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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
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| Friends and Neighbors,
Don’t check your calendars or make plans for tomorrow to hit up that Saturday flea market. Today’s update has hopped itself over to your inbox a day early due to the holiday weekend that some observe. Don't forget this weekend comes with the closure of our state and municipal offices. It also means that we have one less day for business under the dome before that final gavel strikes the wooden sound box, adjourning the General Assembly for the 2022 Legislative Session. It’s now a race to the finish line, and with all due respect to the bunny and the hare, it’s the slow and steady, well thought out and negotiated proposals that will cross the finish line. To help with understanding where legislative proposals are at in the legislative process, we’ve included a "2022 Session So Far" section. You'll find a link to a spreadsheet with detailed bills passed by the House and Senate and if the Governor has taken pen to paper to sign it, or if it's been vetoed. You’ll also find a slide deck with several graphics that provide an overview of the bills we passed out of the House yesterday. We will continue to include this section over the next two and half weeks.
So as you fall down the rabbit hole of “all things legislative” on what’s happening here in Hartford, I encourage you to engage, ask questions, and most importantly if you can, have an easy weekend. |
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To stay up-to-date with everything happening in Hartford, click the "At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond" link below, but also please check out the other subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
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Overall Summary
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Cumulative
(except for hospital census)
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Past 7 days*
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Positive PCR/NAAT Tests
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805,792
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+3,442
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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13,876,333
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54,982
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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6.26%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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139
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+12
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COVID-19 Associated Deaths
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10,809
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+14
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*This column indicates all PCR/NAAT tests by specimen collection date from the past 7 days. Hospitalizations over the past 7 days indicates the change in the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over that period. Deaths over the past 7 days indicates the number of new COVID-19 associated deaths reported; deaths are reported once weekly.
Of the 139 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 40 (28.78%) are not fully vaccinated.
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Number of Positive Tests |
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| East Hartford |
12,612 |
198 |
215.591 |
15,845 |
| Manchester |
10,396 |
188 |
208,951 |
12,700 |
| South Windsor |
3,873 |
65 |
75,549 |
4,526 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| 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.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Wednesday, April 20
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
Information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started. |
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| Testing remains a vital strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 should get tested. There are several drive-up and walk-up test sites in our area for residents who need a COVID-19 test now. Click the links below to find sites near you.
East Hartford
Manchester
South Windsor |
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The House was in session on Wednesday. Curious about what we passed in the people's House? Click the button below for a slide deck of some of the bills we passed. You'll find a brief explanation about what the bill would accomplish and a link to read the full text of the bill. Each graphic shows the bill's progress in the legislative process. The bills we voted on yesterday will now go to the Senate. If the Senate approves them, the proposals will go to the governor for consideration.
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| You can find a full list of bills that have been passed in the House and Senate this session here. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| As a reminder, in observance of Good Friday tomorrow, all town offices in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor will be closed. State offices will also be closed. Offices will reopen on Monday, April 18.
Curbside trash pickup and recycling in East Hartford scheduled for Friday will be delayed until Saturday, April 16. There will be no delay in curbside collection in Manchester or South Windsor. |
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| The Town of East Hartford was recently awarded $2 million through the state's Communities Challenge Grant Program to build a public marina on Goodwin University's campus. Today, I was happy to join Governor Lamont, East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner of Alexandra Daum, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and Goodwin University President Mark Scheinberg to discuss this great development. This marina is just one step to a much larger development that will make East Hartford a destination and a town we can continue to be proud of. This is exciting news for our community! |
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Last week, the governor signed legislation we passed to expand 2 of the 6 statutory reasons under which voters in Connecticut can qualify for an absentee ballot during an election, primary, or referendum. Under the law, which takes effect immediately, out-of-town commuters and caretakers of those who are ill or have a disability are now able to vote by absentee ballot.
The legislation removes more restrictive language on these qualifications from state statutes and better aligns state laws with the standard that is set in the state constitution. The legislation was approved in the House by a vote of 126 to 16 and in the Senate by a vote of 30 to 4.
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| April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to focus attention on the prevalence of sexual assault in our communities, uplift the voices of survivors and commit ourselves to putting an end to sexual violence.
Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill which focused specifically on protecting sexual assault victims on college campuses. HB 6374 requires Connecticut colleges to conduct a sexual assault misconduct survey every two years and establishes a Council on Sexual Misconduct Climate Assessments to assist higher education institutions in collecting this information.
This year, we are advocating for the passage of HB 5472, An Act Concerning Sexual Assault, and the Absence of Consent. This bill updates statutory language to define "consent" for purposes of sexual assault and clarifies that sexual intercourse without consent is a crime. HB 5472 was voted out of the Judiciary Committee, which I am a member of, and will be sent to the floor for debate and consideration.
The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence launched their annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign. This year’s theme is healing through community. Visit endsexualviolencect.org to find out how you can get involved in building survivor communities that provide solace, connection, and prevent further violence.
If you or someone you love needs support, call or text their 24-hour hotline:
1-888-999-5545 for English,1-888-565-8332 para Español.
I hope you will join me this month in honoring the resilience of survivors as we work towards building safer communities. |
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Over the past two years, we have seen the impact of isolation on mental health. Below are several resources if you or someone you know is in need of support:
- Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 911, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24 hour, 7 day a week free service to have your child immediately evaluated by a mental health professional. NOTE: If calling by cell phone, 2-1-1 can also be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.
- NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.
- The State of Connecticut has several mental health resource. Find the list here.
- The Connecticut Children's Behavioral Health Toolkit also has helpful resources for children experiencing a mental health crisis.
- State Rep. Liz Linehan's website also has helpful mental health resources for children.
