3/6/21 Newsletter

WHM
March 6, 2021
March marks the beginning of Women's History Month! 

While we recognize all of the incredible women who have fought for our rights over the past 200 years, as well as all of the incredible women who make our communities a better place today, it is also important to recognize the disproportionate impact Covid-19 had on women this past year. 

Thus far in 2021, young girls witnessed the inauguration of Kamala Harris, the United States' first female, first African-American, and first South East Asian- American Vice President of the United States.

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a 34-year-old Black research fellow and scientific lead at the National Institute of Health was central to the MRNA research and development of the Moderna vaccine, a development that will likely go down in history as saving countless lives. 

Here in CT, the 2020 election ushered in more women to the General Assembly than ever before but nonetheless, women only comprise 32% of legislators.

Alongside these positive achievements, there is the reality that this pandemic has had devastating effects on women. More than 2.3 million women dropped out of the workforce since February 2020. Mothers with children 12 and younger were three times more likely than fathers to have lost work between February and August. Black and Latina women have been hit the hardest as women's labor force participation reached a 33-year low in January.
 
As we celebrate women's history and progress this month, let's also remember how much work we have ahead of us. 
 
DMV PORTAL UPDATE
In an effort to create more convenience and accessibility for Connecticut residents, the state Department of Motor Vehicles has introduced several new features on its website.

Among the new features are:   
  • The ability to request a duplicate driver’s license  
  • The ability to request a duplicate non-driver ID  
  • The ability to view your driving history  

This announcement comes after the announcement one month ago that state residents can now renew their driver's licenses and non-driver IDs online as well.

We’ve all felt the frustration of having to wait in line at the DMV to renew a driver’s license or access other DMV services.
 
This is part of the State’s efforts to modernize state government and add convenience for the consumer.

This announcement expands and builds upon the pilot program for online driver’s license renewal initially rolled out by the DMV in November 2020.
 
It is important to note that this expansion of online services does not mean that these services will not also be available in-person at DMV and AAA offices and locations throughout the state.

To access these new features, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DMV.
 
VACCINE UPDATE
So far, the following age groups have received at least their first dose:
  • 74 percent over the age of 75
  • 59 percent between the ages of 65 and 74
  • 17 percent between the ages of 55 and 64

Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program include all individuals over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.

Over the coming weeks, eligibility will expand based on age according to the following schedule: 

  • March 22, 2021: Expands to ages 45 to 54
  • April 12, 2021: Expands to ages 35 to 44
  • May 3, 2021: Expands to ages 16 to 34

Information on Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine.

Please reach out to me with any questions you may have about eligibility and scheduling issues.
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MILLENNIAL ACTION PROJECT
I have joined the the Millennial Action Project in hopes of a more united future. Please see the video below, or click here to learn more about this bipartisan coalition which is paving a way for a new generation of leaders working together across the aisle. 
Millennial Action Project
 
RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
Earlier this week, John Wynne, Fairfield Senior Advocate Founding Member and Chairman of the Town's Strategic Planning Committee, held a zoom meeting to provide an update on the draft Strategic Plan currently being reviewed by the Board of Selectmen. Please see the link to the meeting below and use the password: !M7Fzx&T 

For more resources from the Fairfield Senior Advocates, visit their webpage here. 
Click here to access the zoom meeting
Additionally, yesterday, I testified at the Human Services Committee Public Hearing to express my concerns regarding HB 6446. This proposed legislation would impose an asset cap for seniors who rely on Medicare Savings Plan. The implications of this legislation would strip many individuals of their access to life-saving medication. Please watch the video below to hear my full testimony.
Testimony on HB 6446
 
FAIRFIELD TOWN BUDGET
First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick released the 2021-2021 Fairfield Town Budget Proposal which includes a budget increase of nearly 6%, and a tax levy increase of 6.3%. 

To read more about the proposed budget, please read the article below, or watch the Board of Selectman meetings where they discuss the budget in great detail.
Click here to read an article about the budget
Budget Hearing Part 1
Budget Hearing Part 2
 
CT RE-OPENING UPDATE
Governor Lamont has announced a phased rollback of some COVID-19 restrictions. On March 19th, just two weeks from now, the state will rollback capacity restrictions for places like restaurants, retail stores, libraries, personal services, indoor recreation (excluding theaters), gyms/fitness centers, museums, aquariums, zoos, offices, and houses of worship. Although capacity in these venues may return to 100%, face coverings, social distancing, and other cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be required.

Restrictions on social and recreational gatherings will also be modified as follows: 
  • Social and recreational gatherings at private residence – 25 indoors/100 outdoors
  • Social and recreational gatherings at commercial venues – 100 indoors/200 outdoors

 

In late March and April reopening continues with: Capacity limits on early childhood classes increasing from 16 to 20 students

  • Outdoor amusement parks can open
  • Outdoor event venues can increase to a 50% capacity, capped at 10,000 people
  • Indoor stadiums can open at 10% capacity
  • Summer camps and summer festivals may begin planning stages to open for the upcoming season

As we move toward a full reopening it still important to take precautions until a majority of Connecticut residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Wear your mask, stay socially distance, and wash your hands.
 
OFFICE HOURS WITH REP. LEEPER
Have a question or concern you would like to discuss? Please sign up for my office hours so we can have a conversation.
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