The 2023 Legislative Session is well underway, and I want to share some highlights including State, and local updates.
In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
In late 1977, temporarily setting aside the politics of a struggling national economy and election-year posturing, the Connecticut General Assembly took up the daunting task of selecting an official state song for the state of Connecticut. The request for a state song first came from then-governor Ella Grasso’s predecessor, Thomas Meskill, who was reportedly sick of hearing Yale University’s fight song, “Boola Boola,” being played whenever he showed up at official functions as governor.
On November 10, 20 musical groups — including a high school band, choral groups, and even a fife and drum corps — gathered at the state capitol to perform the top contenders for Connecticut’s state anthem, including a number of original songs written by Connecticut musicians. One of the most popular choices, likely influenced by the nostalgia for the American Revolution that was sweeping the country during the nation’s bicentennial commemorations, was the jaunty Revolutionary War tune “Yankee Doodle.” Supporters of “Yankee Doodle” pointed out that the tune was catchy and patriotic and likely had Connecticut origins, while detractors claimed it reflected little about the state itself and was originally penned to insult colonial Americans.
A Norman Rockwell mural on the walls of Nassau Tavern in Princeton, NJ depicts a scene from the Revolutionary War ditty — and Connecticut’s state song — “Yankee Doodle.”
After months of debate, Representative (and future governor) William O’Neill proposed a modification to the venerable tune’s lyrics: replacing the word “girls” with “folks” in the chorus of “Yankee Doodle” to eliminate any possible hints of sexism the original may have contained. O’Neill’s proposal made “Yankee Doodle” palatable enough for the state House of Representatives to pass a motion making it Connecticut’s state song on March 9, 1978. From there, the bill went to the State Senate. There, after voting down a proposal by then-state senator and Yale alumni Joseph Lieberman to include a reference to “Boola Boola” in the song’s lyrics, the state Senate joined the house in voting to make “Yankee Doodle” Connecticut’s official state song on March 16, 1978. A dandy decision, Today in Connecticut History.
The link below is a dynamic list of legislation I have introduced or cosponsored this session. Please keep checking back as I add to the list and, using the bill tracking function, you can sign up and receive alerts on the progress of legislative items.
Personal care attendants (PCAs) will have additional access to affordable health insurance after an agreement was reachedto expand the application deadline for PCAs to apply for the first round of the new premium assistance benefit.
PCAs, who provide valuable services and support to more than 7,000 of Connecticut’s Medicaid consumers so they can remain in their homes and communities, may now apply for the premium benefit through April 7. The special enrollment period for coverage through Access Health CT, the state's health insurance exchange, runs until May 15. For those who do not apply for assistance by April 7, another application period will be provided later this year with payment on or around September, in time for the traditional open enrollment period on Access Health CT.
Connecticut is one of the first states to do this, and I encourage all PCA s who are not enrolled in health coverage to sign up for this important benefit.
Access Health CT has a special enrollment period and dedicated telephone line with navigator assistance for PCAs so that they can easily find the best health insurance option for them and obtain enrollment support. The Access Health CT navigators also screen the PCAs for eligibility for the HUSKY and Covered CT programs.
PCAs will soon receive communication with instructions on how they can access this important benefit. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
East Hartford Greater Together
Community Fund Advisory Committee
East Hartford Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee is now accepting applications for committee members. The purpose of the Greater Together Community Fund is to support the East Hartford community in taking ownership around town needs that will be most beneficial or have the greatest impact on residents. The Community Fund also strives to encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement. To be eligible, you must be a resident of East Hartford, at least 14 years of age and not a current elected official of East Hartford. Previous experience in community organizations or in grant-making is not needed.
The deadline for applications is April 28, 2023. After the application period is closed, the committee will schedule interviews for potential members.
Individuals who are interested in applying can visit the link below to find more information or to fill out the Google Form.
Manchester is in the process of workshops and meetings that will continue next week with the following schedule:
Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #4 (Police, Fire) Wednesday, March 22 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #5 (Board of Education Follow-Up, Leisure Services) Thursday, March 23 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #6 (Water & Sewer) Thursday, March 28 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #7 (as needed)
The Town will hold a special meeting to adopt the budget on Tuesday, April 11 at 7PM. All meetings will be conducted in-person at the Lincoln Center Hearing Room and can be watched live on Silk City TV, Facebook Live, or Cox Channel 16.
The Town of East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission and East Hartford Town Council will be hosting a joint meeting and public information at Wednesday, March 22 at 6 PM in the Community Cultural Center Conference Room #111 (50 Chapman Place), and via hybrid teleconference meeting to present the Town’s Draft Affordable Housing Plan. Following a presentation of the plan, public comment and feedback will be welcomed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Hybrid Teleconference meeting details are available below:
Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 212 019 502 018
Passcode: Hiwm4p Download Teams | Join on the web Option 2. Join by Phone
You can phone in using the call-in number and Conference ID below: Or call in (audio only) +1 929-235-8441,,612116944#
United States, New York City
Phone Conference ID: 612 116 944#
More information is available within the Draft Affordable Housing Plan document. To view the agenda, visit this link.
