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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
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Friends and Neighbors,
Over the last seven days we’ve witnessed both highs and lows here in Connecticut related to the work so many of us see as transformative for the future, but also helping to stabilize the present. Connecticut was excited to welcome President Joe Biden once again to our great state so that he could highlight the work he and our federal partners are doing through the Build Back Better agenda to alleviate some of the pressures working families face every day. He celebrated with local leaders and some of our smallest and cutest residents, the opportunities our state has been able to take advantage of through the American Rescue Plan. It’s imperative that these dollars are spent in a responsible way with the most amount of impact possible. When this is not done appropriately or ethically, as recently demonstrated by a colleague who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly stealing over $600,000 in federal COVID-19 dollars, someone should be held accountable.
I recognize that I may overly personalize matters related to the pandemic and our general well-being and safety, but this one hits harder on a personal level. For the last 18+ months, given my health pre- and post-transplant, I took a literal gamble on my health and my life when I walked out my door each and every day. It is reprehensible that someone entrusted by his electors and his own city’s leadership to faithfully discharge his duties as an elected official and a municipal employee demonstrated blatant disregard for monies meant to help keep residents and businesses safe and thriving. Many of us considered him a friend and colleague, and while I am extremely disappointed, it was assuring to see his resignation from municipal employment. I hope this isn't the only resignation we see from this official.
It’s important that we have these discussions when our faith, trust, and honor have been called into question. All too often, it brings out the worst in those attempting to turn events like these into an opportunity to attack and deflect from other challenges many residents continue to face. The blanket statements and accusations from party to party will not help as we continue to try and have our arrows of opportunity pointed in the same direction. If we’re going to talk about the highs and the lows, we should keep it to those at the forefront of a particular issue. Lately this has ranged from the Governor’s order for masks in schools to the outrageous and inappropriate comparisons to Hitler and the Holocaust by another colleague here in the House. These are pockets of problems that we must deal with directly rather than generalizing and applying these assumptions to an entire party or group. We’re better than that, or at least we should be.
Be decent. Be kind. Be human.
Below you will find a guide to the following information. Click the subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. |
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Yesterday
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COVID-19 Cases (confirmed and probable)
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400,226
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+453
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COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)
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11,637,773
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+25,260
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Daily Test Positivity
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--
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1.79%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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211
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-13
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Last Thursday
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COVID-19 Associated Deaths*
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8,721
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+14
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Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday.
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Number of Positive Tests |
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| East Hartford |
7,377 |
160 |
170,301 |
9,184 |
| Manchester |
5,840 |
161 |
163,650 |
7,091 |
| South Windsor |
1,995 |
58 |
56,581 |
2,344 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| Universal mask mandates in Manchester and South Windsor have been lifted. This means residents who are vaccinated will not be required to wear masks in town buildings and businesses. Unvaccinated individuals will still be required to wear a mask. This change comes with decreasing rates of new COVID-19 infections and strong vaccination rates. South Windsor has been categorized in the "orange zone" and Manchester has been categorized in the "yellow zone" for community spread of the virus.
Additionally, in accordance with state law, masks are required in some settings, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include schools, childcare facilities, health care facilities, correctional facilities, facilities housing vulnerable populations, and public and private transit.
Please also note that East Hartford's universal mask mandate remains in effect. |
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| On Wednesday, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration took action to authorize COVID-19 booster doses for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The single booster dose of the Moderna vaccine may be administered to the following:
- Individuals 65 years of age and older
- Individuals 18-64 years of at high risk of severe COVID-19
- Individuals 18-64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19
In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously recommended booster shots for certain individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Booster shots were also approved for those who are immunocompromised in mid-August.
Although people who have received two vaccine doses still have significant protection against COVID-19, a third dose is a chance for older adults and those most at risk to reinforce their immunity.
Booster shots for those who received the Pfizer COVID-19 or Moderna vaccine may be administered six months after the second vaccine dose.
Booster shots for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after the single dose.
