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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
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U.S. House Passes Build Back Better Act
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On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, a roughly $1.75 trillion climate and social package. The legislation is designed to brace the country for the future ahead by investing in initiatives that will help to meet climate goals, creating millions of good paying jobs, and expanding affordable health and childcare options. The legislation includes:
- $550 billion to address climate change through incentives and tax breaks;
- funding to extend the child tax credit for one year;
- housing assistance, including $150 billion in affordable housing expenditures;
- expansions to Medicaid and further assistance to reduce the cost of health care premiums for plans purchased under the Affordable Care Act;
- four weeks of paid family and medical leave;
- funding for universal pre-K for roughly 6 million 3- and 4-year-olds;
- a provision to allow Medicare to negotiate prices directly with drug manufacturers on certain drugs and cap out-of-pocket spending for seniors at $2,000 per year;
- a $35 cap on monthly insulin expenses.
The vote comes after months of negotiations amid concerns over the cost and elements of the bill. The Congressional Budget Office analysis, which was released Thursday night, estimates that the Build Back Better bill "would result in a net increase in the deficit totaling $367 billion over the 2022-2031 period." The White House pointed out that the spending in the bill is largely offset with taxes on the wealthy and corporations.
The Build Back Better agenda now heads to the Senate. However, the spending package won't be the most urgent priority when the Senate returns from Thanksgiving break as focus shifts to funding the government and suspending the debt ceiling, leaving some questions about the reality of the legislation being passed before 2022.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Reapportionment Commission Votes to Approve Map of House Voting Districts
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The Reapportionment Commission voted on Thursday to approve the redistricted map of House voting districts. This year's process was unlike past years as we worked to combat the delay at the U.S. Census Bureau and the rapidly approaching statutorily required deadline. I'm incredibly proud that despite these challenges, we worked together to ensure that we built a map that equally represented the views of the public, the Census data, and for the first time – put an end to the harmful practice of prison gerrymandering.
I'm proud to have worked in a bipartisan manner to do what is best for the state we call home. I'd like to thank the members of this commission, including my House colleagues Representative Candelora and Perillo, for working tirelessly to ensure that the testimony from the public was accurately represented in the map presented today.
Thursday's vote is the first of three maps, next up will be the Senate and Congressional maps – the deadline to complete each map is Tuesday, November 30, but it is likely that an extension will be requested.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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UConn Hosts Webinar to Highlight Importance of Investing in Transportation Infrastructure
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On Thursday, UConn's Department of Public Policy, with Connecticut Town & City Management Association (CTCMA), Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), and American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), hosted a webinar to discuss how investing in transportation infrastructure can accelerate economic growth.
The conversation centered around a study commissioned by CRCOG and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission which looked at the potential impact of restoring regular passenger rail service from Hartford to Springfield to Boston. The study concludes that decades of disinvestment in rail service has left the region behind; resulting in an isolated and lagging economy comparted to other metro populations and an estimated 130,000 jobs not created – but this gap is a huge opportunity zone. The study illustrates that by focusing in transit-oriented development, we can increase job and enhance regional tourism.
According to their study, an investment of $6-8 billion could have a payback of nine to ten times that investment over 30 years. The opportunity is certainly there, especially now with the recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is expected to bring at least $30 billion for the Northeast Corridor rail and other competitive grants that could help aid the project.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Bold as Brass, The Silver City Goes International
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Today in 1898, in the middle of a sustained series of national economic crises, the International Silver Company, one of Connecticut’s most famous and globally recognized brands, was formally incorporated in Meriden. The central Connecticut city had already established a national reputation as a leading producer of silver and silver-plated goods by the late 19th century, earning it the nickname “the Silver City.” By 1898, over a dozen companies in Meriden and surrounding towns produced about 70 percent of all the silverware and silver-plated products made in the United States.
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By the 1920s, International Silver was grossing over $20 million annually and had become the world’s leading manufacturer of silver and silver-plated products. The company later took pride in weathering the Great Depression without laying off any of its workers. During World War II, many of the company’s Connecticut factories halted silver production to create scores of items for the American war effort, mass-producing everything from surgical instruments to gun and bazooka parts to bomb casings. The company began to experience a decline in the 1970s, however, as silver prices rose, the economy stagnated, and cheap imported flatware flooded American markets. International Silver’s attempt to diversify its product line and reinvent itself as “Insilco” eventually fell victim to the financial pressures of the late 20th century, and in 1981, the famous company formally closed its Meriden headquarters.
Learn more about International Silver and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Now Accepting Applications for 9th District Advisory Committee New Members
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When I assumed the role of Majority Leader, I wanted to ensure that there was an opportunity for the voices of East Hartford and Manchester residents to be heard throughout the legislative process. To achieve that, I sought residents of the 9th Assembly District to serve on a committee that advises and provides feedback on issues that are being debated at the state capitol.
