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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,
With fall in full swing and the leaf-peeping at its prime, I hope you’re able to take some time to enjoy the many fairs, mazes, vineyards, or orchards that CT has become a destination for. With that, though, comes a likely uptick in the number of travelers on the roads, inclusive of those on bike and on foot.
It’s important that we remember the lessons learned a few years back while in drivers ed (ok, maybe more than a “few” years!) and remain respectful of each other and the laws that govern our roads. Unfortunately, the number of pedestrians struck and killed by cars in Connecticut has more than doubled over the past 10 years. From 2010 through 2015, there were less than 50 pedestrian deaths annually, however, each year since has seen more than 50 fatalities. A deputy commissioner at the CT DOT wrote an op-ed recently that discusses some of the reasons why and what we can all do to simply be better.
Everyone, no matter their age, should be able to safely walk or bike to school, work, the grocery store, or anywhere in their community. While it is a driver's responsibility to watch out for pedestrians, there are actions walkers, runners, and cyclists can take to stay safe:
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Continue looking until safely across
- Put down phones, headphones, and other handheld devices when crossing the street
- Walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
- Children under 10 years old need to cross the street with an adult
If you're planning to go trick-or-treating this Halloween, make sure you and your children carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors.
If you're going to be driving on Halloween, please make sure to slow down and stay alert.
For more information about staying safe on roads and sidewalks, please click here. |
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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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| 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. |
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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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985,227
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2,876
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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15,604,163
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33,097
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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8.69%
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Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19
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405
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0
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COVID-19-Associated Deaths
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11,423
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21
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) |
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| East Hartford |
14,911 |
203 |
235,915 |
9.47% |
| Manchester |
13,333 |
198 |
231,383 |
7.65% |
| South Windsor |
5,269 |
71 |
84,951 |
7.89% |
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| Children ages 5 through 11 can now receive the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the new boosters for this age group and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention approved the authorization last week. The updated boosters will be available from pediatricians, hospitals/health networks, DPH mobile clinics, and pharmacies. Residents can visit vaccines.gov to locate a provider near them.
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, Oct. 25
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., for ages 6 months and up
- Odyssey Community School, 579 Middle Tpke West, Manchester, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., for ages 6 months and up
- Saturday, Oct. 29
- Charity SDA Church, 1535 Forbes St, East Hartford, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 6 months and up
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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MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK UPDATE
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| The number of new monkeypox cases has declined from an August peak. In the U.S., data indicated the average number of new cases fell from 440 cases per day to about 60. While the virus is still predominantly impacting LGBTQ+ communities, a strong vaccine supply and adherence to public health guidance are helping to slow the virus' spread. Also impacting the decline is new evidence that monkeypox can only spread under certain circumstances, meaning that it is less likely to be transmitted by talking or coughing.
Even with this information, it remains important to follow public health guidance to lower your risk of contracting the virus. One strategy is to get vaccinated if you meet eligibility requirements. You can find out how to get vaccinated and what you can do to lower your risk of infection here. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| An additional $1 billion boost in federal funding to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), allowing for more households to receive the benefit in the state, has been allocated as part of an emergency supplemental aid package recently approved by Congress.
This is great news for Connecticut's low income and working families who rely on CT's Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help pay for home heating costs.
Today, more than ever this program provides crucial support to vulnerable homeowners and renters with the costs of heating their homes. With heating costs expected to rise this winter, this boost in federal support will ensure more families can stay warm.
Don't delay. The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is NOW open. I encourage you to apply today!
There are several ways to submit your application:
- Online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.
- Call the office of your local community action agency and request assistance applying, or schedule an in-person appointment
- Download and complete the CEAP application, and mail the completed application with the required documents to your local community action agency.
The contact information and addresses of Connecticut's community action agencies can be found here.
Benefits are based on your household’s income and number of family members. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $76,400 for a family of four.
Typically, benefits are paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank fills.
Applications for the 2022-2023 winter season must be received by May 31, 2023.
If you’d like more information, click here or call 2-1-1 for assistance. |
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| Your visit to the DMV website just got easier! As part of the state's efforts to reduce in-person visits and wait times at DMV offices, the DMV website will provide more streamlined services and more online service options for residents. The newly updated website will also offer expanded language options including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
In the coming weeks, Connecticut residents will be able to request refunds when canceling vehicle and vessel registrations and replacing lost titles. Until now, these services can only be completed using paper forms. Through these efforts, DMV wait times have dramatically decreased. Today, wait times are less than 15 minutes, on average.
