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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,
Over the past several months, Connecticut has seen a rise in monkeypox cases with almost a quarter of the world’s cases occurring here in the United States. This virus is closest to smallpox, but is not as transmissible or deadly. While the virus is self-limiting and many people recover after a few weeks, it's important to know who's most at-risk and how we can protect one another. There have been 6,326 cases reported in the U.S., an overwhelming majority of which have been reported among men who have sex with men. While the virus can impact anyone, it's important that as states make vaccine doses available, this group is among the first to be vaccinated.
Connecticut's vaccine program had a soft launch on Monday, August 1, partnering with 15 community-based organizations to make the vaccine available to eligible individuals around the state. Our state currently has a limited supply of the vaccine and it is vital that those who need it most can access it while we wait for further doses to be delivered.
While the CT Department of Public Health continues to work out the kinks with area providers, there are a few important points that those seeking a vaccine should be aware of:
- You DO NOT need insurance. They are permitted to ask, but can not refuse to make an appointment if the answer is “no”
- You DO NOT need to pay out of pocket for anything. If they ask, you may decline and they can not refuse to make an appointment
- You DO NOT need to be a US Citizen. You DO need to be a resident of CT
I was pleased to join U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani to call upon federal leaders to act urgently and secure necessary resources to combat the ongoing outbreak. There's a limited window of time to contain the virus and doing so will rely on a concerted effort at the local, national, and international levels. |
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| For more information about how to get vaccinated, please scroll down to the section on the outbreak. |
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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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| We continue to ask that our friends, family, and neighbors consider using all the tools within their reach to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 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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930,119
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4,926
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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15,069,672
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41,852
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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11.77%
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Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19
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348
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30
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COVID-19-Associated Deaths
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11,130
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28
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) |
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| East Hartford |
14,101 |
199 |
229,846 |
17.55% |
| Manchester |
12,350 |
193 |
224,796 |
15.88% |
| South Windsor |
4,872 |
68 |
82,242 |
20.36% |
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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:
- Thursday, Aug. 4
- Frank J. Bush MD Pediatric Office,27 Hillard St, Manchester, 4 PM - 7:30 PM, for ages 6 months - 11 years
- Friday, Aug. 12
- Raymond Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., for ages 6 months+
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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UPDATE ON MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK
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| Connecticut has reported 39 cases of monkeypox as of Tuesday, August 2. As cases steadily rise in our state and across the U.S., it's important that state leaders implement a response strategy that educates the public and healthcare providers, and makes testing, treatment, and vaccines available. While monkeypox can affect anyone, an overwhelming majority of cases have been reported among men who have sex with men. I'm pleased that Connecticut is prioritizing this group in its vaccine program rollout.
Individuals who meet eligibility requirements to receive the monkeypox vaccine can now make an appointment at 15 community-based sites:
Those who believe they were exposed to monkeypox, or have questions about the vaccine or virus, should call their health care provider.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Persons identified by state and local public health as being close contacts to someone who has tested positive for monkeypox (MUST be a CT resident) OR
- Connecticut residents who meet the following criteria:
- Men who have sex with men, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary AND
- Age 18 or older AND
- Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
If eligible, individuals should especially consider getting vaccinated if:
- Their partners are showing symptoms of monkeypox, such as a rash or sores
- They met recent partners through online applications or social media platforms (such as Grindr, Tinder or Scruff), or at clubs, raves, sex parties, saunas or other large gatherings
- They have a condition that may increase your risk for severe disease (HIV or another condition that weakens your immune system, history of atopic dermatitis or eczema)
Information about monkeypox is available on the CDC's monkeypox webpage and the DPH monkeypox webpage. |
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CT EXTREME HEAT PROTOCOL ACTIVATED
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| Over the next few days, Connecticut's forecast will see temperatures reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index of triple digits at times, prompting activation of state’s extreme hot weather protocol. The protocol will remain in effect through 8 p.m. on Friday, August 5.
