State Capitol Update for the Week of May 10
May 14, 2021I began my day with an in-person meeting in Torrington, at the Northwest Connecticut Foundation for Community Health. The meeting was a roundtable discussion focused on broadband (more on that in a minute), but, as our host Executive Director Guy Rovezzi noted, it was the first in-person meeting in their boardroom since the pandemic. Taking place just as the CDC had announced a relaxation of mask protocols, we all wrestled together with the changing rules: though all were vaccinated, we were also all accustomed to signaling our respect and care for the health of others by wearing masks, and though we felt safe removing them in a setting with adequate space, it was uncomfortable nonetheless to make that change. It’s a happy change as the public health statistics continue to move in our favor, but we all worried about making others uncomfortable.
The roundtable included Senator Chris Murphy and Governor Ned Lamont, focusing on the critical need for increased access to high-speed internet, and the particular challenges we face in the Northwest Corner. Though several state and local elected officials were there, the meeting focused on local residents and the hardships they face because of inadequate and absent internet connections. We heard from residents whose children were left behind at school because they could not login from home, patients who lost access to regular mental health care, and working parents who could not do the work that sustains their family because of the lack of a reliable internet connection.
I’m so grateful to Senator Murphy, who committed to continued efforts to direct federal resources to meet the need, and Governor Lamont, who pledged support through his broadband bill and guidance on directing federal dollars. The urgency is felt and understood, and now we have to follow through.
Following that session, Representative Michelle Cook and I spent the morning with the Governor in the Northwest Corner, visiting Torrington Child Care Center led by Executive Director Mary Cecchinato with her wonderful staff, and the new Five Points Art Center at the former UConn Torrington campus, led by tireless Founder and Executive Director Judy McElhone and her innovative hard-working staff. We invited a number of local business leaders to join us for lunch, and I was grateful that Founder and Managing Member of Great Falls Brewing Company Chris Tripler was able to join us to discuss his business and economic development in North Canaan.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Data Updates on Variants in Connecticut. Click here.
- Nursing Home Data. Click here.
- COVID Alert Map. Click here.
- Vaccine Eligibility Expands to Ages 12-15. Click here.
- CDC Update for Fully Vaccinated Individuals. Click here.
- House Session on Wednesday. Click here.
- CT Museums Free for Kids this Summer. Click here.
- Settlement with Nursing Home Update. Click here.
- Credit Rating Update. Click here.
- Mental Health Help for Farmers. Click here.
- Benefits through SNAP. Click here.
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
Data updates on variants in Connecticut
The following data contains the cumulative number of SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been identified among Connecticut residents as of today:
Variants of concern
- B.1.1.7 (first detected in the United Kingdom): 2,532 cases
- B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa): 28 cases
- P.1 (first detected in Brazil): 77 cases
- B.1.427 (first detected in California): 70 cases
- B.1.429 (first detected in California): 134 cases
Variants of interest
- B.1.526 (first detected in New York): 885 cases
- B.1.526.1 (first detected in New York): 195 cases
- B.1.525 (first detected in Africa and Europe): 15 cases
- P.2 (first detected in Brazil): 7 cases
- B.1.617 (first detected in India): 0 cases
- B.1.617.1 (first detected in India): 0 cases
- B.1.617.2 (first detected in India): 1 case
- B.1.617.3 (first detected in India): 0 cases
Substitutions of Therapeutic Concern
- E484K: 796 cases
- L452R: 412 cases
For more information on variants, see page 7 of this week’s extended COVID-19 data report.
Weekly update on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and assisted living facilities
The following documents contain the weekly data regarding each of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Connecticut that have reported positive cases of COVID-19 among their residents. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities.
| **Download: Report from May 13, 2021 on COVID-19 in Connecticut nursing homes **Download: Report from May 13, 2021 on COVID-19 in Connecticut assisted living facilities |
Weekly update of the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Alert Map: 26 of 169 municipalities in red zone alert level
The Connecticut Department of Public Health today released its weekly COVID-19 Alert Map, which indicates that 26 of 169 towns and cities in Connecticut are currently in the red zone alert level, the highest of the state’s four alert levels.