- WrapCT is part of the Connecting to Care network. WrapCT emphasizes is a holistic approach to addressing mental and behavioral health changes for children and family. Click here to learn more.
- CHR Health can help young adults and teens who may be struggling with substance use disorder through a comprehensive network of support. For more information about CHR's Substance Screening and Treatment Recovery services, click here.
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| Although the rate of suicide in young people is lower than the rate of suicide in adults, in 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death among U.S. adolescents. Studies analyzing suicide risk have found that overall, more sexual minority and gender minority adolescents will attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual and cis-gender peers. There are resources for LGBTQ adolescents who may need support. |
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| The Trevor Project recently released its 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The survey highlights the experiences of nearly 35,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13–24 across the United States. The third annual survey provides brand new data on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care disparities, discrimination, food insecurity, conversion therapy, and suicide — in addition to the benefits of LGBTQ-affirming spaces and respecting the pronouns of transgender and nonbinary youth. You can read the report here. |
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| The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective will hold offer free HIV testing for individuals who are transgender on April 21, 2022 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1841 Broad St, Hartford. Tests are available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-278-4163. For more information, please click here. |
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| Q+, a volunteer-based, youth led grassroots group dedicated to filling gaps in queer youth programming in Connecticut, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth. The support group will meet every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Universalist Church of West Hartford, 433 Fern St. |
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| Did you know that fraud cases have skyrocketed in the last few years? Scammers and their tactics are evolving with the times, and it's become more challenging to keep up. Join AARP for a webinar on Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. to learn how to spot and avoid romance scams, cryptocurrency scams and more. Staying current on the red flags of scams can help you avoid engaging with them. You’ll also receive a free downloadable copy of the AARP Fraud Watch Network's all-new Watchdog Alert Handbook: Common Elements of Today’s Scams – And How to Stay Safe just for attending. To register for this helpful virtual event, please click here. |
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| For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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| The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations body charged with assessing the science related to climate change, recently released the third part of its Sixth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. The report provides an updated global assessment of climate change progress and examines the sources of emissions in relation to global emissions goals. The report contains staggering data, indicating the temperatures on Earth will climb past key danger points if our emissions patterns and reliance on fossil fuels don't change. Despite government commitments to limit global warming below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit this century, global temperatures have increased by over 2F since pre-industrial times. From 2010 to 2019, emissions increased 12%, and from 1990, emission increased 54%. At the current rate, it will become more difficult to limit global temperature rises after 2030.
To address the accelerating climate crisis, we need significant action at every level of government, and this action must focus on the communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. On Earth Day, Friday April 22 at 2 p.m., Sunrise CT and its partner organizations will hold a Climate Strike to urge our state leaders to stop permitting new fossil fuel power plants. For more information about the Climate Strike, please click here. |
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| On Wednesday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the East Hartford Police Department is inviting residents to its regular "Sandwich with a Cop" event at the Subway at 1210 Main St, East Hartford. During this event, East Hartford residents will be able to discuss their concerns, ask questions, and chat with one of East Hartford's police officers over a sandwich. You can learn more about this here. |
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| The Manchester Land Conservation Trust is inviting residents to its Earth Day Community Clean-Up on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this event that's perfect for the whole family, volunteers will help clean up three public parks and trails in Manchester. Volunteers can meet at the Center Springs Park parking lot at 39 Lodge Dr. At the end of the event, the Manchester Land Conservation Trust will treat volunteers to pizza and refreshments. The event is being done in partnership with the Town of Manchester Sustainability Commission, the Youth Commission, the Conservation Commission, and the Manchester High School Environmental Club. To learn more, please click here. |
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| On Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop off your prescription and non-prescription medications during the South Windsor Police Department's Medication Disposal event. All medications will be accepted, including cough medicines and liquids. This will be a drive up event. If you have questions, please call Sgt. Steve Hoover at 860-648-6256 or Andrea Cofrancesco in Human Services at 860-648-6357. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| Q+ is brining back is its annual LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Camp program this July and August. Youth ages 13 to 19 are invited to attend this program that is focused on leadership, social justice, and empowerment. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks. To learn more, please click here. |
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| Do you have concerns about your infant’s or toddler’s development? Birth to Three is available throughout Connecticut to help parents with children under age 3 who have delays or disabilities. Now it’s even easier for families to access these supports in their homes and communities, with no out-of-pocket costs. If you have concerns about an infant’s or toddler’s development, please call 1-800-505-7000 or visit birth23.org to learn more. |
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| Manchester’s Early Childhood Fair is scheduled on Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike. This event is free, open to the public, and will provide parents, soon-to-be parents, and guardians information on programs, services, recreation, and local resources available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children up to age 8. A rain date is set for Saturday, May 14. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here. |
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| The State of Connecticut is hiring! You can find a variety of seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions. There are jobs open to members of the public as well as those already employed at a state agency or organization. You can find a full list of openings here. |
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| The Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate is hiring an Associate Child Advocate. This position will work in a dynamic environment to help manage the OCA's daily operations. The incumbent should be comfortable working on urgent deadlines, prioritizing multiple responsibilities, and presenting to state agency executives, government officials, legislators, and municipal leaders. The ideal candidate should have a law degree or graduate degree relating to public policy, and will be committed to equity and inclusion. The OCA offers a competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and more. For more information about this position and to apply, please click here. |
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| Game on!
It's spring sports season at our middle and high schools! Click the links below for schedules of this week's games:
You can also find schedules and results on the CIAC website. |
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| EAST HARTFORD:
Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library.
Click here for East Hartford Community Television. |
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SOUTH WINDSOR:
Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library.
Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings! |
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MANCHESTER:
Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.
Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library.
Click here for Manchester Public Television. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website.
You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.
You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House so far this session here.
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