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| Friends and Neighbors,
With the work of the legislative session now in full swing, I want to encourage you to not only be active participants - but critical thinkers! Over the coming weeks you'll see story after story and whether it's examining each bill moving through the legislative process, digging into the details of the Governor's budget, or spotlighting existing state programs, ask the questions you need answered to better understand what's there and sometimes more importantly, what's not.
Forbes recently highlighted Connecticut's efforts to invest in the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program - more commonly known as "LEAP." And, I want to encourage you to read beyond the headline of this story. Because while we should celebrate victories, we must always keep an eye out for the larger, often systemic issues that still need addressing. |
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| LEAP was launched in early 2021 to tackle the state's chronic student absenteeism issue - an issue that continues to permeate our public schools. And, as noted in the article, by sending "home visitors" into communities to connect directly with students and their families, attendance rates increased by 4 percentage points in the month immediately following the first LEAP visit.
And like I said - we should celebrate that there is a program that we established that seems to be working in the way we intended. (Can you even believe it? Government worked!) But, LEAP is only a small percentage point of what we're spending. And while it's a great program that deserves recognition and investment - it's one program.
Connecticut needs to do more and can be better. As the House Education Chair, I remain focused on the bigger picture while not losing site of the smaller, often just as important matters within the halls of our public schools. The only way we truly repair what's been broken in our education system is taking a holistic approach. I hope you will join us in this movement of supporting and fighting for our students, our educators, and our futures.
Read the entire Forbes article here. |
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Sincerely,
Jeff Currey |
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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 |
Cumulative
(except for hospital census) |
Past 7 days |
| Positive PCR/NAAT Tests |
1,057,631 |
+1,659 |
| All PCR/NAAT Tests |
16,270,382 |
+24,050 |
| Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT) |
-- |
6.9% |
| Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 |
307 |
-33 |
| COVID-19-Associated Deaths |
12,070 |
+34 |
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) |
|---|
| East Hartford |
15,805 |
211 |
243,689 |
0.04% |
| Manchester |
14,385 |
204 |
239,252 |
1% |
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| Children ages 5 through 11 can now receive the updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the new boosters for this age group and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention approved the authorization last week. The updated boosters will be available from pediatricians, hospitals/health networks, DPH mobile clinics, and pharmacies. Residents can visit vaccines.gov to locate a provider near them.
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.
The East Hartford Health Department offers regular vaccination services at the Community Cultural Center. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent boosters, as well as Flu, will be offered for all ages 12+. Appointments are required and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10AM-2PM. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 291-7324 (option 1).
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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| As Chair of the Education Committee, it is my goal to go beyond just reading proposals, hearing testimony, or stay up to date with the latest from our schools – I want to see and understand first-hand what schools in our state are really like. So, to really get an understanding of our schools, I'm taking it to the road and visiting schools throughout the state to hear directly from educators, students, and administrators! |
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| The tour officially kicked off in the Vice Chairwoman Jen Leeper's stomping grounds of Fairfield at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. Alongside the Fairfield legislative delegation – Senator Tony Hwang, and Representatives Leeper, McCarthy Vahey and Keitt – we were able to visit some classes to see what they are working on and hear from many staff members. We also had the privilege of recognizing Principal Meg Tiley who was recently named the 2022 PTA State-Wide Principal of the Year.
I look forward to continuing the tour throughout Connecticut and hope to come to a classroom near you! If you’re reading this and live outside the district, feel free to nudge your Representative or Senator to have your town and school be a destination during our education adventures. |
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The Education Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 22 at 1PM. We are looking forward to hearing testimony on the following bills:
- HB 6662: An Act Implementing the Governor's Budget Recommendations Concerning Education
- HB 6663: An Act Establishing the English Learners' Bill of Rights
- HB 6686: An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Office of Early Childhood
- SB 1028: An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Department of Education
- SB 1029: An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations for Technical Revisions to the Education and Early Childhood Statutes
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| Individuals who wish to testify must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. The registration form must contain the name of the person who will be testifying, and an unique email address must be provided for each person registered to speak.
