State Capitol Update for the Week of February 6th

February 6, 2023
Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of February 6th.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the video below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.
 
 
It’s been a head spinner of a weekend in terms of weather.  My drive home from Hartford on Friday night amidst high winds and plummeting temperatures featured several detours because of downed trees and branches.  While following other drivers on a detour in Falls Village, we all ended up on a flooded dirt road where several cars got stuck.  As it happened, my last meeting of the day on Friday was with the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation at their headquarters in Newington, where I saw their control center while we talked about the risks caused by those high winds and punishingly low temperatures.  My thanks to those who were out there this weekend clearing the roads and making them accessible for all of us so that we could get home safely.

And yesterday my husband and I finally made it to the Salisbury Ski Jumps, where it seemed like a spring day.  Many of us were still wearing the heavy hats and coats from the last few days, not quite believing how warm it had gotten.  We saw the longest jump of the weekend, and a lot of shorter slides down the hill on the side (no equipment necessary for that one).

I’m still trying to stay in district one day a week, and last week was able to have lunch at the Kent Senior Center to talk about connectivity.  The lunch, organized by Samantha Hasenflue, Kent’s Social Services Director, with food donated by JP Gifford, was well-attended, interesting, and fun.  Several students from Marvelwood came to talk about how technology can keep you connected, and Charter Communications presented five new laptops for the Senior Center to use.  It was great to see so many people in person!
 
The upcoming week is again budget-heavy, as the Governor gives his budget address on Wednesday and the legislature will be in session on Thursday addressing budgeting and a few other urgent issues.  See below for more background on some of the topics we will be taking up.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
  • COVID-19 weekly update. Click here
  • Public Hearing Schedule for this week. Click here.
  • Connecticut’s Budget Safeguards: a primer. Click here.
  • Home Energy Audits. Click here.
  • Connecticut receiving $18 million federal grant to address unsheltered and rural homelessness. Click here
  • Online platform connecting manufacturers and suppliers launched. Click here. 
  • February is Black History Month. Click here. 
  • School Security Grants available. Click here.
  • Changing Youth Perceptions Around Marijuana. Click here.
  • CT Humanities announces $8.5 million in grant awards, including many in the 64th District. Click here.
  • Office of Health Strategy to hold hearing on application re Sharon Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit on February 15. Click here.
  • Center for Hope & Healing Open House in Washington on February 15. Click here.
  • Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens events. Click here.
COVID-19 update
For graphs and tables containing data on COVID-19, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Note that the federal government is making at home test kits available free of charge.  For more information, https://www.covid.gov/tests. 
Public Hearing Schedule
A look at the schedule of public hearings being held this week. Please remember that you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel.

🌐 You can register to testify and find more detail on this week’s public hearings, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. Access the Bulletin here: cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp

Access the week’s calendar, with links to all agendas, here: cga.ct.gov
Connecticut’s Budget Safeguards: a primer
This week the Governor will release his full budget proposal on Wednesday, and the legislature will be in session the following day to address some urgent issues.  On both of those occasions, you’ll be hearing a lot about Connecticut’s budget safeguards (otherwise known as “fiscal constraints,” “guardrails,” or the “bond lock” just to name a few), so I thought I’d give a brief description of what these are.
In 2017, Connecticut passed a series of fiscal constraints on the state’s budgeting process, which stabilized our revenue stream (the “volatility cap”), limited spending (the “spending cap”), and limited the amount of revenue that was available to spend (the “revenue cap”).  Collectively they have put the state on much sounder financial footing.
 
The workhorse of these constraints is the volatility cap.  Certain types of state revenue are unpredictable, and can swing the revenue stream wildly from year to year.  The volatility cap sets a budgetary threshold that represents the state’s stable, predictable revenue stream. All revenue that exceeds that threshold cannot be appropriated, but instead gets deposited into the Budget Reserve Fund (also known as the “Rainy Day Fund”).  Once the Budget Reserve Fund hits its cap of 15% of our annual budget, any budgetary surplus goes to pay down the state’s pension debt. 
 
