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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 & Legislators Work to Combat Rising Gas Prices
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In response to rising gas prices triggered by the effects of inflation and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Governor Ned Lamont and legislators have been working to find strategies to help residents at the pump.
This week, Governor Lamont called for a 25 cent per gallon cut to the state's gasoline tax by eliminating the excise tax until June 30. In addition to the gas tax cut, the Governor is also calling for a sales tax holiday on clothing and footwear under $100 in April as well as free bus service. Governor Lamont's proposal requires legislative approval. At this point, it's possible that the General Assembly will attempt to vote on a proposal before the end of the month but talks remain ongoing to find a best strategy to offer immediate relief.
A reminder that if believe a business is engaging in price gouging, you may file a report with the Office of the Attorney General online here or call (860) 808-5318.
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House Votes on Bills to Expand Use of Absentee Ballots, Extend Outdoor Dining, & Adopt Conservation Plan
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The House was in session on Wednesday to vote on several judicial and executive nominations in addition to a few key measures. The big initiative on Wednesday was HB 5262 – the bill that expands access to absentee ballots by revising the eligibility statutes for obtaining an absentee ballot, primarily making the language in statute more in line with the language featured in the state's constitution.
Additionally, the House voted on a HB 5271. As the state worked to respond the effects of the pandemic, action was taken to temporarily allow permits to increase and expand outdoor dining to offer residents a safe way to support their favorite local businesses. To continue adapting to our ever-changing environment, this legislation extends the popular provision through next year and further allow restaurants the ability to safely rebuild their customer base.
The House also worked to pass HJ 107 to adopt the State's Plan of Conservation and Development. The plan adopted features necessary updates to ensure that even as we battle the lasting effects of the pandemic and other challenges, Connecticut continues to commit to building a more sustainable, adaptable, and resilient future.
I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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CT Officials Warns Residents of Illegal Gambling Planforms during March Madness
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The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Attorney General William Tong are reminding residents to remain cautious and be aware that there are only three gaming operators approved to offer internet gaming in Connecticut — DraftKings, FanDuel, and Play Sugarhouse.
DCP has received reports of illegal offshore gambling businesses soliciting residents in Connecticut to place wagers on various online platforms. But residents should be aware that these websites are not licensed to accept wagers within the state and create a risk for users who may not realize these companies do not comply with state regulations created to protect consumers’ personal information and money.
If you are aware of illegal gambling businesses marketing their services in Connecticut, you are encouraged to report it by emailing dcp.gaming@ct.gov. Additional information about gaming in Connecticut is available at ct.gov/gaming.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A Rising Star Falls Twice. On the Same Date
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The day after St. Patrick’s Day was anything but a lucky one for John G. Rowland, who found himself on the wrong end of the law on March 18, 2005, and then again 10 years later on March 18, 2015.
Once considered one of Connecticut’s best and brightest politicians, Rowland first won elected office as a state representative at the young age of 23 and became a U.S. congressman only four years later in 1984. After becoming the state’s 85th governor in 1995, the popular moderate Republican — who was the youngest man to serve as Connecticut’s governor since the 18th century — was re-elected twice by comfortable margins in 1998 and 2002, leaving some political analysts to speculate that a presidential or vice-presidential run might be in his future.
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However, in 2003, rumors began swirling of state contractors performing work for little or no cost on Rowland’s personal property, sparking a lengthy federal investigation that culminated in several of Rowland’s former aides being indicted on corruption-related charges. By January 2004, Rowland himself was being directly investigated by the Justice Department for corruption, most notably his acceptance of bribes in the form of cash and services. When the Connecticut Supreme Court summoned him to testify in June, Rowland chose to resign rather than comply and run the risk of impeachment. Six months later, acknowledging his own “poor judgment,” he pleaded guilty to one count of depriving the citizens of Connecticut of “the honest services of its governor.”
On March 18, 2005, Rowland was sentenced to one year in federal prison, followed by a long period of probation. After his release, a chastened Rowland hit the lecture circuit, speaking to audiences ranging from students to parolees about the dangers of unethical behavior. From 2010 to 2014, Rowland co-hosted what became a popular talk radio show on Connecticut’s WTIC-AM. During that period, he re-entered politics indirectly, offering his services as campaign adviser to aspiring Republican political candidates, which led to his second downfall.