The color-coded zones include:
- Red: Indicates case rates over the last two weeks of greater than 15 per 100,000 population
- Orange: Indicates case rates between 10 to 14 cases per 100,000 population
- Yellow: Indicates case rates between 5 and 9 per 100,000 population
- Gray: Indicates case rates lower than five per 100,000 population
The weekly alert map is also accompanied by a chart that provides guidance on recommended actions based on the alert levels for individual residents; institutions such as schools, houses of worship, and community organizations; and municipal leaders and local health directors.
The COVID-19 Alert Map is updated every Thursday afternoon and can be found within the Data Tracker page of the state’s coronavirus website at ct.gov/coronavirus.
Vaccine Eligibility Expands to Ages 12-15
With summer just around the corner, Governor Lamont announced great news for the children and families of Connecticut. Connecticut residents ages 12 through 15 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
The Governor and State Public Health Commissioner are working to set up vaccination sites at local schools and youth programs across Connecticut to increase accessibility to as many children as possible.
With 170,000 children newly eligible, this is an exciting step towards the safe re-opening of our state!
Click here to access the schedule.
CDC Update For Fully Vaccinated Individuals
The CDC has released new guidance for fully vaccinated individuals.
In accordance with these guidelines, the State of Connecticut has announced that starting May 19th, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to wear masks or face coverings indoors or outdoors.
Fully vaccinated individuals may also resume domestic travel without needing to self-quarantine or to take a COVID-19 test before or after domestic or international travel (unless required by the destination).
It is important to note that a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks AFTER receiving either a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or a second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
All Connecticut residents ages 12 and over are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children under the age of 17 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
It is easier than ever to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Many locations do not require appointments and often have late or weekend hours to accommodate all schedules. There are also mobile vaccination units deployed throughout the state.
To find where to get the COVID-19 vaccine near you, click here.
In addition to these new mask guidelines, beginning May 19th, all remaining business restrictions and capacity limits in Connecticut will be lifted.
This is great news for our state and country! If you are not yet vaccinated, I hope that you will register today to ensure the safe re-opening of our state.
House Session on Wednesday, May 12
During Wednesday's session, we passed a number of pieces of legislation. I have highlighted a few bills below:
Even after the abuse ends, survivors of human trafficking often continue to bear the burden of a criminal record for acts they were forced to do, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives. Just passed by the House, HB 6657 makes critically needed changes to existing law by giving trafficking survivors the opportunity to clear all criminal records related to their trafficking. Survivors deserve justice.
This pandemic, and its subsequent economic crisis, has only further demonstrated that Connecticut must create pathways that not only kickstart our recovery but facilitate an economy in which our businesses and families can thrive. Just passed through the House chamber, HB 6633 is a comprehensive plan that creates a more resilient unemployment insurance trust fund that can endure future recessions.
SB 753 puts an end to prison gerrymandering, a practice where incarcerated Connecticut residents are counted as residents of the towns where they are jailed. This practice has harmed incarcerated individual and the communities they come from while unfairly benefiting the communities with prisons. A free and fair voting system is the foundation of our democracy, and the passage of this legislation upholds that belief.
The safety of our first responders should always be a top priority. HB 6477 makes necessary updates to ensure that volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies are subject to the same safety regulations as career professionals, allowing CONN-OSHA to protect all first responders.
We have a duty to protect our residents from gun violence. The temporary removal of firearms from a person who may pose a threat to themselves or others plays a critical role in preventing unnecessary gun deaths. With the passage of HB 6355, the House has moved to bolster current statute to protect and save lives and avoid tragedies before they happen.
HB 6626 is about early detection, which is critical to saving our state money and saving lives. By expanding on existing legislation which removed barriers so that patients may access mammograms, the House has moved to additionally support access to other tests used to detect breast cancer, offering significant relief to countless patients seeking early detection tests.
Connecticut museums free for kids this summer
The Department of Economic and Community Development's Connecticut Office of the Arts partnered with CT Humanities to administer the Connecticut Museums - Kids Are Free Summer Initiative and grant program.
