Newsletter 7/15/2022

July 15, 2022

I hope you're enjoying your summer and staying cool. 

In this week's email, you can find information on:

  • All 8 CT Counties Experiencing Stage 2 Drought Conditions
  • CT Investing in Transportation Infrastructure 
  • ReEmployCT New Online Platform
  • Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Awards and Recognition Dinner
  • Connecticut Children’s Hospital at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport 
All 8 CT Counties Experiencing Stage 2 Drought Conditions

Due to low rates of rainfall and unusually high temperatures this season, Connecticut's Interagency Drought Working Group has declared all eight Connecticut counties are experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions.

Residents are being asked to be mindful of their water consumption and take steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and the environment. Doing so can help mitigate potential harm if the drought continues.

There are steps residents and businesses can voluntarily take to help conserve Connecticut's water resources. 

Additional water-saving tips can be found here.

 What is Stage 2 Drought?

Refers to an emerging drought event that could potentially impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems. There are five stages of drought defined in the Connecticut Drought Response and Preparedness Plan. If dry conditions continue, the state could reach Stage 3. Connecticut has experienced stage 2 drought five times over the past 20 years in 2002, 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2020. In 2020, four counties reached Stage 3 Drought.

"Flash" droughts, or short, intense dry periods that typically follow normal to above-normal rain, are common in the Northeast. These "flash" droughts can typically last 2 to 6 months but may create shortages in public water supplies and low stream flows.

For more information, please click here.
 
CT Investing in Transportation Infrastructure 
On Monday, state leaders announced six new express trains are now in service on the New Haven Line and service on the Waterbury Rail Line will increase 47%. These improvements will help make train travel more convenient and give passengers additional commute options. These upgrades come as part of the TIME FOR CT initiative to improve rail service in our state. This initiative is part of our state's plan to upgrade Connecticut's aging transportation infrastructure and transition to a greener transit system. Over the next five years, our state plans to invest more than $5 billion to achieve this.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is focused on improving public transportation as a whole. DOT recently announced its first-ever Customer Experience Survey. The survey is part of DOT's Customer Experience Action Plan that will shape the future of public transit in Connecticut.

Individuals who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $75 pre-paid cash gift card. A valid email address or phone number is required to be entered in the drawing. The drawing will take place on September 1, 2022. 
 
ReEmployCT New Online Platform
I am pleased to share ReEmployCT, a revamped and modern Connecticut Department of Labor online 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. 

Consumer Contact Center
 

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. Please share this information with anyone who might find it useful.
 
 
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Awards and Recognition Dinner
Last month, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce held the 76th annual Awards and Recognition Dinner. Congratulations to Scott Nickel for being awarded Volunteer of the Year for his hours of volunteerism with the Chamber and FELO and also to Lucas Seelig who was named the new Chair of FELO, the Fairfield Emerging Leaders Organization. I also want to recognize the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for all they do to support our local businesses, particularly through the many challenges of the past two years. Thank you to the Chamber for holding this special event and bringing people from across our community together. 
 
Connecticut Children’s Hospital at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport 

On Thursday morning, I joined Connecticut Children’s Hospital at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport with the Bridgeport club along with Hartford Athletic for a joint soccer clinic focused on health and wellness.

Hartford Athletic had players and coaches running soccer skills drills with the kids, while the Connecticut Children’s pediatric clinicians lead activities for campers focused on health and wellness - a pediatric physical therapist ran through some stretching and injury prevention exercises, a pediatric sleep psychologist spoke about the importance of sleep and rest, and a dietician talked about fueling up your body and staying hydrated. 

It was a phenomenal opportunity to promote holistic well-being for our young people and I was thrilled to be there.