On March 18, 2015, 10 years to the day after his first conviction, John Rowland was convicted in a federal court again, this time for violating campaign election laws. He was convicted for failing to disclose payments he received for work on the unsuccessful Congressional campaign of Lisa Wilson-Foley in 2012, having funneled them instead through a phony contract with Wilson-Foley’s husband. He also was convicted of attempting to set up a similar arrangement with Congressional candidate Mark Greenberg in 2010. For his second conviction, Rowland received a 30-month sentence. A rising star fell twice, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about Former Governor Rowland and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Take the East Hartford Community Health Survey & School Traffic Concerns Survey
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The East Hartford Health Department is conducting a survey and wants to hear your feedback on community health issues and quality of life in East Hartford. Your perspective and opinion is valuable to help implement programs that target local priorities. All responses are anonymous, and no confidential health information is collected. The survey is open now through Monday, April 4.
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To access the survey in Spanish, click here. If you have any questions, contact the Health Department at (860) 291-7324 or email health@easthartfordct.gov.
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And, in response to numerous calls from residents regarding a reoccurring dangerous traffic situation at nearly every school at drop off and pick up times, the Mayor's Office is seeking input from the community with suggestions regarding possible solutions to the problem.
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Please take the survey to help the Town identify the best and most desirable course of action.
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Mark Your Calendars: MCC Virtual Open House on March 29
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Manchester Community College (MCC) will host a virtual open house on Tuesday, March 29 from 5PM-7PM. Future and current students, and their family members are invited to explore a variety of degree and certificate programs available at MCC. Student services and resource areas will also make presentation for prospective students to get a sense of all the MCC campus has to offer.
This event is free and open to the public, there will be time made for questions within break-out rooms. Pre-registration is required so click here to reserve your spot. If you have any questions or require additional information, call (860) 512-3210 or click here.
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Kid Governor Invites 5th Graders to Participate in "Protecting Our Pets" Poster Contest
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Kid Governor Makhi Ettienne-Modeste is committed to his Protecting Our Pets platform and raising awareness of showing kindness towards companion animals and pets! So, in partnership with the Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Children and Families, Makhi is inviting 5th graders to submit their artwork for the "Protecting Our Pets" poster contest.
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Makhi is looking for artwork that answers the question: How can kids show kindness towards pets and companion animals at home or in shelters? The contest is open now through Friday, March 25. For more information and contest rules, click here.
Kid Governor Makhi, his Cabinet, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Children and Families will select twelve contest finalists and one winner. The contest winner and finalists will be announced in late April 2022. The finalists and winner will each receive a pass for a free tour (up to four people) at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford, and the winner’s artwork will be shared with schools across the state, used to promote school collection drives, and displayed in the Kid Governor's office.
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Panel Discussion: Who Benefits? How Teacher Pensions Impact Resource Equity
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I'll be participating in a roundtable discussion hosted by Education Reform Now Connecticut (ERN CT) on Friday, April 1 at 2PM to discuss recent research from ERN CT and Equable Institute that found startling resource inequities in how teacher pensions are funded. In addition to myself, the panel will include:
- Sandi Jacobs, Consultant, Formerly with EducationCounsel and U.S. Department of Education
- Anthony Randazzo, Executive Director of Equable Institute
- Amy Dowell, ERN CT Director
Throughout the panel discussion, we'll work to unpack the implications of the findings on efforts to address teacher recruitment and retention in Connecticut and other states.
To join the conversation, register by clicking here.
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Then & Now Exhibit Opens at the Manchester History Center on March 26
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The Manchester History Center (175 Pine Street) is hosting a grand opening for a new exhibit – Then & Now on Saturday, March 26 from 12PM-4PM. The Historical Society received a $4,999 grant from Connecticut Humanities (CTH) to create the exhibit, which showcases the history of Manchester from pre-Colonial times to the present and illustrates Manchester’s contributions to the arts and industry. The exhibit tells the story of how people from around the globe and from diverse backgrounds came to call Manchester home.
