State Capitol Update for the Week of July 19.

July 23, 2021

Although we’re not in session, summer legislative activities continue in the form of bill signings, task forces getting filled, and implementation beginning.  Enacting a bill is just one step in the legislative process, and the success of a new law depends tremendously on the communication and implementation that follows. 
 
One example is the Bottle Bill, which updated the state’s container redemption program.  As described below, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing on August 9 to begin the process of implementing this important bill.  Good communication is a critical part of a successful recycling program, and I also want to draw attention to the initiatives of the Salisbury Sharon Transfer Station, such as the popular pilot program to collect food scraps, and the posters they’ve placed at local grocery stores providing recycling information. 
 
Good communication is a two-way street, and it is important in every field, as it has a significant impact on outcomes.  This week I had a personal experience with how it plays out in healthcare.  My own issue, which involved removing a melanoma from my face, involved several specialists who diagnosed, excised, and repaired the excision. (I’m healthy now – and many thanks to all of you who sent good wishes.)  It took a chunk of time, partly because seeing medical specialists in our area often involves a fair amount of driving, and partly because you just have to be a little patient between these procedures.  But the communication was excellent – I was able to express my concerns, be heard, and get the information I needed to make an informed decision. I also got timely and responsive follow up care.  In contrast, my 20-year old son (a college athlete) had a sports injury about a month ago.  We encouraged him to handle communications with medical professionals himself, and it was noticeable that he was simply not “heard” or responded to in the same way I was, and it took much longer than it should have to get him properly diagnosed.  Not because anyone intentionally dismissed him, but because our way-too-complicated healthcare system often requires active intervention to work properly, and not everyone has the same ability to make that happen.
 
This disparity in healthcare outcomes for different populations is playing out in a marked way throughout our state (and our country), particularly related to race.  Which is why another bill we passed this term, SB 1, is so important.  This bill took notice of those racial disparities in healthcare outcomes, and will delve into where they are happening, why, and what can be done to prevent them and improve outcomes for all of us. 
 
As you plan your weekends, don’t forget that Canaan Railroad Days continues this weekend, and the summer edition of Weekend in Norfolk is the following weekend – I hope to see you out there!

Here’s a list of today’s topics:

  • COVID Data. Click here. 
  • Practicing Safe Storage of Medications & Other Substances. Click here.
  • Bottle Bill Implementation Public Hearing. Click here.
  • Modernizing State Government Operations. Click here. 
  • Legislation Banning PFAS Foam is Signed into Law. Click here. 
  • After School Enrichment Program. Click here. 
  • Resurfacing Project in Cornwall. Click here.
  • Webinar on Mental Health Impact of COVID-19. Click here.
  • Canaan Railroad Days. Click here. 
  • Summer 2021 Weekend in Norfolk. Click here. 
  • Overdose Awareness Day. Click here. 
  • 36th Annual Sharon Classic Road Race. Click here.  

AnchorCOVID Data 

For  graphs and tables containing data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
 

AnchorPracticing Safe Storage of Medications & Other Substances

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), roughly 50,000 young children per year are hospitalized due to accidental ingestion of prescription and adult-use only medications. A statistic that is entirely preventable. 

That is why the State of Connecticut has launched a campaign this week to remind families with young children to properly store dangerous medications.

State law mandates that substances that can be harmful for children be safely stored to protect children from accidentally ingesting them.

Here are some tips to make sure you and your family are practicing safe storage of medications:

  • Lock all prescriptions and adult use only substances in a cabinet, safe, or private drawer. Choose a location that is secure and inaccessible to children and others for whom a drug is not intended.
  • Keep medications stored out of the reach of children
  • Store prescriptions and adult use substances in their original containers
  • Bring unwanted, unused, or expired medications to a drug takeback location
  • Require family members, houseguests, and other visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats that have medicine or drugs in them out of sight and reach when they are in your home.

To promote the proper disposal of unwanted medications, Connecticut has drop boxes available across the state for people to anonymously dispose of medications, which helps protect not only children from accessing prescription drugs, but also adults from taking medications that may have expired. For a full list of drop box locations in Connecticut, click HERE. Many pharmacies and health centers will also take back unused or expired medication, including controlled substances. Click HERE to find a permanent take-back location near you.

If your child does ingest a potentially harmful substance, call the Connecticut Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For additional information on the State's initiative, click HERE.

 

AnchorBottle Bill implementation begins with public hearing on Monday, August 9 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking public input on the implementation of new legislation that updates and modernizes Connecticut’s Bottle Bill, and will be holding a public meeting on this process on Monday, August 9 at 2 p.m. 

The Bottle Bill, also known as a container redemption program, places a deposit on a container at the time of purchase and returns that deposit to the consumer when the empty bottle is returned. The containers may be returned to their place of purchase or to container redemption centers. While the Bottle Bill is a critical part of Connecticut’s recycling and litter-reduction program – present redemption rates average about 50% – other states that have modernized their infrastructure and laws, have achieved redemption rates approaching of upwards of 90%. The Bottle Bill provides source-separated material that can be readily recycled into new containers or other products.

Public Act 21-58 provides for: 

  • Increased handling fee for containers effective October 1, 2021
  • Expansion of the types of containers covered under the Bottle Bill effective July 1, 2023
  • Increased deposit on containers effective January 1, 2024 
  • Other requirements aimed at making redemption of containers more convenient for consumers 

 
A public meeting on this process will be held virtually on Monday, August 9, 2021, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  
 
To participate in this meeting, please register here.   
 
DEEP also welcomes written comments on the above topic. Comments may be submitted to chris.nelson@ct.gov with the subject line “Bottle Bill Modernization.” Comments should be submitted in PDF form by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021.
 
More information on Connecticut’s Bottle Bill Modernization Stakeholder Process can be found here. 
 
To add your name to the distribution list for the Bottle Bill Modernization Stakeholder Process, please visit the website. 
 
AnchorModernizing State Government Operations
 
Among the bills signed by the Governor this week is Public Act 21-76, which modernizes and updates a variety of state government operations affecting procurement, digital government initiatives, and the Small and Minority Business (or set-aside) Program. The legislation also adds new members with an education background to the Commission on Educational Technology.
 
The legislation aims to ensure that Connecticut continues to be a better place to do business. State agencies now have more flexibility to use modern digital tools, small and minority owned businesses have better access to work with state government, Connecticut has access to cutting-edge technology, and it helps to ensure that outdated bureaucratic processes are not a hindrance to accessing critical goods and services in times of need.
 
These advancements will also support the state in preparing for the wave of retirements anticipated in 2022.
 
The legislation is Public Act 21-76, An Act Concerning the Modernization of State Services and the Membership of the Commission for Educational Technology.
 
 
AnchorLegislation banning use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam is signed
 
Another piece of important environmental legislation was signed this week, banning the use of firefighting foam and food packaging that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Commonly known as PFAS, the large group of man-made “forever chemicals” are used in a variety of materials and products around the world.
 
Specifically, the new law, Public Act 21-191, An Act Concerning the Use of PFAS Substances in Class B Firefighting Foam, bans the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, or “AFFF,” effective October 1, 2021. Effective immediately, AFFF is not permitted for use in training activities. Additionally, the law also phases out PFAS-containing food packaging by 2023, which makes clear to the food and packaging industries the state’s desire for safe packaging and provides time to those industries to develop safe alternatives.
 
Prior to the implementation of the law, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in partnership with the State Fire Administrator and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, identified a PFAS-free firefighting foam, National Universal®F3 Green, that can be used effectively to put out fires without risking impacts to the environment or harming residents’ health. Local fire departments can order the foam through a state contract to ensure their foam is safe and effective.
 
 
AnchorRegional School District 6 Fall 2021 After School Enrichment Program

As the start of school approaches, Regional School District 6 beginning to plan for their in-person Fall 2021 After School Enrichment Program.  If you are interested in being a program provider, please complete the application at the link below by Friday, July 30, 2021.  Applications can be returned to Chris Escobar at cescobar@rsd6.org.

The district will review all proposals by Monday, August 16, 2021, and notify providers of the status of their request(s).
The fall program will begin the week of September 13th and end the week of October 25th.  The week of November 1st will be available for make-up classes.
Fall 2021 Provider Application.pdf 
 
AnchorMilling and Resurfacing project on Route 43 in Cornwall

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 43 in Cornwall from Route 4 to Route 63, on Friday, July 30, 2021 (for the milling) and Monday August 9, 2021 (for the resurfacing).
 

AnchorCanaan Railroad Days on July 23 and 24

After a postponement due to bad weather last weekend, Canaan Railroad Days continues today and tomorrow (July 23 and 24), with the carnival taking place both days at Lawrence Field between 6pm and 10pm (admission is free, and bracelets for all rides are $30).  The Firefighters Parade will take place Saturday, July 24 at 6pm, and the fireworks will begin later that evening at 9pm. 

Also don’t miss Poetry is Music, now in its 26th year, hosted by the Collins Diner, on Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. 

AnchorSummer 2021 Weekend in Norfolk Friday July 30 through Sunday August 1

After a long, difficult year, the Summer 2021 Weekend in Norfolk is coming up Friday July 30 through Sunday August 1.  Whether you choose to tour the historic village, hike one or more of many trails, picnic somewhere with a view or enjoy coffee and ice cream while you listen to music downtown, you’ll find activities for yourself and your whole family.

Visit the WIN website for a complete listing of events happening in and around Norfolk! Weekend In Norfolk.
 
For a look back at summer 2019 events, see Music, Art, Nature, Kids and &More; to find a place to stay, see Eat, Sleep, Shop.

And for the virtual festival, visit the Weekend in Norfolk YouTube channel. It has music, art, activities for kids, tours and a lot more.
 
AnchorOverdose Awareness Day Vigil on August 31st in Coe Memorial Park, Torrington
 
The Overdose Awareness Day Vigil is August 31st, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. The event will include a resource fair from 8:30 – 7:15, followed by our speakers and the candlelight portion from 7:15 – 8:00PM.
 
If you’d like to volunteer to help with the event, click here.  
 
If you’d like to submit a name to be read at the vigil, click here.

Anchor36th Annual Sharon Classic Road Race September 25, 2021
 
Runners can mark your calendars to save the date for the 36th Annual Classic Road Race held on the Sharon Town Green on Saturday Sept 25.

REGISTER EARLY for the race, save on the registration fee AND get 50% off a special 'Sharon Classic' edition of the TrailHeads Multiband.