|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
We are about halfway through the 2021 legislative session! Most committees have already finished the work of drafting and voting on legislation to move on to the next step of the process. Bills that have been voted out of committee head to the floor of either the House or the Senate to either be referred to another committee, or to potentially be called for a vote by the chamber. Many proposals will have further revision through floor amendments before they are passed. If there are bills or legislative proposals that you are curious about, please reach out anytime.
Check out this article in the Hartford Courant to get a breakdown on where some of the year's more talked about issues have ended up. And, as always, the CGA website is great source for helping track each individual action of whatever legislation interests you!
|
|
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
|
|
|
State Announces Plans for the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Season
|
|
On Friday, Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes announced that Connecticut's State Parks and boat launches will return to providing full services for the 2021 season and that some of the state's campgrounds are now open for reservations. COVID-19 precautions such as mask wearing and maintaining social distance practices will remain in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. Visitors who do not abide by these rules may be asked to leave state park property.
For more information on the eased restrictions, click here and for a list of every state park in Connecticut, click here.
|
|
|
Legalization of Cannabis for Recreational Use Passes out of Committee
|
|
|
On Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee voted to advance a proposal that would legalize recreational cannabis in Connecticut. Proposed by Governor Ned Lamont, SB 888 advanced from the committee with a series of necessary changes, including provisions that work to address the wrongs of our past when it comes to cannabis enforcement. I strongly believe that the work on this proposal is not yet finished – as this proposal continues to move through the process, continued collaboration is key. The final bill that we send to the Governor's desk must lift-up our communities and residents, especially those who have paid the highest price for marijuana possession and use.
|
|
|
Committee Advance Legislation to Combat Domestic Violence & Online Harassment
|
|
In Connecticut, more than a third of all woman will experience some form of intimate partner violence or stalking in their lifetime. On Thursday, the Judiciary Committee advanced efforts to combat domestic violence and online harassment.
For the first time ever, the legislation would expand the definition of domestic violence to include "coercive control," which includes psychological, emotional, financial, and legal abuse. Additionally, the legislation would ensure child safety is a priority in custody cases by making domestic violence the first factor to consider and provide for more legal representation for survivors at the five judicial districts that see the most requests for restraining orders (Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford).
The Judiciary Committee also took efforts to combat certain types of online harassment by adjusting Connecticut's stalking laws to include hate-based online attacks and the act of giving out another person's information without their consent. If passed, the legislation would also establish civil actions for victims.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates & Helpful Resources
|
|
|
Through the support of the East Hartford YMCA and Connecticut Department of Public Health, free COVID-19 vaccines will be available Monday, April 12 through Wednesday, April 14 from 11AM-5PM at the YMCA Larson Center (81 Woodlawn Circle). These walk-in clinics are for East Hartford residents only. No appointment is necessary.
|
|
|
More vaccine appointments are popping up throughout the state! On Monday, the Governor announced that more than 100 additional Connecticut pharmacies will now be offering COVID-19 vaccines. You can find the full list of participating pharmacies here.
|
|
|
The Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill will hold a walk-in vaccine clinic on Sunday, April 11, 8 AM – 3:30 PM for veterans and spouses and caregivers of veterans. No appointment is needed!
|
|
|
Already received your first dose of the COVID vaccine? Good for you! Be sure to check out the CDC's app, v-safe, to help keep you on track for your second dose.
|
|
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.
Beginning Tuesday, April 13, the town of East Hartford will offer free, regular COVID testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the East Hartford Town Hall Parking Lot (740 Main Street) 8:30AM-1:30PM. Regular testing, even when you don't have symptoms, is essential to helping to stop the spread. For more information or for additional testing clinic dates and times, click here.
|
|
|
To find COVID-19 testing sites across the state, go to the 211ct.org homepage and search keyword ‘COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests’, or find a free test here.
|
|
|
CT'S Credit Rating Increases for the 1st Time in 20 Years
|
|
|
For the first time in over 20 years, Moody's Investor Services increased Connecticut's credit rating from A1 to Aa3. The ratings reflect a state’s capacity to meet its financial commitments and incorporates factors such as the strength of a state’s economy, current business conditions, and the outlook for the state. Aa3 is the fourth highest rating a state can receive.
|
|
Moody’s cited Connecticut’s "accumulation of significant budgetary reserves" and better than expected financial performance during the pandemic as the main reasons for its decision to upgrade our state’s rating.
This boost in the state's credit rating allows the State to borrow money at a reduced cost for construction projects and infrastructure updates, which will strengthen our economic recovery and save taxpayers money in the long-term. This new credit rating also allows our State agencies to maintain stability in providing critical social services.
The benefits of our smart, fiscally responsible policies are paying off. We are emerging as a national financial leader. While more work needs to be done to ensure Connecticut's economy continues to grow, this is certainly a welcome development.
|
|
|
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
|
|
In 2019, more than 6,000 crashes in Connecticut were linked to distracted driving. To combat these tragic numbers, state and local law enforcement, in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway and Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be stepping efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws throughout the month of April.
Remember – Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile device while operating a car (for 16 and 17-year-old drivers – no mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory). Violation of these laws can cost you. A driver who is ticketed is fined $150 for the first offense, $300 for the second, and $500 for each subsequent offense. For more info, click here.
|
|
|
The Manchester Land Conservation Trust is inviting the community to visit the former Lombardo Farm on Saturday, April 10 at 1 PM for a free informational walk. The trust will offer a half-mile and a one-and-a-half-mile walk to share the Trust's work to conserve the farm as an open space for the public's enjoyment. Both walking options will keep an easy pace and terrain is mostly flat, extreme weather will cancel the walk, and CDC guidelines will be followed. Meeting location is 330 Bush Hill Road. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
Manchester Country Club will be offering Free Golf Days for Manchester residents on April 12, July 12, and October 18. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance by clicking here or by calling the golf shop at 860-646-0226. More information can be found here.
|
|
|
Join East Hartford Public Library on Tuesday, April 13 at 3:30 PM for a virtual DIY lesson on making a knotted tug toy for your pup! Register in advance to receive a supply kit – all ages are welcome. For more information or to register, click here.
|
|
|
Each month, East Hartford Library hosts a virtual series highlighting an exciting career path. This is a great opportunity for your teen to learn more about their possible career path, hear from inspiring individuals, ask questions and more. This month, on Tuesday, April 13 at 7:15 PM, the series will highlight a career in Pharmacology with Manchester High alumna, Dr. Nicole Clemons! For more information or 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