Reminder: Free Learning Opportunity for East Hartford Residents
East Hartford Works and Goodwin University will host a 5-week Professional Skills Academy focused on manufacturing beginning Tuesday, April 18. Classes will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening from 4PM-9PM at Goodwin University. Participants will earn continuing education credentials from Goodwin in: Enhanced Shop Math, Introduction to Blue Print Reading, Enhanced Metrology and OSHA 10.
This is a free program for East Hartford residents. Participants must have a High School Diploma or GED. Supports will be made available for childcare and transportation. Registration is open now and space is limited so reserve your spot by calling Yadira Jeter at (860) 290-4345.
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
Griffin Hospital has partnered with the Town of East Hartford to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics on the following dates at Raymond Library (840 Main Street):
Tuesday, March 21, 3PM-7PM
Thursday, March 23, 3PM-7PM
Tuesday, March 28, 3PM-7PM
Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J vaccines will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents 6 months and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. Additionally, Griffin will offer free health screenings including A1C (diabetes) and blood pressure checks at each clinic.
The East Hartford Health Department offers regular vaccination services at the Community Cultural Center. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent boosters, as well as Flu, will be offered for all ages 12+. Appointments are required and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10AM-2PM. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 291-7324 (option 1).
For any questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. If transportation is needed to get to and from a clinic site, please contact the Health Department for assistance.
The White House relaunched the program making free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to every U.S. household. Just as before, you can order tests through COVIDTests.gov and enter your shipping information. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The Administration will also make tests available to individuals who are blind or have low vision through this program. People who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call +1 (800) 232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8AM-8PM E.T., Monday to Friday and 8AM-5PM E.T. on weekends.
For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic by clicking here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at (877) 918-2224.
Pottery Classes
Pottery classes in a private boutique artist's studio! Taught by local artists with over 25 years' experience!
Classes for adults as well as teens and tweens
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Manchester regional center for household hazardous waste collection.
For complete details and to schedule your appointment visit:
Manchester YSB is opening the center on Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM and Thursdays 2:30-6pm. Learn morehere!
Attend 10 or more times to be eligible for prizes! Pizza is served after group discussion. Read more here: TEENCENTER-incentive.pdf
Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Thursday, March 30, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Thursday, April 06, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Thursday, April 13, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 06:00 PM
The MARC bowling event is back.
MARC, Inc. of Manchester has scheduled the 2023 Rockin' Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser for Sunday, March 26 at Hall of Fame Silver Lanes East Hartford. Proceeds will benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through MARC's services.
Registration is open now for OAKC Together We Tee! This program is offered to local Black and Brown youth of all genders ages 9-12 and their parent/guardian to introduce kids to the game of golf. The Manchester Country club will be providing all participants with lessons by golf professionals, fee waivers, and equipment.
The program will run on the following dates: Wednesdays, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, and August 16 with golf instruction from 5PM-6:30PM, followed by a family style dinner from 6:30PM-7:30PM. The program is limited to 10 participants, so register today by clicking here.
If you have questions or would like additional information, call Senior Recreation Specialist Calvin Harris at (860) 647-3088 or Recreation Supervisor Taylor McBride at (860) 647-6039.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that we have more Teen & Adult Social Club scheduled hang outs.
There are a variety of activities held March 24th – May 12. The club is for participants with special needs, ages 13 & up.
Our experienced staff will provide supervisor at the activities, in addition to assisting group interaction and fostering positive behaviors. Staff are trained in the field of special education and are able to provide the necessary skills to facilitate the program. Prices and times vary based upon the designated activity. To sign up for our fun activities visit www.ehparks.org.
The Town of East Hartford is collaborating with UConn Health, My People Community Services, Trinity Health of New England, and other community partners to host a “Men’s Health is Community Health” event on Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 PM at the Community Cultural Center located at 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108. This health event is free to the public; various no-cost health screenings will be available for men, including blood glucose screening, blood pressure screening, oral health services, prostate cancer services, and sickle cell anemia education. In addition to screenings, attendees can attend brief seminars presented by physicians on their respective specialties.
April Vacation Programs at East Hartford Public Library
Looking for something fun to do over April vacation? Check out our complete lineup of April vacation programs. We’ve got something for everyone, from toddlers to teens! For the full schedule and more information click here.
Do you have a business card? How about a website? Are you looking for help? At Drop-in Digital Navigation hours, the East Hartford Public Library will work with small business owners to develop the technology skills you need to make your business technology work as hard as you do. Business owners at every stage of development are encouraged to attend. Drop-in hours will be offered on Fridays from 10:30AM-12:30PM (March 3, 10, 24, & 31; April 14 & 27; and May 5, 12, &26). For more information, click here.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department’s Annual Egg Hunt at McAuliffe Park is on Saturday, March 25 at 12PM. There will be thousands of pieces of chocolates and stuffed plastic eggs for children ages 10 and younger (and their accompanying parent/guardian).
Participants will be grouped by ages and directed to designated areas: ages 3 and under, ages 4-5 and ages 6-10. Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In case of inclement weather or poor field conditions, updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page
This is a free event for East Hartford residents. For more information, click here.
Calling the young people in our community – it's not too early to be thinking about summer employment or learning opportunities! Gain valuable work experience and get paid this summer by signing up for the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP).
SYELP connects youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Applications are open now! Sign up by clicking here.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
