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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,
It's kind of mind-blowing when you stop and realize that we have only four Fridays left until we ring in 2022. We find ourselves, again, wrapping up a year that was unlike any other – a year where we felt a renewed (ahem…forced) sense of hope. We celebrated personal victories. We applauded the professional gains. We cheered for the children BACK IN SCHOOL!! At the same time, it's been rough. We watched local businesses make tough choices. We comforted those who were sick. We consoled those who lost a friend or loved one. Fortunately, at this stage of the pandemic, we have proven ways to prevent some of these heartaches and lessen the toll of COVID on humankind.
Human. Kind. Two of the easiest things to be.
So, with one month until we make our resolutions of more exercise and less candy corn (I see you judging), I hope what currently feels a little like 2020 déjà vu is simply a wakeup call for a bit more humanity and kindness. This goes well beyond COVID, but since you mentioned it (ok, that was me), new information is being thrown at us, prompting questions that have yet to be answered. We hear the word “variant” and it’s a race to see “who,” “where,” and “will I be ok?”
While we wait for these answers and recognize that there are many things out of our hands, it’s important that we control what we can for ourselves that those we don't even know. I am not a doctor. Most of you are not doctors. But they exist and generally provide us with factual information based on the most up-to-date science – a field that is fluid and respected for always discovering new information. If you have not yet been vaccinated, I ask (who am I kidding, I’m straight up begging) that you please reconsider. At the very least, please revisit the matter with your medical provider. And if you haven’t been boosted yet, don't forget to make that appointment yesterday. We’re going to get this right because there is no other choice.
Make no mistake, there will be bumps along the way. Those periods of mental and physical struggle are part of the nature and wonderment of our health. While that may sound like a glorification of being ill, it’s intended to remind us that we aren’t in control of what happens both internally and externally when we find ourselves or our loved ones sick. We recognize that additional stressors are identified during these times, often tied to the ability to support and sustain oneself, which is why I am pleased to say that we’ve set the course for removing just one of these worries.
This past week, Connecticut's landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave Program started accepting applications from Connecticut residents who want to apply for paid leave benefits. Claims are being accepted for qualifying events that are happening on or after January 1, 2022.
Under the program, which the legislature passed in 2019, eligible workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of time off work for certain qualifying events without losing income.
Connecticut is only the eighth state in the nation to enact a paid family and medical leave program. Currently, only 13% of private-sector workers in the United States have access to paid family and medical leave.
The program is administered by the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority. Applications can be submitted starting in January 2022 through the website at ctpaidleave.org or via email, fax, phone, or mail. The toll-free application hotline is 877-499-8606.
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Qualifying reasons to submit a claim include:
- Medical leave for a serious health condition including pregnancy, or serving as a bone marrow or organ donor
- Caregiver leave to care for a family member experiencing a serious health condition
- Bonding leave for a newborn child through birth, adoption, or foster care
- Family violence leave to get medical or psychological care
- Workers caring for injured military family members or a spouse’s military deployment
The amount of income replacement varies based on a worker’s earnings and is capped at 60 times the state minimum wage up to $780 per week. The combination of employer-provided benefits and benefits received under the paid leave program cannot exceed 100% of a worker’s normal weekly earnings.
For more information about the program, please visit ctpaidleave.org.
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 emaill.
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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425,275
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+863
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COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)
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12,455,104
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+16,268
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Daily Test Positivity
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--
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5.3%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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420
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+6
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Of the 420 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 332 (79%) are not fully vaccinated.
For the week beginning November 21, 2021, unvaccinated persons had a 4.5x greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 compared to fully vaccinated persons.
For the week beginning November 21, 2021, unvaccinated persons had a 31.1x greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to fully vaccinated persons.
Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 8,909.
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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 |
7,614 |
159 |
178,704 |
9,451 |
| Manchester |
6,182 |
167 |
173,285 |
7,481 |
| South Windsor |
2,138 |
58 |
60,555 |
2,507 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| Last weekend, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as a "variant of concern." Scientists are working to analyze the variant and understand how it compares to other variants. Right now, there is not enough information to determine whether Omicron is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than other variants. WHO is working with technical partners to understand Omicron's potential impact on existing countermeasures, like vaccines.
Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the Delta variant. Current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death. This is not intended to fear-monger. Data exists. It’s more of that science we talked about earlier.
If you're looking to get your first COVID-19 shot or a booster, the state Department of Public Health Mobile Vaccination Team will host vaccination clinics in our community. You can find a full list of mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics here.
Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccination location in your area, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 vaccine locator, here.
For instance, if you're close to Manchester, you can get a booster at the following locations: |
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| It's important that we all roll up our sleeves for the shot. While masking has been effective in limiting community spread of COVID-19, vaccines offer us the most protection against a severe case of the virus. This can help our health workers and hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and ultimately save lives.
