Maria Horn

Happy (almost) Fourth of July weekend!  This year the holiday, honoring our country’s history and our emergence from the last 18 months, seems more celebratory than ever.  There are many community events planned locally, including art, music, fireworks, and many farmers’ markets, and I hope to see you out there, dodging a rain drop or two. 
 
Today (July 1) is also the day that a number of laws take effect, including the plastic bag ban (which feels like it’s already in effect) and the legalization of cannabis possession (which feels like a much bigger change).  See the section below for a full list of other legislation taking effect today. 
 
Our family’s celebration this weekend definitely includes fireworks, and will also include rooting for the USA at a “friendly” between the US Women’s National Soccer Team and Mexico’s national team, played in Hartford this weekend. 
 
I wish our country a happy birthday, and a safe and happy weekend to the 64^th District!

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

• COVID Data. Click here.
• Executive Orders from Governor Lamont. Click here. 
• US Women's National Team in Hartford. Click here.
• New Laws in Effect July 1. Click here. 
• Free Summer Meals for Students. Click here.
• Local Events for Independence Day. Click here.
• Children to Receive Free Admission at CT Museums this Summer. Click here.
• Resources for LGBTQ + Youth. Click here. 
• A Kind Word & Gentle Hand. Click here. 
• Preparation for Hurricane Season. Click here.
• New Electric Vehicle Incentives for CT Residents. Click here. 
• Recommendations from the Governor's Council on Woman and Girls. Click here.
• Eversource and UI Update. Click here.

COVID-19 Data

For  graphs and tables containing COVID data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”

Governor Lamont signs Executive Order No. 12D enacting the following provisions:
 

• Implements certain requirements regarding evictions:
  • Requires landlords to apply for the UniteCT rental assistance program prior to delivering an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent;
  • Requires landlords to give tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, for lapse of time, or whose right to occupy a unit has terminated at least 30-days’ notice prior to beginning an eviction;
  • Provides those tenants an opportunity to continue all terms of the lease by paying outstanding rent within the 30-day period;
  • Requires all eviction notices to be delivered with certain information about the state’s UniteCT program and the federal eviction moratorium in both English and Spanish; and
  • Requires a stay in eviction proceedings of up to 30 days if either the landlord or the tenant applies to the UniteCT program.

Soccer fans can score a COVID vaccine at US Women’s National Team Send-Off Series
 
We are big fans of the US Women’s National Soccer Team in our house, and were very excited to hear that they will be playing two “friendlies” against Mexico in Hartford this weekend as part of the Send-Off Series.  As a bonus, there will be more than one type of shot taking place at the game, as all unvaccinated fans attending can receive their COVID vaccine.
 
The soccer matches take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, and at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 5 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The vaccines clinic will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. for the Thursday match, and from 2 to 5:30 p.m. for the match on Monday. As an extra incentive, all fans who receive their vaccine will receive a $15 food voucher redeemable at any concession stand located on the stadium concourse. The COVID vaccine clinic, which will be staffed by Griffin Health, will be located just outside the main entrance gates to the stadium.
 
For tickets, click here.  

New Laws in Effect Today, July 1

Over 100 new laws in Connecticut went into effect today, July 1. These laws mark the tireless work put in by my colleagues and I over the past few months. We all worked hard to listen to your concerns in order to advocate for you in Hartford.
 
This year, our efforts focused heavily on responding to COVID-19 and measures centered upon equity. Many of the bills passed during the 2021 Legislative Session work to address the disparate impacts COVID-19 has had on our communities while also addressing numerous archaic laws and practices in an equitable way to better Connecticut.

Here are just a few of the laws and provisions taking effect:
 
Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in Public School Curriculum:

• HB 7082 – Passed in 2019 – requires public school curriculum to include Black and Latino studies to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of history.
• Under the act, boards must offer the course in the 2022-23 school year, but they may do so in the upcoming 2021-22 school year.
• The State Board of Education (SDE) will conduct an annual audit to ensure that the required courses are being offered and report their findings to the Education Committee.

