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| Dear Neighbor,
Please check out my weekly update below, which includes information on the following:
- South Norwalk Puppet Parade
- 100% from CTLCV for Votes on Environmental Legislation
- CT Launches Hospitality Industry Support Program
- New Website for Those Seeking Abortion Care
- CT Health Horizons Program Creates Opportunities for Aspiring Social Workers, Nurses
- Monkeypox Vaccination Sites
Thank you for taking the time to read it! |
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| SOUTH NORWALK PUPPET PARADE |
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| On Sunday, I was happy to participate in the Giant Puppet Parade at this past weekend's SoNo Arts Festival! Sponsored by Gordon Fine Arts, the parade is the main feature of the SoNo Arts Festival and highlights our community's creativity and passion for the arts. You can read more about the parade here. I continue to amplify the creative arts and support artists in our midst: “Art may not change the world, but a world without art is not worth changing!" - Lucy Lippard (whom I worked with in the 1980’s at the juncture of arts and politics) |
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| 100% FROM CTLCV FOR VOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION |
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| The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters recently released its environmental scorecards for the 2022 legislative session and I am pleased to share that I was named an Environmental Champion. This designation recognizes state lawmakers who went above and beyond to defend and champion bold climate justice legislation this session (and every session), and to mobilize the public will around this critical threat to our future.
I also received a perfect score for my voting record on bills concerning environmental issues. We are experiencing the effects of climate change and stemming the most harmful impacts requires decisive action.
I was proud to support key legislative initiatives in the 2022 session, like the Connecticut Clean Air Act and SB 10, which both take steps to reduce transportation emissions, transition to clean energy, improve air quality, and protect our environment. I also voted for the state budget adjustment bill, which includes climate change curriculum in the public school science curriculum, promotes climate-smart agriculture practices, and supports education and training to reduce the use of road salt.
The environmental scorecards are helpful tools in measuring our state's progress in the effort to mitigate the effects of climate change, helping voters hold state elected officials accountable, and determining future action. You can read more about the scorecard here.
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| CT LAUNCHES HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SUPPORT PROGRAM |
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Connecticut's hospitality industry was hit hard by COVID-19. While many of our favorite restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, entertainment venues and more have made progress in their recovery, we know they're still trying to rebuild.
Starting this week, more than 1,700 eligible CT-based hospitality businesses will receive checks in the mail through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's CT Hospitality Industry Support Program. The new grant program was established in the biennium state budget passed during the 2021 legislative session allocating $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support hospitality businesses that experienced financial losses because of the pandemic.
Businesses will receive checks directly from the state Department of Revenue Services in amounts ranging from $7,500 to $49,999. The base grant for businesses located in distressed municipalities is $15,000. Businesses DO NOT have to apply for the grant.
To receive a grant, existing businesses must meet several criteria, including a decline of 15% or more in gross receipts when comparing calendar years 2019 to 2021. Grants can be used to support payroll and benefits; employee retention; mortgage, rent, utility, and other operating expenses; existing equipment/facilities maintenance; or costs to support COVID-19 mitigation and infection prevention strategies.
These grants will help offset some of the financial challenges these businesses experienced in the face of the pandemic and stabilize them for future challenges.
You can learn more about this new grant program here.
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| NEW WEBSITE FOR THOSE SEEKING ABORTION CARE |
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| In the wake of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade, it's not enough that we fight for the right to choose - we must also ensure individuals know how to exercise that right and empower them to reach out for support.
With that in mind, Connecticut has launched a reproductive rights telephone hotline and website to provide assistance to those seeking factual information on abortion and to connect them to reliable services and resources.
Individuals seeking abortion services can call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or visit the website by clicking the button below to find providers available in their area, community services, and other useful resources. |
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| Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being. |
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| CT HEALTH HORIZONS PROGRAM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASPIRING SOCIAL WORKERS, NURSES |
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| Nurses and social workers do so much for us, our loved ones, and our community. Our state is facing a shortage of qualified professionals in these key areas and has launched a new 3-year higher education program to address the workforce shortage and help aspiring behavioral health providers and nurses achieve their goals.
The CT Health Horizons Program is expected to provide 1,200 students with tuition assistance, expand seat capacity to serve 1,000 more students, and build career pathways through partnerships between colleges and employers. Ensuring Connecticut residents have access to quality health care starts with investing in a dedicated, highly-trained workforce.
You can learn more about this great program here. |
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| MONKEYPOX VACCINATION SITES |
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| Connecticut has reported 57 cases of monkeypox as of Thursday, August 11. 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. Connecticut's vaccine program prioritizes access to the vaccine, testing, and treatment for this group.
Individuals who meet eligibility requirements to receive the monkeypox vaccine can now make an appointment at the following 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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| As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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