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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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CT DOL Reports 10th Consecutive Month of Job Growth
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Last week, Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) announced that the state added another 5,300 jobs in October, marking the 10th consecutive month of job growth. While there is still work needed to be done to regain the jobs lost during the pandemic shutdown, the data is positive. October's report shows Connecticut has now regained 72.8 percent of the 292,400 jobs lost during the COVID-19 shutdown. And, even better, the report showed that professional, scientific, and technical service sectors have regained all the jobs lost during the pandemic.
The unemployment rate continues to move in the right direction as well coming in at 6.4 percent in October. That rate is down 0.4 percent from September, the 5th month of unemployment rate declines. While we continue to be cautious and watch these number closely in the coming months, this is great news pointing towards a stable economic recovery as we begin to close out 2021.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT's Fiscal Outlook is Bright as State Pays Down Debt
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As a result of sound fiscal policy, Connecticut has slowed its trend of rising debt. With over $1.6 billion in supplemental payments to its pension funds, our state has slowed debt growth to under 2.5 percent. Additionally, budget surpluses averaging over $1.5 billion are projected for both this fiscal year and next. With stronger pensions funds coupled with a well-performing stock market, I am optimistic about the state's finances provided we continue to maintain the fiscal discipline that has put our state on this path.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT Reapportionment Committee Approves State Senate Redistricting Map
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On Tuesday, Connecticut's bipartisan Reapportionment Commission voted unanimously to approve a Connecticut Senate redistricting map. The vote came about a week after the commission approved the state House redistricting map. This vote was the second of three maps, our state's Congressional map will be next. The commission will be seeking an extension from the Connecticut Supreme Court to continue working on the Congressional map beyond the November 30th deadline. This extension has been granted in the previous cycles and will provide the time necessary to reach a bipartisan agreement.
This process occurs every 10 years to ensure our state's legislative and congressional districts follow the principle of one person, one vote so each vote carries the same weight.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Increase in CT Students Seeking Mental Health Care
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Connecticut is experiencing a children's mental health crisis. Admissions to emergency rooms across our state have steadily increased through the school year as parents sought mental health assistance for their children. Last month, the General Assembly's Children's Committee hosted a children's mental health panel to discuss resources for parents and guardians to access care for their child and initiatives to strengthen the state's mental health care system.
To expand social-emotional support in schools, the state Department of Education is using $1.1 billion in funds through the American Rescue Plan for one-on-one counseling, hiring more school psychologists, social workers and nursing staff. The state Department of Education partnered with Aperture Education in March to conduct a social and emotional learning assessment for schools to determine which social-emotional supports will benefit students the most.
Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation that creates a task force to analyze strategies to expand access to school-based health centers. The task force will submit its recommendations to the legislature in early 2022.
If you or someone you know needs mental health crisis intervention services, please visit the CT 2-1-1 website, here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The Oldest Congregational Church in America
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As the oldest continuously active Congregational church in the United States, the First Congregational Church of Windsor, Connecticut has celebrated more anniversaries than nearly any other U.S. church.
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As with other contested American “firsts,” historical context is key: the Windsor congregation considers its founding date to be in the spring of 1630, when a group of 140 Puritans incorporated themselves as a church congregation in Plymouth, England before sailing to the New World. After living in the community of Dorchester in the new colony of Massachusetts, the congregation traveled southwest to the new town of Windsor along the Connecticut river.
Their first meetinghouse was a wooden building in the middle of the defensive palisade that surrounded the settlement of Windsor. The fourth meetinghouse was built in 1794 and still stands today. The congregation is now known as First Church in Windsor, United Church of Christ. Now well into its fourth century, First Church remains an active pillar of the Windsor community. A venerable and prayerful history remembered, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about America's oldest congregational church and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Deadline Approaching to Submit 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 encouraging 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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Traffic Alert: DOT Announces Permanent Closure of 5B Ramps
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is announcing the permanent closures of both the Route 2 Eastbound Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp and the Route 2 Westbound Cambridge Drive On-Ramp (Exits 5B). The following ramps will be permanently closed starting December 2, weather permitting:
- Route 2 Eastbound (EB) Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp (Exit 5B)
- Route 2 Westbound (WB) Cambridge Drive On-Ramp (Exit 5B)
The permanent ramp closure is necessary for Route 2 improvements associated with extending the acceleration and deceleration lanes in vicinity of the ramp closures, providing intersection improvements on Main Street at the Main Street off-ramp (Exit 5A) intersection, and improvements at the intersection of Main Street and Maple Street/Broad Street in East Hartford.
