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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
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| Friends and Neighbors,
With the bang of the gavel, the 2022 legislative session came to a close last Wednesday, May 4 at the stroke of midnight, sine die, the end, until next year. It was a particularly productive session, with over 200 bills voted on in the House of Representatives to address climate change, expand access to voting, expand access to healthcare, and so much more. One of the most significant bills we passed this session was the state budget. This budget makes revisions, or rather midterm adjustments, to the biennial state budget we passed in June 2021 to meet the current moment of need in our state.
After months of negotiation and hearing input from residents in-district and across our state, the House of Representatives and Senate sent the state budget proposal to Governor Lamont, who signed it into law yesterday. This budget package provides $600 million in tax relief for so many residents in Connecticut and makes essential investments in our schools, municipalities, nonprofits, child care providers, and more. While we’ve provided both savings and approved expenditures to address a number of matters in the coming year, we must remain cognizant of decisions that may need to be made in the out years regarding the state’s priorities. You can learn more about how the $24 billion budget funds key state and local services, programs, and more in the "At the Capitol, In District, and Beyond" section.
While the budget offers tax relief for our residents, it also responds to the draft U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade leaked early last week and the recent wave of transphobic legislation targeting transgender youth and their families, and anyone who provides gender-affirming care.
Although the SCOTUS decision is in draft form, it suggests the Supreme Court will overturn the landmark case, ending nearly 50 years of legal precedent and leaving it up to individuals states to regulate access to abortion services. With nearly half of states positioned to ban or restrict access to these services inside and outside of their borders, it's crucial that our state take a proactive stance to safeguard access to these services.
The budget includes language that sets Connecticut's status as a refuge for out-of-state residents who are seeking abortion care services in Connecticut as well as transgender youth and their families who may be displaced by anti-LGBTQ legislation that potentially criminalizes gender-affirming care. Lawmakers in Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arizona have introduced bills that would make it a crime for anyone who provides gender-affirming care.
This language protecting trans youth originated out of the need to protect those seeking reproductive health services. The language clearly defines gender-affirming care and protects health care providers and youth and their families from being prosecuted in other states for receiving gender-affirming care in Connecticut.
Connecticut leads as more than a dozen other states are working towards offering these vital protections for trans youth and their families. As lawmakers in other states take steps backwards to enact discriminatory policy that burdens our trans community, I'm proud to see Connecticut is taking strides to increase protections for all our residents. |
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To stay up-to-date with everything happening in Hartford, click the "At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond" link below, but also please check out the other subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
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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| With the recent uptick in positive tests, not including those testing at home, but more importantly the rise in hospitalizations, we once again are asking that our friends, family, and neighbors consider using all the tools at their reach in combatting this wave. Information for testing, vaccine clinics, and those who are homebound and need assistance are noted below. We must be in this together. |
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Overall Summary
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Cumulative
(except for hospital census)
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Past 7 days*
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Positive PCR/NAAT Tests
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836,495
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+8,741
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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14,196,628
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+70,577
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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12.39%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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316
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+80
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*This column indicates all PCR/NAAT tests by specimen collection date from the past 7 days. Hospitalizations over the past 7 days indicates the change in the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over that period.
Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 10,858.
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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 |
12,975 |
198 |
219,392 |
16,334 |
| Manchester |
10,799 |
188 |
212,583 |
13,194 |
| South Windsor |
4,172 |
66 |
77,381 |
4,875 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| Vaccines continue to be effective tools in protecting residents from severe COVID-19 infections. To get vaccinated or your booster, please click here to locate vaccination sites in our community.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Wednesday, May 11
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Saturday, May 14
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., for ages 5+
- Tuesday, May 17
- Stone Academy, 745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
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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| Testing remains a vital strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 should get tested. There are several drive-up and walk-up test sites in our area for residents who need a COVID-19 test now. Click the links below to find sites near you.
East Hartford
Manchester
South Windsor |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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The final days of the 2022 session were last week! The House convened Monday through Wednesday, May 4, the last day of the session, to vote on numerous bills to advance our state. Curious about what we passed in the people's House? Click the buttons below for slide decks that highlight some of the bills we passed. You'll find a brief explanation about what the bill would accomplish and a link to read the full text of the bill. Each graphic shows the bill's progress in the legislative process.