Additional information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
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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| Today, Connecticut Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced he will be stepping down from the position he's held for the past 11 years, making him one of Connecticut's longest-serving statewide officials currently serving. Lembo has been diagnosed with a serious and debilitating cardiac condition that has worsened. As comptroller, Lembo oversees state payroll and state employee benefits like healthcare. He started several nationally-recognized health care reforms that helped save taxpayers hundreds of millions while improving patient outcomes. Lembo also proposed growing our budget reserves, which has helped grow the Rainy Day Fund and eliminate billions in pension debt.
Lembo is a dynamic, committed, and incredibly knowledgeable leader who's been able to help steer our state onto a better path financially. On a personal level, I thank Kevin for his time served and for what he represents to many of us. #RepresentationMatters Read the Hartford Courant's story here. |
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| During the 2021 legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that Governor Lamont signed into law to establish the Eligibility Qualifying Review Board (EQRB) to restore state veterans benefits to veterans who have an Other-Than-Honorable (OTH) discharge based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, or due to post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma.
To be eligible for state benefits, Veterans with an OTH discharge must apply and demonstrate to the EQRB that their discharge was the result of any of the above causes. Applicants who receive a favorable determination must submit all required documentation to relevant agencies. More information about the process is available on the EQRB website here.
No member of our military should face unnecessary barriers to obtaining the benefits they've earned serving our country. Read more about this here. |
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| If you receive a call about a telephone survey on the health of U.S. residents, know this is NOT a scam. When I received this call earlier this week, I reached out to the Connecticut Department of Public Health where they assured me that this is a legitimate survey being conducted by the Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System call center through the contractor ICF Macro, Inc. The survey team can be reached at 877-364-0913.
This survey is authorized by the DPH and you will see the caller ID display as 860-509-7146 "CT Department of Public Health." The survey is conducted annually to collect data on health behaviors, issues to health care access, use of preventative health services, and more. You can learn more about this initiative here. |
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| The Connecticut State Library is conducting its 2021 Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped User Survey. Data from the survey will help the library determine how to better serve patrons. The survey is anonymous and will be open until Monday, January 10, 2022. Those who would like assistance with the survey can call LBPH at 800-842-4516 or 860-721-2020. Take the survey below. |
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| The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy University of Connecticut Department of Public Policy is hosting its third forum on Youth Car Theft in Connecticut next Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The forum is directed to focus on the facts and steps our state can take to improve public safety. The third forum will explore the topic from the perspective of youth and those who serve them in and out of the justice system. Click here to pre-register for this event.
You can watch recordings of the first two forums by clicking the buttons below. |
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| The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which centers on a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The Court has upheld Roe v. Wade, which set the precedent that individuals who can become pregnant have a constitutional right to an abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy - the point when a fetus could survive outside of a pregnant individual's uterus. The State of Mississippi has argued that the Court should reverse its prior abortion decisions and let states determine whether to allow abortion.
The Court's 6-member conservative majority appeared to be open to weakening Roe v. Wade so states could ban abortions after 15 weeks, or permit individual states to make their own laws as long as those laws do not place an undue burden on those seeking abortion. It’s amazing to think 6 people, a majority of them men, will make a decision on a decision they will never make themselves.
A decision on the case is not expected until about summer 2022.
The overturn of Roe v. Wade could trigger abortion bans or severe restrictions to access in 21 states. In Connecticut however, Roe v. Wade's protections were codified in state law in 1990, so if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the case, state law would remain in place.
State leaders and advocates recognize that access to reproductive services and health care isn't equal across the state. Residents face barriers to transportation, employment, child care, and sometimes misleading medical care. During the 2021 legislative session, Governor Lamont signed a bill into law that prohibits deceptive advertising by limited services pregnancy centers. These centers do not provide abortions or emergency contraception, or referrals to these services. In order to be helped the way you want to be helped, you must know the facts first.
Connecticut has the opportunity to become a model for other states when it comes to the legal right to abortion. You can read more about Wednesday's oral arguments online on the CT Mirror and NPR websites. |
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From now until December 15, small businesses in Connecticut can obtain group health insurance regardless of the number of employees who enroll thanks to Access Health CT's Employee Participation Waiver Period. Any local small business with 50 employees or less that is not currently enrolled through Access Health CT Small Business can participate.
By waiving the minimum number of employees typically required to enroll in a small group health insurance plan, Access Health CT is offering some relief for local small businesses, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and peace of mind for their employees.
From furloughing employees to laying off non-essential staff, many small businesses in our community were forced to make tough decisions to offset the economic impact of the pandemic and may no longer qualify for the group health insurance plans outside of the waiver period because they don’t have enough employees who elect to participate. The Employment Participation Waiver Period can provide some relief for small businesses that may be struggling to provide healthcare coverage to their employees.