Following the grand opening, the exhibit will be open to the public during regular hours: Tuesday through Thursday, from 10AM-2PM in Room 2 at the Manchester History Center. For more information, click here.
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East Hartford CONNects has New Location and Phone Number!
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East Hartford CONNects (EHC) has a new location! As a direct partner with the Town of East Hartford, EHC will now be found at their new home on the lower level of the East Hartford Public Library (840 Main Street). With the new location also comes new contact information – reach out to EHC by:
EHC is home to several great resources! All East Hartford residents with a High School Diploma, GED or NEDP can contact us for a free, 1-Hour Career Consultation. For more information, click here.
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Manchester Now Requiring Online Appointments for Household Hazardous Waste Collection
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Manchester residents, please be aware that online appointments are now mandatory for all Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events. To schedule an appointment at the town landfill (311 Olcott Street), click here. HHW Collection is available from 8AM-1PM on the following dates in 2022:
- April 2
- May 14
- June 4
- August 27
- September 24
- October 29
- November 12
If you have questions or require additional information, call (860) 647-3200 and press "3" or click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Pfizer and BioNTech applied this week to seek emergency authorization for an additional COVID-19 booster dose of their vaccine for individuals 65 and older to further boost immunity in the most vulnerable populations.
Public health experts are warning Connecticut residents to watch for rising cases of BA.2, an omicron subvariant that has contributed to an ongoing spike in parts of Europe. Some minor upticks have been seen in Fairfield and New Haven, but experts warn that BA.2 is believed to be more infectious than the original omicron variant, though likely not infectious enough to cause a full-scale surge of infections.
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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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Griffin Hospital will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Stone Academy in East Hartford every Wednesday during the month of March from 3PM-7PM. First, second, and third/booster doses of all three brands will be available to all eligible CT residents ages 5 and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. And – all pediatric first dose recipients will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. For questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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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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Join Manchester Public Library on Monday, March 21 at 6:30PM in the Howroyd Program Room for a book talk and signing by historian Marty Podskoch. His book, Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport & Guide to Exploring Connecticut, encourages travelers to visit all the towns and villages of our beautiful and unique state. Registration is required for this free, in-person event for adults. Please call the Reference Room at (860) 645-0821 to secure your spot. For more information, click here.
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The poet Kaveh Akbar will teach a poetry masterclass at Manchester Community College on Monday, March 21 at 4:30PM-5:30PM and perform a poetry reading at 6PM-7PM. This event is free and open to the public. Please note that both events will be in-person with safe distancing and masks. For more information, click here.
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Beginning on Monday, March 21, Manchester residents can resume setting out paper lawn bags of leaves, grass clippings and shrubbery trimmings for curbside collection on the day of their normal refuse/recycling collection. Residents may drop off loose or paper bagged leaves at the Transfer Station composting area from 7:15AM-3PM from Monday-Saturday. For additional information, click here.
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Want to spruce up your decor for elevenses? Keep wizards from marring your front door? Craft a DIY Hobbit Door Wreath with East Hartford Public Library and spruce up your house with a hobbit door wreath! Register in advance for a supply kit, and then join the library to craft together over Zoom on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30PM. This activity is best suited for tweens, teens, and adults – please limit 1 kit per household.
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RiseUP is formally launching another localized Public Art program in Connecticut. East Hartford Murals will be led by a local steering committee consisting of community leaders, neighborhood residents, and local creatives. Come celebrate the start of the 2nd MLK39 mural and learn more about East Hartford Murals on Thursday, March 24 at 5:30PM at Goodwin University and meet the incredible team of founding artists: Joshua Morgan, Tiyah Thompson, Michael Rice, and Micaela Rice. Youth artists, Tarah Johnson and Olivia Jenkins will also be featured. Learn more by clicking here.
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East Hartford Youth Service's Prevention Idol is back in a virtual format and registration is open now! You are invited to participate by submitting a video of your performance by Friday, April 1 at midnight. The panel of judges will select FIVE finalists from each category. Once the finalists are selected, the public will choose the winner by taking a survey that will become available in the end of April, beginning of May. For more information about the event and submission categories, 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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