Over $500,000 for Woodbridge

February 11, 2022
Over the last 2 years, the Governor worked collaboratively with experts to make informed and rapid decisions, but we are now confident to turn that decision-making power over to established experts so that they - not the Governor or the legislative body - can continue working to keep our communities safe.
Late last night, we voted to recognize that the pandemic is not yet over and there is a continued need for multiple resources offered under the current executive orders, such as $32 million for SNAP benefits each month. We have prioritized this assistance for the public by voting to remain in/declare a continued state of emergency, while also taking steps to phase out other rules to transition safely into our new sense of normalcy.

The items we voted on last night were often complicated and emotionally charged.

To address the most discussed issue, masks in schools:
  • Starting February 16th, Department of Public Health (DPH) in consultation with CT State Department of Education (CSDE) will be able to make the decision to require masks in schools if they deem it necessary. The governor and the legislative body will not be part of that decision. 
  • As of right now, both DPH and CSDE have indicated that the mask mandate will be lifted on February 28th.
  • Starting February 28th, local school boards will be able to make the decision to continue a mask requirement in their district. 
  • DPH and CSDE have the ability to make this decision through June 30th - ensuring that in the case of a new variant or high transmission rate, they can pivot quickly to address the concern.
What Else We Voted On Yesterday
  1. Mask mandates controlled by municipalities
    • Unvaccinated people 2 years or older must wear a mask when indoors and when they cannot socially distance. Both CSDE and DPH have recommended to repeal a statewide mask mandate, effective February 28th. Municipalities can implement individual guidance on masking.
  2. Vaccine and booster requirements for hospital workers
    • State hospital employees must be vaccinated and boosted by March 7th. Medical and religious exemptions are permitted.
  3. Vaccine and booster requirements or negative COVID test for nursing home visitors
    • People wishing to visit nursing homes need to submit proof of vaccination and a booster vaccine, or a negative COVID test.
  4. Vaccine and booster requirements for long-term care staff
    • Long-term care facility employees must be vaccinated and boosted by March 7th. Medical and religious exemptions are permitted.
  5. Hospital staff shortages
    • The state can waive certain licensing requirements to increase the number of health care workers available to treat patients.
  6. Temporary nurse's aides program
    • DPH can temporarily hire nurse aides to make up for staffing shortages.
  7. Fund non-communal housing for people at risk
    • Agencies can provide housing for individuals facing an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. This includes survivors of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness.
  8. Waive competitive solicitation of supplies
    • Allows us to receive things like masks and other medical equipment at a fair price, avoiding price gouging.
  9. COVID-19 vaccine status disclosure
    • DPH can disclose an individual's COVID-19 vaccination record to healthcare providers in order to replace lost vaccine cards.
  10. Free COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured
    • COVID-19 vaccines and booster are free of charge for all.
  11. Landlords & Renters
    • Anyone who has a current application with UniteCT has a 30-day stay of eviction to give time to the Dept. of Housing to process the application. No new applications will be accepted after Feb. 15th.
 
$599,855 for Woodbridge
Last session, we voted on and approved the fourth round of funding designated to improve mobility and accessibility throughout our state totaling $8.2 million. I am proud and happy to announce that we secured $599,855 in grant funding for Woodbridge Bike-Walk Phase 1.

I want to make sure I also take time to thank Woodbridge First Selectwoman, Beth Heller, and Assistant Administrative Officer, Betsy Yagla, and local advocates, Kate Rozen and Charlotte Sappo, who were pivotal in requesting this funding for our community. Thank you for your continued dedication!

 
Protecting our Children
[CONTENT WARNING] - Discussion about online abuse and exploitation of children below:

On Tuesday, February 8th at 7PM, I hosted a virtual discussion on how to protect our children from the threat of online abuse and exploitation. My dear friend and founder of Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA), Roo Powell, joined the discussion offering insight on just how kids are being targeted.

As the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Children, addressing the growing concerns of online abuse and exploitation is a priority of mine in the legislature. I want to offer a special thanks to Roo for bringing a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.

If you weren't able to join the conversation, please click the button or image below to watch the recording on Facebook.

Watch Discussion
 
Upcoming Construction in Woodbridge
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin a concrete repair project on the West Rock Tunnel Route 15 in Woodbridge and New Haven beginning Monday, February 14 through Friday February 25. No work will be performed on Monday evening, February 21, 2022 due to the holiday.

Lane Closure Info

  • Expect lane closures on Route 15 in Woodbridge, New Haven and Hamden between Exit 58 (Route 34, Derby Turnpike) and Exit 60 (Route 10, Dixwell Ave).
  • From Monday evening, February 14, 2022 through Friday Morning February 18, 2022, the southbound side of the tunnel will have alternating traffic proceeding through while the northbound side of the tunnel will be closed to traffic. 
  • From Tuesday evening, February 22, 2022 through Friday Morning February 25, 2022, the northbound side of the tunnel will have alternating traffic proceeding through while the southbound side of the tunnel will be closed to traffic.
  • The night work schedule for this project is from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
 
AARP Grant
AARP Connecticut invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 22, 2022.

These grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its sixth year, the grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide 

Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live. Click here to learn more.
 
Teen Dating Violence
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Interval House is making a new toolkit available to schools and parents with free educational resources in English and Spanish.

The toolkit includes:

One in three adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse, and only 33% of those abused confide in someone about the violence.

Adults are mostly in the dark about teen dating violence as 82% of parents admit they do not know if teen dating violence is an issue. Three in five parents also cannot correctly identify all the warning signs of abuse.

If you, or someone you know, needs help please call the CT Safe Connect 24-hour hotline at (888) 774-2900 or email safeconnect@ctcadv.org or use the chat option.  All services are free and confidential.

Direct connections to Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) member organizations — such as Interval House and 17 additional local domestic violence service providers — are available through CT Safe Connect for ongoing, in-person support, in addition to other community-based resources.

By shining a light on teen dating violence, we can begin to address root causes and educate our children — and ourselves — on how to identify abuse as well as how to engage in healthy relationships.

As always, please reach out to my office if you have questions or need assistance.

 
Scam Spotlight
Avoiding scams has become nearly impossible! In an effort to protect you and keep you alert, I will continue sharing a series of short informational videos on Facebook called the Scam Spotlight.
 
Seniors have been a constant target for scammers, but there are steps you can take to not only avoid these scams, but also report them before they are far reaching. Check out this week's Scam Spotlight, which offers tips for seniors.

Be on the lookout for the next Scam Spotlight, and remember if you miss it on Facebook, visit my webpage, or click the button below.

 
Introduction to Scam Spotlight
Scam Spotlight: Small Businesses