Registration will close on Tuesday, February 21 at 3PM. Speaker order of approved registrants will be listed in a randomized order and posted on the Education Committee website on Tuesday, February 21 at 6PM under Public Hearing Testimony.
If you do not have internet access, you may provide testimony via telephone. To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-0528 to leave your contact information.
Please remember that you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND
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| This month is Teen Dating Violence Awareness, a time to spotlight the dangers and warning signs of dating violence to help protect our youth.
Data shows 26 percent of high school students in Connecticut have experienced verbally or emotionally abusive relationships, 9 percent have experienced physical abuse, and 11 percent have experienced sexual abuse. At the same time, 82 percent of parents nationwide are not aware that teen dating violence is an issue.
We must continue educating parents, guardians, community leaders and friends on understanding what constitutes dating violence, and what we can do to protect our young people against this kind of abuse. 58 percent of parents cannot correctly identify all the warning signs of dating violence. Please click here to learn more about dating violence early warnings. |
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| Healthy relationships are built on trust, independence, honesty and kindness. Teaching our youth to value and seek out healthy relationships is of paramount importance not only to their physical and emotional wellbeing, but also to their development. See here for ten signs of a healthy relationship.
All adolescents can experience dating violence. However, young women and trans and gender non-conforming youth are at a disproportionality higher risk of experiencing this kind of abuse. Click here to access more information and resources on dating violence in LGBTQ+ relationships.
If you believe your teen or one of their friends is in danger – help is available. Individuals and families can contact CT Safe Connect from anywhere 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to immediately receive a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning and options. Contact them by calling or texting (888) 774-2900, send a confidential email to safeconnect@ctcadv.org or use their web chat. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary.
Find more information and useful resources on this issue below:
Interval House offers a large range of resources on teen dating violence. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.
CT.gov has a large range of resources covering teen dating violence and domestic abuse, as well as relevant legislation.
Click here to read President Joe Biden's proclamation on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. |
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| The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) and the State of Connecticut have partnered with Faulkner Consulting Group (FCG) to conduct an equity study across all state agencies. The goal of the study is to provide a comprehensive report evaluating key programs and policies to identify any patterns of discrimination, inequality, or disparities in outcomes and make recommendations to overcome those issues.
Throughout the study, the state is seeking the input of Connecticut residents, particularly members of underserved communities and users of state programs and services. Public meetings will be accessible using the below links:
Tuesday, February 21, 12PM-1PM - click here
Friday, February 24, 11AM-12PM - click here
Monday, March 6, 5PM-6PM - click here
For more information on the equity study, click here. |
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| Mayor Mike Walsh announced that Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aa3 issuer rating to the Town of East Hartford. Moody’s also confirmed the town’s Aa3 general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) rating. This action concludes a review that was initiated on November 3, 2022, in conjunction with the release of the US Cities and Counties Methodology. |
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This rating reflects the town's financial position, which includes below average, but stable reserves and liquidity. Operating balance will likely continue, given the town's effective management and strong financial practices. This includes conservative budgeting and mandatory application of surpluses to pay down unfunded OPEB liabilities.
For more information, click here. |
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The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will offer free tax preparation services in both East Hartford and Manchester to help prepare simple income tax returns for free, only for low to mid-income families and individuals making no more than $60,000 per year at the following sites.
In East Hartford, VITA volunteers will be available at Raymond Library by appointment only on Sundays from 1PM-4:30PM now through April 2. Dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment. |
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In Manchester, VITA volunteers will be available at the following sites:
Manchester Senior Center (549 E Middle Turnpike)
By appointment only – call (860) 647-3092
Saturday appointments available beginning February 11 through April 15, 9AM-4PM
You do not need to be a member of the senior center to attend
The Village, Manchester Community Y
By appointment only – call 211 or click here
Appointments available Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 10:30AM-2:30PM; Fridays, 9:30AM-2PM; Saturday, 10AM-1PM
Virtual appointments are also available
For more information on available resources, East Hartford residents can click here and Manchester residents can click here. |
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| Flu season is upon us and a yearly flu vaccine can help protect against serious illness. After getting the vaccine, it will take about two weeks for your body to develop the antibodies that can protect you from the flu. To get a flu shot, check with your healthcare provider or call your local health department. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you that is administering flu shots. For more information, please click here. |
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Looking for help this tax season? The AARP Tax Aide Program will be available to residents now through Friday, April 15 at the East Hartford Senior Center. Appointments can be made during Senior Center hours of operation, 8:30AM-4:30PM Monday through Friday. Call (860) 291-7460 to set up an appointment.
