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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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CT General Assembly Addresses Rising Costs at the Pump with Gas Tax Holiday
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The ongoing impact of the pandemic, coupled with the ongoing aggression in Ukraine by Russia, has had global implications that are largely out of our control – but they are resulting in a lot of financial pain for Connecticut's families and residents. On Wednesday, the General Assembly acted on a unanimous, bipartisan bias to address the pain being felt at the pump.
Wednesday's action will suspend the state gas tax through June 30, offer an additional sales tax-free week in April, and provide free bus service. My hope is that this action is part of a larger group of actions we will take during this year's session to use our current financial situation to help create a state that is more affordable and accessible for all.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT Senate Sends Absentee Ballot Bill & Outdoor Dining Extension to Governor's Desk
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Two important measures reached final passage in the State Senate on Wednesday. One bill, which we have worked on for a number of years now, ensures that individuals who are unable to vote at the polls can vote by absentee ballot. While more work is necessary, included the passage of a state constitutional amendment, this measure will encourage greater participation in our democracy.
The State Senate also passed a measure, which we passed in the House the week prior, to continue the successful program of expanded outdoor dining through next year. The change was incredibly popular with local restaurants as they offered a safe way for residents to support their favorite restaurants throughout the pandemic. This extension will allow restaurants the ability to continue safely rebuilding their customer base
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings Take Place
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This week, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson. Beginning on Monday the hearing opened with opening remarks from the committee members, moved into two days of intense questioning, and then concluded with witness testimony.
A former clerk to Justice Breyer, Judge Brown and witnesses spoke in depth about her broad experience across the legal profession – throughout her extensive career she's served as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender.
President Joe Biden nominated Judge Jackson to fill the seat on the nation's highest court that will be left empty by Justice Breyer's retirement at the end of the court's term. If nominated, Judge Jackson will become the court's first Black female justice. The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Judge Jackson's nomination on Monday, April 4.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The First American Bishop Led a Politically Problematic Faith
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At a meeting held in Woodbury, Connecticut on March 25, 1783, 10 clergymen concerned with providing for the future of the Episcopal Church named Samuel Seabury to be the first bishop of the new United States of America. Seabury was born near New London on November 30, 1729 and had lived in Connecticut for most of his life — except for several turbulent years during the American Revolution when he fled to a more Loyalist-friendly part of New York because of his outspoken opposition to American independence.
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Seabury had been ordained as a minister of the Anglican Church, which still had ties to the Episcopal church. And since there had never been an Anglican bishop in America, and a bishop was needed to consecrate Seabury as a bishop, Seabury sailed for England. There, he ran headfirst into a politically problematic technicality: the Church of England determined that it could not proceed with the consecration because the ceremony required taking an oath of allegiance to King George III. For Seabury, as a citizen of the new United States, such an oath was simply out of the question.
To resolve the dilemma, Seabury headed north and appealed to the Scottish Episcopal Church, which, despite its links to the Anglican Church, did not demand the same loyalty oath. The Scottish Episcopal Church performed Seabury’s consecration ceremony on November 14, 1784, after which Seabury returned to Connecticut and became rector of St. James’ Church in New London. He traveled throughout New England and New York extensively during his time as bishop, and was buried in New London after his death in 1796.
Learn more about Samuel Seabury and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Comptroller's Office Launches MyCTSavings – a Private-Sector Retirement Savings Program
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On Thursday, I joined Comptroller Natalie Braswell and Governor Ned Lamont to announce the launch of MyCTSavings, a new retirement savings option for the more than 600,000 Connecticut private-sector workers who aren’t offered a plan through their employer. I'm really excited by this program which is a win-win for workers and employers.
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By offering the MyCTSavings program, workers who don't currently have access to a retirement savings account will now have the option to save for their future so that they have money in the bank to enjoy their golden years. All Connecticut employers with five or more employees — each of whom has been paid more than $5,000 in the calendar year — are required by law to join MyCTSavings if they don’t offer a retirement plan for their employees. Sign-up is quick, easy, and free.
Learn more about MyCTSavings by clicking here.
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CT's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Now Open
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The Connecticut Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now open and accepting applications. If you get benefits from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, SNAP, TFA, SSI, State Supplement, or Refugee Cash, then you likely meet the income requirements to qualify for water assistance.
Applicants will apply for benefits at their region Community Action Agency directly or online using the Joint Energy-Water Assistance Application linked below. Please note that completed applications must include a copy of your current water/wastewater bill, and the bill must be in the name of a household adult or emancipated minor.
For more information and for the materials needed to apply, click here, or contact the Community Renewal Team at (860) 560-5800.
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New Scholarship Opportunity: The Donald and Delores Boyle Scholarship
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Manchester and East Hartford students can apply to a new scholarship opportunity! The Donald and Delores Boyle Scholarship Fund has been established to honor lifelong Hartford area residents, Donald and Delores (Don and Dee), to who the importance of education was a value they not only preached but lived.
