Weekly Recap 12/23/20

December 23, 2020
While the holidays look different this year, the season’s message of hope resonates more than ever. I wish you all good health, love, joy and prosperity!

Below are a few updates that I thought you would find helpful. Please take a look.
 
 
Restaurant Recovery Grants
A new federally-funded grant program – a helping hand to bars and restaurants and other local businesses – will start cutting checks right around New Year's Eve.

The $10,000 to $30,000 grants are funded by the second federal stimulus package. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 small and mid-size businesses that have been hurt by the pandemic will receive funds.

We have seen our local businesses step up during the pandemic and put public health over profit. They need our help and I will continue to advocate on their behalf because the crisis isn't over.
 
Rate Structure For Small Business 
On December 18th, state leaders urged PURA to consider implementing a temporary revised rate structure for the small business community based on consumption rather than the current high fixed charge structure. This type of targeted rate relief is desperately needed as our local small businesses continue to struggle during this on-going pandemic.
 
CT Vaccine Rollout
With the first COVID-19 vaccines being distributed and administered across the country and our state, we may finally be seeing the light at the end of what has been a long and difficult tunnel.

I wanted to pass along information regarding the availability of the vaccine, how the vaccine works, and why you should feel comfortable taking it when it is available for you to take.
Through numerous rigorous tests and analyses, the Pfizer vaccine, which has already been administered to thousands of health care workers across the country, is considered both safe and effective. In addition, the vaccine developed by Moderna was approved by the FDA late last week for distribution in the U.S., and distribution of this vaccine is already underway.

Hartford Healthcare developed this helpful informational sheet which explains the science behind the current COVID-19 vaccines.
 
COVID Stats
Here are today’s latest stats graphic and a link to the daily report: https://data.ct.gov/stories/s/q5as-kyim.   
 
The Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI)
Climate change is a defining issue - a crisis that demands our attention and demands action and on Monday, the governor announced a multi-state climate initiative partnership with Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.
 
The Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI) builds on the climate laws and directives that are already in place in our state. In 2019, the General Assembly passed Public Act 19-117, which requires that by 2030 50% of cars and trucks, and 30% of buses purchased or leased by state be zero emissions vehicles.
 
This new multi-state compact addresses the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut. It works by placing a cap on the allowable emissions from the transportation sector. It requires large gasoline and diesel fuel providers to purchase allowances for the pollution caused by the emissions from the fuel they sell. Our state will then invest the money from these companies into building back our transportation system in a more green and economic manner. The program also requires that at least 35% of the revenue must go towards underserved communities to ensure that the investment in transportation is equitable.
 
With reduced emissions and a more green transportation system, policymakers hope to see health benefits while, in the long run, you save money on reduced fuel expenditures and lower vehicle operation and maintenance costs.
 
Access Health CT Extends Open Enrollment
Access Health CT has announced extension of the Open Enrollment period for health insurance through January 15, 2021.
 
As the pandemic continues, the Access Health CT extension gives state residents the chance to get health insurance coverage.
Click here to create an Access Health CT account, here to sign in to an existing account or here to chat with a representative.
 
Take advantage of the extension and get yourself covered with a health insurance plan through Access Health CT.