This has been an exciting initiative and I am currently seeking new members to join the committee! I am seeking individuals from all walks of life so that the committee includes the diversity of opinion, perspective and experiences that reflects the communities we live in. I encourage any interested individual to submit an application by clicking here.
Completed applications must be submitted no later than end of day on Thursday, December 9.
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Scam Alert: MPD Reporting Fake Donation Calls & DPH Warning About COVID Contact Tracing Scam
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Manchester Police Department is investigating a report from a resident who received a call from an individual claiming to represent the police department and soliciting donations over the phone. Please be aware that this is a scam. If you receive a phone call regarding donating to MPD by purchasing and sending gift card information to the caller, please report it to the police immediately at (860) 645-5500.
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The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) is warning residents to be mindful of how the COVID-19 contact tracing process after receiving reports of scam calls from a local health department. CT DPH reported that state residents stated they had been called by Fairfield Health Department and told that they had been exposed to COVID-19, despite not being residents of Fairfield or reporting spending time in the town. Residents reported that the live calls came from (800) 319-7802.
CT DPH is reminding residents that their local or state health department will contact them if they've been in touch with an individual who tests positive. If you are receiving a real contact tracing call, you will see “CT COVID Trace” or the number for their local health department on the caller ID.
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Welcome to Manchester's New General Manager – Steve Stephanou
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Following a nationwide recruitment search, Steve Stephanou has been hired by the Town of Manchester to serve as General Manager. Stephanou is not a new face to our community – born, raised, and educated in Manchester, he most recently served as Acting General Manager for the Town of Manchester and has a proven track record of capital planning, debt management, community engagement, and more.
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Prior to joining the Town of Manchester, Stephanou worked for the City of Boston, serving in various roles including Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance. He began his career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City, serving as a Program Analyst. He is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Connecticut Town & City Management Association (CTCMA), and Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM).
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Mark Your Calendars: 4th Annual Northeast Multimodal Transit Summit
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Interested in the future of North-East transportation? Participate in the 2021 Northeast Multimodal and Transit Summit: Greener, Safer, and Together to join others and send a clear message that multimodal transportation and transit are critical for creating jobs across an economically vibrant, connected, and sustainable region. The summit will be held online on November 22nd, from 11AM-7:30PM.
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For a complete list of speakers or to register to participate, click here. This Summit is supported by the Energy Foundation, Travelers, and Superpedestrian.
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Manchester Youth Commission Seeking Mini Grant Applications from Local Groups & Organizations
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The Manchester Youth Commission's Philanthropy Committee is requesting proposals for Mini Grants of up to $1,000 per application to Manchester community groups which are either led by, or intended to benefit, youth in Manchester. Qualifying candidates must plan to facilitate a project or program which fulfills one of three categories:
- Out of School Time/After School Initiatives
- Service-Learning Initiatives
- Arts and Culture Initiatives
Grant money may not be used for religious instruction or materials, capital expenses, or donations to other organizations. Applications for the Manchester Youth Commission Mini Grant Program can be found here (click "Youth Commission Mini Grant"). Applications must be completed and received by the Manchester Youth Services Bureau by no later than 11:59PM on Wednesday, December 8.
Letters of support or recommendation are also required. Grant recipients whose proposals have been selected for funding will be notified by mid-February. Decisions will be based on recommendations of the Manchester Youth Commission Philanthropy Committee and the availability of funds. Submitting an
application does not guarantee selection. Getting funded one year does not guarantee funding another year.
For additional information, please contact Heather Wlochowski at the Manchester Youth Service Bureau at (860) 647-5214, or e-mail heatherw@manchesterct.gov.
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East Hartford Public Library Offering Access to FREE Virtual Resume Review
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Did you know that your East Hartford Public Library card gives you access to free virtual resume review with JobNow? JobNow includes live, anytime, anywhere job assistance, including up-to-date national and local job search engines, professional resume review, and proven interview techniques. Get access and learn about the other digital resources you can access with your library card by clicking here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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On Tuesday, Pfizer announced its intention to seek emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its antiviral COVID-19 pill, known as PF-07321332 or Paxlovid. According to the company, the pill is to be administered in combination with an older antiviral drug called ritonavir and is meant to treat mild to moderate Covid-19 in patients at increased risk of hospitalizations or death.
On Friday, FDA authorized boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for all adults. Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging all Connecticut adults who were vaccinated more than six months ago to get a COVID-19 booster vaccination ahead of the holiday season. Learn more about booster shots by clicking here.
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It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: wear a face mask, observe social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already.
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InterCommunity Health Care (281 Main Street, East Harford) with East Hartford Health Department and East Hartford Public Schools will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children ages 5-11 on Saturday, November 20 from 9AM-1PM. Everyone who receives the vaccine at this clinic will automatically be entered into our raffle for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa Gift Cards. Please call (860) 569-5900 to register and schedule an appointment – you may also register unvaccinated siblings and family members.