Are you looking to get vaccinated against COVID-19? The Connecticut Department of Public Health mobile vaccination team is making stops in our region to ensure everyone has access to the vaccine. To view the daily schedule, click here.
The DPH mobile vaccination team will be in our community tomorrow, October 23, at the following sites:
- YMCA of East Hartford, 70A Canterbury Street, East Hartford, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Harvest Festival at Ebony Horsewomen, 337 Vine St, Hartford, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Wilson-Gray YMCA, 444 Albany Ave, Hartford, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center, 9 Delmont St, Manchester, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| I have some groundbreaking news for you - we broke ground on Wickham Library yesterday! I was happy to join Mayor Marcia Leclerc, members of the East Hartford Town Council, my colleagues in the East Hartford Legislative Delegation, the Raymond Library Company, Commission on Culture and Fine Arts and several East Hartford town official to kick of the renovation and expansion of Wickham Library to improve this essential community amenity. The renovation will enable to library to offer more services like a lending library, technology hub, workforce development, and small business consultation services, among others. Most importantly, the building will be fully ADA-compliant giving all residents the opportunity to take advantage of this amazing site. You can read more about the groundbreaking event and the renovation here. |
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| As life starts to return to normal and the holidays arrive, many of us will be back on the road again. More time on the road means more opportunities for distracted driving. As of October 1, penalties for texting and driving increased in an effort to stop distracted driving.
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads, with nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving in Connecticut in 2020 alone.
Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.
The new fines for driving while distracted are:
- For the first violation, offenders are fined $200 (was previously $150)
- For a second violation, offenders are fined $375 (was previously $300)
- For a third or subsequent violation, offenders are fined $625 (was previously $500)
Throughout the month of October, state and local police will be increasing enforcement of the new distracted driving law.
Please urge your family and friends to put their cell phones away while driving. No text message or phone call is worth putting yourself and others at risk.
For more information, visit www.distraction.gov. |
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While October is dedicated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, my colleagues and I are committed to protecting survivors of domestic violence every day and every legislative session. During this past session, we passed two major laws focused on domestic violence and empowering survivors.
H.B. 6355 is an update to Connecticut’s Red Flag Law. Under the new law, police can seize other deadly weapons besides firearms from individuals who could cause harm to themselves or others. The law was also updated to end the practice of individuals automatically getting firearms back after one year. Now, individuals must apply to get their firearms back, but the court may continue to hold them if there is still clear and convincing evidence the individual is a danger to themselves or others. Learn more about H.B. 6355 here.
S.B. 1091 expands the definition of domestic violence to include “coercive control” which is defined as threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts. The law also establishes a new program to provide legal representation for domestic violence victims who file restraining orders and makes the process to serve restraining orders more efficient. Learn more about S.B. 1091 here.
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| Congratulations to John Bergman, technology specialist at the East Hartford Adult and Continuing Education program, for being selected for the Ruth J. Colvin and Frank C. Laubach Award for Excellence in Community-Based Adult Literacy. This award recognizes just one outstanding tutor, trainer, teacher, volunteer, or program administrator from across the country. This is a significant accomplishment and we are fortunate to have so many passionate educators here in East Hartford.
You can learn more about East Hartford Adult and Continuing Education and the services it provides here.
If you're an adult and are looking to expand your education, you can learn more about the adult and continuing education programs in Manchester and South Windsor by clicking the links below:
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| Do you want to help your favorite K9 team from either South Windsor or East Hartford? Vote for them to receive a $5,000 Aftermath K9 grant! The winners will be selected solely based on how the public votes. Voting will end on Tuesday, October 26. From now until next Tuesday, you'll be able to cast a vote once every 24 hours. These funds will be used to help with expenses vital to K9 units, like training, food, healthcare, and other necessary costs to maintain or establish a new K9 unit. Click here to vote. |
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| On Tuesday, October 26 at 5 p.m., Goodwin University will hold a meeting about a project to pave a 5,000-footsection of the existing South Meadows trail system. This section extends from its current end in East Hartford through Wethersfield and Glastonbury to the State of Connecticut's Putnam Bridge property. To help with the costs of the project, Goodwin University is seeking grant funding from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Recreational Trails Program. If you would like to attend the meeting, please click here.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like more information, please contact Sarah Szczebak at 860-7274-6747 or sszczebak@goodwin.edu. |
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| In case you missed it, President Joe Biden made a stop in Connecticut last Friday to share more about his Build Back Better agenda to highlight roughly $300 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan for child care programs. The Build Back Better agenda would work to make child care more affordable for working-class families. As of April 2020, child care in Connecticut can cost up to $16,000 per year, depending on the age of children in need of care and type of facility.
