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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.
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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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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!
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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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No-Excuse Absentee Voting Moves through the House
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This week, the House debated a resolution that if approved by the voters would amend the state's constitution to allow for no-excuse absentee voting. Connecticut is currently one of only 16 states that require a specific excuse to vote by absentee ballot. COVID-19 exposed the rigidity of Connecticut's voting system when many voters did not feel safe turning out in-person to the polls and, without the emergency legislative action we took last year, voters would have had no other option to safely cast their vote. Offering no-excuse absentee voting would move the state out of its steady habits and give voters a convenient way to cast their vote making elections more accessible.
As a proposal to amend our state's constitution, once passed by the General Assembly, the resolution puts a constitutional question on the ballot. Unfortunately, the resolution failed to meet the 75 percent threshold of votes needed to put the constitutional question on the 2022 general election ballot. If passed with a simple majority by the Senate, the General Assembly will take this issue up again in 2023. If successful, voters will have the opportunity in 2024 to decide if they'd like to see no-excuse absentee voting in Connecticut's future.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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House Votes to Remove Restrictive Covenants and Eliminates Race Designation on Marriage Licenses
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During Tuesday's legislative session, the House voted unanimously to remove restrictive covenants based on race and eliminate the race designation on marriage licenses. While the Supreme Court declared racial restrictive covenants unconstitutional in 1948, the racist and discriminatory language of these covenants remain on land records across Connecticut. Additionally, Connecticut is one of seven states that require the identification of race prior to obtaining a marriage license – a reminder of the past when interracial marriage were once considered to be a public health crisis.
I introduced HB 6665 in an attempt to right one of the historical wrongs embedded throughout our laws, regulations, and public records. Both race-based deed restrictions and the declaration of race on a marriage license resulted in racial segregation and economic isolation that continue to plague our society and moral conscience today. This legislation is a chance to fix flawed language from our past and take the steps necessary to move towards a more equitable future.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Update to Connecticut's "Red Flag" Law Pass the House
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Connecticut enacted our country’s first “Red Flag” law in 1999 following a devastating mass shooting at the Connecticut Lottery. This law established a legal procedure, known as a Risk Warrant or Risk Protection Order, for the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may pose a danger to themselves or others.
During Wednesday's legislative session, the House voted on the first substantial update to this law since its adoption over 20 years ago. HB 6355 would:
- Ensure individuals whose firearms are removed cannot acquire additional firearms or ammunition and requires individuals to apply to have the order revoked
- Establish a process for family or household members, as well as certain medical professionals to apply for a Risk Warrant
- Close some technical loopholes in the existing law
We have a duty to protect our residents from gun violence. By strengthening our “Red Flag” law, we will protect and save lives of Connecticut residents, and avoid tragedies before they happen. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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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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The town of East Hartford is partnering with First Choice Health Centers to offer a free pop-up vaccine clinic on Saturday, May 15 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Accra Market (168 Burnside Avenue). No appointment, ID, or insurance required. If you have questions or require additional info, call the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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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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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.
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Bangladesh Bhaban in Manchester will be hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 1PM-3PM on Saturday, May 15, Saturday, May 22, and Saturday, May 29. No appointment, ID, or insurance required, walk-ins are welcome!
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Got vaccinated? Then you're eligible for 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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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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National Police Week: Remembering Those Lost in the Line of Duty
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During National Police Week, we honor and remember the brave law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. As we remember those we’ve lost – we also send our gratitude and thanks to our officers across the state, and a special thank you to East Hartford Police Department and Manchester Police Department who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our district.
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Qualifying Families Could Receive Credit on Internet Bill
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The FCC has initiated a new program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.
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What is EBB?
The EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
This benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is Eligible?
A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Qualify for the Lifeline program
- Receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year
- Receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Experience a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers
- Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating providers' existing low-income or COVID-19 program
How to Sign-up
As of this Wednesday, May 12, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll online, or through their current approved provider. Click the button below to apply and to learn more.
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Construction Alert: Intermittent Nightly Lane Closures on Route 2 in East Hartford, Hartford, & Glastonbury
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On May 20, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin construction to rehabilitate the underlying pavement, resurface the mainline and ramps, reconstruct the median, and to widen the shoulders on Route 2 in East Hartford, Hartford and Glastonbury. Motorists should anticipate lane closures, nightly, from 7 PM to 6 AM on Route 2 between the I-84 on-ramps and Exit 7. The project is expected to extend into the 2024 construction season.
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The Manchester Land Conservation Trust is seeking volunteers to help them plant chestnut trees at the Trust's farm on Sunday, May 16 starting at 9 AM. The Trust is hoping to assist the Connecticut Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation in their work of restoring a population of healthy chestnut trees to the eastern U.S. hardwood forest.
Manchester Land Conservation Trust recommends that you park at the Cider Barn (330 Bush Hill Road, Manchester) and walk a third mile along the farm road to the special planting area near the apple trees. The event will be rain or shine. If you have any questions or need additional information, email info@manchesterlandtrust.org or click here.
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Join Manchester Public Library on Monday, May 17 at 7 PM for a free, virtual sit-down conversation with National Bestselling Author, Laura Bradford to discuss her newest book, Piece by Piece. Registration is required. To register and receive the Zoom link, call (860) 645-0821. Participants will have an opportunity to purchase copies of Bradford's book through an online store from Book Club on the Go. To learn more about Laura Bradford and her books, click here, and for more info on the event, click here.
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Manchester Public Library's "Not So YA Book Club" is returning via Zoom on Thursday, May 27 at 7 PM. This unique book club is for 18-35-year-olds that love young adult fiction! The May book club selection is The Art of Losing by Lizzy Mason – copies of the book are available at both library buildings. To reserve a copy and get the link to the Zoom, call (860) 645-0821, and to get more info, click here.
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Did you know May 16 through May 22 is National Public Works Week? Celebrate with East Hartford Public Library on Tuesday, May 18 at 3:30 PM by learning how to make your own mini-composter! Register to get a kit with everything you'll need, you'll receive an e-mail when kits are ready to be picked up. Please note that this kit contains food items, for an ingredients list, e-mail Sandra Van Vooren at svanvooren@easthartfordct.gov.
To register, click here, and for more information about the East Hartford Public Works Department, click here.
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East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford CONNects, and the Town of East Hartford Development Department will host free virtual business webinars on Tuesday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 25 at 12 PM to give attendees information on how to start a small business. For more information, click here and to register, click here.
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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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