In order to make sure we held to these policies, we made a promise to our bondholders that we would abide by them for five years (this is the “bond lock”).  That five-year period expires this summer, on June 30. 
 
Together, these fiscal constraints have enabled us to:
  • Reach our Budget Reserve Fund cap (currently about $3.3 billion);
  • Create four consecutive years of budget surplus;
  • Contribute $5.8 billion to reduce pension liabilities since 2020;
  • Upgrade our credit rating, making borrowing less expensive; and
  • Budget predictability and sustainably.

 
There is strong support for re-upping that commitment this year. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to continue the legacy of these bipartisan reforms, so I look forward to getting that done.
Connecticut receiving $18 million federal grant to address unsheltered and rural homelessness
 
The State of Connecticut is receiving an $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address homelessness among people in unsheltered settings and in rural communities.
 
The funds are being directed toward two state agencies – the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services – and will be distributed over a three-year period with the state receiving approximately $6 million annually. These funds will be used for three separate services:
 
  • Access point to homeless services: The Connecticut Department of Housing will invest $6 million ($2 million annually over three years) toward the state’s newly created regional hubs, which provide an access point to homeless services, including walk-in referrals. Connecticut has seven hubs strategically located throughout the state within each of its regional Coordinated Access Networks. These hubs provide intake services and diversion services, which ultimately can be used to prevent individuals and families from entering homelessness.
  • Homeless outreach services: The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will invest $6 million ($2 million annually over three years) to provide homeless outreach services. These funds will be directed to private, nonprofit agencies and used to hire homeless outreach workers who will identify individuals and families living outside and in places not meant for human habitation. These workers will be able to quickly identify these individuals and families and act as quickly as possible to house them. They will also be able to refer these individuals to other services they may need, such as mental health services, medical support, and employment services.
  • Permanent supportive housing: The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will invest $6 million ($2 million annually over three years) to provide approximately 40 rental assistance vouchers, along with supportive services, that will house people directly from unsheltered homelessness. This allocation for permanent supportive housing will include a services component that will assist unsheltered individuals and families who have rental assistance vouchers but do not have ongoing housing supportive services. This funding will help the participants have a safe, affordable, and permanent place to live and will provide services to assist with addressing issues that may have contributed to their homelessness. 

  
This $18 million in funding for Connecticut is part of a larger announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide $315 million in grants for homelessness services throughout the country.
 
Anyone experiencing homelessness is strongly urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to supportive services.
Home Energy Audits
 
The good folks behind the Sharon Energy & Environment Commission] included this excellent reminder about home energy audits in their newsletter, and I thought I’d pass it along!
 
Did you know that having a home energy audit can give you access to rebates on energy-saving appliances and home improvements? You can read about how home energy audits have helped cut energy bills for 15,000 Connecticut residents, here.
Home energy audits are available through a free virtual pre-assessment and an in-home energy assessment, for a $50 co-pay. On average, customers see about $200 in savings on their annual energy bills and receive about $1,000 in on-the-spot services. Find out more by visiting energizect.com. Sharon residents who qualify may be eligible to receive a subsidy for the $50 co-pay. 

Once you sign up, you will be contacted by the energy assessment team to make an appointment to visit your house. The team will do an on-site inspection and may be able to make energy efficiency improvements on the spot. They will also let you know if you qualify for any rebates. Now is the time to sign up!

Online platform connecting manufacturers and suppliers launched
 
This week featured Connecticut’s launch of CONNEX™ Connecticut, a free online platform that provides one-stop access for manufacturers in the state to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.
 
The program is jointly managed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing and CONNSTEP, the state’s leading business consulting firm. It is funded through the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund.
 
The CONNEX™ Connecticut platform will help manufacturers identify potential suppliers within the state based on their capabilities, not just current production. Results can be filtered using hundreds of unique criteria such as equipment, processes, materials and certifications to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs.
 
The initiative was developed with the support of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the state’s largest group advocating on behalf of businesses.
 
The CONNEX™ Marketplace technology was developed several years ago by i5 Services to connect the U.S. manufacturing supply chain. It is now being used by manufacturers and suppliers across the country to connect with one another and find new business opportunities.
 
To access the portal, visit portal.ct.gov/manufacturing/CONNEX.
 
Manufacturers that create an account prior to March 31, 2023, should use the promo code CTFF while registering to receive free, permanent national network access.
 
February is Black History Month
 
Official recognition of Black History Month started with a proclamation from President Gerald Ford 47 years ago, to honor the many accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to American society. Black history is American history.

The theme of this year's Black History Month, "Black Resistance," explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.

"This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally throughout their lives. It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but it is an idea we have never fully walked away from either," said President Biden in his 2023 Black History Month Proclamation.


 
 
Over the next 28 days, cities and towns across Connecticut will hold events to honor Black History Month, among them: 
  • A screening of "Selma" at the Ridgefield Playhouse on February 8
  • Martin Luther King, Jr convocation lecture on February 9 at Fairfield University
  • Urban League of Greater Hartford's annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford
  • Celebrations of African music in Enfield on February 15
  • African Diasporic Drumming at East Hartford Library on February 16
  • The Hartford Yard Goats will be hosting a Black Business Expo on February 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the stadium in Hartford.

Find other great events across the state by clicking HERE.
School Security Grants available
 
Grants are available for public and nonpublic K-12 schools and eligible childcare centers or preschools that can demonstrate that they have received threats. A total of $15 million has been allocated across both programs under this funding round. 
 
Funding made available through these programs can be used for security infrastructure improvements or security improvements that include the capability of transmitting communications directly to law enforcement. Eligible applicants include public schools (K-12), Regional Education Services Centers (RESC), the governing authority for a state charter school, state technical high schools, incorporated endowed high schools or academy, nonpublic and private schools, and licensed childcare centers or preschools.
 
Since 2013, more than $88 million has been allocated to these programs. Funding made available through these programs can be used for security infrastructure improvements or security improvements that include the capability of transmitting communications directly to law enforcement. Eligible applicants include public schools (K-12), Regional Education Services Centers (RESC), the governing authority for a state charter school, state technical high schools, incorporated endowed high schools or academy, nonpublic and private schools, and licensed childcare centers or preschools.
 
Applications are due by Friday 3/31/23 at 3PM.
 
Additional information and instructions on how to apply can be found online on the School Security Grant Program website. Anyone with questions should submit them to the CT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security via email to SchoolSecurityGrant@ct.gov.
 
Changing Youth Perceptions Around Marijuana
 
Recreational cannabis sales kicked off last month, and the Executive Director of the McCall Center for Behavioral Health in Torrington (Maria Coutant Skinner) included the following in her newsletter, and I wanted to share it with you.

Maria Coutant Skinner, McCall Center for Behavioral Health:
Recreational Cannabis sales kicked off this month here in Connecticut.  In the first eight days, the seven sites approved for recreational sales brought in over $2 million.  In December, Governor Ned Lamont announced that thousands of low-level cannabis possession convictions will be erased as of January 1st of this year.  For many these are wonderful changes that will allow for job growth and new opportunities.  However, for adolescents in our state, we should be mindful of the changing environment.
 
For as long as we can remember it has been illegal. Now, adults 21 and over may purchase a variety of marketed products containing THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Products that look like candy, seltzer, or others that promise to help you relax or stay focused.
 
McCall’s Prevention Services program is seeing a change in youth perceptions around cannabis use. Teens and tweens are now experiencing a paradigm shift as their perception of harm around cannabis decreases. They think, “If it is safe enough to be legal, then it must be okay for me to use.” We know that as perception of harm lowers youth usage rates go up.
 
That is why it is important for parents to speak to their children early and often about substance use, there are many risks for adolescents, but more importantly help them learn healthy and safe ways to cope with tough emotions. Model healthy behaviors at home and be genuine.  Ask them questions about what they know and encourage them to keep talking.
 
Keeping our Kids & Pets Safe
NBC reported the results of a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics.  The study found that calls to poison control centers as a result of children five and under consuming edibles containing THC rose from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021. Nearly all of the children (97%) found the edibles at home.
 