The state's extreme hot weather protocol ensures vulnerable populations can access protection from the heat. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information about cooling centers so residents can seek relief from the heat.
Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find the nearest location.
Heat-related illness can affect anyone, though some people are at greater risk than others, including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, those who are overweight and anyone who overexerts during work or exercise or is physically ill with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.
Below are some additional tips to stay safe in extreme heat. |
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| Additional safety tips and extreme heat-related information can be found on 211ct.org's Extreme Hot Weather Page or in 2-1-1 Extreme Heat Precautions and Safety Tips. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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The State Bond Commission approved more than $3 million in funds for East Hartford initiatives including:
- $1 million for the preservation of affordable apartments at Veterans Terrace on Columbus Circle and Street
- $258,162 to demolish the former McCartin Elementary School to make the site available for single-family housing
- $600,000 to improve and upgrade the East Hartford Community Auditorium at East Hartford Middle School
- A portion of $1 million to make repairs at Rentschler Field
The Commission also approved $25M, the first of 4 installments, to the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC), the state's captive insurer assisting property owners with repairing and replacing crumbling foundations. This is a continuation of the state's partnership with CFSIC to offer impacted residents peace of mind. To date, CFSIC has helped over 2,000 property owners, and this infusion will help get even more CT residents back into their homes! Learn more here.
I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the entire Bond Commission for supporting these vital investments in East Hartford and our state.
The Bond Commission also released $34 million in funding to help improve and increase residents' access to the outdoors. The funds will help support repairs and maintenance at State Parks, open space conservation, and expansion of trails, bikeways, and greenways. In addition to the state funding, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will receive $21.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve park accessibility and water supply, repair park amenities, and more. To learn more about this, please click here. |
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| Last Monday, I was happy to join members of the legislature's Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and my legislative colleagues to raise the Puerto Rican flag over the state capitol. The ceremony commemorated Puerto Rico's Constitution Day, which occurs on July 25 and acknowledges the ratification of Puerto Rico's Constitution, adopted in 1952.
Connecticut is home to the largest percentage of Puerto Ricans of any state, and their contributions are significant and deserve this recognition. |
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| While work at the federal level to step up the fight against climate change has been slow at best, here at the state level, House Democrats supported policies during the 2022 legislative session that will help cut our carbon footprint, promote environmental justice, and protect the health of Connecticut residents.
With Congress still negotiating climate policy and the Supreme Court actively harming efforts to cut carbon emissions, my colleagues and I took the lead on working to combat climate change and protect our environment by passing S.B. 4, AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT CLEAN AIR ACT.
This bill, which has now officially been signed into law, takes steps to help our state breathe easier through cleaner air and moves the transportation market away from fossil fuels in favor of vehicles that do not aggravate asthma issues that many densely populated sections of our state experience. |
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The Connecticut Clean Air Act
S.B. 4 works to improve the quality of our air and environment by enacting the following measures:
- Establishes funds to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas in order to improve air quality;
- Makes it easier for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint by increasing access to rebates and vouchers to buy electric vehicles;
- Assists municipalities and businesses with the purchase of electric vehicle charging stations;
- Improves air quality by reducing the allowable emissions emitted by medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
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| What affects the environment also affects each one of us. This legislation is a bold step in ensuring that Connecticut does its part to protect our planet and our future. |
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| Some sections of the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail in East Hartford are temporarily closed. The foot bridge over the Hockanum River in Martin Park and a section of the boardwalk about 250 yards south of the Elm Street parking area are closed. Repairs to both areas of the trail are awaiting the release of federal funds. |
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| Individuals who've given birth are now eligible for health coverage through HUSKY up to 12 months after childbirth. This is an increase from 2 months after pregnancy. The extension of this coverage will enable individuals to address postpartum health needs, including recovery from childbirth, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. Parents can apply to enroll in HUSKY Health here or call 1-855-805-4325. |
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| Visit the Connecticut Children's website to learn more about how to keep your kids healthy and safe this summer. |
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| The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) aims to help provide eligible residents ages 60 and older with access to farm fresh produce. Participants will receive 1 coupon booklet to redeem at FMNP authorized locations across our state to purchase fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. To find a distribution site and to learn more about this program, 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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| To recruitment and retention of high-quality, talented educators in our Alliance District schools, CT has launched the Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program (ADTLS). Signed into law in 2021, the program allows alliance school teachers to refinance their student loans, reducing their interest rate by a three-percentage point subsidy. Learn more here. |
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| East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering discounted tickets to Lake Compounce amusement park for the 2022 season. Tickets are $32.50 each and can be used any day. Tickets are typically $49.99 (youth) and $59.99 (adult). Purchase tickets at the Parks and Recreation office, 50 Chapman Place, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learn more here. |
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| Don't miss Cruisin' on Main Street on Sunday August 7 from 10 AM to 3 PM in Manchester! There will be music, food, fun activities and a car shot along Downtown Manchester's Main Street. You can learn more about this great event, including how to register for the car show, here. |
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| South Windsor's Summer Concert Series is underway! The next performance is Thursday, Aug. 4! Can't make it? Concerts are scheduled through August 18. You can download the schedule here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| Is your student interested in learning more about math, medicine, technology, engineering, climate science, or another STEM subject? Register for the East Hartford Public Library's STEM camp in August. This program is intended for incoming 7th - 12th graders. Students will learn about careers, conduct hands-on activities and more! Learn more and register here. |
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| Girls who are entering 1st - 8th grade are invited to attend the one-week "Inspire" Girls Summer Basketball program in East Hartford. This program will build self-esteem, motivate, and inspire participants, while having fun. Registration is underway and will close when 100 participants have signed up. For more information and to register, please click here. |
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| East Hartford residents can apply for the town's Back-to-School Shoes and Coats for Kids programs, which help eligible parents purchase a new pair of shoes and one coat for their children. The deadline to apply is August 9, 2022. East Hartford residents can call East Hartford Social Services at 860-291-7248 for assistance. Learn more and apply here. |
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WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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The state launched the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, a low interest loan program for small businesses and nonprofits operating in our state. The fund is a public-private partnership focused on businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and historically underserved communities.
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for loans with a fixed, 4.5% interest rate. |
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| To be eligible, entities must operate in Connecticut, have 100 or fewer full-time employees, and have annual revenues of less than $8 million. Applicants will be matched with a lender if they qualify for a loan. Once matched, the lender will help the business owner throughout the application process. Learn more here. |
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| Connecticut Innovations' (CI) fiscal year ended on July 31. CI is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm. Over the past 12 months, CI accomplished a lot to move Connecticut's economy forward and grow jobs. CI invested $54.8 million in 98 companies, which raised more than $1.3 billion during the fiscal year. This allows companies to expand and withstand a changing market. You can read CI's full update 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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| GLSEN is looking for State Policy Coordinators who will amplify the voices of their communities to influence policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Policy Coordinators will work in alignment with GLSEN's public policy agenda and organizational priorities in collaboration with national staff. To learn more and start the application process, please click here. |
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| Do you want to work close to home and serve your community? If so, the Town of Manchester is hiring for several full-time and part-time positions including public safety dispatcher, school crossing guard, entry level police officer, and an associate a WORK_Space. Click here to learn more and start the application process. |
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| The South Windsor Police Department is hiring a full-time dispatcher. The salary range for the position is $58,130 to $71,889. The deadline to apply is August 28, 2022. For more information, reach out to mark.cleverdon@southwindsor-ct.gov. Read more and apply here. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare is hiring at its locations in Bridgeport and Wallingford. Openings include Network Relations Representative and Director of the Institute for Hunger Research and Solutions. To learn more about the openings and to start an application, please 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 this session here.
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