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The Donald and Delores Boyle Scholarship Fund has established a $2,500 scholarship to assist high school seniors or graduates who reside in the county of Hartford in the state of Connecticut who plan to continue their education in college. Applicants must:
- Be high school seniors or graduates, who reside in the county of Hartford in the state of Connecticut and plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university for the entire upcoming academic year.
- Plan to purse a degree in a STEM field (Sciences, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
Applications are being accepted now through Monday, April 4 at 3PM. Applicants will be notified in May. For more information or to apply, click here.
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Save the Date: Community Clean Up Event
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Mark your calendars! The Manchester Land Conservation Trust in partnership with the Town of Manchester Sustainability Commission, the Youth Commission, the Conservation Commission, and the Manchester High School Environmental Club will celebrate Earth Day 2022 with a community clean-up on Saturday, April 23 from 9AM-1PM at Center Springs Park (39 Lodge Drive).
Supplies will be provided, and volunteers are welcome to stay as long as they'd like – no need to stay the whole time. Please be sure to dress for the weather as the event will be held rain or shine – bring water, sunscreen, sweatshirts, etc. Pizza will be provided to volunteers at the end of the event.
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation Offering April Vacation Camp
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The East Hartford Parks and Recreation is now registering campers in grades 1-6 for their fun-filled April Vacation Camp which will be offered Monday, April 11 – Thursday, April 14 from 8AM-4PM. Daily camp activities will be held at the Community Cultural Center and will include crafts, a variety of indoor/outdoor games, and time to play and socialize with friends.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Participants may register for the whole week or just for a day or two; the fee is just $25 per day for East Hartford residents. To register, click here or drop off your registration at the Community Cultural Center (forms can be found here). If you have questions or require any additional information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (860) 291-7160.
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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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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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The Curative COVID-19 testing site at Goodwin University (417 Main Street) is open to all Connecticut residents Monday through Saturday! There is no cost, and testing is available to insured and uninsured patients (insured patients should bring a photo ID and insurance card to receive a test). Appointments are preferred and will take precedence over walk-ins – reserve your spot by clicking here. Results are typically available within 1-2 days following arrival at the lab. If you are visually impaired or need additional assistance, please call (888) 702-9042 to find and book an appointment.
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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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Have you ever wondered about the roaming cats in your neighborhood – and how you can help them? The Manchester Public Library will host Our Companions Animal Rescue on Monday, March 28 at 7PM to help answer all your questions and provide information on helping the cats seen in our community and offer ways you can get involved. This a free, in-person program. No registration is required.
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Quilling or paper filigree dates back to the Renaissance and has recently reemerged as a trendy, economic, fun and anxiety-reducing artform. In this WORK_SPACE workshop on Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30PM, you will learn basic techniques to roll paper into coils and scrolls to create a unique and colorful design led by artist Donnamarie Nakos. The workshop is $15 and includes all of the necessary supplies – BOGO tickets are available to WORK_SPACE members. For more information or to register, click here.
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The Town of Manchester has kicked off a new project: “Manchester Next," to update the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), led by the Town of Manchester and planning consultant Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative, LLC (TPUDC). The public will have several opportunities to get engaged and participate in the process, starting with the virtual Community Kickoff Event on Monday, April 11 at 6:30PM.
During the online meeting, you'll find out more about the goals of the Manchester Next project and to share your ideas for the future. The event will be available virtually and in-person. To attend via Zoom, click here to register - translation will be available in Spanish and Bengali. For more information on the initiative and how to participate at an in-person event, click here.
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Create and solve your own Soma cube puzzle with East Hartford Public Library! Invented by Danish mathematician and poet Piet Hein, this set of seven 3-D shapes can be assembled into a cube. Register in advance for a supply kit and join the library to work together over Zoom on Thursday, March 31, at 3:30 PM. Best suited for tweens, teens, and adults.
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East Hartford residents are invited to participated in the Parks and Recreation's Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9 at 12PM at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Road). The event is intended for children ages 10 and younger (with their accompanying parent/guardian) and will be grouped by age. Please note that safety protocols and social distancing guidelines will be in place – masks will be required for child participants as well as their parents/guardians. Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy.
In the case of inclement weather, the egg hunt will be postponed to the following Saturday, April 16. Please check the town webpage and the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates. If you have any questions or require additional information, call (860) 291-7160.
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It's time to start thinking about summer jobs! Are you between the ages of 16 - 24 and looking for help finding a job? Get prepared with a series of in-person workshops sponsored in partnership with East Hartford CONNects and Liberty Bank. The available workshops are as follows:
- Resumes and Cover Letters 101: Monday, April 11, 10AM-12PM
- Social Media 101: Tuesday, April 12, 10AM-12PM
- Credit for Life Fair: Wednesday, April 13, 10AM-12PM
- Job Fair – Get Hired: Thursday, April 16, 10AM-12PM
Each workshop will be held at the East Hartford Public Library. Devices are required for participation-computer, tablet, phone or borrow one from us. Please come dressed to have your photo taken on Tuesday.
Registration is required – reserve your spot by clicking here. If you have any questions or require additional information, email Cathy Potter, Children's and Teen Librarian at East Hartford Public Library, at cpotter@easthartfordct.gov.
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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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