Alternate routes are as follows:
Traffic entering Route 2 Westbound via the Cambridge Drive On-Ramp can use the following alternate on-ramps:
- Maple Street Route 2 WB On-Ramp (0.4 miles south of Cambridge Drive) – Sutton Avenue to Main Street south to Maple Street
- High Street Route 2 WB On-Ramp (0.6 miles north of Cambridge Drive) – Sutton Avenue to Main Street north to Brewer Street to West Brewer Street
Traffic exiting Route 2 Eastbound via the Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp may use the following alternate off-ramps:
- Exit 5C Maple Street EB Off-Ramp (0.4 miles south of Sutton Avenue) – Maple Street to Main Street to Sutton Avenue
- Exit 5A High Street EB Off-Ramp (0.6 miles north of Sutton Avenue) – High Street to Carter Street to Main Street to Sutton Avenue
Motorists should exercise caution and allow additional time for their trip as these closures are implemented. For the weekly construction schedule, click here.
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FAQ About Manchester's Revaluation
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Do you have questions about Manchester's recent revaluation process? The Town has assembled a Frequently Asked Questions guide to help you understand the process. Find answers in the above graphic, or a more detailed FAQ guide by clicking here.
If you still have questions, please contact the Office of Assessment & Collection by visiting Town Hall Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM, by calling (860) 647-3016 or (860) 647-3011 or by email at collector@manchesterct.gov.
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Team Menard & Team Lavoie Face Off at 1st Annual EHHS Basketball Alumni Game
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Get ready to start a new community tradition as Team Menard and Team Lavoie face off at the 1st Annual East Hartford High School Basketball Alumni game on Friday, December 10 at 7PM. Adults tickets are $5 with non-perishable item, $10 without a non-perishable item; Student tickets are free with school ID and $5 without non-perishable item and school ID; Children are free with one non-perishable item. For more information, click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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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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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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The Town of Manchester's Neighborhoods & Families Division will host the inaugural indoor "Shop Small Saturday" at the Spruce Street Farmer's Market (160 Spruce Street) on Saturday, November 27 from 9AM-1PM. Local vendors will include farmers, prepared food vendors, and artisans to get your holiday shopping or baking season started!
In addition to the market’s slate of various local vendors, the Spruce Street Farmers Market also accepts SNAP/ETB. The market will double up to $10 in SNAP benefits (spend $10 and receive an additional $10 for fresh produce). For more information and a list of vendors, click here.
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Manchester Public Library is offering a great opportunity for children to practice their reading skills on Wednesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 8 at 3:30PM. Andy, Grant, and Tori (pictured above!) are registered therapy dogs and reading education assistance dogs! They are very experienced with children and great listeners. This program is available for children in preschool to Grade 4 – registration is required. Register now by calling (860) 645-0577 or visit the Children's Room at the Library. For more information, click here.
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Join the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation for a free Leisure Labs Open House and Demo Night on Thursday, December 2, 6PM-8PM. All are welcome to attend and learn about the exciting programs available at the recently revamped Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center. In addition, participants will be able to register for programs demoed at the Open House day-of for a 25% discount. To learn more, click here.
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Get in the holiday spirits with the East Hartford Parks & Recreation Department on Friday, December 3, 6PM-8PM on the East Hartford Town Green. Join in the fun with holiday carol sing-along, a visit from Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a special visit from Santa delivered directly from the North Pole on an East Hartford Fire truck! Cookies and hot chocolate will be on hand to keep you warm and cozy. This is a free event, open to everyone.
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Get ready for four days of event consisting of over 25 various fun events ranging between crafts and book sales, carol signing and Christmas Fair at the East Hartford Holiday Fest beginning on Friday, December 3 and running through Monday, December 6. Holiday Fest is annually organized by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and is supported by many local civic, community and town organizations. The Holiday Fest cater to all ages, most activities are free and open to the public.
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Join Propel East Hartford for a simple, sociable, and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Living Room Conversation sessions will gather 4-6 people via Zoom for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others. Register for the session that best fits your schedule:
- Wednesday, December 1, 6:30PM-8PM
- Thursday, December 2, 6:30PM-8PM
- Friday, December 3, 10AM-11:30AM
- Monday, December 6, 6:30PM-8PM
- Tuesday, December 7, 2PM-3:30PM
No preparation required. To join the Propel mailing list to stay updated on future events or to get more information, email Sarah Kline Morgan at smorgan@easthartfordct.gov.
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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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