The Build Back Better agenda is a plan to strengthen the national economy and lower costs for working families. You can read the latest information about the Build Back Better agenda here.
Additionally, the President went to the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus for the dedication of the "Dodd Center for Human Rights," formerly the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. The building will now house UConn's human rights programs.
You can read more about President Biden's second visit to our state here. |
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| How equitable are Connecticut's towns and cities, and how do we close the opportunity gap? This September, CT Data published equity reports for all 169 municipalities across our state to inform local efforts to improve community well-being and racial equity. The reports use data from the 2020 Census, American Community Survey and more federal and state resource to create these profiles not usually accessible from public databases. You can view the reports and learn more here. |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor has recently reported that around 13,000 unemployment benefit recipients received overpayments throughout the pandemic. These claims constitute about $30 million in accidental overpayments. It is important to note that while this amount looks daunting, most of these overpayments were caused by simple errors at little to no fault of the claimant.
Since the announcement, many of you have reached out with concerns about overpayments and are wondering, "will I have to pay this money back?"
The short answer is, not necessarily. You may qualify for a non-fraud overpayment waiver.
What is a waiver?
A waiver forgives part, or all, of the overpayment debt accrued by an unemployment claimant.
Overpayment may be eligible for a waiver if:
- There was an unintentional error on the part of the claimant, employer, or CTDOL.
- There was no attempt to obtain unemployment benefits to which the claimant knew they were not eligible (fraud).
- The Employment Security Appeals Division reverses a decision to grant unemployment benefits and that leaves the claimant with an overpayment debt.
Can I get a waiver?
Waivers will be considered for accidental overpayments only. CTDOL notifies claimants that they may be eligible for a waiver during the pre-determination process and sends a questionnaire that the claimant fills out and returns. Most waivers are granted for:
- A mental or physical condition which would significantly reduce opportunity for employment.
- An error on the part of CTDOL or the Appeals Division.
- Claimant bankruptcy.
- Economic grounds when it’s against equity and good conscience to have an overpayment repaid.
The questionnaire and hearing request must be completed and returned together to CTDOL within 14 days of the mail date (this is on the upper right corner of the pre-determination letter.)
What if I didn’t get a questionnaire with my pre-determination letter?
If you didn’t receive a waiver questionnaire, this means CTDOL claims you may not be eligible for one. If you believe this is not correct and that you are eligible for a waiver based on the criteria above, you are encouraged to reach out to the Consumer Contact Center with questions.
Please also remember that you can reach out to me if you need any assistance moving forward with this process, I will do all I can to help. |
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| Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, November 2! Did you know that all voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? If you would like to skip the lines and get your vote in early, you can complete an application for an absentee ballot. Click here to download the absentee ballot application from the Connecticut Secretary of the State's website.
Once it's filled out, just return it to your town clerk, either through the ballot box outside of your town hall, directly to your town clerk in person, or via mail. Below is a list of addresses for town clerks in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor:
East Hartford
East Hartford Town Clerk, Town Hall
740 Main St
East Hartford, CT 06108
Manchester
Manchester Town Clerk, Town Hall
41 Center St
PO Box 191
Manchester, CT 06045
South Windsor
South Windsor Town Clerk, Town Hall
1540 Sullivan Ave
South Windsor, CT 06074
If you are not registered to vote, there's still time to do so! The in-person voter registration deadline is October 26, 2021. You can drop off your completed registration form in the town hall drop box at your town hall.
