|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Finance & Appropriations Committees Advance Budget Proposals
|
|
|
The budget was the hot topic this week as the Appropriations Committee and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee made their final recommendations on tax relief and recommendations for the projected $1.76 billion budget surplus.
The Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee proposed tax package includes a new state income tax credit for low- and middle-income families with children, an altered version of the Governor's recommendations for the car tax, and an increase to the Governor's recommendations for a property tax credit. The Appropriations Committee approved a $24.2 billion spending plan that, among a list of proposals, included additional funding for childcare services and nonprofits as well as investments in public safety.
The release of both proposals is the starting point for discussions with the Governor's office with the goal of voting on a final budget in the first few days of May.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
State Treasurer Wooden Announces He Won't Seek Reelection
|
|
|
On Thursday, State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden announced that he does not intend to seek reelection, citing a desire to commit more time to his family. Throughout his career – whether as Hartford City Council President or in his current role, Treasurer Wooden has been steadfast voice for creating a sustainable and secure financial future for Connecticut. From establishing the critically needed Baby Bonds program to ensuring we pay down our pension liabilities – Shawn’s tireless service as Treasurer has helped bring the state closer to a resilient financial future.
While his leadership will be missed, I know he will continue to remain an active participant in the future of our state and has created policies that will continue to impact our decision making for years to come. I wish Shawn nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Nominated to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court
|
|
|
The Senate voted to approve the nomination on Thursday with a vote of 53-47 – sealing Judge Brown Jackson's historic nomination to the nation's highest court. Senators Collins, Murkowski, and Romney were the only Republicans to vote in support of the nomination.
Earlier in the week, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee met a stalemate on advancing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. With an 11-11 tie, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was forced to file a discharge motion, allowing the nomination to advance out of committee and to a full Senate vote. This marks the first time since 1853 that the Senate has had to discharge a Supreme Court nominee from Committee.
Justice Brown Jackson will take her seat on the Supreme Court later this year when Justice Breyer retires at the end of Court's current term.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Today in CT History: The Distinguished University Professor Who Was Once America’s Greatest Child Star
|
|
|
When Joel Kupperman died of COVID-19 on this day in 2020, the mild-mannered, Cambridge-educated, retired academic was a distinguished university professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut and one of the world’s leading authorities on Asian philosophy. A much honored and visionary philosopher of ethics, aesthetics, and Eastern philosophies, colleagues hailed him as “a leading light and inspiration for so many of us . . . a trailblazer and a beautiful human being.”
For all their admiration, however, few who knew Joel as scholar and philosopher ever had the faintest notion he had once led a life completely the opposite of the soft-spoken and unassertive academic they revered. As his obituary in the Washington Post noted, “Between the era of Shirley Temple in the 1930s and before Jerry Mathers appeared on TV’s “Leave It to Beaver” in the late 1950s, Joel Kupperman may have been the most famous child in America.” From 1942 to 1952, beginning at the age of five and continuing to an awkward teen-aged 15, Joel Kupperman was the best-known contestant in a phenomenally successful radio (and later television) program called Quiz Kids.
|
|
|
Wearing a pint-sized cap and gown, Joel joined a rotating panel of extraordinarily intelligent children on weekly broadcasts competing to answer extremely difficult questions about science, math, the humanities, sports, and topical events. The program was the brainchild of Chicago public relations expert Louis G. Cowan, who later went on to produce shows such as Captain Kangaroo and the $64,000 Question, and to serve as president of the CBS television network.
Kupperman first appeared on “Quiz Kids” as a cute, eager-to-answer, garrulous kindergarten student with a penchant for explaining mathematical formulas and scientific theories with a winning, tooth-missing lisp. With a brilliance that far exceeded his age (his IQ was measured at 219, one of the highest scores ever recorded), Joel quickly became the program’s centerpiece celebrity, receiving as many as 10,000 letters a week.
During World War II, Joel and other Quiz Kids toured American cities, raising over $120 million in War Bonds. As the first among equals, Kupperman met celebrities from Marlene Dietrich to Orson Welles, and Henry Ford to Abbott and Costello (who gave him a dog). He even appeared in a 1943 movie, Chip Off the Old Block, with Donald O’Connor.
Learn more about Joel Kupperman and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
|
|
|
2022 Road Resurfacing Program Beginning in East Hartford & Manchester
|
|
|
Road improvements will be beginning in both East Hartford and Manchester very soon! Find a complete list of roads in East Hartford that are currently scheduled for resurfacing, a list of possible additions, and the 2023 list by clicking here.
|
|
|
For a complete list of roads in Manchester that are currently scheduled for resurfacing and for a schedule of road resurfacing projects that include water and sanitary sewer facility upgrades, click here. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact the Manchester Public Works Department by phone at (860) 647-3152 or by email at pwinfo@manchesterct.gov.
Additionally, please note that the Connecticut Department of Transportation is scheduled to resurface the following state roads in Manchester as well:
Route 83 (Oakland Street, N. Main Street, Main Street) (From Tolland Turnpike to Center Street)
Route 30 (Deming Street) (From South Windsor town line to Tolland Turnpike)
|
|
|
Welcome Manchester's New Assistant General Manager
|
|
|
Last week, Manchester General Manager Steve Stephanou announced the selection of Kasia Purciello as Assistant General Manager for the Town of Manchester. Ms. Purciello has served as the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Enfield since February 2019, overseeing several municipal departments.
|
|
|
During her Enfield tenure, Kasia assisted with the Town’s budget operations and labor relations, managed Enfield’s 2021 Facilities Consolidation Plan, and spearheaded the Town’s sustainability initiatives. Prior to Enfield, Kasia was a Budget Specialist at the CT Office of Policy and Management, and she holds a Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Public Financial Management from the University of Connecticut, where she also received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Human Development & Family Studies, with a Spanish minor.
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
East Hartford Celebrates National Donate Life Month
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford recognized April as National Donate Life Month with a Donate Life flag raising ceremony at Town Hall. State Representative Jeff Currey, Hartford HealthCare Living Donor Transplant Coordinator Asamoah Anane, and East Hartford Resident Art Parker shared their own inspiring stories and encouraged residents to become an organ donor.
Currently, over 106,000 people are waiting for a transplant – and on average, 20 people die each day waiting for an organ donation. Giving the gift of life is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. There are several ways to become an organ donor, but the easiest way is to indicate it on your drivers’ license when you renew it at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle. For additional ways to register as an organ donor, click here.
|
|
|
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
|
|
|
In observation of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Safety Office has launched U Drive. U Text. U Pay., a national high-visibility enforcement campaign for the month of April.
Did you know that in Connecticut nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving in 2020 alone? Local police in partnership with law enforcement agencies nationwide and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA), will be stepping up enforcement efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws now through Saturday, April 30.
Violating Connecticut’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. Drivers who are ticketed are fined $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses. The Connecticut Department of Transportation urges motorists to put their phone down when they get behind the wheel. If someone needs to text, pull over and park the vehicle in a safe place first. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
Save the Date: Keeping Kids Safe Online Webinar on May 16
|
|
|
The East Hartford CONNects Resident Advisory Council in partnership with the YWCA New Britain, Sexual Assault Crisis Service, will be hosting a Social Media Informational Session, on Monday, May 16 at 6:30PM via Zoom.
Throughout the conversation, participants will learn about some of the most popular social media apps that youth are interacting with, as well as examine safety features and potential dangers online. Caregivers will receive resources and conversation starters for setting online boundaries with youth as well.
For questions or concerns, please contact Alyssa DAmato at adamato@ywcanewbritain.org, (860) 225-4681 ext. 520 or Yadira Jeter at Yjeter@easthartfordct.gov, (860) 290-4345 Press 2. Register for the webinar by clicking here.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
|
|
|
On Monday, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that they will no longer be reporting daily COVID-19 rates, and instead switch to reporting only seven-day COVID-19 case count and positivity rates. The change is similar those being made by at least half a dozen states across the country as the spread of COVID-19 continues to dissipate. In addition to no longer sharing daily stats, DPH will also make the following changes to its COVID-19 reporting:
- Cases will be tracked by the day that specimens were collected, not by the day their results were reported.
- As advised by the CDC, negative results for rapid tests will no longer be reported.
