Jeff Currey

Friends and Neighbors, 



As we continue to settle into the fall season while simultaneously attempting to avoid Mariah Carey’s pre-emptive Christmas cheer (go ahead and judge me! lol), we’ve come upon Thanksgiving and all the feels that accompany the holiday.



I am thankful for you and your families, and the support and inspiration you provide that fuels my passion for this work. I hope you each find time this weekend to show your gratitude and joy to those who impact you most. It’s been a tough year for some, so allow a bit of space for those who need it, but for those ready and willing to embrace the love, may you be fortunate to have a belly and heart a bit more full as we head full force into the holiday season.

 

To that end, it wouldn’t be the season if we didn’t take a moment to highlight that November 26 is Small Business Saturday – a day to support small businesses and show how much we appreciate the entrepreneurs that make up the fabric of our vibrant communities.



As they work to recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our patronage will help them not only recover, but prosper so they may in turn continue to contribute to the local and state economy.

Our small businesses are at the heart of our communities. This holiday season, find a gift for everyone on your list and let’s keep the holiday spirit of giving alive by shopping, eating, and celebrating locally.



To find small businesses in your area, please click the button below.

Plus enjoy some great “shop small” focused events in our area! 

Plus, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20 (spend $20 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20 to spend on SNAP eligible items). Learn more by clicking here.

Sincerely,



Jeff Currey

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.

• COVID-19 Update
• Monkeypox Outbreak Update
• At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond
• Health Resources
• Resources for Seniors
• Veterans Resources
• Community Resources and Events
• Youth Activities and Resources
• Job Opportunities & Resources

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.

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.

Specific Updates for Our Community

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:

• Saturday, Nov. 29
  • Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 3PM-6PM, for ages 6 months and up
• Tuesday, Dec. 6
  • Odyssey Community School, 579 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, 1:30PM-5PM, 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.

According to the CDC, there are about 143 cases of Monkeypox in Connecticut. 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.

I am sure we share the same concerns about Eversource and United Illuminating, the state's two main electric distribution companies, which both filed for new standard service supply rates with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that will increase rates by approximately 40%.



Once approved by PURA, these new rates will go into effect from January 1, 2023, through the first six months of the year.



This is unwanted news at the start of the holiday season, especially as Eversource and United Illuminating enjoy historic profits amid increasing electric generation rates, customers experiencing economic hardships and a global energy crisis due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has impacted the natural gas supply. Nearly half of New England's electric generating capacity uses natural gas as its primary fuel, according to ISO New England, which operates the region's power grid.

Lawmakers have been called into special session, so we can work on legislation ensuring adequate funding for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which provides winter heating cost assistance to income-eligible households, regardless of their heat source.

 

We have been proactive in helping those most in need. The “Take Back Our Grid Act” was passed in the fall of 2020, which implemented a performance-based incentive system that ensures earnings and profits by Eversource and United Illuminating are tied to good performance and also enabled PURA to implement low income and economic development rates. 



PURA is also currently in the process of implementing performance-based ratemaking and recently released its final decision to implement a low-income discount rate beginning in January 2024 where eligible customers will receive either a 10% or 50% discount on their utility bills based on their overall household income.



More information on resources for residents who need assistance with high energy costs is available by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp.

This week, the Connecticut Fair Housing Center launched an online guide to the eviction process and a tool to help fill out court forms. The resources are designed to help tenants navigate an eviction without a lawyer, and support advocates, organizers, and community members working with tenants.

 

The guide, which can be found here, will walk you through the steps of an eviction, explain available options for tenants defending themselves, and offer additional resources and definitions of legal terms. Included in the guide is also a form filler to help tenants complete the necessary forms they may need to defend against an eviction in court or get more time to move.

Beginning January 5, 2023, East Hartford Town Hall will be closed for major renovations. To accommodate a quick and efficient renovation, Town departments will be relocated to the Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place) with two exceptions: 

• Town Clerk’s Office will remain on the Town Hall Property but will operate out of a business trailer to provide access to vital records and other materials by appointment only 
• East Hartford Social Services will permanently move to the Cultural Center

Relocation will begin on December 15. To allow departments the necessary time to move and resume services, there will be no or limited service on the following dates: 

• December 15 at 4:30PM through December 19 at 12PM: Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Assessor’s, Finance, Purchasing, Town Council, Health Department and Voter Registration will be closed
• January 5 at 4:30PM through Monday, January 9 at 12PM: Engineering, Building Department, Development, Grants, Mayor’s Office, Human Resources, and Corporation Counsel will be closed 

Construction of Town Hall is expected to begin on January 9 and conclude mid-January 2024. Visit the Town’s website or Facebook page to receive updates on the progress.

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.

