Weekly Eblast - May 7

May 7, 2021
*|MC:SUBJECT|*
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor, 

The pandemic has made is clear that we need to make sure everyone has access to high-speed internet. We are currently working on legislation to reduce the costs of internet service, make it more reliable and faster, and increase consumer protections. HB 6442, which was proposed by the Governor, was recently approved by both the Energy and Technology Committee and the Appropriations Committee and now heads to the floor of the House.

In the short term, financial help is available if your family needs help staying connected. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible families and households who are struggling to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying households on Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month for service.
Eligible households can also receive a discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Find out if you qualify and learn how to apply by clicking here.
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 
The House Takes Steps to Expand Voting in CT
During Thursday's legislative session, the House voted on a constitutional amendment to allow early voting in Connecticut. Early voting offers a safe, flexible and convenient way to vote – the resolution voted on in the House is vital to expanding the right to vote in our state. Our democracy is stronger when more people can participate in it, and allowing early voting meets the needs of many voters who are struggling to make Connecticut's restrictive rules work for them. If passed with a majority in the Senate, the question will appear on the 2022 general election ballot.

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
Hartford Courant: Should Connecticut have early voting? House approves constitutional amendment that voters could have final say on in November 2022
The CT Mirror: CT House endorses early voting in bipartisan vote
Stamford Advocate: House approves early voting question for statewide decision in 2022
Governor Announces Efforts to Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
On Thursday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health is partnering with the Connecticut chapters of nine historically African American, Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities to further increase access to the vaccine within the state’s Black and Brown communities.

As part of the partnership, these fraternities and sororities will hold a series of free town hall events that will include discussions with well-known doctors, clinicians, and public servants.

The schedule of the virtual town hall events is as follows: I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
FOX 61: Lamont to partner with African-American sororities, fraternities to combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
WTNH: CT partnering with 9 African-American fraternities, sororities to combat COVID vaccine misinformation
Hamlet Hub: Lamont Announces Partnership With Nine Historically African American Fraternities and Sororities To Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut is the first state to fully vaccinate at least half its adult population. While this is a significant milestone, we still have more work to do. If you haven't received a vaccine yet, it's important to find an appointment near you so that our community can emerge from this pandemic.
Connecticut Department of Public Health's mobile van will be visiting Manchester again next week at East Side Neighborhood Resource Center from 2 PM to 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 11. This clinic is available for Manchester residents only, no appointment needed – first doses of Moderna will be distributed. If you have questions or require additional information, call the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
Bangaladesh Bhadan in Manchester will be hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics from 5 PM to 7:30 PM on Saturday, May 8 and from 1 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, May 15, Saturday, May 22, and Saturday, May 29. No appointment, ID, or insurance required, walk-ins are welcome!
The Community Health Center vaccine clinic at the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford is accepting walk-up appointments Monday-Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM. You are encouraged to bring ID and a medical insurance card, but this is not required.
UConn graduates and their family and friends will have an opportunity to get vaccinated while attending the graduation ceremony at Rentschler Field this weekend. No appointment necessary, the clinic will only be available to eligible graduates, family members or friends. Signs will be placed in the area to guide people to the clinic where a dedicated line will be set up for anyone coming from the graduation.
Hartford Healthcare officials and the Hartford Yard Goats announced on Tuesday that fans will have an opportunity to get vaccinated at Dunkin Donuts Park during upcoming games. Vaccines will be offered at select games throughout the month of May, including May 12, May 18 and May 19 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Weekend vaccinations will take place on Sunday, May 16 and Sunday, May 23 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Participants will also receive a Dunkin Donuts gift card and four tickets to future Yard Goats games. No appointment is necessary, but you can register in advance by clicking here.
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.  
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.
Getting tested is still important to battling the pandemic. In partnership with First Choice Health Center, the town of Manchester will host free COVID testing events at Nathan Hale School on Monday, May 10 and Monday, May 24 from 11 AM to 3 PM and at Mahoney Recreation Center on Monday, May 17 from 11 AM to 3 PM. All ages accepted, no appointment necessary, and events are subject to weather. For questions, call First Choice Health Center at (860) 528-1359 or Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
Telehealth Bill Passes in House
During Tuesday's session, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of HB 5596, An Act Concerning Telehealth.  If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, this bill would extend telehealth benefits for Connecticut residents for the next two years. 
Telehealth services have been immensely beneficial to both patients and providers during this pandemic and has been crucial to our most vulnerable residents. Because of the extension, individuals in the state will have access to in-depth healthcare from the comfort of their home as we transition out of the pandemic.

Quality healthcare is important, especially during a global pandemic. Telehealth services ensure that all patients have access to effective assistance from their provider, whether it be in-person or virtually.
Road Work Alert: Milling & Resurfacing Project on I-84WB, East Harford
On Sunday, May 9, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin a milling and resurfacing project on I-84 westbound from SR 518 (Roberts Street) to .06 miles east of the Connecticut River overpass in East Hartford. The milling portion of the project is scheduled from Sunday, May 9 – Friday, May 14 and the resurfacing portion is scheduled for Sunday, May 16 to Wednesday, June 2. No work will be performed on the day before or after the Memorial Day Holiday.

Motorists can expect lane closures on I-84 westbound from SR 518 (Roberts Street) to .06 miles east of the Connecticut River overpass in East Hartford, (including ramps). Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is Sunday-Thursday, 7PM-5AM.
The Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM) will host a free open house on Saturday, May 8 from 10 AM to 11 AM to share its plan for reopening the Cheney Hall. The Open House will showcase all the safety and health measures LTM has put in place to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Guests will walk through new entry procedures and get to preview the new seating arrangements. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to discuss the first play of 2021, Walter Cronkite is Dead and plans for future events, plays, and musicals. Pre-registration is required. To learn more about LTM or to pre-register, click here.
On Saturday, May 8 from 10AM-2PM, WORK_SPACE will be hosting another 2nd Saturday for viewing the gallery. This month, WORK_SPACE will feature the artist Leslie Printis, who will be onsite to creating works of art. Have questions or need more information? Call (860) 647-3168.
Manchester Community College will be offering a free, 8-week Manufacturing Training and Career Placement program for woman 18 and older looking to start a career in manufacturing. Virtual info sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 11AM-12PM and Friday, May 14, 11AM-12PM. To register for an info session, click here. For more information or questions, contact O'Shaya John, Program Coordinator YW Career Women's Program by phone, (860) 525-1163 x124 or by email, OShayaJ@ywcahartford.org.
In addition to the regular weekday hours, the East Hartford Transfer Station will be open every Saturday in May from 8AM-1:45PM to support your residential cleanup needs! Residents are reminded to bring their driver's license or East Hartford ID, permit and ticket book to ensure easy access. For more information about bulky waste acceptable materials, click here, and for a checklist of items that are acceptable at the Transfer Station, click here.
Career Resources is hosting a virtual OSHA-10 Certification and Job Readiness Training from Monday, May 10 to Friday, May 28. The training will be offered to Connecticut residents 18 and older for free. To register, email Markus Cherry at cherry@careerresources.org with the subject line "Training."
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.
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
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Website
Website
Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences