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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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Public Health Committee Hears Testimony on Aid-In-Dying Legislation
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On Wednesday, the Public Health Committee heard public hearing testimony on SB 88, known as Aid-In-Dying legislation. The bill before the committee would allow mentally competent patients with less than six months to live to obtain a prescription from a doctor for a lethal dose of medication. Advocates for the legislation say that the option would provide terminally ill patients the ability to choose when to end their pain and die with greater dignity.
On the other side of the argument, disability-rights activists opposed the legislation arguing that tit is a "dangerous option" that devalues the lives of people with disabilities. Advocates and supporting legislators have countered that the legislation would build out safeguards for people with vulnerabilities – the measure would require the sign-off of two physicians upon a patient's request and again, would only be an option to patients 18 and older with less than six months to live.
This is the 14th time this concept has been raised in the state since 1994 – the closest the legislation has gotten to final passage was during last year's legislative session when the bill was passed out of the committee but never made it to a full vote in either the House or the Senate. If the bill were to pass during this legislative session, Connecticut would join nine other states and the District of Columbia in offering the end-of-life option.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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OPM Secretary to Transition to New Role as East Hartford Finance Director
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On Friday, it was announced that Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Secretary Melissa McCaw will be leaving her post in the Lamont administration and taking on a new role as East Hartford's Finance Director. I've been lucky enough to have worked collaboratively with Melissa to craft the state budget previous in my role as Finance Chair, and more recently in my role as Majority Leader. As we enter a new fiscal year, I am confident that Melissa's deep understanding of the complex financial challenges and opportunities that we face as a community will help East Hartford prepare for the future ahead.
Melissa plans to transition into her new role as of Friday, March 11.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Op-Ed: Good can Happen When we Focus on the Greater Good
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I wrote an op-ed that appeared in the Hartford Courant this week about looking ahead for what this year's legislative session has to bring:
"As we start a new legislative session, I cannot help but think about the way the world has changed over the past year. A year ago, my first session as majority leader of the State House, I gave welcoming remarks to a largely empty chamber.
This year, I was surrounded by my colleagues and a few invited guests. A year ago, we were just beginning a state, and nationwide, vaccination effort. This year, 77.4% of eligible Connecticut residents are fully vaccinated from COVID-19. A year ago, 8.1% of individuals were on unemployment. This year, 5.8% are. We have come a long way. And as we embark on this new legislative session, I am full of hope and optimism about what we will accomplish."
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Samuel Colt Finally Gets His Shot at Success.
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Today in 1836, Hartford inventor Samuel Colt — after being expelled from school, sailing the seas, and touring as a showman demonstrating the unusual effects of nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” –received a U.S. patent for the first revolving chamber percussion pistol. This was a dramatically new type of firearm, which would revolutionize the settlement of the American West and make Connecticut a world leader in arms manufacturing.
Colt’s revolver had its roots in young Samuel’s inability to stay focused at the boarding school where his father had sent him; he preferred reading scientific encyclopedias and tinkering with his own experiments over tending to his schoolwork, and was consequently expelled. Figuring a life at sea might be more suitable for the restless young man, Samuel’s father found him work aboard the India-bound merchant ship Corvo. There, after studying the turning and locking mechanisms of the ship’s wheel and rudder, Colt was inspired to create a prototype of a pistol with a revolving chamber, which allowed it to fire multiple bullets before reloading.
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After his return to the United States, it would take Colt four years to raise the money needed to perfect his pistol prototype. During that time, Colt toured as “Dr. Coult, of New York, London, and Calcutta,” a “practiced chemist,” publicly demonstrating the unusual effects of the gas nitrous oxide. These effects, his advertisements noted, included laughing, dancing, singing, and a “propensity [for] muscular exertion, such as wrestling, boxing, etc.”
Finally, on February 25, 1836, Samuel Colt was awarded his first patent for what became the world’s first practical revolver: a semi-automatic percussion-cap pistol with a revolving chamber that could fire six consecutive bullets without reloading. A few months later, Colt secured a second patent for a similar revolver design; together, his two patents formed the basis for the famous Colt Paterson revolver — the first revolver mass-produced by Colt’s nascent firearms company, which was then based in Paterson, New Jersey. After several years of shaky sales and unstable finances, glowing reviews about Colt’s revolvers from the Mexican-American war front caused a huge spike in demand — enough for Colt to restructure his company and move it to Hartford, Connecticut, where he proceeded to build a massive factory on the banks of the Connecticut river in 1847.
In Hartford, the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company pioneered revolutionary advances in mass manufacturing. One of Colt’s earliest goals was to ensure his pistols were made with 100 percent interchangeable parts, and his was one of the first factories in the world to implement an assembly line. The reliability of Colt’s firearms and the speed at which he could produce them landed the company countless U.S. military contracts, making Samuel Colt one of the richest men in the United States at the time of his death in 1862. Colt’s revolvers became an American icon, famously used by the pioneers, cowboys, and prospectors who fueled 19th century America’s westward expansion, and today, remains one of the most widely recognized firearms brands in the world. One of Connecticut’s most famous inventors secured a patent that would change the face of Hartford — and the entire American West — forever, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about Samuel Colt and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Town Budget Proposals Released
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Both Manchester and East Hartford have begun the process of adopting their annual budgets for the fiscal year 2022-23. Manchester's FY 2023 Budget Proposal can be found here. The town is welcoming feedback from residents and taxpayers during upcoming budget workshops. Currently, the plan is to have all meetings conducted in person at the Lincoln Center Hearing Room with remote access optional via Zoom on the following dates:
Budget Workshop #1: Board of Education
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #2: General Government, Fixed Miscellaneous, and Human Services
Thursday, March 10, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #3: Public Works and Sanitation
Wednesday, March 16, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #4: Water & Sewer and Leisure Services
Thursday, March 17, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #5: Police & Fire
Tuesday, March 22, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #6: Board of Education
Tuesday, March 29, 5:30PM
Budget Workshop #7: As Needed
Tuesday, March 29, 5:30PM
In addition to the above workshops, Manchester will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, March 16 at 7PM.
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East Hartford's FY 2023 Budget Proposal can be found here. This year, all budget workshops will be presented in a hybrid model – residents are welcome to attend in person at Town Hall (740 Main Street, workshop will be held in the Town Council Chambers) or may call-in. Budget workshops will be held on the following dates:
Budget Workshop: Police and Fire Departments
Monday, February 28, 6:30PM
Join Meeting Here
Budget Workshop: Inspections + Permits and Board of Education
Wednesday, March 2, 6:30PM
Join Meeting Here
Budget Workshop: Town Treasurer, Council, Clerk + Development + Finance + Executive
Saturday, March 5, 8:30AM
Join Meeting Here
Budget Workshop: Health and Social Services + Public Works + Parks & Recreation
Monday, March 7, 6:30PM
Join Meeting Here
Following the workshops, the town will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 9 at 7PM. More information on the hearing and how to remotely access the meeting, can be found here.
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Important Updates to UniteCT Program
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As of Tuesday, February 15, the UniteCT Program has suspended new rent and electric application submissions and recertification intake. Tenants and landlords with a Rent Relief Case # will have until Thursday, March 31 to complete their applications. Any cases not fully completed by March 31 will be withdrawn from the case review process.
If you need assistance, contact a local UniteCT Center:
Community Renewal Team – 555 Windsor Street, Hartford
For English: (860) 560-5398; For Spanish: (860) 560-5738
*Not accepting walk-ins, by appointment only
Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford – 95 Niles Street, Hartford
For English & Spanish: (860) 206-5270
*No in-person appointments
Urban League of Greater Hartford – 140 Woodland Street, 4th Floor, Hartford
For English & Spanish: (860) 527-0147
If you require any additional assistance, call 1-844-UniteCT (1-844-864-8328) or click here.
