial – for students who were previous Manchester Scholarship Awardees who have successfully completed their first year of college, and who have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better. Application is due by Friday, June 10.
If you have any questions or require additional information, click here or email manchestersfoundation@gmail.com.
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Register Now: East Hartford Looking for Memorial Day Parade Participants
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The Town of East Hartford is accepting applications from individuals, groups and organizations who wish to participate in our 2022 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30 at 10AM. Registration is open now through Monday, April 18.
The parade will commence at 9 Riverside Drive and march to the Fallen Star Memorial following a speaker segment. Participants and attendees are then invited to join a post-parade celebration! The event is drizzle or shine but will be canceled in case of inclement weather. For more information, click here.
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Olympics Update: Roxbury Native Jacobellis Secures Second Gold Medal at the 2022 Winter Games
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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:
- Competing in her record-tying fifth Olympics, Roxbury Native Lindsey Jacobellis earned her second gold of the 2022 games during the mixed team snowboard cross event.
- Madison's Zach Donohue and his skating partner ended their decade-long career together and earned the bronze medal in the ice dance competition final. The medal also signifies the first time Team USA has medaled in each other the three figure skating events (Donohue and Team USA figure skating earned silver during the team event and Yale's Nathan Chen earned gold during the men's even).
- Choate alumna Hilary Knight played her 22nd game at the Olympics, an American record, Thursday in the gold-medal game in Beijing. Team USA took silver in a 3-2 game against Team Canada.
- Greenwich’s Strauss Mann made 34 saves in 70 minutes during Wednesday's lose to Team Slovakia.
- Ending her time in Beijing, Fairfield's Kristen Santos finished second in the Finals B heat and ninth overall in the 1,500-meter short track event.
- After sustaining an injury during practice, Westport Native Julia Marino backed out of the women's big air competition. Marino earned silver in women's snowboard slopestyle earlier this month.
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 Saturday, February 19, 11AM-3PM at Raymond Library (840 Main Street). First, second, and third/booster doses will be available to all eligible CT residents. No ID or insurance required. 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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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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Share clothes, toys, and winter good from neighbor to neighbor during the "Winter Free Store" from Friday, February 19 to Monday, February 21, 12PM-2PM in the Nathan Hale Gym (160 Spruce Street). This is a fully free store - all items are free! Winter clothes for adults and children, toys, and other items will be available.
If you have items you would like to drop off to share, items will be collected on Saturday, February 19, between 9AM-12PM. For more information, click here.
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Manchester Community College is here to help you improve your visibility in the job market! Join the virtual workshop on Wednesday, February 23 from 12:30PM-1:30PM to get information on the skills and strategies needed to develop a visually appealing, competitive resume that gets positive response from employers. This free event is sponsored by MCC Career Services. To join, click here.
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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 who are 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 the town's Facebook page. If you are joining us in-person, please note that masks and social distancing are required.
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Make a fun and funky scarf using only old t-shirts and no sewing with East Hartford Public Library. Sign up to get a craft kit, hunt down some old shirts, then join the library and your friends on Zoom to create together on Friday, February 25, at 3:30PM. Best suited for tweens, teens, and adults. Register by clicking here.
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The East Hartford Library is inviting you to come read to their furry friends! Members of the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs group will be here with their dogs on Saturday, February 26, 11AM. Reading aloud to a dog can improve fluency, confidence, and comfort around dogs. Children and teens can sign up to read to a dog for 15 minutes. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library! Readers and dogs will be spread out throughout the Children’s Department for social distancing and seated on blankets, chairs will also be provided. Registration is required – sign up today by clicking here. Best suited for children ages 5 and up who are reading independently.
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The East Hartford Youth Service Department in collaboration with the East Hartford Family Resource Centers invite you to a virtual parent presentation on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health on Wednesday, March 9 from 6PM-7PM. Those interested must call the Family Resource Center at (860) 622-5515 to register and receive the Zoom link. Information will be presented by East Hartford Youth Services staff. For more information, click here.
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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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