Newsletter

August 11, 2021

As I am sure you have seen, we have had some changes in mask requirements as a result of the Delta variant. While I know it can be overwhelming to follow the news every day, it's important that we are all up to date on this changing situation.

A friendly reminder to all with children going off to college for the very first time: if they have recently turned 18, be sure to have them register to vote. It's very easy to do online with the Secretary of the State's office (https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do) and, since they are eligible to vote by Absentee Ballot for this November's municipal elections, once you have their address, you or they can request a ballot once they become available.

The recent Infrastructure Bill passed at the Federal level has some exciting pieces in it for Connecticut which I have included below. And, as you know, the heat today was intense and will continue to be for the next few days. Cooling centers are available in both Avon and Canton (information below).

Stay cool and stay safe.

DELTA VARIANT SPREADING AMONG YOUNG, ACCOUNTING FOR MORE COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS

I was intrigued by this article I came across in the Connecticut Mirror and I was hooked from the opening paragraph.

"As the delta variant has spread, people between the ages of 20 and 59 now account for a higher proportion of COVID-19 hospitalizations than in January, according to data compiled by the federal Department of Health and Human Services."

You can read the full article here.

The federal government updated its masks requirement as a result of the spread of the delta variant. Mask up indoors if you live in a place with "substantial" or "high" coronavirus transmission. (The guidance for people who are unvaccinated remains the same: Always mask up indoors in public places.) With all counties in Connecticut now labeled areas of "substantial" transmission, let's do our part and keep each other safe!

Delta variant

COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE FOR CANTON, AVON RESIDENTS

Cooling centers

Temperatures will be in the 90s for the remainder of the week.

The Canton Community Center will be open as a cooling center for the next several days due to the expected high temperatures. Masks must be worn in all areas of the building and will be provided at the doorways if you do not have one.

The Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Senior and Social Services area will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please come prepared with anything that you may need during the day (i.e. food, water and medication). Water is available in the building via fountains.

Service dogs are welcome. House pets cannot be accommodated.

In Avon, the Avon Senior Center is located at 635 West Avon Road and staff can be reached at (860) 675-4355 with any questions. Their Cooling Center will be available Wednesday, 8/11 through Friday, 8/13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road and staff can be reached at (860) 673-9712 with any questions. Their Cooling Center will be available Wednesday, 8/11 and Thursday, 8/12 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 8/13 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8/14 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please note that use of a protective face covering is required when entering both of these buildings at this time and please continue to social distance whenever possible.

ACCESS HEALTH SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31ST

Access Health CT (AHCT) has extended the deadline for its Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to October 31st, making it easier and more convenient than ever for Connecticut residents to obtain a good, quality, affordable health insurance plan.

Access Health

Nearly half of all Access Health CT customers are paying less than $50 per enrollee per month for their health insurance plan thanks to newly available financial help made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Additionally, some Connecticut residents may be eligible to pay $0 for health insurance through AHCT's new Covered Connecticut Program. Those who qualify can continue to enroll after October 31st. To enroll in Covered Connecticut, call the Access Health CT Call Center at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To be eligible for the Covered Connecticut Program, Connecticut residents must:

  • Have at least one dependent child in the household under age 19; Children age 18 must be a full-time student in secondary school.
  • Be eligible for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs).
  • Use 100% of APTCs and CSRs available to them, along with the expanded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) financial assistance.
  • Be enrolled in an eligible Silver Level Plan.
  • Have a household annual income that is greater than 160%, and up to and including 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Also, please remember Access Health CT will continue to offer free help:

  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon).
  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations*:  

*Please note: In-person locations are by appointment only with strict safety protocols (mask-wearing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks, social distancing, and standard health questionnaire).

If you need good, quality, affordable health insurance, sign up today through Access Health CT. Don’t delay!

WHAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL MEANS FOR CT

In the spirit of bipartisanship, a coalition in the U.S. Senate including our own Dick Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, came together to pass a much-needed infrastructure bill which tops out at $1 trillion.

According to a press release from the Governor's office "The comprehensive package includes new funding for Connecticut’s roads, bridges, airports, transit, and rail systems – including significant new funding to repair and improve the Northeast Corridor – as well as the state’s ports and inland waterways. In addition, it includes funding to close the digital divide and make high-speed internet access available and affordable for Connecticut families."

To read the full release please click on the image below:

Infrastructure

btcconverse.com

Please see the video below from Sen. Murphy who put together a "Top 10 wins" for Connecticut in the bill.

Sen. Murphy

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...A CONVERSATION ABOUT CAR THEFTS

As you may have seen in the news over the last few weeks, bipartisan talks are continuing as to how best to address car thefts and crimes committed by juveniles. We all agree that there need to be consequences. We all agree that we need to work together to come to meaningful solutions. And there is significant overlap across the aisle as to at least a dozen solutions that can work to create lasting and meaningful change to how we manage these ongoing thefts to ensure that we can all feel safe. The best legislation is crafted when we work together and my hope is these conversations will continue as they have over the last two months.

Of course I am still advocating for a special session next month to specifically address the concerns my constituents have shared with me, I'd like to invite you to hear from both the Avon and Canton Police Chiefs during a recent Facebook live event I held on this topic. Please share with anyone you think might benefit from hearing the Chiefs' perspective. Also part of the conversation is municipal policy expert, Ken Barone, who works with the Chiefs and others to create criminal justice policy.

Car thefts

ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

Wishing all who celebrate the Islamic New Year a year full of peace & happiness.

Islamic New Year