Kara Rochelle

I have included an update on the state's coronavirus response efforts as well as how you can nominate someone who's made a difference in our community. I have also included a friendly reminder for you to fill out your 2020 Census form if you have not yet done so.

COVID-19 Update

Since Monday there have been 608 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing our state's total to 13,989 cases. There are 1,779 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Connecticut, and there have been 671 deaths. Click the image above for a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data. 

Tuesday the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7Z to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which enacts the following provisions:

• Modification of state contracting statutes to facilitate the emergency procurement of essential goods;
• In-person attendance requirement suspended for assessment appeals; and
• Suspension of requirements for security officer license.

Read the executive order here. 

Connecticut Partners with CBIA and CONNSTEP to Retool Manufacturing Operations

The State of Connecticut is partnering with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and its affiliate CONNSTEP to allow manufacturers to retool their operations to make critically needed medical equipment and supplies to address current shortages. 

Through the website www.ctcovidresponse.org, manufacturers can obtain information on the current supply needs in our state, connect with suppliers, and provide products to health care institutions. 

The initiative is a collaboration between CONNSTEP, CBIA, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, the state's Chief Manufacturing Officer, the Connecticut Hospital Association and more. 

DRS Extends Filing and Payment Deadlines for Certain CT Tax Returns

The Connecticut Department of Revenue and Services has extended the filing and payment deadlines of certain returns until July 15, 2020 to align Connecticut tax filing and payment dates with filing and payment extensions announced by the IRS. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF CONNECTICUT TAX RETURNS THAT HAVE BEEN EXTENDED.

You can read the full news briefing here.

Click here to read all of the emergency orders issued by the governor and state agencies. You can watch the governor's news briefings here, and read all of the full news updates here.

For up-to-date information on the state's response efforts to COVID-19, an FAQ, and other guidance and resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. 

Nominate a Community Hero

During times of crisis, the citizens of our community come together like no one else.

My colleagues and I are launching an effort to honor our friends and neighbors who are going above and beyond.

Do you know a first responder? A health care worker? Grocery clerk? Great neighbor? Nominate them for recognition!

I will feature these community heroes on my Facebook page. 

Please send us your nominee’s name, picture, street address, email or phone, and two sentences as to how they have made our community stronger during the pandemic.

Together, let's thank them for being them.

Spotlighting Local Excellence

Thank you to the Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries for presenting TEAM, Inc. with 200 Social Distance Care Bags for residents who receive Meals on Wheels. This is a wonderful way to spread some happiness and provide support for our neighbors! 

2020 Census

Most of you should have already received an invitation in your mailbox to complete the questionnaire. Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper form along with the invitation to respond online or over the phone.

Please check your mailbox and, if you can, I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and complete the form online.

Nearly $11 billion in federal funding for Connecticut will be determined by the data collected by the census so it’s important that we get it right. It will also determine how many seats our state will get in the U.S. House of Representatives and will redraw our state legislative districts. 

Remember, the census data is protected by Title 13 and any personal information given to the U.S. Census Bureau cannot be shared with any federal, state, or local entity. 

You can respond to the Census online at my2020census.gov.

You can also complete it by phone by calling the following numbers:

• 844-330-2020 (for English speakers)
• 844-468-2020 (for Spanish speakers)

Click here for additional language support.

Homes that do not respond online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire.

The completed form can be returned to:
U.S. Census Bureau 
National Processing Center
1201 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132

For more information about responding to the 2020 Census, click here. To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit 2020census.gov.