Be in The Know CT is a wonderful resource for adults, youth, parents, and pet owners.  They have provided the following tips on how to keep your loved ones safe:
  1. Keep cannabis and other substances in a secure and locked place. Cannabis products should be out of sight and out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
  2. Store cannabis products in their original containers and keep the label. Labels on cannabis products from licensed cannabis establishments will have important information including how much THC is in the product.
  3. Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.
  4. Make a list of cannabis products in your home. Knowing exactly what cannabis products you have in your home can help with medical treatment in case of accidental ingestion.

McCall has over 50 years of experience treating substance use and mental health disorders.  We understand that substance use and other behaviors – from opioids to marijuana to gambling or food – may start off helping you cope with unresolved pain, but often can end up making everything worse.  If you are concerned about your substance use or that of a loved one, call 860.496.2100 or visit mccallbhn.org.  It’s never too early or too late to reach out for help.
 
If a child ingests cannabis, call Poison Control immediately 1.800.222.1222.
 
If a pet ingests cannabis, call Animal Poison Control 1.888.426.4435.
CT Humanities announces $8.5 million in grant awards, including many in the 64th District
CT Humanities provided $8.5 M in general operating support grants to help the state’s museums, cultural, humanities, and arts organizations as they recover from the pandemic. This funding helps recipients maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public, connect K-12 teachers and students to strong humanities and arts content, and improve their information technology and digital infrastructure.
These grants were administered by CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont.
Grants to 64th District include:
 
*Indicates first-time applicant with CT Humanities

Canaan
Falls Village - Canaan Historical Society $6,200 
Music Mountain $15,300 

Cornwall 
Civic Life Project $8,700 
Cornwall Historical Society $7,300 
Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children's Theater * $5,900 

Falls Village 
Falls Village Children's Theater * $5,800 

Goshen 
Goshen Players $6,300 
Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. $5,000 

Kent 
Connecticut Antique Machinery Association * $8,700
Eric Sloane Museum $5,000 
Kent Art Association, Inc $6,400 
Kent Historical Society $8,000 
The Kent Singers $5,900 

Norfolk 
Norfolk Historical Society $6,300 
Roxbury Minor Memorial Museum $5,000 

Salisbury
Crescendo $8,700 
Salisbury Association $14,300 
Salisbury Forum, The $5,800 

Sharon 
Sharon Historical Society & Museum $7,900 
Tri State Center for the Arts $23,600 

Washington 
After School Arts Program, Inc $18,400 
Common Ground with Jane Whitney $9,500 
Gunn Memorial Library and Museum $8,400 
Institute for American Indian Studies $20,300 
Pilobolus $54,600 
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens $9,300 
Washington Art Association & Gallery $13,000 
 
Office of Health Strategy to hold hearing on application re Sharon Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit on February 15
 
The public hearing to determine whether Nuvance will be permitted to close the Sharon Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and replace it with a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) has been scheduled:
 
ICU Public Hearing
Wednesday, February 15 at 9:30am via Zoom
Public comment is scheduled to begin at 3pm.
• To provide written comment: Email CONComment@ct.gov and reference 
docket #22-32504-CON by February 14.
• To provide oral comment: Log onto Zoom via this link after 2pm to sign up, 
and public comment will begin at 3pm. 
 
________________________________________
 
The advocacy organization Save Sharon Hospital has scheduled a Community Roundtables to explain what the replacement of an ICU with a PCU would mean for our community:
 
Wednesday, February 8 at 6pm
Northeast-Millerton Library
Library Annex, Millerton, NY
 
A decision regarding Nuvance's application to close the Sharon Hospital maternity unit is still pending.
Center for Hope & Healing Open House in Washington on February 15
Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens events
Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens is hosting a Football Watch Party on Sunday, February 12 at 6 pm where football fans and their families and friends are invited to cheer on their favorite team in front of three jumbo screens inside the park.
Bring your best tailgate blankets, chairs, beverages and coolers to enjoy the big game.
The Meraki food truck with owners Patty and Martin will be on site offering a special BIG GAME MENU available for purchase. Think Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches to honor the NFC team and Kansas City BBQ to honor the AFC team. And what would football fare be without wings, nachos, and more?

This event is free and open to the public.