Access to Birth Certificates:

• HB 6105 – Passed in 2021 – takes steps to allow adoptees 18 and older to understand the history of their biological families by allowing them access to their birth certificates.

Ice Cream Truck Safety:

• SB 608 – Passed in 2021 – protects children who are buying ice cream from an ice cream truck
• The law requires these ice cream trucks to increase their visibility to other drivers, warning drivers that children may be present by adding similar features to that of a school bus, including flashing red lights and a stop signal arm.
• This will also establish limitations and conditions as to where ice cream trucks will be available to kids in order to optimize their safety.
• Starting tomorrow, ice cream trucks will be prohibited from dispensing ice cream to a child coming from the opposite side of the road unless they have an adult present to assist them in crossing the road.

Legalizing Sports Betting:

• HB 6451 – Passed in 2021 – allows for the Governor to amend agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe in order to modernize and expand gaming in Connecticut. The agreement between the State and the tribes still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interior.
• States across the country have already made critically needed expansions to their gaming industry by investing in new online technology, and this law allows our State to keep up with these developing efforts.
• This law will generate additional revenue for the Connecticut’s General Fund.

Legalizing Adult-Use of Recreational Cannabis:

• SB 1201 – Passed in 2021 – is a multi-part bill that will take effect in annual increments with the first portion taking effect July 1^st, 2021. The breakdown is as follows:
  • Possession: Possession of cannabis for recreational use will be legal in Connecticut for adults age 21 and over beginning July 1^st, 2021. Adults cannot have more than 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person, and no more than 5 ounces in their homes or locked in their car truck or glove box.
  • Retail sales: Retail sales of cannabis are projected to begin in Connecticut by the end of 2022. The sale, manufacture, and cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes requires a license from the state.
  • Homegrown: Patients who are participating in Connecticut’s medical marijuana program will be permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants (three mature, three immature) in their homes beginning October 1, 2021. All adults age 21 and over will be permitted to grow a similar number of plants indoors within their homes beginning July 1, 2023.
• The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
• The majority of revenue from cannabis sales will be utilized to establish an Equity Fund.
  • The Equity Fund will help Connecticut right the wrongs of the War on Drugs by initiating criminal justice reforms while creating economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by this divisive tactic.

Plastic Bag Ban:

• The second and final stage of Connecticut’s single-use plastic bag law that passed in 2019 will also take effect tomorrow.
• The first phase of this bill initiated a 10-cent charge for plastic bags back in August 2019.
• Beginning tomorrow, you will not be able to get a plastic bag at grocery store check outs—however, paper bags will still be available for a fee. Connecticut residents are of course to continue to use and bring their reusable bags (also sold in stores).

To access the complete list of bills that took effect today, click here.  

Click here for a full list of bills from the 2021 Legislative session which were effective upon passage.

Free summer meals for children available through August 18

Free Summer Meals are available June 30th—August 18th for children up to age 18 and those with special needs up to age 21. Children will be provided with seven breakfast and lunch weekly. 
 
There is no sign up required for the weekly pick up at the site locations below: 
 
Free Vogel Wetmore School
68 Church St., Torrington    
9:00 am - 9:30 am & 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
 
Northside Terrace
4 Terrace Dr., Torrington    
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
 
Friendly Hands Food Bank
50 King St., Torrington
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm  
 
Woodland Hills
330 Highland Ave., Torrington
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
 
Cherry & Berry St. 
Corner of Cherry and Berry, Torrington
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
 
Torrington Library
12 Daycoeton Pl., Torrington
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm  
 
Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Rd., Litchfield
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm

A few regional July 4 weekend events:
 

