CT DOL Launches New Unemployment, Tax Filing System

July 14, 2022


Staying Current with Currey
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Friends and Neighbors,

Before getting into the latest edition of “Currey-ently”, I want to apologize for the bit of radio silence and thank the many constituents, friends, and family that reached out following the passing of my mom, Melody Currey, to share kind words of support, condolences, and food. So. Much. Food 😊 The many stories of how she touched countless lives throughout our state and the constant mention of that twinkle in her eye helped my family and me get through this jarring, life-changing event. She was a remarkable mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, advisor, advocate and public servant who led with integrity, honesty, and always some laughter. I was fortunate to have a mentor, in both my personal and professional life, who required that kindness, decency, and love lead the way. As a former State Rep, Mayor, Commissioner, and a slew of other titles, Mom always did what was right while never seeking the spotlight or accolades. She was the epitome of a workhorse in a sea of show ponies whose legacy survives in my father, Don, and will live on through her children, her 6 grandchildren, and through all the lives she touched over the years.
 
Again, thank you for your kindness and patience during this time, but, as she always reminded me, there’s always more work to be done. So let’s see what’s Currey-ently happening in our district, around the state, and throughout our nation.

Sincerely,
 

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.


COVID-19 UPDATE
Another omicron subvariant, BA.5, has become the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. and data indicates reinfections and hospitalizations have been increasing. This subvariant has been found to be more infectious than existing variants and seem to evade vaccine and natural immunity more than previous variants. We continue to ask that our friends, family, and neighbors consider using all the tools within their reach to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information for testing, vaccine clinics, and those who are homebound and need assistance are noted below. We must be in this together.

Overall Summary

Cumulative
(except for hospital census)

Past 7 days

Positive PCR/NAAT Tests

911,319

4,314

All PCR/NAAT Tests

14,905,520

41,091

Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)

--

10.5%

Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19

293

29

COVID-19-Associated Deaths

11,085

30

Click Here for COVID-19 Data Updates
Click Here for Governor Lamont's Updates
Click Here for Information on Getting Vaccinated

Specific Updates for Our Community

Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) 
East Hartford 13,907 198 228,059 7.96%
Manchester 12,102 192 222,983 10.9%
South Windsor 4,768 67 81,392 9.22%
 
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:

  • Saturday, July 16
    • Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., for ages 5+
  • Thursday, July 21
    • Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, 30 Arbor St, East Hartford, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, July 22
    • Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 9 a.m. - 1 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.


AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2022 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state took effect in Connecticut on July 1.
 
The list is extensive, but see below for some highlights:
Paid Family Leave
Starting Friday, among other provisions, the act requires employers to notify their employees at the time of hiring and every year thereafter about their entitlement to family and medical leave and family violence leave and the terms under which the leaves may be used, about the opportunity to file a benefits claim under the FMLI program. The law also prohibits employer retaliation against an employee for requesting, applying for, or using family medical leave for which an employee is eligible.

Protections for Reproductive and
Gender-Affirming Health Care
In light of the recent Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut took proactive steps to ensure reproductive rights. This new law establishes protections for individuals seeking an abortion and physicians performing services. It also protects against out-of-state judgments based on reproductive or gender-affirming health care services that are legal in Connecticut, allowing these individuals to recover certain costs they incurred defending the out-of-state action and bringing an action under the new law. The law allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to provide reproductive services.
 
Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature created a grant program to help boards of education or regional education service centers improve schools' indoor air quality. The budget makes $150 million available for the program through American Rescue Plan Act funds and general obligation bonds. Additionally, the act requires boards of education to inspect and evaluate the HVAC system in each school building under its jurisdiction every 5 years and take any necessary corrective actions. It also establishes a working group to study and make recommendations related to indoor air quality within schools.

JobsCT
The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.

Captive Audience Meetings
A new law generally prohibits employers from penalizing employees or threatening to do so for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings, listen to speech, or view communications primarily intended to convey the employer’s opinion about religious or political matters, including decisions to join or support labor organizations. The law provides exceptions for, among other things, employers to communicate information required by law or that the employees need to perform their jobs.
 
Catalytic Converters
Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several recordkeeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters.

Isolated Confinement
This new law limits the amount of time and circumstances under which an incarcerated person may be held in isolated confinement with less than four hours per day out of a cell beginning Friday in the general population, gradually increasing to 5 hours per day on and after April 1, 2023. The law also requires that any use of isolated confinement maintain the least restrictive environment needed for the safety of incarcerated individuals, staff, and facility security. It also prohibits holding minors in isolated confinement. 

Full List of New Laws Effective July 1, 2022
 
The past few weeks have come with their own set of challenges, whether personal, professional, or societal.

As you may have heard, in June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark case Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 decision, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion after nearly 50 years.

The logic behind the opinion casts doubt on the future of marriage equality, other LGBTQ+ rights like access to gender-affirming care, and access to contraception. 

The Connecticut General Assembly passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act during the 2022 legislative session, which legally protects medical providers and patients traveling to Connecticut seeking abortion care. This legislation also allows for advanced practitioners for whom abortion care is part of their scope of practice to perform abortions. Governor Lamont has signed this legislation into law, putting our state at the forefront of protecting reproductive rights.

The state budget adjustment bill we passed takes these protections and applies them to those seeking gender-affirming care in Connecticut. 
 
Connecticut also codified Roe V. Wade into its Constitution in 1990.
 
Fighting for the right to choose, protecting practitioners and keeping Connecticut a safe place for all is and must remain a priority.
 
It is important to note that while many in Connecticut may “celebrate” the passage, signing, and enactment of these bills, we must continue to be part of the greater solution. Our first move should not be one of enticing others to leave their homes for safe and respectful care. Rather, we should lend ourselves to the efforts that will ensure these decisions are left to those who are most impacted, regardless of where they reside within the United States.


