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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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Alongside the Governor, we introduced a $24.2 billion state budget package that makes historic tax cuts, invests in our children's future, and supports working and low-income families and residents. The comprehensive package includes:
- Affordable Childcare – funds more childcare for infants and toddlers and increases college tuition assistance.
- Help for Working Families – provides immediate tax breaks for working families through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
- Help for CT Homeowners – increases the property tax credit from $200 to $300 and expands eligibility to more homeowners.
- Support for Seniors – accelerates the phase-in of the pension and annuity income tax exemption by allowing qualifying taxpayers to deduct 100 percent of their eligible income.
- Relief for CT Drivers – extends the 25-cent gas tax cut until December, assists in purchasing EVs, and provides direct relief to residents most impacted by the car tax.
I feel that this budget meets the moment. Our state stands in better financial footing than we were even a few years ago – as we work to come out of the pandemic and continue moving forward, this budget lays out our priorities and continues our efforts to meet the needs of our communities.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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House & Senate Take Action to Combat the Kids Mental Health Crisis
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The pandemic has caused a true mental health crisis for our state's youth – according to the Connecticut Hospital Association, the number of young people waiting in emergency departments for inpatient psychiatric beds increased, with about 38 children waiting for inpatient care on any given day.
During Tuesday's session the House unanimously passed HB 5001 to build a better system that meets the needs of our youth. The comprehensive legislation is the product of months of work from a group of bipartisan legislators and mental health and pediatric professionals. With the bill, we are expanding telehealth services, creating a grant program for student mental health specialists, and developing an advisory board that will continue the conversations we've been focused on over the past couple years.
And last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill, which is likely to serve as companion piece to the House bill, that aims to address the crisis through a range of initiatives, including expanded access and hours to mobile crisis centers in the state and the creation of a fund to address certain social determinants that affect mental health like housing instability and unemployment.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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House Acts on a Bipartisan Basis to Address Juvenile Crime
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The House passed a bipartisan bill addressing juvenile crime during Thursday's session. Designed to address concerns about repeat offenders and continue reducing crime in the state, the bill would speed up arrangements for juveniles, extend the length of time a youth can be held while their criminal history is being investigated, and allow for GPS monitoring in certain instances.
Connecticut continues to be ranked among the safest state in the nation (currently ranked 4th), but like most other states, saw increases in crimes committed by youths amid the pandemic. 2020 saw an increase in car theft compared to historically low rates in 2019. Though preliminary data indicates the rate of crime is decreasing again in the state, both sides of the aisle looked to take some reasonable steps towards addressing resident's concerns.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The Man Who Saved the Constitution & Designed the U.S. Supreme Court
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Oliver Ellsworth, who played a critical role in drafting both the U.S. Constitution and designing the federal court system and U.S. Supreme Court, was born today in 1745 in Windsor. A graduate of the College of New Jersey (modern-day Princeton), Ellsworth served as Connecticut state attorney for Hartford County. In 1777, he was elected to the Continental Congress, where he served throughout the Revolutionary War.
As a Connecticut delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, Ellsworth played an especially active and crucial role. When the convention nearly foundered after being unable to agree on how states should be represented in the proposed federal Congress, he and fellow Connecticut representative Roger Sherman saved the day, and the Constitution itself. They crafted the “Connecticut Compromise” (or “Great Compromise”) that established the bicameral model for the U.S. legislative branch, featuring proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation among all states in the Senate. This protected the interests of both small and big states and made a working national government possible.
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After the Constitution was ratified, Ellsworth was elected one of Connecticut’s first U.S. senators, and served from 1789 to 1796. As senator, Ellsworth drafted and engineered passage of the Judiciary Act of 1789. It formed the federal court system – including the U. S. Supreme Court – whose functions Article III of the U.S. Constitution had only vaguely outlined. In 1796, Ellsworth was nominated by President George Washington to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, where he served with distinction for four years until ill health forced him to retire.
Ellsworth returned to his stately home in Windsor, where he died in 1807. His role in crafting the federal court system, coupled with the precedents he set as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, have earned Ellsworth lasting fame as the “Founding Father of the Supreme Court.” One of our nation’s most influential politicians and jurists, born today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Oliver Ellsworth and othering interesting CT historical figures and facts, click here.
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Manchester Recreation Summer 2022 Program & Event Guide is Here!
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The Manchester Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation Summer 2022 Program & Event Guide is here! From swim lessons to early childhood programming, youth programs, and so much more – it's sure to be an exciting summer in Manchester. Find the program guide by clicking here.
Registration begins Wednesday, May 4 at 9AM for Manchester residents – non-residents can register on Friday, May 6. Registration is available:
Online – register 24/7 by visiting the website. If you don't remember your username or password, call the recreation department at (860) 647-3084.
Over the Phone – call (860) 647-3084 and register over the phone, have your payment information ready (must use Visa or MasterCard if paying over the phone).
In-Person – register in-person at the Manchester Community Y (78 N Main Street).
For more information, click here.
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Save the Date: Low-Cost/No-Cost Rabies Clinic for Dogs & Cats
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The Town of East Hartford, in partnership with Dr. Linda Kane, Veterinarian of the East Hartford Animal Clinic, and in cooperation with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association will offer a Low-Cost/No-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs and cat on Saturday, May 21 from 10AM-12PM at the rear of Firehouse Number 1 (726 Main Street).
Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. The rabies clinic is open to all—there are no residency requirements. The fee is $20, cash only. Pet owners who are on public assistance are permitted to have one pet vaccinated at no charge by showing their State Public Assistance Identification Card to the Clinic Coordinator.
For more information, click here or contact the Town Clerk's Office at (860) 291-7230.
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation Summer Camps Registration Begins on May 12
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Summer in East Hartford will be full of summer camp programs, swim lessons, and plenty of outdoor pool programming! East Hartford Parks and Recreation Summer Camps will open on Monday, June 20 – each camp will run for 7 weeks and are open to East Hartford residents only. Camps will be held at their regular locations, with each site designated to serving a specific age group:
- Little Rec'cers Camp (4.5-6.5 years old) – Goodwin Park/Goldstar Park and Pitkin School on inclement weather days)
- Fun Day Camp (6.5-9.5 years old) – Gorman Park/Lord Pool and O’Connell School during inclement weather
- Explorers Camp (9.5-12.5 years old) – McAuliffe Park/Drennan Pool and Norris School during inclement weather
- Teen Adventure Camp (12.5-15.5 old) – Hockanum Park/Terry Pool and Hockanum School during inclement weather
- Camp Sunburst (for participants with special needs ages 6-21) – McAuliffe Park/Drennan Pool and Norris School during inclement weather
Registration for camps opens on Thursday, May 12 – get ready and learn more during the Virtual Camp Open House on Wednesday, May 11 at 7PM. To register, click here for the library’s online events calendar, or call the library at (860) 290-4330.
For more information on summer programming in East Hartford, click here.
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Connecticut Foodshare Walk Against Hunger on May 21
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Connecticut Foodshare has been a great community partner, regularly supporting the needs of both Manchester and East Hartford. Registration is now open for the Connecticut Foodshare Walk Against Hunger. The Walk will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 8AM-12PM in-person at Dunkin' Donuts. Register as individual, join a team or create your own – click here for more information or to register.
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The Walk is a fun-filled event with live entertainment and giveaways, hosted by local media personalities Renee DiNino and Scot Haney – and all for a good cause! The Walk not only benefits the work of Connecticut Foodshare, but it also benefits our amazing partner programs throughout the state.
For more information, contact Connecticut Foodshare by email at walk@ctfoodshare.org or call (203) 469-5000.
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Join the Manchester Next Planapalooza
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Join Manchester Next for a Planapalooza from Monday, May 16 to Thursday, May 19 as we work together to prepare a Plan of Conservation and Development that will protect and enhance Manchester and set a clear vision for the future.
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What is a "planapalooza"? An intense, participatory design, and public input process where you are invited to work directly with your neighbors, fellow business owners and a multidisciplinary consulting team. Planapalooza will take place at:
Presentation Location – Manchester High School Cafeteria (134 Middle Turnpike – use the Summit or Brookfield Street entrance)
Open Studio & Technical Meetings Location – WORK_SPACE (903 Main Street) *Bengali and Spanish translation services at this location and by request for additional meetings
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, May 16
10:30AM-11:30AM: Technical Meeting 1 – Conservation, Growth, & Development at WORK_SPACE
1PM-2PM: Technical Meeting 2 – Economic & Business Development at WORK_SPACE
6PM-8PM: Public Opening Presentation & Hands-On Workshop at the High School
Tuesday, May 17
10:30AM-11:30AM: Technical Meeting 3 – Transportation & Mobility at WORK_SPACE
1PM-2PM: Technical Meeting 4 – Parks, Recreation & Open Space at WORK_SPACE
2:30PM-3:30PM: Technical Meeting 5 – Sustainability & Resilience at WORK_SPACE
4PM-5PM: Technical Meeting 6 – Housing at WORK_SPACE
Wednesday, May 18
10:30AM-11:30AM: Technical Meeting 7 – Community, Cultural Resources & Downtown at WORK_SPACE
Thursday, May 19
6PM-8PM – Work-In-Progress Presentation
For more information, click here or contact Kyla Shiel at the Planning Department by phone at (860) 647-3042 or by email at, kshiel@manchesterct.gov.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The best defense against COVID-19 continues to be a good offense. It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: observe social distancing, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible or indoors, 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 or getting a booster if it's been six months since you're last COVID vaccine.
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East Hartford Residents – rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits and N95 respirators are still available for pick up at the East Hartford Health Department for East Hartford residents. Due to limited supply, the testing kits are for intended for symptomatic or exposed individuals only. Please call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324 to reserve a test kit today (limit is one per household). Please note that if you are currently experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the town asks that you request curbside pick-up at the Town Hall.
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Additionally, East Hartford’s vulnerable town residents and/or those with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to obtain the N95 masks or rapid antigen test kits should contact the Town of East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Written requests for a reasonable accommodation may be sent to health@easthartfordct.gov. Please be advised there is a limit of one test kit per household.
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A reminder for those that don't want to carry around their paper CDC cards or who lost them, CT residents can now utilize "SMART Health Cards" to securely show proof of being vaccinated. The digital card can be obtained via a QR code that you can find here. To get more info on SMART Health Cards, or how to access them and download to your smartphone device, click here.
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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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Take the stress out of studying at Manchester Community College! Experience the benefits of pet therapy before exams on Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3 from 11AM-1PM. Volunteers from Tails of Joy will be bringing their pet therapy dogs to the MCC campus at the Learning Resource Center A142. Open to the public! For more information, click here.
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Join Manchester Public Library on Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30PM to create and discuss candle making with Ajia Loomis of All Love Candles. By the end of this session, you will have your own beautiful candle to take home. Registration is required for this event and space is limited so call the library at (860) 645-0821 to reserve your spot.
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Blissful by Melissa will be hosting a yoga class for teens in grades 6-12 at Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, May 10 from 3:15PM-4PM. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel, no registration required.
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Join East Hartford Public Library and design a sweet surprise for Mother’s Day with this colorful expandable gift box! Register in advance for a supply kit, and then join the library via Zoom to craft together on Tuesday, May 3 at 3:30PM. Best suited for tweens, teens, and adults.
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Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful weather and mariachi music on the East Hartford Public Library lawn on Saturday, May 14 at 1PM. Song translations, storytelling, and cultural insights are interwoven between musical numbers in this bilingual performance for all ages, and for audience members of all cultural backgrounds. The audience will be included in the singing, dancing, handclapping, maraca-shaking, and the joyful calls or 'gritos' heard on every song.
Bring chairs or picnic blankets to sit on, as chairs will not be provided. Register by clicking here – in the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved inside the library.
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East Hartford Summer Youth Festival, Inc. is back, and thrilled to announce upcoming auditions for this summer's production of The Addams Family! Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 15 from 2PM-5PM and Monday, May 16 from 6PM-9PM at the East Hartford Community Center (50 Chapman Place). Auditions are open to all, ages 12 and older – to sign up, review the audition requirements and select a one-hour time slot on either day by clicking here. The show will run July 29 – July 31.
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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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