• Saturday, July 3:
  • Murals in Sharon: four murals, by artists Shantell Martin, John-Paul Phillippe, Kirby Crone, and Hollis Churchill have been commissioned by Hendricks Churchill, in collaboration with Standard Space, on West Main Street in Sharon.  Local businesses have coordinated an event for the community in celebration n Saturday from 3pm – 6pm, including live music, custom sangria from The Edward, ice cream from JP Giffords, and more!
  • Lighting up Lime Rock: For more than 40 years the Salisbury Rotary Club and Lime Rock Park have co-sponsored the annual Independence Day Fireworks. The Salisbury Rotary Club collects admission to benefit the community. $20 per car or $5 per person walking in. Infield and Outfield Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and all concession stands will be open. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy Lime Rock's unique ambiance until the fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m. Rain Date is Monday July 5th, 2021. For more info, click here. 
• All weekend: the Cornwall community-wide ‘art meets agriculture’ project honors two vibrant parts of Cornwall. Walk, bike, hike, or drive around town and see the Cornwall Barnyard Animals.  More than 40 painted or decorated plywood cut-outs of cows, pigs, and roosters, each made by a Cornwallian, are installed at 14 different locations. These locations, and their addresses, are on this printable map.  For more information, click here.

Children to receive free admission at CT museums this summer

The past year was very difficult for families across Connecticut as children and parents both navigated remote learning, new childcare demands, and social distancing measures. As our communities re-open, Connecticut has launched several summer enrichment initiatives to provide children with fun and educational opportunities that capitalize on the outstanding resources throughout our state.  

Starting today, July 1, all children—plus one accompanying adult--will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program will be offered through September 6th to all Connecticut children, ages 18 and under.
 
This initiative will be available at museums, science centers, aquariums, and historical landmarks across the state. Participating centers include the Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Mystic Aquarium, and Mystic Seaport Museum. Click here to view the full list of participants. 

Resources for LGBTQ+ youth
 
June was Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community ability to live and love freely and fully, and I feel lucky to have celebrated with family and friends who are part of that community.  We have come far, but there remains much pain and fear for us to address.  The following is from the always resonant newsletter from Maria Coutant Skinner, the Executive Director of the McCall Center for Behavioral Health, drawing attention to both the challenges and to resources available to help.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, recently published their National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021. They surveyed 35,000 LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 from across the US, 45% were youth of color and 38% were transgender or nonbinary.  It’s not surprising that COVID-19 has added to the unique challenges that the LGBTQ+ community face every day.  Only 1 in 3 survey respondents found their home to be LGBTQ+-affirming and 80% stated that COVID-19 made their living situation more stressful.

Outside of the home, 75% of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime.  Half of all LGBTQ+ youth of color reported discrimination based on their race/ethnicity in the past year and the percentage increased for Asian/Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ youth (60%) and Black LGBTQ youth (67%).

Discrimination, the lack of supportive home environments, and the isolation of the pandemic have taken a toll on this young community.  This past year they have experienced poor mental health (70%), considered suicide (42%), and many who wanted counseling from a mental health professional were unable to receive care (48%). 

A Kind Word & A Gentle Hand

Considering the challenges in the LGBTQ+ community, it is understandable that you might question whether you are providing a nurturing, supportive environment for your child during times of change in their lives. It can be reassuring to know that you are not alone and there are many ways to support your LGBTQ+ child to lessen their risk of depression and suicide:

• Engage in positive reinforcement and open dialogue with your child.  Statements such as “I love you for who you are” can be reassuring and increase their self-esteem. 
• Provide them with a safe space at home and school to affirm their sexuality and gender. 
• Allow your child time to practice self-care.  Meditation, exercise, art, reading, and spending time in nature are avenues to explore alone or together.
• Help them find connections to others in the LGBTQ+ community, online or in-person.
• Respect your child’s pronouns.  (She/Her/Hers, He/Him/His, They/Them/Theirs) Click here to learn more about gender pronouns and why they matter.
• Allowing transgender and nonbinary youth to change their name and/or gender marker on legal documents such as their driver’s license and birth certificate.