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East Hartford Juneteenth Celebration will be Back in 2022!
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This week, East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh along with the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department and East Hartford Black Caucus announced the first annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 18! The details about the event are forthcoming, please keep an eye on the Town's webpage for updates.
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Promote Your Local Business at the Big E
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The Big E is happening September 16-October 2, but applications are being accepted know for the agriculture booth spaces in the Connecticut Building! The Connecticut Building offers a unique opportunity for agricultural businesses, non-profits, and other entities with an agricultural mission to showcase the diversity of Connecticut agriculture.
In 2021, more than 1 million people visited the Connecticut Building so this is a great opportunity to showcase your merchandise and gain new customers! Potential vendors can apply for a booth with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture now through Friday, March 25.
To apply, click here and for more information, 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 will host a free vaccination clinic on Saturday, February 26 from 11AM-3PM at Raymond Library (840 Main Street). All three brands of the vaccine will be available to eligible individuals for first, second, and third/booster doses. Clinics are open to all CT residents, appointments are not required, and walk-ins are accepted – no form of ID or insurance needed. For more information, click here.
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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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If you want to make your world more colorful, consider joining Manchester Public Library for a unique program on Monday, February 28 at 6:30PM. Presented by Elizabeth MacDonald Castro, Spruce Street Community Garden Coordinator, participants will be exploring which plants could make up your natural palette, discussing the types of dye plants that can be grown in your home garden, and examining the process/materials needed to bring your vibrant vision to life!
Color samples and a live demonstration will be provided. Registration is required for this free program for adults and space is limited to 20 people, reserve your spot by calling the Reference Room at (860) 645-0821.
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Join Manchester Community College on Tuesday, March 1 at 2PM for a seminar to help participants get full scope of having a credit card, learn techniques to become a better consumer, and navigate the student loan process. The session will be led by Lori-Anne M. Lawton, Corporate CRA & Fair and Responsible Banking Officer, Webster Bank, N.A. and Mina Minelli, Senior Vice President, Webster Bank, N.A.
The seminar will be offered in-person at the Learning Resource Center or online via WebEx. To register, please RSVP to Claudia LaRocque at clarocque@manchestercc.edu. The event is sponsored by MCC's Business & Paralegal Departments.
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Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Expert Ginny Apple will return to Manchester Public Library on Monday, March 7 at 6:30PM to continue a monthly series on Connecticut's wildlife and nature. March's discussion will highlight the Connecticut's beaver. No registration is required for this free, in-person program for adults. For more information, click here.
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be offering two free pop-up tax preparation clinics at the East Hartford Public Library on Sunday, February 27 and Sunday, March 13 from 1PM-5PM. VITA volunteers will help people prepare and file taxes, teach new ways to save, and provide tips to help stretch refunds. Registration for a session is required, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. To register, call 2-1-1, when connected follow prompts to press “3” and then “6” to set up an appointment. For more information, click here.
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Having trouble paying your heating and energy bills? Now is the time to connect with Eversource to get assistance. The East Hartford Public Library will host a virtual information session with Eversource on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30PM to discuss winter heating and energy assistance. Topics will include winter energy costs, protection from service disconnection, medical protection, CT Energy Assistance program, matching payment program, new start, payment plans, energy efficiency. Register to participate by clicking here.
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The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Youth Services Department is collaborating with The Governor's Prevention Partnership, East Hartford CONNects, State Representative Jeff Currey, and East Hartford Police Department to bring a virtual webinar on prevention efforts and resources available locally and statewide. All East Hartford parents, youth, and families to participate and learn on Tuesday, March 15 at 7PM. This event will be held via Facebook Live – no pre-registration required.
For more information, call the Youth Services Department at (860) 291-7179.
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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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