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Additional vaccine clinics hosted by the East Hartford Health Department for kids 5-11 will be held at Raymond Library (840 Main Street) on Tuesday, November 23 and Wednesday, November 30 from 4PM-7PM. To make an appointment for those dates, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Please note that Tuesday's clinic is open to all ages 5 and up who have not yet been vaccinated.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination clinic by clicking 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.
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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Celebrate National Novel Writing Month with Connecticut author Jotham Burrello at Manchester Public Library Monday, November 22 at 7PM. Jotham will talk about the writing process, writing historical fiction, and more. Copies of his book Spindle City, a finalist for the CT Book Awards, will be available for purchase and signing from Book Club on the Go. This is a free event, no registration required, best suited for adults.
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The Manchester Road Race is finally back next week! The 85th running of the Manchester Road Race will be on Thursday, November 25 at 10AM. There's still time to participate – but hurry! Registration closes on Tuesday, November 23 at 12PM (or after 15,000 participants) – registration will NOT be available on race day. Register online now by clicking here.
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In addition to the race, don't miss out of a full schedule of activities on Saturday, November 20, to celebrate its return. The Manchester Road Race Committee will host several “Road Race Saturday” events at the Manchester High School (134 East Middle Turnpike). Activities are as follows:
- 8:30AM-12PM: Sports and Fitness Expo, High School Cafeteria – exhibits related to health, conditioning, and training, running clothing and equipment and other subjects of interest. Persons who have pre-registered for the race will be able to pick up their registration packets and seeding cards.
- 10AM: Little Manchester Road Race for children 12 years of age and younger, Manchester High School track – features several “run for fun” races for children in various age categories. Entries are limited to the first 1000 children who register. All participants in the LMRR will receive medals and long-sleeve tee shirts. Register now by clicking here.
- 8:30AM: "Know Your Pace Race" with Silk City Striders – participants are requested to park in the M.H.S. parking lot and then proceed to East Center Street, where there will be registration and the event will start and finish on the south side of the street at the MRR course’s four-mile marker. The entry fee for the “Know Your Pace Race” is $5.
If you have not picked up or received your race packet containing your bib and tag, you can -do so on race day from 8AM-9:15AM at Bennet Academy. For more information on the race, click here.
Please note - masks must be worn at all of the MRR’s indoor events and on the shuttle buses transporting runners and spectators to the race on Thanksgiving morning.
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The Manchester Road Race will be holding a memorial blood drive in memory of Manchester Road Race Champion Ray Crothers on Friday, November 26 from 8:30AM-4:30PM at Manchester High School - entrance to the blood bank will be in the rear of the high school. Walk-ins are welcome, but you are encouraged to contact the Red Cross at +1 (800) 733-2767 or by clicking here to make appointments in advance. Please note that donors may be asked to wait in their cars until they are called following check-in. All donors who give a pint of blood will receive a complimentary race T-shirt.
The Manchester Road Race Blood Drive is the largest blood drive in the state – last year, despite the ongoing pandemic and increase safety protocols, the community still showed up and donated 306 pints. That's 96 percent of what was donated last year!
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The East Hartford Police Department is hosting a Holiday Today Drive on Friday, November 26 from 9AM-12PM. Unwrapped, new toys and clothes can be dropped off at the TJ Maxx located at 5 Main Street.
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D'Esopo Funeral Chapel is sponsoring a food drive to benefit the Wethersfield and East Hartford Food Banks on Saturday, November 20, 9AM-12PM. Drop-off locations will be at:
- 30 Carter Street, East Hartford
- 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield
The Food Bank is currently in need of: canned soups, tuna, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, canned vegetables, boxed mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing mix, toiletries.
For additional information, call (860) 257-7635.
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Santa is visiting East Hartford next weekend! On Saturday, December 4 from 2PM-4PM at the Middle School Pool, join Santa for a splash. A special underwater camera is used - bring the whole family for a fantastic photo to use for cards. Holiday treats, crafts and coloring will be available to entertain you in case Santa’s line gets long. This event is FREE with a new, unwrapped toy.
Please note: If your child cannot swim, you must provide them with a Coast Guard Approved lifejacket, and an adult must remain at arm's length of the child in the pool. An adult is required to be in the water with all non-swimmers and children ages 6 and under. American Red Cross certified lifeguards will be on deck.
And, on Sunday, December 5 from 10AM-3:30PM at the Community Cultural Center meet Santa and his helpers for an array of holiday activities. This event is FREE with a non-perishable food donation.
Pre-registration is required for time slots and spaces are limited – register now by clicking here. Please register participating children only.
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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
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