Registrar of Voters Offices in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor will have extended hours on Tuesday, October 26 until 8 p.m. to receive voter registrations. You can also register to vote using Connecticut's Online Voter Registration System. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare is holding several drive-thru food distributions across our state. The last East Hartford food distribution this month is next Tuesday, October 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 936 Silver Ln. For additional locations and information about these distributions, click here.
The Connecticut Mobile Foodshare van also makes stops in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor. You can download the full schedule here or call Connecticut Foodshare's mobile hotline at 860-856-4321 or text "FOODSHARE" to 85511.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, there are additional food pantries in our community. Visit www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find a location near you.
Have you heard of the Little Free Pantry? These pantries are part of a grassroots mini pantry movement launched in Fayetteville, AR to help neighbors navigate daily challenges related to food security. These pantries have made their way across the U.S. and even to Connecticut because of caring residents who want to help their neighbors. You can find locations in our region here. Just type in your town and state or zip code in the search bar. |
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| Game on!
It's fall sports season at our middle and high schools! Click the links below for schedules of this week's games:
You can also find schedules and results on the CIAC website. |
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East Hartford Public Library is celebrating Connecticut's women artists over the next few weeks through its Connecticut Women Artists, Inc.: Celebrating 92 Years Invitational Exhibit. The exhibit will be on display until November 18, 2021 at the East Hartford Public Library. This Saturday, October 23, the library will host a meet-and-greet with featured artists from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
- 10 a.m. - Nancy Whitcher, Printmaker
- 10:30 a.m. - Linda Boisvert DeStefanis, Painter
- 11 a.m. - Carol Vinick, Fiber Artist
- 11:30 a.m. - Mary Lachman, Mixed Media Artist
For more information about this great exhibit and event, click here. |
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| Saturday, October 23 is National Drug Take Back Day. The East Hartford Police Department and East Hartford Health District have coordinated a Take Back Day for East Hartford residents to dispose of their expired, unwanted and unused prescription medication on October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex. Members of the public can drop off tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription medications. They will also accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations. Please remove the lithium batteries. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes, and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
For more information about East Hartford's Drug Take Back event, click here.
Additionally, the Manchester Police Department has a permanent Prescription Drug Disposal box in the lobby of the department located at 239 Middle Tpke East, Manchester. The box is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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| Don't miss Manchester's Downtown Safe Trick or Treat event on Saturday, October 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Businesses will be handing out candy outside this year. The Shops at the Mall at 811 Main Street will be giving out take-and-make pumpkin decorating kits also. Read more about this event here. |
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| Calling all dog lovers! Mark your calendars because you are not going to want to miss Manchester Adult and Continuing Education's first ever Bark in the Park event on Saturday, October 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Center Memorial Park in Manchester. Tons of activities like a pup parade and adoption event are scheduled to show our 4-legged friends some love. You'll also find some great new treats and products made especially for your favorite canine. |
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Put some light out into the world with InterCommunity Health Care's signature fundraising event - Light Up The Night. There's an exciting lineup of entertainment this year including Mind Evolution, violinist John Randoph, and J'elissy! You'll also hear inspirational stories from clients, board members, and special guests. June Archer, Master of Ceremonies, will help Light Up The Night. This year's event will be held virtually on Thursday, October 28 at 7 p.m. If you would like to learn more about this event and how it helps InterCommunity make a difference, click here.
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| Congratulations to InterCommunity Health Care President and CEO Kimberly L. Beauregard, LCSW, on her Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hartford Business Journal! Kim has helped shape InterCommunity into a leader in the equitable delivery of health care to Connecticut residents. Throughout her career, she has been a tenacious advocate and actor to expanding access to quality health care. You can read more about Kim's Hartford Business Journal award here. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here. |
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| EAST HARTFORD:
Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library.
Click here for East Hartford Community Television. |
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SOUTH WINDSOR:
Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library.
Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings! |
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MANCHESTER:
Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.
Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library.
Click here for Manchester Public Television. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website.
You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.
You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House so far this session here.
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