It’s the holiday season, meaning it’s time to safely gather with your friends and family! As respiratory viruses have been spreading, be sure to take action to keep you and your loved ones safe.

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.

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.

For additional state and local resources, click the links below:

• East Hartford Senior Services
• Manchester Senior, Adult, and Family Services
• South Windsor Adult and Senior Services
• CT Health and Human Services Older Adult Services
• 211/United Way of Connecticut Resources for Older Adults

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.

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.

East Hartford Social Services is now accepting applications for the Christmas Assistance Program. The program provides Christmas food baskets and holiday toys for children up 10 years old. Learn more and apply by clicking here. The deadline to apply is November 28.

Those who wish to donate are asked to bring unwrapped, new toys and clothes to T.J. Maxx (5 Main Street) on Friday, November 25 at 1PM. If you are unable to attend that donation date, a drop box for donations will also be available at the Public Safety Complex. For more information, click here.

The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts presents the Shoreline Bell Ringers on Sunday, December 4 at 3PM at the newly renovated Wickham Library (656 Burnside Ave). The performance is free and open to the public. For more information on the Shoreline Bell Ringers, click here.

The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Beautification Commission, East Hartford Public Library, and East Hartford Parks and Recreation invites residents to the annual 2022 East Hartford Holiday Fest for four days of special events Friday, December 2 through Monday, December 5.



Help us, help others! Please be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to each event. Click here for a complete list of events.

The day after the Manchester Road Race (MRR), the race committee puts on the Annual Ray Crothers Blood Drive. This year's event is Friday, November 25 from 8:30AM-4:30PM at Manchester High School (134 East Middle Turnpike). Walk-in donations will be accepted. Appointments, which are encouraged, can be made by calling +1 (800) 733-2767 or by clicking here. All donors will receive a Manchester Road Race T-shirt.

The Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall is holding auditions for the upcoming production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29, 6PM-9PM. They’ll be casting 7 males, ages 15-60 and 6 females, ages 20-70. Auditioners will be asked to read scenes from the script. Auditions are first come first served. No appointments. For more info, click here.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network staff will be at Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, December 6 at 2PM to share how stress can affect diabetes management, your risk for pre-diabetes, your blood sugar and more. There is no registration for this free, adult program. Call (860) 645-0821 for more information.

Shop the Spruce Street Farmers Market Indoor Holiday Market to finish your holiday shopping and support small businesses on Saturday, December 17 from 9AM-1PM. SNAP/EBT accepted and doubled up to $20 (spend $20 to receive and additional $20 towards SNAP eligible items. Plus, free parking and free admission! Click here to learn more.

The Friends of Wood Memorial Library and Museum invite you to the 12th Annual Gingerbread House Festival opening this weekend and running through Sunday, December 18. For more info, click here. Free and open to the public!

The South Windsor Panthers Youth Football and Cheerleading teams will be holding a food drive for the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank on Saturday, December 18, 5PM-8PM. Donations will be collected at the biggest holiday light display in town - 130 Felt Road.

Enjoy new, unique, quality, and handmade crafts and specialty foods at the 8th Annual Show at the South Windsor Community Center on Sunday, December 5 from 9AM-3PM. Admission is free!

The South Windsor Teen Center invites middle school students to stop by on Tuesday, December 20, 3PM-5:30PM to decorate winter crafts. Register and learn more by clicking here.

On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont, along with Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman and Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner and Senior Advisor to the Governor for Health and Human Services Deidre Gifford, announced the launch of an advertisement campaign by the State of Connecticut targeting the recruitment of healthcare and direct support workers.

 

To view and apply for job openings with the State of Connecticut, visit ct.gov/CTStateJobs.

Ready to work for a world-class aerospace manufacturer in East Hartford? Pratt & Whitney is looking to hire talent with an interest and aptitude in manufacturing, with no prior education or work experience. Attend an info session and go through a skills-based prequalification process.

 

Virtual info sessions are held Monday 10AM-10:30AM and every Thursday 4:30PM-5PM - register by clicking here. For more information, please contact Charles Ojide at cojide@ccat.us or Cameron Diaz at cdiaz@ccat.us.

South Windsor Senior Center is seeking drivers for varied days, Monday-Friday. For more info call Andrea Cofrancesco in Human Services at (860) 648-6357 or send an email to swseniors@southwindsor.org.

Connecticut Fair Housing Center seeks a Director of Program Development and Engagement to assist in the management and coordination of a ≈ $3 million annual programmatic budget and promote the Center as one of the state’s leading civil rights organizations. 

 

To apply, send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter to cfhchiring@ctfairhousing.org. The writing sample should reflect the applicant’s own work without significant revision from others.

 

The Center will not be able to respond to phone inquiries. All applications will remain confidential.

 

Application Deadline: November 30, 2022

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.

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. 

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! 

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.