State Capitol Update for the Week of Jan. 17
January 24, 2022Today is the 49th Anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court case that ensured access to safe, legal abortion across the country. Given recent Supreme Court rulings, this landmark precedent (upheld by a string of decisions since) is precarious at best, and it seems likely that by the end of the current Supreme Court term it will be overturned or gutted: we may not get the chance to celebrate its 50th anniversary. In anticipation of its demise, states throughout the country have been passing abortion restrictions into law, with 20 or more states poised to ban the procedure entirely.
In 1990 Connecticut codified the holding in Roe into state law so that even if the case is overturned, residents of our state will continue to have access to full range of options for their reproductive health. Today my colleagues in a newly formed Reproductive Rights Caucus met to pledge to work together to protect those rights, ensuring that reproductive care is affordable and accessible and that the actions of other states do not stretch into our borders.
This week feels as if it has been one solid zoom session, changing the participants and topics every hour or so. I’ve had briefings from the Chairs of Transportation, Public Health, Banking, Finance, Appropriations, Children, and Environment Committees, and provided a briefing to my colleagues on the committee I chair (Public Safety & Security). I’ve met with Boards of Education, the Litchfield Farm Bureau, the Rural Caucus, early childhood education providers, police chiefs, and many other advocates about their legislative priorities this year. We’ve gotten used to the fact that the “Legislative Breakfast,” a fixture of years past that local organizations hold for regional legislators to talk policy, now just feature a picture of bacon and eggs on a screen. Well, maybe not entirely used to that – the Litchfield Farm Bureau dinner traditionally features locally produced food prepared by our own Theresa Freund of Freund’s Farm, so the digital version is definitely a weak substitute!
I’ve also been preparing for two information forums that the committee I chair will hold prior to the start of session on February 9. The first is the regular forum on gaming, which we will hold on Monday, January 24 – given the major expansion we passed last year, legalizing sports betting and online casino gaming, it’s important to check in to see whether the regulatory process is working as anticipated.
The second is a forum on Mental Health and Law Enforcement, which we will hold on February 8. We ask a lot of our police officers, and the job entails both mental and physical strain which takes a toll. Interactions with people suffering from mental health crises are an increasing part of their job, and I believe that can’t do that well if we’re not making sure their own mental health is cared for, just as regularly and ordinarily as their physical health. Preparing for this has given me the opportunity to speak with many people engaged with this important work, and I look forward to addressing the issues.
Finally, I want to put in a plug for a couple of local journalists who regularly provide a reliable source of information on local events with warmth, humor, and long experience and perspective in the region. If you want to hear what’s going on in the week ahead, check on Marshall Miles and Ruth Epstein’s “Republic-American Report” on Robin Hood Radio every Monday. They’re an excellent company.
Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- Governor Lamont's Executive Order requires visitors show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result at Nursing Homes. Click Here
- Weekly COVID-19 Data. Click Here.
- Access Health CT launches Broker Academy. Click Here
- Great Mountain Forest Winter Lecture Series with CT Fish and Wildlife.
- Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol. Click Here
- COVID-19 Testing and Visitation Policy at Sharon Hospital. Click Here
- CT Distributes 3.1 million COVID-19 self-tests in the last two weeks. Click Here
- Agreement reached with disability rights groups on distribution of COVID-19 rapid tests and N95 mask. Click Here
- Providing information to Connecticut residents. Click Here
Nursing Homes to require visitors show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test result
Governor Lamont has issued an executive order (Executive Order No. 14F) directing all nursing homes in Connecticut to require visitors to either show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recently tested negative for the virus in order to enter the facilities.
Specifically, when entering nursing homes, visitors must:
- Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and, if eligible, under FDA or CDC guidance, have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster;
- Provide paper or electronic proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from either a rapid antigen test that was completed within the previous 48 hours or a PCR test that was completed within the previous 72 hours; or
- Take a rapid antigen test at the nursing home.
The order requires nursing homes to deny entrance to any visitor that tests positive for COVID-19 or who refuses to take a rapid antigen test. The order further provides, according to guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, that a nursing home cannot deny entrance to any visitor who is willing to take a rapid antigen test but is unable to do so because the nursing home is not able to provide a rapid antigen test.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health plans on distributing 50,000 rapid antigen tests to all nursing homes. These are to be used exclusively to facilitate safe visitation. Distribution will begin on Friday, January 21, 2022.
The order takes effect on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Click here for weekly COVID-19 data.
Bi-weekly update on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes
The following documents contain the bi-weekly data regarding each of the nursing homes in Connecticut that have reported positive cases of COVID-19. The data is presented as it was reported to the state by each of the facilities. These reports are issued every other Thursday.
**Download: Report from January 20, 2022, on COVID-19 in Connecticut nursing homes
For graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
0 rapid antigen tests to all nursing homes. These are to be used exclusively to facilitate safe visitation. Distribution will begin on Friday, January 21, 2022.
Access Health CT launches Broker Academy, aiming to reduce health disparities and the number of uninsured
Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance exchange, is launching its Broker Academy, a first-of-its-kind program aiming to reduce health disparities and the number of uninsured people in the state. The program will create a pathway to license health insurance brokers by recruiting and building the skillsets of people who live and work in historically underserved communities throughout Connecticut. It begins June 1, 2022, with recruitment currently underway for cohorts in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and their surrounding areas.
As indicated in Access Health CT’s research on health disparities and social determinants of health in Connecticut, despite the state’s high ranking in wealth and health there are substantial disparities in the health status of – and in the healthcare delivered to – lower-income Connecticut residents, particularly among people of color.
Broker Academy candidates will receive free training, a three-month apprenticeship with an experienced broker, professional development and program support.
Community collaboration is essential to the success of the Broker Academy. Representatives of community organizations interested in recruiting qualified candidates or a licensed broker who would like to serve as a mentor should send an email to AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age; a resident of Bridgeport, Hartford, or New Haven (or surrounding areas); have a high school diploma or GED; supply between one to three professional reference letters; submit a personal statement on why they would be a good fit for this program; have a demonstrated history of community involvement or service; and have strong communication and customer service skills. Anyone with questions can send an email to AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov for more information.
The Broker Academy application will be available online at AccessHealthCT.com beginning Friday, January 21, 2022. Anyone who does not have access to a computer can visit one of Access Health CT’s Navigator sites for more information and to apply:
- Project Access New Haven: 63 York Street, New Haven, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Community Renewal Team: 300 Market Street, Hartford, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Great Mountain Forest is presenting its winter lecture series with Connecticut Fish and Wildlife on Saturday, February 5, from 4:00 – 5:30pm at the Falls Village Children’s Theater (103 Main Street, Falls Village).
Are you curious about moose in our region? Moose biologist Andrew LaBonte will discuss the historical presence of moose in Connecticut and future expectations. There will be a reception following the lecture. Keep in mind there will be COVID protocols in place to protect those in attendance (proof of vaccination and masks required). Registration is also required due to limited space. Get more information.
Due to trends in the forecast indicating that temperatures in Connecticut will generally average about 10 degrees below normal for the next two weeks, Governor Lamont is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol – which he activated on Friday, January 14 – to remain in effect through noon on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. It was originally set to expire on Wednesday, January 19.
Current forecasts are indicating that over the next two weeks, highs in the state are generally expected to be in the 20s, with lows in the single digits or teens. At times, the state may experience a few arctic outbreaks during which highs may only reach about 10 degrees, and lows dipping to between -10 and -20 degrees.
The purpose of the severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter, including transportation to shelters.
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
COVID-19 Testing and Visitation Policy at Sharon Hospital
To schedule an appointment for Sharon Hospital’s drive-through testing site (located at the rear Wound Care Center entrance), call Central Scheduling at (845) 790-8855. A physician order is required.
Inpatient Behavioral Health: visitation is paused on all inpatient behavioral health units. Rare exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be determined and communicated to the patient and family only by the treating provider.
Maternity Department: in-person maternity tours are paused. One support person and a trained and fully vaccinated doula can accompany obstetric patients during antepartum, labor, delivery and postpartum care.
Connecticut has distributed 3.1 million COVID-19 self-tests in the last two weeks
The State of Connecticut has distributed a total of 3.1 million COVID-19 self-tests over the last two weeks.
Since December 31, 2021, the state has delivered the following amounts:
| Recipient | Tests |
| Municipalities | 1,000,000 |
| K-12 students and teachers | 1,420,000 |
| Early childhood providers | 164,000 |
| State employees / PNPs | 214,000 |
| Faith-based organizations | 154,000 |
| Residents and clients of congregate settings | 49,000 |
| Foodshare | 37,000 |
| Homebound vaccinations | 8,000 |
| K-12 bus drivers | 11,000 |
| Center for Disability Rights | 5,000 |
| Undocumented residents | 6,000 |
| Seasonal farm workers | 9,000 |
| Incarcerated population | 10,000 |
| Public college and university students | 13,000 |
| TOTAL | 3,100,000 |
The Lamont administration anticipates receiving deliveries in the coming days of thousands more self-tests that it has ordered, and the state will continue distributing them as they arrive in Connecticut.
Procurement and distribution of the tests by the state has been overseen by the Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Department of Administrative Services, and the Connecticut National Guard. In addition, the State Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Housing has provided support for test distribution to the communities each of those respective state agencies serve.
Agreement reached with disability rights groups on distribution of COVID-19 rapid tests and N95 masks
The Lamont administration, working in cooperation with the Office of Attorney General William Tong, has reached an agreement with Disability Rights Connecticut and Connecticut Legal Rights Project regarding the state’s ongoing distribution of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests and N95 masks.
Under the agreement, the Connecticut Department of Public Health is issuing revised guidance to towns and cities on the distribution of tests and masks. This updated guidance includes instructions on the prioritization of vulnerable populations, including those who live in congregate housing and those who have physical, mental, or intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
In addition, the administration will be providing 20,000 N95 masks (without metal in them) to the Connecticut Department of Correction for the immediate use of incarcerated individuals.
Disability Rights Connecticut and Connecticut Legal Rights Project have agreed to withdraw complaints they recently filed on this topic with the Office of Civil Rights and the United States Department of Justice.
Providing information to Connecticut residents
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.
State Representative