You can read more about this here. Have something you need to take care of at the DMV? Click here to see if you can get it done through the new website. |
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| Pursuant to Public Act 21-2, the Connecticut Secretary of the State has launched an online portal for registered voters holding a Connecticut driver's license to request an absentee ballot electronically. Voters can visit myvote.ct.gov/GetMyAB to start the process on their phone, tablet, or computer. This is a step towards modernizing Connecticut's absentee ballot application, which may make it easier for certain voters to cast their ballot. You can learn more about the portal here.
In addition, as a result of a law we passed this session, more voters will be eligible to apply for an absentee ballot. Voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot if:
- They are unable to go to their polling place on Election Day because of absence from their town for a period of time on Election Day;
- Because of a sickness; or
- Because of a disability.
The new, expanded eligibility includes voters who are unable to go to their polling place because of a sickness or physical disability of another person, or because of the continued presence of a sickness, such as the COVID-19 virus.
Click here for more information. |
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| Connecticut's Nonprofit Security Grant program is accepting applications now through November 18, 2022. This competitive, state-funded grant program reimburses selected nonprofits for security infrastructure improvements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at increased risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act. Applications will be awarded based on the need for security improvements. You can read more about this grant program here. |
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| If you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to change your name and/or gender marker, Trans Visibility and Voice - 365 will hold a free Name and Gender Marker Legal ID Clinic on Saturday, November 5 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford, 155 Wyllys St, Hartford, CT. During this clinic, you'll be able to receive legal advice and complete the ID name/gender change application. To learn more, please click here. |
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| Earlier this summer, the Biden Administration announced student loan debt relief, and I'm pleased to share that the application is now open!
The application takes about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. Applicants do not need to log in or provide any documents. Borrowers will have until December 31, 2023 to apply.
Nearly 40 million Americans will be eligible for this relief. Individuals making less than $125,000 per year and couples earning less than $250,000 could qualify for up to $10,000 in relief. Borrowers who received a Pell Grant are eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness.
The debt relief only applies to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. New loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022 will not be eligible for relief.
Student loan debt has anchored millions of Americans, preventing them from building wealth, contributing to their families, and engaging with their community. Borrowers' budgets have been further constrained by economic pressures resulting from the pandemic, geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruptions, and inflation.
This relief is a financial lifeline that could help many individuals and families across our state build a more stable future for themselves as student loan payments resume in January 2023. |
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| In an effort to retain qualified childcare workers and help boost wages, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full-time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part-time employees will receive $400.
Individuals who work in licensed centers, group childcare homes, and family child care homes, as well as license-exempt programs that receive school readiness or child day care contract funds are eligible for this bonus.
Childcare program operators will be required to apply for the funds and then disburse the payments to their childcare staff. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will contact eligible childcare programs and provide them with additional information. Click here to learn more. |
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| Flu season is upon us and a yearly flu vaccine can help protect against serious illness. After getting the vaccine, it will take about two weeks for your body to develop the antibodies that can protect you from the flu. To get a flu shot, check with your healthcare provider or call your local health department. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you that is administering flu shots. For more information, please click here. |
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| Medicare open enrollment began on Saturday, October 15. This is an opportunity to review your coverage and find out if you could save money on insurance.
Residents who are 65 years and older have until December 7, 2022 to review coverage, compare plans, enroll in a new plan, and potentially save money. Coverage will begin in 2023. Click the button below to learn more about the Open Enrollment process and get started. |
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| If you need assistance choosing a plan during open enrollment, please call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also call Connecticut's Program for Health Insurance Assistance, Outreach, Information and Referral, Counseling, Eligibility Screening (CHOICES) at 1-800-994-9422.