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| You can find a full list of bills that have been passed in the House and Senate this session, as well as if the governor has signed, here. |
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Budget Breakdown: By the Numbers
To help you understand exactly what is contained in the budget and how it will support you and your family, I want to share the following summary: |
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| State Funding for Our Towns
East Hartford
- $71,671,079 in total funding for the 2023 fiscal year
- $58,611,300 for East Hartford Public Schools - increased education aid by over $1 million will help cover the cost of magnet school tuition
- $3,280,367 for PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Local Property Taxes)
- $600,000 to expand school-based health centers in four schools
Manchester
- $47,103,904 in total funding for the 2023 fiscal year
- $41,130,988 for Manchester Public Schools - increased education aid by over $1 million will help cover the cost of magnet school tuition
- $980,303 for PILOT
- $5.5 million for planning and building a new public library
- $100,000 for Pathfinders Association
- $27,811,640 for Keeney Elementary School renovation - this reflects a reimbursement of 83.77% and will address any increased construction costs
South Winsor
- $14,363,092 in total funding for the 2023 fiscal year
- $11,408,078 for South Windsor Public Schools
- $142,250 for PILOT
- $100,000 for South Windsor Riverfront Linear Park Study and Planning
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State Budget Overview
- Cuts state income taxes for retirees
- Lowers property taxes on homes
- Increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit workers in low-paying jobs
- Establishes the first state child tax credit for income-eligible taxpayers for $250 per child up to 3 dependent children under age 16
- Extends 25-cent cut to gas tax and extends free bus service until December
- Makes a historic $3.5 billion payment to CT's pension debt, saving taxpayers considerable money
- Provides a significant tax break for businesses on unemployment insurance
- Caps local motor vehicle property tax rate at 32.46 and gives towns a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement corresponding with changes in revenue loss. For a car assessed at $21,000, residents could see the following potential savings on their car tax bill:
- East Hartford (current mill rate: 45 mills): Potential savings of $263.34 for car assessed at $21,000
- Manchester (current mill rate: 36.52 mills): Potential savings of $85.26 for car assessed at $21,000
- South Windsor (current mill rate: 37.86 mills): Potential savings of $113.4 for car assessed at $21,000
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The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) published its legislative wrap-up, which covers some of the highlights and missed opportunities from the 2022 legislative session. In addition to the comprehensive update, CBIA publishes issue-specific overviews, like the small manufacturer apprenticeship tax credit and revisions to the state budget. As House Chair of the legislature's Commerce Committee, I had the pleasure of working closely with CBIA and the greater business community to lead the passage of a number of proposals that support our businesses, both small and large, while focusing on strategies to get people back to work and prepare the next generation of workers for in-demand careers. Just a few of the bills I want to highlight are below:
- The state budget included many bills the Commerce Committee passed to bolster workforce development initiatives including:
- SB 351: Creates a study into extending research and development tax credits to pass-through entities
- SB 102: Requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to provide the Release-Based Working Group a copy of the regulations prior to posting notice on the eRegulations portal.
- HB 5266: Shifts responsibility to the Office of Workforce Strategy’s chief workforce officer to develop a model student work release policy by July 1, 2023.
- SB 98: Extends the manufacturing apprenticeship tax credit to pass-through entities.
- HB 5127: Creates the JobsCT Tax Rebate Program.
- SB 228: Designates the State Department of Education and the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship Training as the administrator of the Pipeline for Connecticut's Future Program. This program helps students obtain occupational licenses, apprenticeships, immediate job skills, industry specific class time, and cooperative work placement.
- SB 103: Expands the use of Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority Loans to include certificate programs that are crucial to the manufacturing workforce pipeline.
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The draft opinion leaked last week suggests that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the half-century-old judgment that protects the right to an abortion. Although expected, this opinion questions the future of reproductive healthcare in the United States. The logic of the opinion also leaves a chilling effect on the future protections of same sex marriage, other LGBTQ rights, and contraception.
If Roe is struck down, nearly half of the states are positioned to ban or restrict access to abortion, with some states enacting laws to ban or burden such care outside of their borders.
I am proud to say that during the 2022 Legislative Session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which legally protects medical providers and patients traveling to Connecticut seeking abortion care. This legislation also allows for advanced practitioners for whom abortion care is part of their scope of practice to perform abortions.