Grants to museums that provide free admission for CT children (under 18) and one accompanying adult will help mitigate loss in visitor revenue due to participation in the initiative.
Tentative settlement with nursing homes averts strike
Following announcement of a tentative settlement agreement between union workers and nursing home owners, District 1199, SEIU, and New England Health Care Employees Union have sent strike postponement notices to 26 nursing homes potentially affected.
Copies of the union’s strike withdrawal notices were received by the Connecticut Department of Public Health from nursing homes owned by iCare Health Network, Genesis Healthcare, and Autumn Lake Healthcare.
With the official receipt of the union notice postponing the May 14 strike, Department of Public Health has suspended its nursing home strike monitoring plan. Department of Public Health staff and Connecticut National Guard members had been scheduled to begin on-site monitoring at the 26 facilities.
The union strike withdrawal notices to the 26 facilities reference a postponed strike date of June 7, joining a previously noticed date of May 28 for another 13 nursing homes. These are technically in effect, pending contract settlement between the owners and union.
Three independent credit rating agencies announce upgrades to Connecticut’s bond credit ratings
Credit Rating Upgrades Are the First Connecticut Has Received in More Than Two Decades
This week three independent credit rating agencies announced that they are each upgrading Connecticut’s bond credit ratings. They include:
- An announcement on Thursday from S&P Global that it is upgrading Connecticut’s bonds to A+;
- An announcement on Thursday from Kroll that it is upgrading Connecticut’s bonds to AA; and
- An announcement today from Fitch that it is upgrading Connecticut’s bonds to AA-.
The three upgrades this week come on the heels of an announcement in March that Moody’s Investors Service is upgrading Connecticut’s rating to Aa3.
Collectively, the four upgrades are the first positive actions these agencies have taken on Connecticut’s credit in more than 20 years.
Mental health help for farmers
In recognition of May is Mental Health Month and the 10th Anniversary of National Prevention Week (NPW) happening right now through May 15, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture is highlighting resources available to farmers to prevent substance use and promote mental health and wellbeing.
Earlier this year, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released the findings from a national poll showing that COVID-19 has taken a toll on farmers’ mental health. A strong majority of respondents shared that the pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half said they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges then they were a year ago.
Most recently, AFBF launched a comprehensive, easy-to-use online directory of resources for farmers and their families who are experiencing stress and mental health challenges.
The Farm State of Mind website, www.farmstateofmind.org, has a directory to assist in finding crisis hotlines, treatment locators, tips for helping someone experiencing emotional pain, ways to start a conversation, free online trainings, and resources for managing stress, anxiety, or depression.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge, you are not alone. Services available in Connecticut can be found at:
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Service Locator
UConn Extension: A Primary of Farm Stress Resiliency
COVID-19 vaccine resources for adolescents from the CDC
As the Pfizer vaccine is now approved for children aged 12 and older, the CDC has put out resources to help adolescents and their parents answer questions.
- New web page: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens provides information about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents aged 12 and older, how to find a vaccination provider for adolescents, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
- New fact sheet: COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens is a printable fact sheet for parents that explains the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, safety information, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
- New frequently asked questions: Two new FAQs address questions about the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.
- New myth-buster about menstrual cycles: Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine. This question and answer explains why.
- Myth-buster about infertility: It is safe for people who would like to have a baby one day to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This question and answer explains why.
- Key things to know: The web pages Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and About COVID-19 Vaccines have been updated to include the recommendation that adolescents aged 12 and older get vaccinated.
You can go here to find a health center near you. Health centers also provide primary, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone who walks through their doors.
Connecticut’s SNAP-eligible households to receive additional emergency food benefits May 15
The Connecticut Department of Social Services announced that it will deliver $34.5 million in Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to over 219,300 Connecticut households on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Monthly allocations of emergency SNAP benefits are now going to all enrolled households, resulting from an executive order by President Joe Biden.
Authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, this federal allocation will provide a minimum of $95 in extra food aid to all enrolled families and individuals, raising Connecticut’s total emergency SNAP funding to over $307.7 million since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
For additional information about SNAP, visit www.ct.gov/SNAP.
Providing information to Connecticut residents
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider