Supporting Workers and Small Businesses

business
August 12, 2022
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin planning to upgrade existing pedestrian crossing equipment across the state, including in both Orange and Woodbridge.

Here are the crossing areas receiving in an upgrade in our area:
  • Orange – Route 152 (Orange Center Road) at Old Tavern Road
  • Woodbridge – Route 69 (Litchfield Turnpike.) at SR 749 (Lucy Street) and Merritt Avenue

According to the D.O.T., work on these new pedestrian crossing signals and equipment in tentatively scheduled to start in April 2023.

CLICK HERE to read more.
 
Insurance companies have requested that the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) approve a rate increase by an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. Insurers claim this proposed hike is a result of the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, but it comes at a time when we are already facing the highest inflation rates in 40 years.
 
You have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the insurance companies proposing these rate hikes!
 
On Monday, August 15th at 9:00 AM, the CID will host a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.
The Monday meeting will offer a hybrid participation platform. Anyone wishing to view the meeting virtually can watch on CT-N. Anyone who wants to speak virtually at the meeting via Zoom can sign up by clicking the button below to send an email with your name and written comments attached.
Virtual Sign-Up Email
Anyone wishing to view the meeting in person can watch it at the Legislative Office Building. Anyone who wants to speak in person can sign up on the morning of the meeting, just ahead of its 9:00 AM start time – 8:30 AM.
 
The CID is also seeking your input on increased rate proposals filed by Aetna, Anthem Health Plans, and United Healthcare/Oxford for the 2023 plan year. You can view the rate requests and provide public comment by clicking the button below.
Learn More and Provide Public Comment
 
Resources for People Seeking Abortion Services in CT
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.


 
CT.gov: Abortion Access in Connecticut
Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being.
 
Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak
In an effort to secure additional funds and resources to combat the recent monkeypox outbreak, U.S. leaders declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency.

The U.S. has reported more than 6,600 cases. It is important to note that monkeypox is NOT an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). While a majority of cases are being reported among men who have sex with men, anyone who is in close, prolonged, or intimate contact with an infected person can contract the virus. 

The state Department of Public Health launched a vaccine program to make doses available for those most at risk:
  • People who are close personal contacts of someone with monkeypox OR those who may have been exposed to the virus, OR those who may have increased risk of exposure
  • MSM, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days And are 18 or older AND live in CT

There are 16 vaccine sites across our state to reach as many eligible residents as possible. Eligible CT residents can call the clinic nearest them to make an appointment and get vaccinated at no charge and regardless of their immigration and insurance status. More information and clinic contact info is available at bit.ly/3QGhsqW
 
We are also seeing an incredibly troubling resurgence of the polio virus. If you have any questions about the receiving the polio vaccine or whether or not a booster is needed, please contact your healthcare provider or call or visit 211 https://www.211ct.org
 
Supporting CT's Hospitality Industry
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 (including 8 in Derby, 15 in Orange, and 6 in Woodbridge) 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.

Our state continues to support our business community and this program is another example of that commitment.
 
Premium Pay Program
Health care workers, grocery store employees and other private-sector employees who staffed vital services during the first two years of the coronavirus pandemic can begin applying for up to a $1,000 bonus from the state. The application period runs until October 1st.

Visit the online portal here: ctessentialworkerrelief.org/
 
Small Business Boost Fund
This is a reminder that applications are still being accepted for the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, a public-private partnership that provides low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut that. The program - with loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 - was made possible because of adjustments I supported in the 2021 budget.

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply online by clicking here, or the button below,

 and if they qualify, they will be matched with a lender. Once matched, the participating lender will assist the business owner throughout the application process.
Apply for Boost Fund
 
City of Derby Food Donations
Throughout the month of August, the City of Derby will be collecting Ready to Eat Soup for the St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley Food Bank!

I hope you will consider donating. Please bring all donations to the Town/City Clerk’s Office by the end of August and they will deliver them to the food bank.

Also, St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley is always in need of turkeys and hams for the 2022 Holiday season. Please call them at (203) 734-7577 to coordinate the details.
 
Woodbridge Summer Outdoor Films
Every Thursday throughout the month, the library will show family friendly films on the Town Green starting at approximately 8:15 PM (dusk). Just bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and bug-spray!
 
Orange Community Farmers' Market
The Town of Orange is hosting the Orange Community Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3:30PM - 7:00PM through September 29th!

They are located at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.

Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown ranging from:
  • Bakery products
  • Eggs
  • Flowers
  • Milk
  • Meats
  • Soaps
  • Plants
  • In-season vegetables
  • Crafts and services

Each week there will be vendors showcasing the freshest products. If you do not see something you want, contact the Market Master.
 
Derby Summer Concert Series

The City of Derby has announced its 2022 Concert Series on the Derby Green!

The series will continue on Tuesday nights from 7PM - 9PM during the month of August with the following bands:

  • August 9 - The Nu Haven Kapelye - Klezmer Band
  • August 16 - The Jolly Beggars - Irish
  • August 23 - Al Fenton Big Band - 18 Piece Swing Band
  • August 30 - Silver Steel - Steel Drum Band
During August there will be a rain date of Wednesday, if needed. The series will then continue on Friday nights in September from 6:30PM to 8:30PM:
  • September 2 - Old School - Classic Rock and Roll
  • September 9 - Chris Coogan - Jazz Quintet
  • September 16 - The Bernadettes - R&B, Funk, & Soul Show Band
  • September 23 - Rich Bobinski Orchestra - Oktoberfest / Polka Music
  • September 30 - Larry Ayce Band - Country
  • October 7 - Mark Lanzieri and Friends - Italian / Sinatra
There will be no rain date for Friday night concerts.
 
Orange Bicentennial Celebration
Don't forget about the final Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration event! Check out the link below:
 
Woodbridge Hazard Mitigation Survey
The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) and its municipalities are working together to prepare an update to the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, and they need your input!

The purpose of this plan is to identify and assess the Region’s natural hazard risks (such as flooding, winter storms, and hurricanes) and determine how to best minimize or manage those risks.

Participation in this survey is voluntary and none of the information provided will be attributed to individuals directly. The survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and in Spanish.

To participate in the survey and to learn more, click the buttons or image below:
Survey in English
Survey in Spanish
Learn More
 
Honoring National Navajo Code Talkers Day
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the over 400 Navajo men recruited during World War II as Code Talkers, an elite group of U.S. Marines who developed an unbreakable code using their native language, a code the Japanese never broke.

Today, only three Navajo Code Talkers remain from the original 400 USMC Navajo Code Talkers: Peter MacDonald Sr., Thomas H. Begay, and John Kinsel. Honor and remember those we have lost by viewing the full list of Navajo Code Talkers here: https://bit.ly/3bTZItG
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.