HEALTH RESOURCES
Adults without children are now eligible for Covered Connecticut. The program is also now providing dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits.

Covered Connecticut has provided no-cost health insurance to more than 800 parents and caretaker relatives in the state who have met all eligibility requirements since its July 2021 launch.

To qualify, Connecticut residents must have a household income up to and including 175% of the federal poverty level and not qualify for HUSKY Health/Medicaid because of income. Residents must be eligible for financial help, including advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and use 100% of their financial aid. They must also enroll in a silver-level health insurance plan.

Federal Poverty Level Chart:

Learn More About Eligibility
Free online help is available at AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “live chat” icon to connect with a customer service representative in real-time. Live chat is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
For free in-person help, residents may work with a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. For more information, visit the Get Help webpage at AccessHealthCT.com/get-help.
In addition, residents may visit either of Access Health CT’s Navigator partner locations:

Residents may also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325, Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

Apply Now!

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
 
Are you planning to travel for vacation or business? Make sure you know how to stop, spot, and share the tips, reds flags, and prevention strategies to protect you and your loved ones who are traveling. Click the image above to watch the latest episode of Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut to learn more about spotting and avoiding travel scams.
 
For additional state and local resources, click the links below:

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
ParkConneCT is back for summer 2022, making it easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park! ParkConneCT provides fare-free buses to select state parks and beaches. This service will run through Labor Day.
The following parks are included in the ParkConneCT program: 
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
  • Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
  • Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)
  • Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
  • Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)
  • Osbornedale State Park (Derby)
  • Indian Well State Park (Shelton)

As a reminder, all statewide busses will continue to operate without fare collection until December 1st, 2022. If you are looking for a great outdoor activity during the summer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the free ParkConneCT busses.

To learn more about ParkConneCT and find a schedule, please click here.

 
The Town of East Hartford made changes to its waste collection services to improve accessibility to this service. As of July 1, All American Waste is performing curbside pickup of regular waste green carts. All carts must be put out no later than 5 a.m. To learn more, please click here.
Food trucks licensed by the East Hartford Department of Health can now operate on certain streets within the town's business districts. Food trucks can be scheduled for events held at town parks and buildings, and businesses. You can read more about this here.
Don't miss the Cruisin' East Hartford Car Show on Saturday, July 16 from 1PM to 4PM at Sunset Ridge Middle School! The show car entrance fee is $10. The event is free for spectators. Learn more here.
The East Hartford Farmers' Market is back every Friday from 9AM to 1 PM at the Raymond Memorial Library in East Hartford! It will run until October 28. To learn more about the farmers' market, click here.
 
The Town of Manchester Human Services Administration is accepting $25 VISA gift cards and monetary donations through August 12 to help eligible families purchase school supplies. To learn more, contact Lisa at 860-647, lfusco@manchesterct.gov or Kim (860-647-3096, kims@manchesterct.gov), or click here.
Create a Bird Sun Catcher with the Manchester Public Library on Wednesday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Space for this FREE event is limited to 10 people. Call the Reference Desk at 860-645-0821 to register. Click here to learn more.
 
South Windsor's Summer Concert Series is underway! The next performance is tonight but if you can't make it, concerts are scheduled through August. You can download the schedule here.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15. To help make higher education more accessible, this session, we expanded eligibility for PACT funding to part-time college students.
Applicants must be Connecticut high school graduates who are first-time college students, have completed the FAFSA application, plan on taking at least six credits per semester, and are working toward a degree or certificate. Click here to learn more.
 
The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is back for summer 2022. As of July 1, all children 18 and under plus one accompanying adult will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program runs through September 6. This is a great opportunity for parents and guardians who are looking for a family friendly activity during the hot summer months. Please click here for participating locations.  

WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The state has launched ReEmployCT, a modern unemployment and tax filing platform that streamlines services and facilitates unemployment and tax filing.
 
ReEmployCT offers 24/7 access for filing up to two previous weeks, filing a new claim because you reached the end of your benefit year, or if you are re-opening an existing unemployment claim due to a break in filing. For example, you were unable to work for the week due to illness.
Please make sure to: 
  • Enter your user ID and password correctly. If you get locked out of your account use the lockout form to get back in. 
  • Remember, your name, birth date, and Social Security number have to match what’s already in the system. This is a security feature to ensure no one else is trying to access your benefits. 

If you have any questions, the Consumer Contact Center is available to help. With new filers and a new system, please be patient while agents are working with other filers. It is also recommended to schedule a callback, which you can do right from the website. Use the drop-down menu to choose the topic, then pick your date and time.
 
I look forward to this new system making it easier than ever to receive the necessary services to file claims in the most efficient and effective manner.

 
Back in 2019, Connecticut House Democrats made it a priority to pass legislation that assisted working families by increasing the minimum wage over several years until it reaches $15 in 2023.
On July 1, many Connecticut residents received a raise when the new minimum wage increased from $13 to $14 per hour. The minimum wage will finally increase to $15 on June 1, 2023.

The Connecticut Department of Labor and Connecticut Voices for Children estimate those increases will raise wages for more than half a million people in the state by 2024. No one should be forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. That's why I stand in strong support of this pay raise and the workers who benefit from it. 


JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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.
 
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.
 
There are great seasonal job opportunities to support the Connecticut State Park system's busy summer season. Positions includes maintenance, lifeguards, seasonal park rangers, interpretive guides, first aid attendants, resource assistants, seasonal Special Conservation Officers and more. For further information and to apply, click here.
 
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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Website

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! 

Twitter
Website

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. 

Facebook
Twitter
Email
Website
 
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 this session here.

 
 
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