To learn more about how to make health insurance possible for your small business employees, visit AccessHealthCTSmallBiz.com. |
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| Vision to Learn, a nonprofit making visions services accessible, is helping East Hartford Public Schools students access glasses. In October and November, Vision to Learn conducted vision screenings for all East Hartford elementary students. Those who did not pass the screening will receive an eye exam from a licensed optometrist in Vision to Learn's mobile clinic and then will be fitted for their own pair of glasses. This partnership marks Vision to Learn's launch in Connecticut. Read more here. |
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| The Hartford Courant recently reported that in an effort to curb bullying and harassment in Manchester Public Schools, a group of parents formed a private Facebook group to discuss solutions to address the issue. In response to communications Superintendent Matt Geary received concerning the issue, Geary said during a November Manchester Board of Education meeting that he would work on a school climate and culture presentation for an upcoming Manchester Board of Education meeting.
Bullying is not a localized issue and impacts students across the state and country. In the U.S., data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates about 1 in 5 students experience bullying. In Connecticut, a 2019 survey found 17.8% of students reported being bullied in school, and 14.3% experience cyberbullying, with female students experience higher rates of both than males, LGBTQ+ students suffering at rates higher than all.
If your child or someone you know is experiencing school bullying or cyberbullying, the state Department of Education has a web page of helpful resources and organizations to help students, parents and educators. Access those resources here. |
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With winter weather approaching and heating costs rising, Connecticut residents can access energy assistance services if they need some support keeping their homes and families warm during these difficult times.
Some of the energy assistance programs available in Connecticut include:
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: This program provides winter heating cost assistance to income-eligible households regardless of their heat source. Residents should contact their local Community Action Agency to apply. Application information is available online at www.ct.gov/staywarm or by calling 2-1-1. Both homeowners and renters can be eligible.
- Nonprofit heating assistance services – Operation Fuel: Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low-to-moderate-income households that don’t qualify for CEAP or who run out of CEAP benefits. Visit operationfuel.org to learn more.
- COVID-19 Payment Plans for Utility-Heated Customers: The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has directed all regulated electric, gas, and water utilities in the state to offer COVID-19 payment plans. Residential and non-residential customers are eligible to enroll in through the end of the public health emergency declaration. These plans require no initial or down payment or demonstration of financial need; can be up to 24 months in length; and waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount. Customers can receive information on these payment plans by contacting their utility companies.
- Electric Utility Bill Assistance from UniteCT: This program provides rental and utility assistance for those financially impacted by COVID-19. UniteCT has become a model for other states by successfully delivering more than $18 million to electric customers to date to help pay down their back bills. Connecticut residents who rent their homes can apply through their electric utility company or municipal electric company. Click here to learn more.
- Moratorium on Heating Source Shut-Offs – Winter Protection Program: From November 1 through May 1, there is a moratorium in Connecticut on heating source shut-offs for eligible households. Customers should contact their utility and inquire about the Winter Protection Program, as well as other programs for which they may be eligible. More information is available from 2-1-1 or click here.
- Energy-Saving Solutions – Energize CT: This program can help customers save money on energy bills by providing advice, information, and financial incentives to make homes more energy efficient. For more information, visit energizect.com.
- Consumer Protections Regarding Third-Party Electricity Suppliers: Over the past decade, Connecticut has enacted a series of consumer protections for customers of electric suppliers, including prohibiting variable rates and giving PURA the discretion to prevent customers who were designated as “utility hardship” from being switched to electric suppliers. Just this year, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-117, which prohibits cancellation fees for residential customers who are under contract with an electric supplier and strengthens PURA’s oversight over electric suppliers.
For further guidance on energy assistance programs available in Connecticut, customers can call 2-1-1. |
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| Are you looking to get into the holiday spirit? Visit the 2nd annual Tedesco Community Light Display at 6 Elaine Drive in Rep. Genga’s district in East Hartford! The display features thousands of lights, inflatables and a giant Santa mailbox where children can send a letter to Santa. Nonperishable food items will also be collected to benefit local food pantries. For more information, click here. |
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| East Hartford Youth Services is holding fun holiday events over the next couple of weeks. From story time to cookie decorating, there's something to suit everyone's interests! For more information, click here. |
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The Town of East Hartford, the East Hartford Beautification Commission and East Hartford Parks and Recreation is hosting it's annual 2021 East Hartford Holiday Fest until Monday, December 6.
The four-day event consists of over 25 various fun events ranging between crafts and book sales, carol signing and Christmas Fair as well as the long-awaited visit from Santa. The events cater to all ages, children and adults alike. Most activities are free and open to the public. Click here for more information.
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| The Manchester Police Department, with Blue Angels Foundation, is accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts now through Monday, December 20. You can drop off your donation in the MPD front lobby located at 239 Middle Turnpike East. If you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Monge at (860) 645-5568. |
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| Want to help decorate South Windsor Parks and Recreation's trees? From now until Christmas Eve, you can bring an ornament or holiday decoration and Dec the Rec by decorating the trees on the island in the Wapping Parks and Recreation Facility parking lot! Learn more here. |
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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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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation has postponed the planned permanent closure of the Route 2 on-ramp and off-ramps at Exits 5B in East Hartford until Monday, January 17, 2022. The closure was originally planned to start on December 2, 2021. |
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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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