COVID Update 3.29

March 29, 2021
For a series of interactive graphs and maps that provide additional data, including metrics related to age, gender, and race/ethnicity, as well as data broken down by every town and city in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
Specific Updates for Our Community

 

Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Number of Positive Tests
Ellington 880 12     21,086 1,014
East Windsor 844 46    23,250 1,038

Data updates on vaccine administration in Connecticut

The following data represents the total number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in Connecticut, as reported to the state as of today:

  • First doses administered: 1,189,197
  • Second doses administered:684,200
  • Total doses administered: 1,828,260
 
East Windsor Casino Update
 
As many of you already know, Governor Lamont and the Connecticut tribes reached an agreement that would that would expand casino play and availability in the state. However, one of conditions of the agreement stated that the planned East Windsor project must be abandoned.  This news was a blow to the towns who were counting on the revenue from this project.

However, I have been working alongside state Senator Saud Anwar to develop a solution. Last week, we had a conversation with the Governor's office. On Tuesday, we met with Chairman Gessner of the Mohegan Tribe and Chairmen Butler of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. I am confident that we can create a solution that leaves all parties satisfied.
 
 
Legislative Updates
I have been working alongside with Senators Osten, Needleman and Representative Arconti on a bill that would address tax stabilization for rural communities in conjunction with large grid scale VNM projects. I look forward to future collaborations.
 
I also voted against moving H.B. No. 6572 to the House Floor. Although there are good aspects of the bill, there would be a great deal of confusion if each municipality was able to set their own energy use standards

The Environment Committee is also considering  SB 1031, which would provide a means and incentive for commercial applicators of sodium chloride to be more responsible utilizing the chemical to mitigate ice and snow accumulations.
   
Testimony
 
Last week, I provided testimony during the Environment Committee's public hearing. I spoke in support of HB 6503,  An Act Concerning the Siting of Anaerobic Digestion Facilities on Farms. 

This bill was created to help streamline and accelerate the permitting process for Anaerobic Digesters. Ellington and East Windsor are both agricultural towns and members of our community are incredibly proud of Oakridge Dairy, the state's largest dairy farm.

The Bahler family has been working for years to create a state of the art facility. One of their long sought-after efforts to improve their farm has been to build an on farm anaerobic digester. This effort has been tedious and burdensome. HB 6503 will not only help farms like Oakridge Dairy, but it will benefit the environment as a whole. Click here to read my complete testimony.  
 
I also testified in front of the Planning and Zoning Committee in support of HB 6646,  An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations. East Windsor and Ellington were two of the 42 towns in Connecticut impacted by crumbling concrete foundations. Crumbling foundations are a result of concrete deterioration because of contamination of pyrrhotite in the concrete. The damaged caused by the contamination is irreversible – the only solution is to completely replace the foundation, which is both expensive and not covered by homeowner's insurance.
 
As the House Democratic Chair of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, I knew it was important to push for change. This piece of legislation would do the following:
 

  • Eliminate the sunset date for the captive insurance agency that helps home owners rebuild their homes
  • Make recommendations for a quarry study working group
  • Extend the reassessment period of when the foundation is repaired or replaced
  •  Authorizes up to $175,000 for the captive insurance to perform an analysis of crumbling concrete in commercial properties and;
  • Fund the captive

Upcoming Events
 
Modernized Zoning Forum Next Tuesday, April 6
There has been plenty of debate surrounding modernized zoning in Connecticut. Various pieces of legislation are currently being discussed in the Planning and Development committee. To help everyone understand the issue, I will host a forum on April 6. Local experts and leaders will join the conversation. Click here  to learn more.
  
Office Hours Next Thursday, April 8
Over the past few weeks, members of the community reached out and expressed their concern on various issues.  On April 8, I will host office hours via Zoom from 6 pm - 8pm.This event is a great opportunity for anyone who has questions or concerns legislative issues. I will discuss the following bills on April 8:

  • From 6:00 - 6:30 -  H.B. No. 6447: An Act Creating the Covered Connecticut Program to Expand Access to Affordable Health Care
  • From 6:30- 7:00 - SB 842: An Act Concerning Health Insurance And Health Care In Connecticut
  • From 7:00 - 7:30 -SB 127: An Act Concerning the Sale of Electric Vehicles in the State
    • The remaining 30 minutes will be open for any conversation

Please reach out to my office if you have any other questions. 

Small Business Association Event
On April 15, I will host an event on Zoom with the Small Business Association (SBA). SBA officials and I will be available to discuss PPP loans, the deadline extension, and any other forms of assistance that can be beneficial for small business owners looking for relief. The event will take place from 6 pm -7pm. I will share more information once the event draws closer.