Roe V. Wade was codified into the Connecticut Constitution in 1990, but now with its fate looming, the legislature has provided a safeguard protecting that right to an abortion and protecting a person's right to choose. Governor Lamont has signed this legislation into law, putting Connecticut at the forefront of protecting reproductive rights.
During these terrifying and confusing times, I will continue to fight for the right to choose, protect practitioners and keep Connecticut a safe place for all. |
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| Last week, the House of Representatives, in a bipartisan effort, overwhelmingly passed SB 350, recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday.
The bill now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.
Juneteenth is the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The day is also sometimes called "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day," or "Emancipation Day."
On June 19, 1865, about two months after the American Civil War, Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the war had ended. This announcement came two and half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
We cannot understate the importance of Juneteenth. It is a celebration of resilience, of culture and American history. It is emblematic of freedom for African Americans and for us all. Shockingly, or maybe not to most, it was repeated on the floor and many conversations before and after, that most did not recall learning about this day while in school. This will now remain a reminder of how far our country has come, and how far we still have to go.
On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became the 11th Federal holiday when President Biden signed it into law.
With the governor's signature, Connecticut will be among a handful of states in distinguishing Juneteenth as a state holiday. |
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WrapCT is part of the Connecting to Care network and emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing mental and behavioral health changes for children and family. It puts children and family at the center of care and surrounds them with a support network of providers, community members, and more to support them and help them achieve their goals. Click here to learn more.
In addition to WrapCT, here are additional resources if you or someone you know is in need of support:
- Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 911, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24 hour, 7 day a week free service to have your child immediately evaluated by a mental health professional. NOTE: If calling by cell phone, 2-1-1 can also be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.
- NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.
- The State of Connecticut has several mental health resource. Find the list here.
- The Connecticut Children's Behavioral Health Toolkit also has helpful resources for children experiencing a mental health crisis.
- State Rep. Liz Linehan's website also has helpful mental health resources for children.
- CHR Health can help young adults and teens who may be struggling with substance use disorder through a comprehensive network of support. For more information about CHR's Substance Screening and Treatment Recovery services, click here.
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| Although the rate of suicide in young people is lower than the rate of suicide in adults, in 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death among U.S. adolescents. Studies analyzing suicide risk have found that overall, more sexual minority and gender minority adolescents will attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual and cis-gender peers. There are resources for LGBTQ adolescents who may need support. |
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| Seniors in Connecticut who have been the victim of a scam, or have been neglected, exploited, or abused can call the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General Elder Justice Hotline at 860-808-5555 for assistance. Elder justice issues can range from age-based discrimination in the workplace to scams and frauds, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This hotline can provide information and connect callers to helpful resources and services. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are calling after hours should leave a message with their name and phone number, and their call will be returned as soon as possible. Residents who are calling after hours can also call the 2-1-1 infoline. For more information about the Elder Justice Hotline, please click here. |
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| For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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| Pride Month is just around the corner, kicking off on June 1, 2022. Below is a snapshot of Pride celebrations happening in our region and around the state.
Is your organization holding a Pride event? Send me an email at Jeff.Currey@cga.ct.gov with the details and I'll include it in this newsletter! |
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| The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law takes steps to bridge gaps in access to broadband internet. Among other items, the law created the Affordable Connecticut Program, which helps eligible households save $30 a month on their internet bills. Some households on qualifying Tribal lands will be eligible to save up to $75 on their monthly internet bill. Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer with a co-payment between $10 and $50.
I Qualify, How Do I Apply?
Eligible households can complete an application online, by mail, or by contacting their current internet provider.
- Apply online here
- Apply by mail
ACP Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
- Contact your internet company Ask your internet company if they participate in the ACP or use the online tool here to locate a participating company. Participating companies can help you apply for this program.
To learn more about this program and the application process, please click here. |
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| Access Health CT recently launched a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for households earning at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Individuals who are eligible for HUSKY cannot use this period to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. The SEP will continue as long as the American Rescue Plan Act remains in effect. The law is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may be extended beyond that date.
