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In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Meet to Discuss Youth Crime
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On Wednesday, myself, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers met to begin a conversation of possible policy changes aimed at reducing youth crime following strings of car break-ins in communities throughout the state. I'm glad to say that we made some progress.
We have made significant progress in recent years in reducing car break-ins and auto-thefts by following the data to provide kids with the appropriate interventions and accountability. However, as we continue to make our way out of the pandemic, we have seen an uptick in crime.
Several ideas have been suggested by both republicans and democrats to address this complex issue, and this is certainly only the beginning of these conversations, but there does seem to be some common ground. One such example would be ensuring that judges have immediate and complete access to criminal records when making decisions on whether police may detain or charge a juvenile.
I would like to know, what do you think about this issue?
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AG Tong Maintains Opposition to Purdue Pharma Settlement
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As 15 other states moved to drop their objections to the OxyContin maker, Purdue Pharama's settlement plan, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong maintained Connecticut's opposition on Thursday. The settlement, offered by Purdue and the Sackler Family, has been increased to a total amount of $50 million with an additional $175 million held in Sackler family charities to go toward abating the opioid crisis. In total, the Sacklers are offering to contribute $4.5 billion in cash and assets in the charitable funds toward the settlement. However, as Tong has maintained, given the Sackler family wealth and the work they've done to stash away their remaining fortune, the settlement does not properly recognize the harm done to thousands of Connecticut victims and their families through the opioid crisis.
I would like to know, what do you think about this issue?
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This past week as been a flurry of severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood watches, and even a tropical storm warning! What has felt like non-stop storms and the remnants of Tropical Storm Elsa have greatly impacted our week - this is your reminder to stay alert and be prepared.
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As Connecticut continues to face heavy downpours as a result of Tropical Storm Elsa and flash flood warnings remain in effect, Governor Lamont is urging drivers to stay home, unless you are required to travel, until the storm has passed, and conditions improve. While the winds aren't that strong, daily thunderstorms have caused the ground to become oversaturated meaning it might not take much to bring down a tree – please be sure to remain cautious if you do venture outside.
If you are experiencing any power outages, please report directly to Eversource CT by clicking here. If you are staying inside, it's a great time to check out the Connecticut Guide to Hurricane Preparedness and make sure you have a severe weather preparedness plan! And most importantly, if you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911.
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Today in History: A Hard-Overnight Freeze in “The Year Without a Summer”
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While we continue to face some severe weather, let's look back to July 9, 1816 when overnight temperatures in Connecticut plummeted well below freezing (into the 20s, by some accounts!), generating a heavy frost that killed the few summer crops that had managed to survive the preceding frosts of May and June. A report from the Bridgeport Republican Farmer details the unusual weather during the summer of 1816. Alternating periods of overnight frosts and extended droughts lasting from May through October caused residents across New England to refer to 1816 as “the year without a summer” or, more ominously, “the poverty year,” as the wildly oscillating temperatures caused widespread crop failure.
Today, scientists pin most of the blame for 1816’s freakish summer weather on volcanic ash originating from the eruption of Mount Tambora in modern-day Indonesia — the largest and most explosive volcanic eruption ever recorded. Learn more about "The Year Without a Summer" and other interesting CT history by clicking here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Get rewarded for doing your part to support the public health of our communities! All summer, CT is offering so many opportunities to get rewarded for getting the vaccine – check it out: "Make a Splash, Get Vaxxed," "CT Food On Us," and "CT Fun on Us."
For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at 877-918-2224.
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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Join myself, State Senator Cassano, and State Representatives Currey, Doucette, and Luxenberg, in-person or virtually on Tuesday, July 13 at 6PM to discuss everything that happened during the 2021 legislative session. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person at Manchester Community College in the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium, and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page.
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you want to know, submit your questions in advance by emailing Awet.Tsegai@cga.ct.gov. For those joining us in-person, masks and social distancing are required.
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Get ready for another Tremendous Tuesday Family Program hosted by Manchester Public Library! On Tuesday, July 20 at 6:30 PM learn all about raptors, their individual stories as well as characteristics and behaviors for each species – and meet an eagle and other raptors in real life! Bring chairs or a blanket to the Howroyd Room patio for this interesting program. Recommended for children ages 5+. Get more info by clicking here.
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Manchester Recreation Division will host Moon-Lit Yoga in the Park led by Barbara Titus on Friday, July 23 at 6PM in Charter Oak Park. This is a free event, please bring your own mats. All levels and all ages are welcome! Learn more by clicking here.
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Calling all East Hartford car enthusiasts and spectators! The Annual Cruisin' East Hartford Car Show is happening on Saturday, June 10, 1PM-4PM at a new location, East Hartford Middle School (777 Burnside Avenue). Car entrance fee is $10, there is no cut off year - Classics (both domestic and foreign), Street Rods, Customs, Antiques, Old and New Muscle are all welcome.
Pre-registration is not required; show cars will register on site on the day of the event. There is no fee for spectators! In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted here, the rain date will be Sunday, July 11. For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7160 or CT Street Legends at (860) 280-8076.
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Create a colorful toy for your favorite feline friend with East Hartford Public Library on Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Register in advance by clicking here and receive a supply kit with everything you need. Best for tweens, teens, and adults. And, get more info about the library's virtual programs by clicking here.
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Join myself, State Senator Anwar, and State Representatives Currey and Genga, in-person or virtually on Thursday, July 15 at 6PM to discuss everything that happened during the 2021 legislative session. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person at East Hartford Town Hall, and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page.
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you want to know, submit your questions in advance by emailing Awet.Tsegai@cga.ct.gov. For those joining us in-person, masks and social distancing are required.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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