At McCall and Help we are here to assist and help you through moments of change.  Our diverse staff can help you see positive examples of what life can look like in the future for your child. We also offer programs to walk with you on your family’s journey.  If you are having difficulty accepting your child’s sexuality or gender or would like tools to better support your child, we can help.  Acceptance doesn’t happen overnight.  It takes time and remember you don’t have to walk alone.

For more information about our Family Services Programs call (860) 496-2139 or email Leann Mitchell, LCSW, Director of Family Services at leann.mitchell@mccallcenterct.org.
 
 
Be prepared for hurricane season
 
Connecticut emergency management officials are reminding Connecticut residents that with the height of hurricane season just around the corner, we should take the steps necessary to prepare for any type of severe weather that may impact the state. The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to November 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October.
 
The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a memo to their counterparts at the municipal level with guidance for the 2021 hurricane season.
 
Residents can download the state’s CTPrepares app for their mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides Connecticut residents with information that is useful in emergency situations, and also gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.
  
The following list includes some hurricane preparedness tips for residents:
 
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Food and litter requirements for any pets
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
• Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter

 
Family emergency plan

• Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
• Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
• Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
• Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.

 
Protecting your possessions

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.

 
New electric vehicle incentives for CT residents
 
A suite of improvements to the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program – the state’s successful consumer rebate program for electric vehicles (EVs) – will provide more Connecticut residents with more affordable access to purchase or lease an EV.
 
The newly approved incentives, which become available this month, increase rebate amounts and expand the CHEAPR program to cover used EVs as well as new EVs and provide an additional incentive for income-eligible consumers. The new standard rebate applied at the point of sale will continue to be referred to as CHEAPR, while Rebate+ New and Rebate+ Used will refer to the new post-purchase incentives available to eligible consumers.
  
The CHEAPR program provides a cash rebate for any Connecticut resident who purchases or leases an eligible EV costing up to $42,000. EVs covered by CHEAPR include battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Since early 2020, CHEAPR has been administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and guided by input from the CHEAPR Board.
 
Connecticut needs approximately 125,000 to 150,000 EVs by 2025 and 500,000 EVs by 2030 to meet the state’s statutorily mandated greenhouse gas reduction target.
  
For additional information on the CHEAPR program, click here.
 
Legislation signed encouraging equitable gender and racial representation in state government
 
A bill developed based on recommendations produced by the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls that addresses barriers parents face when running for state elected office, and also promotes greater gender and racial diversity of appointments on state boards and commissions, was signed into law this week.
  
The group presented a legislative proposal addressing some of these issues to the Connecticut General Assembly at the beginning of the legislative session, and it gained an overwhelming amount of support in the House and Senate, ultimately arriving to the governor’s desk this week.
 
The bill contains two main provisions:
 

1. It addresses the barrier of childcare expenses when a candidate is running for state elected office under the citizens election program – commonly known as public financing – by expressly allowing reasonable childcare costs directly related to campaign activity to be eligible program expenses. This legislative change not only opens the door for more parents to run for state office, but given the harsh reality that childcare responsibilities continue to disproportionately impact women, it also helps mitigate gender inequities that could result from use of the citizens election program in pursuing elected office.
2. It creates a statutory requirement for appointing authorities to consider recommendations from organizations that represent the interest of gender and racial diversity when seeking people to serve on state boards and commissions. It also codifies a transparent process for people to express interest in serving on boards and commissions and offers more direct access to membership and other relevant information about what such public service entails.

The legislation is Public Act 21-49, An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls.

 
Eversource and United Illuminating now required to provide residential customers with credits for spoiled food or medicine as a result of a power outage
 
This week the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) implemented standards and procedures for Eversource and United Illuminating residential customers to receive credits for spoiled food or medicine as a result of a power outage, a result of the “Take Back our Grid Act” of October 2020. 
 
For more information on this from PURA, click here.