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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,
Well folx, we made it through another Monday! I hope you all had an easy weekend and are ready for what the rest of the week brings you. Here at the State Capitol, that means five days in the House chamber to debate and discuss legislation that works to move our state forward. The conversations may become a bit more difficult, but at the same time we’ll see plenty of consensus, particularly on matters around the protections and advancement of Connecticut’s youth. A final budget package is in our sights with legislators and legislative leaders continuing negotiations with the Governor and state agencies. We can do our best to map it all out and it won’t always be what we expected, but so long as we’ve put the work in, we know we’ve given it our best shot. Let’s let the folx at UConn say it another way… |
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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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815,751
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5,261
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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14,010,297
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67,332
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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7.81%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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179
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+34
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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.
Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 10,826.
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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 |
12,697 |
198 |
217,092 |
15,978 |
| Manchester |
10,536 |
188 |
210,479 |
12,869 |
| South Windsor |
3,984 |
65 |
76,276 |
4,652 |
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:
- Tuesday, April 26
- Stone Academy, 745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Wednesday, April 27
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Thursday, April 28
- Charter Oak Park, 50 Charter Oak St, Manchester, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., for ages 12+
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 this week. Curious about what we passed in the people's House? Click the buttons below for slide decks of some of the bills we passed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 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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| I was happy to join the CT Realtors Association for its weekly update to talk about National Donate Life month, which occurs every April, and why this month is important to raise awareness about organ donation. Organ and tissue donors save over 1 million lives a year, however, the number of donors is not enough to meet the need. In the U.S., nearly 20 people die waiting for an organ transplant every day. In 2021 and 2019, the CGA passed legislation to help eliminate barriers keeping people from making the decision to be an organ or tissue donor. We made organ donation a qualifying condition for paid leave benefits and prohibited insurers from discriminating against people due to their status as an organ donor.
If you want to make a difference in this ball we all are on, becoming an organ donor is a powerful gift. There are many ways to become an organ donor. The easiest way is to indicate it on your drivers' license when you renew it. You can also visit registerme.org to learn about other ways you can give the gift of life. |
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| Did you know that organ donation and bone marrow donation are qualifying health conditions for leave under Connecticut's Paid Leave Program? I was happy to join Caitlyn Bernabucci, Director of Community Affairs and Development at New England Donor Services, and Annie Landeen, the RN Living Donor Transplant Coordinator for Hartford Hospital, for this week's episode of the CT Paid Leave Authority's "Paid Leave Podcast." You can listen to the episode here.
April is National Donate Life Month, which raises awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donors. Each year, organ and tissue donors save over 1 million lives a year, but the number of donors isn't enough to meet the need. In our country, nearly 20 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. Registering as an organ donor is one way you can make a different. You can visit registerme.org to update your status as an organ donor. |
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| The East Hartford Charter Revision Commission is holding a public hearing tonight, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. to hear public comment on the commission's proposed charter and charter amendments. The public hearing will be held in the Town Council Chambers. It will also be available to watch through Microsoft Teams. To join the public hearing, please click here.
To read the Commission's final draft report, please click here. Additional materials are available on the Commission's web page here. |
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WrapCT is part of the Connecting to Care network and emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing mental and behavioral health changes for children and family. It puts children and family at the center of care and surrounds them with a support network of providers, community members, and more to support them and help them achieve their goals. Click here to learn more.
In addition to WrapCT, here are additional 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.
- 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 East Hartford Town Council approved an increase to the income eligibility requirements for the Elderly & Disabled Homeowner's Tax Relief Program. The program income eligibility criteria to $61,400 for married individuals and $53,100 for single individuals. The Town Council also increased the maximum property tax credit from $700 to $900. These changes take effect immediately and will apply to this year's application process. The deadline to apply for the elderly and disabled homeowner's tax relief program is May 15, 2022. Residents who were not previously eligible for the program under the prior income criteria can apply if they qualify under the new income limits. To learn more and start the application, 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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| There are a number of food resources in our community if you or someone you know is struggling with hunger. The East Hartford Hunger Action Network has created a food resources calendar for the month of April. The calendar is available in English and Spanish. Click on the images above to expand them.
To find additional food resources in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor, please click here.
Additionally, Connecticut Foodshare's Mobile Pantry makes stops in East Hartford and Manchester. Click here to download the van's town-by-town schedule. |
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| This week, the Connecticut State Capitol Police (SCP) is holding an Emergency Food Drive to benefit The Village for Families and Children and address hunger in the Greater Hartford area. Donations of non-perishable food can be dropped off at the State Capitol building's west entrance and employee entrance, as well as the Legislative Office Building's Skywalk and West Entrances. Interested persons can donate through Friday, April 29. If you can't make it to the Capitol, there are other ways you can support The Village's mission. Click here to learn how. |
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| MDC recently announced its 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection schedule for spring and fall. All collections are held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hazardous waste collection in East Hartford is scheduled for Saturday, October 29 at the MDC East Hartford Water Pollution Control Facility, 65 Pitkin St. Please note that East Hartford residents may participate in any MDC sponsored collection day. To learn more about this program, find a list of accepted items, and view the full schedule, please click here. |
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| The Manchester Public Library will host two-time transplant survivor and local author John Hoffman to speak on his book “LIVEr” on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Whiton Branch Library on 100 North Main Street.
Hoffman has had two liver transplants, the first being at the age of 13 months, making him one of the youngest transplant recipients in the nation. He will speak on the condition that led to his need for transplants and their physical and emotional impact on him. His book, "LIVEr: My Journey of Transplant Survival," explains how he found direction in life by sharing his story.
This program is free for adults. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 860-645-0821. Residents should register by May 7th. Additional information is available here. |
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Blood donations are still critically important. Individuals who donate blood by May 19 can receive a $10 e-gift card and a chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane. Upcoming Manchester blood drives include:
- May 5 from 9:00am -6:30pm at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street.
- May 6 from 8:00am -1:00pm at Great Path Academy, Great Path.
- May 15 from 8:00am -1:00pm at Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 27 Adams Street.
For more information and to schedule your appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or a blood drive near you here. |
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| If you have expired or unneeded prescription medications, the South Windsor Police Department is hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department's headquarters at 151 Sand Hill Rd. Residents who have questions or would like more information can call Sgt. Stephen Hoover #178 at 860-644-2551. |
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| Do you have questions about your options if you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance plan? This Wednesday, April 27 at 12 p.m., the state Office of the Healthcare Advocate is holding a virtual Lunch & Learn event for residents to learn more about what they can do if the lose their employer-sponsored coverage. To watch the presentation, please click here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| The Town of Manchester Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation and the Manchester Board of Education have announced summer camp opportunities for Manchester youth. There will be 3 summer camp sessions offered. The camp day will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care opportunities both before and after camp for an additional fee. Lunch and a snack are included with the camp day. Summer camp is designed for kids who have completed Kindergarten through ages 15. Additionally, a Recreation Leader in Training program for 15-year-olds who are interested in becoming a part-time camp counselor or lifeguard will be offered. To register, please click here. If you have questions, please reach out to Recreation Supervisors James Przybylski at jprzybylski@manchesterct.org or Taylor McBride at tmcbride@manchesterct.gov, or call the Recreation Division at 860-647-3084.
For more information including session dates and locations, please click here. |
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| East Hartford students who are looking for Service Learning Hours will have two opportunities through East Hartford Youth Services Garden Bucket Planting Event. There will be two events - the first is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the second is on Friday, June 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events will be at Goodwin Elementary School Garden. Same day registration will be available. To learn more and register for either of the events, please click here. |
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| This summer, the South Windsor Teen Center is offering its Rising Stars Summer Program for high school and middle school students. During this 2-week program, participants will help enhance their town through daily community service projects, develop interpersonal skills through teambuilding activities and more. The 2-week session is $100, which includes lunch, snacks, and a special activity at the end of the session. For more information, please email the Teen Center Coordinator Danielle Bifolck at 860-648-6360 or danielle.bifolck@southwindsorct.gov. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| The State Department of Education recently implemented an enhanced northeaster reciprocity recognition for education certification. Educators from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia who hold an "active, valid certificate" can now apply for a Connecticut equivalent certification. This new initiative enhances our state's existing policy for interstate flexibility under the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. To learn more about this, please click here. |
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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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| Is your child looking for summer employment? The Town of East Hartford is hiring seasonal lifeguards, camp counselors, and park rangers. Applications will be accepted through June. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding or be able to complete a course prior to the start of the summer season. Camp Counselors must be at least 16 years old. It is recommended that counselors are CPR and/or First Aid certified, although it is not required. Park Rangers must be at least 18 years old. For more information about these openings and to download the application, please click here. |
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| The Town of Manchester is hiring to fill several full and part-time positions. Openings include part-time building official, part-time clinical nurse, environmental health inspector, assistant budget director, and police offer. You can find the full list of job postings and start the application here. |
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| The North Central Area Agency on Aging is hiring a full-time Service Navigator. The Service Navigator will help connect clients to long-term services and supports, like options counseling, short term support, application assistance, and case consultation. For more information about this position and to apply, please click here. |
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| The North Central Area Agency on Aging is also hiring a part-time Accountant. The incumbent should have experience manage budget and financial processes for a company or nonprofit with an annual budget of at least $6 million, have a bachelor's in accounting or finance and/or at least 3 years' experience in an accountant position. The position is responsible for performing all payroll and accounting functions. To learn more about this opening and to apply, please click here. |
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| The Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate is hiring a Staff Attorney. This position will help Connecticut families who are struggling with health insurance denials or other coverage issues. To learn more and 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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