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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.
In addition to these new mask guidelines, as of May 19, all remaining business restrictions and capacity limits in Connecticut have been 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.
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Got vaccinated? Then you're treat yourself to a free drink! Participating Connecticut restaurants are offering one free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink to customers who show their vaccine card between May 19-31. Food purchase will be required, with the limit of one drink per person. For a full list of restaurants participating in #CTDrinksOnUs, or to sign your business up, visit ctvisit.com/articles/DrinksOnUs.
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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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Zoning Legislation Passes the House to Pave Way for More Diverse Housing Options in CT
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Connecticut's zoning law is almost 100 years old. It's time to make an investment to grow infrastructure responsibly while advancing housing choices across the state and correcting decades of economic and racial segregation. During Thursday's legislative session, the House passed legislation that updates, re-organizes and clarifies Connecticut's zoning enabling statutes to empower communities to accurately and efficiently plan for their futures while maintaining local control.
From the beginning of this year's legislative session to action in the House chamber on Thursday, this bill has gone through many changes –while it's not where I would like it to be, it does move our state closer to where we need to be. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
You can view my remarks on the floor by clicking here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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The House Acts to Allow Sports Betting & Online Casino Games
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States across the country have been moving towards the future, making critically needed expansions to their gaming industry by investing in new online technology. After years of debates and negotiations, Connecticut has taken the first significant step towards modernizing Connecticut's gaming landscape as HB 6451 moves through the House with bipartisan support to legalize sporting betting and online casino games. If passed in the Senate and signed by Governor Lamont, the legislation would authorize Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun to offer virtual slots and table games, as well as allow the casinos and the CT Lottery to take sports bets.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Supporting Connecticut's Veterans
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During the 2021 legislative session, House Democrats have introduced and passed several bills which focus on supporting veterans and active members of the military, as well as their families. Here is a summary of just a few of those bills:
- HB 6483: removes a hurdle by allowing military orders to be accepted as proof of residency for public school enrollment, and adopts "the Purple Star School Program," to ensure military-friendly schools.
- HB 5737: creates a state-wide military and veteran trail to help easily navigate and recognize each landmark and the story it tells about the history and pivotal role the military and veterans have played in our state.
- HB 6480: ensures that the State does its part to honor veterans after they have passed on.
- HB 5592: ensures LGBTQ+ veterans with less-than-honorable discharge status solely due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression receive the benefits they are completely entitled to.
Connecticut's military community deserves our full support and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our state and our country. We thank them for their service not only during this Military Appreciation Month, but all year round.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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More appointments to accommodate the newly eligible 12-15 age group are being added everyday! Parents and guardians of eligible children can schedule an appointment through the state portal or visit a walk-in clinic at one of the many locations across the state. When viewing the walk-in clinic schedule, please note which vaccine will be administered as children ages 12-15 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
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Hartford Healthcare will be hosting special COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the deaf community on Saturday, May 22 from 9AM – 4PM in Ledyard and Bridgeport. ASL interpreters will be provided at each clinic, and Hartford Healthcare staff will be provided with clear face masks for lip reading. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered – vaccines will be eligible to all those 12+. For more information, click here.
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The town of East Hartford will be hosting free, walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Saturday, May 22 from 11AM-3PM at St Isaac Jogues (1 Community Street) and on Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 from 12PM-6PM at 417 Main Street. Walk-ins will be accepted. For more information, click here.
The Community Health Center vaccine clinic at the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford is accepting walk-up appointments Monday - Saturday, 9AM - 3PM. You are encouraged to bring ID and a medical insurance card, but this is not required. The East Hartford Health Department will also continue to offer vaccinations to medically homebound residents. Homebound residents should fill out this form or call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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Bangladesh Bhaban in Manchester will be hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 1PM - 3PM on Saturday, May 22 and May 29. No appointment, ID, or insurance required, walk-ins are welcome!
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.
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The country is coming together to fight transportation barriers for those looking to get vaccinated. This week, President Biden announced that through a partnership with Lyft and Uber, you can get a ride to and from a vaccine site for free until July 4. To learn more click here or here.
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CT Residents Can Now Save Up To 50% Off On Insulin
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Anyone living in Connecticut can now save on the cost of insulin by accessing an ID card through the State of Connecticut Drug Discount Program, regardless of insurance status or health care provider.
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Connecticut residents can create a personalized discount card online through the program to obtain certain forms of Novo Nordisk insulin at 50 % less than the retail cost.
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To receive the discounted prices, residents must simply present their card when purchasing their insulin medication. Discounted medications available through the program include:
- Novolin R 10ml vial ($25)
- Novolin N 10ml vial ($25)
- Novolin 70/30 10ml vial ($25)
- NovoLog® 10ml vial ($120)
- NovoLog® PenFill Cartridge - 5x3ml ($180)
The discount cards will be accepted at all participating Connecticut network pharmacies.
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Get ready to celebrate summer on Saturday, May 22 from 10AM-4PM with Downtown Manchester Special Services District, Imagine Main Street, and Downtown Manchester businesses for the Butterfly Stroll 2021! The day will be packed with fun, prizes, opportunities to shop at some great local stores, and so much more. For event details, updates, and sneak peeks – check out the event page here or click here.
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Join the Manchester Public Library and lecturer, Jeffrey Engel at 7PM on Monday, May 24 for a "listening and learning experience" of 19th century female composers and concert pianists. The event is free, but registration is required. To register and be emailed a Zoom link for the event, call the library at (860) 645-0821.
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The East Hartford Veterans Commission is inviting you to join members at 8AM on Saturday, May 22 to honor our fallen veterans by placing an American flag on veterans' headstones in Hillside Ceremony for Memorial Day. For additional information, please contact John Cook at (860) 212-9966.
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The Town of East Hartford will be hosting a virtual open house on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30 PM for parents and guardians to learn more about summer camp for children 4-15! This year's summer camp will offer all-new enrichment programs thanks to a new collaboration with East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford Youth Services, and East Hartford Police Department. To register for the virtual open house, click here, and for more information, click here.
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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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