If you are not eligible for Medicare but need insurance coverage, the Access Health CT (AHCT) Open Enrollment period will begin on November 1. If you have experienced a qualifying life event where you lost your health insurance coverage, you can start the enrollment process prior to November 1. Learn more about AHCT Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment periods here. |
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| For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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| The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced policy changes that will permit certain survivors of LGBTQ+ Veterans who were previously ineligible to receive survivors benefits. The decision will impact survivors who could not marry until the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision in 2015 and were therefore not married to their now-deceased Veterans spouses long enough to qualify for survivor benefits. Survivors can apply now to receive these benefits, which will be backdated to October 14, 2022. This is great news for survivors of Veterans across our state and country and will close a gap in survivor benefits. Additionally, in September 2021, the VA began providing benefits to veterans with OTH discharges due to their sexual orientation.
During the 2021 legislative session, I proudly championed a law that expands the definition of veteran to include those separated from military service with an "other than honorable" discharge under the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This law ensures more veterans can obtain the benefits they've earned serving our country. |
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| Nearly two months after being signed into law, the federal Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act has profoundly impacted veterans' access to health care and benefits. Since the PACT Act was signed in August, veterans have filed more than 200,000 total claims. The law represents the most significant health care and benefits expansion for veterans exposed to toxins in more than 30 years.
The law extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. It adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, and requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a toxic exposure assessment to every veteran enrolled in VA health care.
If you're a veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for benefits under the PACT Act. You can learn more here. |
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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 East Hartford's annual curbside leaf collection program starts on Monday, October 31. This will feature a one-time vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday until all leaves are collected once along each street. The expected completion date is December 10. You can find the pickup schedule and learn more here. |
The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) is hosting its fall Hazardous Waste Collection Day in East Hartford on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MDC East Hartford Water Pollution Control Authority, 65 Pitkin St. For a list of accepted items, please click here or call MDC at 860-278-3809. |
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East Hartford Works is inviting residents to join its Resident Advisory Council zoom meetings held every third Monday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in civic engagement and participate in training opportunities. To learn more, please contact Yadira Jeter at 860-290-4345 or at yjeter@easthartfordct.gov. |
East Hartford has begun development its Affordable Housing Plan in accordance with state law. Residents can complete an online survey to provide feedback on the town's current housing situation and their personal experiences in town. The survey will close on November 7, 2022. You can read more about this and take the survey here. |
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The Manchester Police Department is asking residents to complete its 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey so it can better serve the community. The survey will be open until November 30, 2022. You can read more about the survey and complete it here. |
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MARC, Inc. of Manchester is asking residents for their help in choosing a new logo for its "Your Change Supports Change" vending machine company. Click here to view the designs and vote! |
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| Manchester Adult and Continuing Education's second annual Bark in the Park is this Saturday, October 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Center Memorial Park!
Don't miss this great event for your favorite four-legged friends. It will feature a pup parade, pet vendors, adoptions, prizes, and so much more. Entry is free for dogs and their companions, and vendors.
You can read more about this event and find a calendar of community events happening in Manchester all month long here. |
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Where do you pickle? If you're a South Windsor resident, it'll soon be at Rye Street Park! Join South Windsor Parks and Recreation for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new pickleball courts on October 24 at 10 a.m. at Rye Street Park. |
South Windsor Cultural Arts will hold the first concert of its 40th season on Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Crossing Retirement Community, 900 Hemlock Avenue. The concert will feature violinist William Hagen and pianist Maxim Lando. Read more here. |
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The South Windsor Health Department will hold a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic on Thursday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Station 3 Firehouse, 232 West Rd. Regular dose and high dose shots will be available for those 18 years and older. Learn more here. |
In case you missed it, the South Windsor Health Department's online Community Health Hub is now live! Residents can visit the website to find community health resources, learn about health issues impacting the community and more. Visit it here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| Registration for East Hartford Parks and Recreation's Youth Basketball program is now open. East Hartford boys and girls in Kindergarten through 8th grade can participate. To learn more about the program, click here. |
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| Children in preschool through Grade 4 are invited to join the Manchester Public Library's R.E.A.D to a Dog event on Wednesday, November 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Children can practice their reading skills by reading to Andy, Grant, and Tori. Learn more here. |
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| South Windsor teens, don't miss the South Windsor Teen Center's game Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit teen center programs and operations. This will be a night of games like Uno, Spoons, pool and air hockey competitions, a cornhole tournament, a Smash Bro's tournament, and more! Registration is required. Click here to learn more. |
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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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| 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 this session here.
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