Residents can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan during the SEP by calling the Access Health CT Call Center at 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired can use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact Access Health CT with a relay operator. To learn more about the SEP, eligibility requirements, and more, please click here. |
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| The Hartford Times, Health Equity Solutions, and the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity are teaming up to offer a series of trainings to community members on racial equity, racial equity tools, and how these can be implemented in our state to combat bias in our state policies. The workshops are offered free-of-charge. To learn more about these trainings and to register, please click here. |
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| On Wednesday, May 25, the East Hartford Senior Services Division is inviting all East Hartford veterans to a Memorial Day Picnic. The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Milbrook Dr. Lunch will include hamburgers, hotdogs, macaroni salad, baked beans, and cookies for dessert. After lunch, there will be live music at 1 p.m. with a performance from Ashly Cruz, who performs a Party Cabaret Show with music from the 50's and 60's. Registration for this event is required. The cost to attend is $5. For additional details or to register, please call the East Hartford Senior Center at 860-291-7295. |
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| On Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Firehouse No. 1 in East Hartford, the East Hartford Town Clerk's office is sponsoring a Low-Cost/No-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic in partnership with Dr. Linda Kane, Veterinarian of the East Hartford Animal Clinic, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. This clinic is open to all. There are no residency requirements. The fee is $20, cash only. Pet owners who receive public assistance can have one pet vaccinated at no charge if they show their State Public Assistance Identification Card. To learn more, please call the Town Clerk's Office at 860-291-7230. |
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| The Town of South Windsor will also hold a Low Cost Rabies Clinic on Saturday, May 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fire Headquarters - Company One, 1175 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. The cost is $20 per animal, cash only. Written proof of prior vaccination is required for a 3-year certificate. Without written proof, vaccinations will be good for 1 year. Residents who have questions can call South Windsor Animal Control at 860-648-6239. |
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| The town of Manchester's 2nd Annual Butterfly Stroll in Downtown Manchester is scheduled for May 14. Take a stroll down Main Street in Manchester to view spring and butterfly-inspired creations on display in planters. If you find the special butterfly, you'll be entered into a raffle. In addition to the Butterfly Stroll, there will be games, activities, and crafts at the Manchester Green Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a large outdoor market featuring local artisans at The Market at 1115 Main St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this great family-friendly event, please click here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| East Hartford Youth Services is holding a planting event on Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Goodwin Elementary School Garden. Participants will be able to earn service learning hours. To register for this event, click here. |
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| The YWCA New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service and East Hartford CONNects Resident Advisory Council are offering a virtual conversation for parents and caregivers on how to keep their children safe on social media. The discussion is scheduled for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. During the event, parents and caregivers will learn about the most popular social media apps children are using, app safety features, and way to prevent cyber-predators. You can register for this virtual event here. |
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| The Manchester Public Library is offering a Middle School Night for Manchester students in grades 6 through 8 on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the Middle School Nights, participants will be able to play a variety of computer and video games with other middle schoolers. To learn more, please click here. |
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| South Windsor middle schoolers who want to get outside, connect with nature, or relieve stress can join the South Windsor Teen Center's Strides for Positive Vibes every first Wednesday at Nevers Park or every third Wednesday at Major Donnelly Lan Preserve from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more and to register, please call Danielle at 860-648-6360. |
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WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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| East Hartford businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 can access helpful resources through the Town of East Hartford's COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program. The program will provide financial grants, reimbursements, or in-kind services to counteract the adverse impacts of the pandemic. The Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is administered by the Town of East Hartford’s Development Office, with assistance from the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce. It is intended to help businesses and the community become stronger and prosper. Grants may be used for hiring of new employees, physical plan/infrastructure expansion, new equipment purchase, or facade renovations. For additional details and to start the application, please click here. The deadline to apply is April 28, 2023. If you have questions, please reach out to Jay Margnelli at 860-578-3254 or jay@crvchamber.org. |
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| Starting today through Wednesday, July 20, there will be lane closures on Route 2 from Columbus Boulevard to OP Pitkin Street in East Hartford and SR 500 from the I-84 Access Ramp to Governor Street. The work schedule will be Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. This project consists of bridge joint removal, milling, and resurfacing. For further details, including detour information, please click here. |
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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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| The State of Connecticut is hiring! You can find a variety of seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions. There are jobs open to members of the public as well as those already employed at a state agency or organization. You can find a full list of openings here. |
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| Game on!
It's spring 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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| 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 this session here.
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