Newsletter 8/20/21

August 26, 2021
I hope you and your family had a safe and healthy week. As the spread of the delta variant worsens, Fairfield has reinstated an indoor mask mandate beginning Monday, Aug. 23. This mandate applies to all residents over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status. Our town is implementing this mitigation strategy in partnership with Westport and Easton. Bridgeport and other CT cities implemented a mask mandate last week. This is a regional effort to end the spread of the virus. 

While we are understandably exhausted by the state of the pandemic, the best way to make progress against this disease, keep one another safe and healthy, and prevent our hospitals from being overrun is to continue following CDC guidance and the recommendations of our local Public Health Department. I also find it helpful to remember that the need for masking will not last forever. In the coming months, children under 12 will be eligible for the vaccine adding a critical layer of protection for our children and hopefully, reduce infection rates. Our local public health officials watch the data daily and will adjust recommendations accordingly.

With Tuesday's announcement from Governor Lamont regarding students having to wear face masks in school through September, many parents have questions on how to keep their kids safe. As a mother of two young boys, I understand the stress and anxiety of sending our children back to school during these difficult times. I understand the deep disappointment of their school experience not looking like what we had hoped it would. We have learned over the past 18 months, how to best mitigate the spread of this disease in schools so we can keep our children learning in-person. In-person school is the best option for our children academically but also critically important to reducing their sense of isolation. While I understand all the stressors, it is essential that we follow the guidance of our public health officials to keep all our children, particularly the most vulnerable children, in our community safe.
To alleviate this added stress to families, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) announced that it will kick off a professional support series starting this upcoming Monday, August 23. This Monday from 5PM – 6PM, providers from Connecticut Children's Hospital along with other healthcare providers and professionals will join CSDE via Facebook Live to answer your health-related questions and concerns as you prepare your student for back-to-school.
 
So, if you have questions about mask-wearing, vaccinations, social distancing, hygiene, health assessments (physicals), social-emotional supports, or any other health-related concerns, please tune in on Monday. 
Additionally, in preparation for this school year, Connecticut Children's has put together a back-to-school kit for parents that includes several valuable resources. 
Back to School Kit
 
INSURANCE PRICE INCREASES
After the financially strenuous year that many of our residents have faced, our insurance companies want to raise the cost of health care by 13%. This is unacceptable.

To testify against this increase, please submit testimony to CID.RateFilings@ct.gov and/or attend the Insurance Dept. Public Hearing:
WHEN: Tuesday, August 31st from 9am to noon
WHERE: 7th floor of 153 Market Street, Hartford

To attend virtually:
PHONE: dial in at 1-860-840-2075
PIN: 799873839
Phone Conference ID: 799873869#
 
ROGER SHERMAN 2D PLAYGROUND
Congratulations to my good friend and PTA President Shawn Hood for bringing this 2D playground to Roger Sherman Elementary and enriching the entire community. After months of tireless commitment to this cause, it was completed last week. This 2D playground brings learning outside and facilitates ways for kids to use their bodies while learning. I was so happy to see it in person and witness how much fun the kids had on it. Thank you, Shawn, for your commitment to our kids.
 
SALES TAX FREE WEEK
There is still ONE MORE DAY left in Connecticut's 2021 Sales Tax-Free Week! It is going on now through August 21st. This is a great opportunity to save while preparing the kids for going back to school.
 
During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax. 

Specific information on Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week, including a listing of individual items that are exempt or taxable, can be found by visiting the Department of Revenue Services website.
 
ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Ballot Application
More Information
If you have a college-bound child, make sure they register for an absentee ballot before they head to school so that they can vote in municipal elections this fall!
 
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT INCREASE
This session, I worked alongside my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget that did not raise taxes and focused on putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Connecticut families through increased tax credits. 
 
Under the newly enacted budget, the Earned Income Tax Credit increased from 23% to 30.5%. 

The Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is a state income tax credit for working individuals and families. Qualifying Connecticut workers can now deduct 30.5% of their earned income from their annual state taxes. To qualify, individuals must have an adjusted gross income that is less than: 
  • $51,464 ($57,414 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children;
  • $47,915 ($53,865 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children;
  • $42,158 ($48,108 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child; or
  • $15,980 ($21,920 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children. 

This increase will result in an additional $40 million delivered to the nearly 195,000 eligible households to assist with necessary expenses such as groceries, transportation, housing and more. 
 
I am proud that our state budget supports the working families and residents across the state who were impacted most by the pandemic. 
 
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
As we learn more about Tropical Storm Henri, I encourage you to stay informed and make any necessary arrangements before the storm starts. Find helpful resources below that I hope you will find useful.
In the event of severe storms, residents are encouraged to prepare emergency supply kits. These can and should include at least one gallon of water per person per day, for both drinking and sanitation; a three-day supply of non-perishable food; a battery-powered radio; flashlights and extra batteries; first aid kits; garbage bags for sanitation; manual can openers for food; cell phones with chargers, inverters or solar charges; food and litter needs for any pets; and medicine or any special-need items, among other items.

Useful Resources 
  • 2-1-1 connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.
  • CT Prepares – For emergency management news and Resource Center
  • UI Storm Safety: Handy safety tips
    • To report any UI outage call 800-722-5584 or online.
  • Report downed wires immediately to 911
  • You can sign up to receive UI outage alerts via text, email or phone.
  • Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut that are facing financial crisis.
  • To register for emergency communications alerts from the state, click here.
  • Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is a useful resource for updates. Learn more here.