To find the COVID-19 update reports, click here.
|
|
|
The White House announced an extension of the federal student loan pause. Initially set to expire next month following the last extension, federal student loan borrowers will now be able to continue freezing their payments until August 31 of this year. Amid increasing calls to cancel student debt, White House officials have stated that the Biden administration hopes to reach a decision on loan forgiveness before turning payments back on.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host vaccine clinics at Sone Academy and the East Hartford Public Library and Sone Academy on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 12, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue)
- Wednesday, April 13, 4PM-7PM – East Hartford Public Library (840 Main Street)
- Wednesday, April 20, 4PM-7PM – East Hartford Public Library
- Tuesday, April 26, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
- Wednesday, April 27, 4PM-7PM – East Hartford Public Library
First, second, and third/booster doses of all brands will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents ages 5 and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. If you have any questions, require additional information, or would like to make an appointment contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
|
|
|
The Town of Manchester Health Department, with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, will host a vaccine clinic at Charter Oak Park on Thursday, April 28 from 2PM-6PM. First, second, and third/booster doses of all brands will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents ages 12 and older. No insurance or appointment required. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Sign up for a fun craft program with The Firestone on Monday, April 11 at 2:30PM at Manchester Public Library! Kids, ages 6-10, will learn a marbling paint technique to decorate ceramic Peeps. Space is limited – call the Children's Room at (860) 645-0577 to reserve your spot or get more information.
|
|
|
The Manchester Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is open for Spring Break for the following programs:
- Boys to Men – For young men ages 12-13, beginning Monday, April 11. Program is limited to 10 participants, email sleacock@manchesterct.gov for additional information.
- Teen Center – Available to teens ages 12-18, beginning Wednesday, April 13. Program is limited to 10 participants, no registration required.
- Treat Yourself Thursday – For both boy and girls, grades 5-8, beginning Thursday, April 14. Program is limited to 10 participants, email cbelton@manchesterct.gov for additional information. Please dress comfortable and bring easy to remove shoes.
Most weeklong programs run from 9AM-3PM, at the Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street) and are free to Manchester residents. Space is limited, call (860) 647-5213 to reserve your spot or get more information.
|
|
|
This WORK_SPACE program is more than just a craft night! Led by Stacey Zackin, Manager of WORK_SPACE who is a certified life coach and holds a PhD in Depth Psychology, will lead an exercise on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30PM to help participants identify their primary values and then use that information to create an inspirational collage that pictorially represents your vision for the future.
Workshop is $15 and includes all necessary supplies; WORK_SPACE members receive BOGO tickets – RSVP now by clicking here.
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford’s Commission on Culture and Fine Arts presents their Saturday Night Cinema series Saturday, April 9 at 7PM in the auditorium of the East Hartford Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place). This month’s film is Woman at War from Iceland (2019). The screening is free and will be postponed in the event of inclement weather. For addition information, click here or call (860) 528-0176.
|
|
|
How can we better maintain and create relationships and work towards healthy communities despite political differences? Join Propel East Hartford at the library to start exploring how we can disagree and still care about each other and how we can work together when we find agreement on the following dates:
- Thursday, April 21 at 6:30PM – virtual
- Wednesday, April 27 at 10AM – virtual
- Sunday, April 24 at 3PM – in-person
Each session will gather 4-7 people for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others – rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share and learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, and all sessions have an identical structure. To register or learn more, click here.
|
|
|
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that Teen & Adult Social Club, is for participants with special needs, ages 13 & up, meet ups are back! The Teen & Adult Social Club Spring schedule has a variety of activities on the following dates:
- Friday, April 22 – Bowling at H.O.F Silver Lanes
- Friday, May 6 – Movies at Parkade
- Saturday, May 21 – Lake Compounce
- Friday, June 10 – Fairways Mini Golf
The experienced staff at Parks and Recreation will provide supervisor at the activities, in addition to assisting group interaction and fostering positive behaviors – each staff member is trained in the field of special education and can provide the necessary skills to facilitate the program. Prices and times vary based upon the designated activity – to sign up for the fun activities, click here. For more information, click here or call (860) 291-7160.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
