Kate Farrar

Medical experts are tracking the most recent COVID-19 omicron subvariant, BA.2. The subvariant is becoming the dominant coronavirus strain in U.S. and could lead to a surge of cases this spring. With at-home testing options and boosters available, our state has the resources necessary to manage another wave of infections. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have authorized second booster shots for individuals 50 years and older. Vaccines continue to be effective tools in protecting residents from severe COVID-19 infections. To get vaccinated or your booster, please click here to locate vaccination sites in our community.

The event is in support of Senate Bill 4, which I have publicly advocated for and fully support. This proposal works to address our state's reliance on fossil fuels and includes a provision to introduce rebates for low- and middle-income residents to purchase E-Bikes. I'm very pleased to share that the legislature's Transportation Committee recently approved the bill. It must be reviewed for constitutionality and impact with current state law before it is sent to the Senate and House floors for a vote. It may also be sent to another committee for consideration. 

During this event, you will learn about climate priorities, meet local e-bike riders, and test ride e-bikes from local bike shops. I hope you'll join us for this great event!

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please take advantage of the resources below, which are available in Connecticut.

Resources for Program Gambling

• The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) offers a free, online live chat service, Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and weekends from noon to midnight. People can also call one of Problem Gambling Helplines at (888) 789-7777 or (800) 346-6238. This service offers confidential assistance 24 hours a day and can answer questions and provide referrals to clinicians across Connecticut with expertise in problem gambling. CCPG also offers print resources, news, events and training information at ccpg.org.
• The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) operates the Problem Gambling Services program to offer a comprehensive network of consumer-oriented problem gambling recovery services in Connecticut and fostering an environment that promotes informed choices around gambling behavior. For more information, please click HERE.
• Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, and budget counseling for both problem gamblers and family members, psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members, and couples and family counseling. To speak with a gambling counselor or find the nearest Bettor Choice Program, call (860) 344-2244 or (866) 440-4375.
• Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength and hope so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. 
• Gam-Anon is a self-help organization for the loved ones of problem gamblers.

Self-Exclusion Program

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) offers a self-exclusion program to help anyone affected by problem gambling to distance themselves from it. Self-exclusion allows people to voluntarily ban themselves from all forms of gambling in the state.

Individuals who enroll in self-exclusion are prohibited from collecting any winnings, recovering any losses or accepting complimentary gifts or services or any other thing of value from a licensee or operator. Operators in other states or countries may choose to exclude those on the Connecticut self-exclusion list from their services.

You can sign up for the self-exclusion list HERE.

There are options to remove yourself from the self-exclusion list once you have reached the end of your selected 1- or 5-year exclusion period. If you select the lifetime self-exclusion option, you will not be able to remove yourself from the list.

Sincerely,

Kate Farrar
State Representative
she/her/hers