Assistance will also be available for elderly, persons with disabilities, and veterans needing guidance on available exemption programs. Representatives from the East Hartford Assessor's Office will be at the East Hartford Senior Center every Wednesday, 9AM-3:30PM to accommodate walk-ins and appointments for the senior, totally disabled and veteran program exemptions. |
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Please bring proof of income to include a filed 2022 tax return, if required to file, and the 1099 form from Social Security. For details regarding eligibility and documentation requirements, please visit the Assessor Exemption Programs webpage. And for more information on the available assistance program, click here.
In Manchester, AARP volunteers will be available will be available at the Senior Center by appointment only now through Thursday, April 14. Appointments available now through April 14 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1PM-3PM. Call (860) 647-6024 to set-up a time. |
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| For more information on available resources, East Hartford residents can click here and East Hartford residents can click here. |
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| The East Hartford Senior Center would like to invite any resident who is 55 or older and their guests to an Irish Breakfast on Saturday, March 18 at 9AM. The Senior Center will be having scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, Irish soda bread and tea and coffee. |
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Registration for this event opens Tuesday, February 21 – you must register at the Senior Center. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Be sure to sign-up ASAP, seating is limited.
And – save the date for a special Easter pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 1 at 9AM. Come alone or bring your grandchildren and great grandchildren to have pictures with the Easter Bunny after breakfast. The Senior Center will be serving pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, OJ, coffee and tea. |
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| Registration for this event will begin on Monday, March 20. You must register at the Senior Center, cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members and children under 10 are FREE. Seating is limited. More info can be found here. |
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| For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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| The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced policy changes that will permit certain survivors of LGBTQ+ Veterans who were previously ineligible to receive survivors benefits. The decision will impact survivors who could not marry until the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision in 2015 and were therefore not married to their now-deceased Veterans spouses long enough to qualify for survivor benefits. Survivors can apply now to receive these benefits, which will be backdated to October 14, 2022. This is great news for survivors of Veterans across our state and country and will close a gap in survivor benefits. Additionally, in September 2021, the VA began providing benefits to veterans with OTH discharges due to their sexual orientation.
During the 2021 legislative session, I proudly championed a law that expands the definition of veteran to include those separated from military service with an "other than honorable" discharge under the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This law ensures more veterans can obtain the benefits they've earned serving our country. |
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| Nearly two months after being signed into law, the federal Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act has profoundly impacted veterans' access to health care and benefits. Since the PACT Act was signed in August, veterans have filed more than 200,000 total claims. The law represents the most significant health care and benefits expansion for veterans exposed to toxins in more than 30 years.
The law extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras. It adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, and requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a toxic exposure assessment to every veteran enrolled in VA health care.
If you're a veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for benefits under the PACT Act. You can learn more here. |
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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The East Hartford Police Department is an accredited law enforcement police department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®). CALEA is inviting the public to comment and provide feedback on the EHPD's ability to comply with their standards. Learn more and submit comment by clicking here. |
Celebrate Black History at the library with a Living History program from Kevin Johnson on Thursday, February 23, at 4PM. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History. For all ages. Register here. |
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Join East Hartford Public Library virtually each month to connect with local authors! The next event is Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30PM. Registration is required – click here to sign up and get more information. |
Four groups will come together at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center on Thursday, March 9 at 7PM for the third concert in the Intersections Concert Series 2022-23! The groups will share drum-centered musical fusions from the African diaspora. Register now by clicking here. |
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CAST children’s theatre production of “Into the Woods, Jr.” is Thursday and Friday, February 23 and 24, at 7PM (doors open at 6:30PM) at Manchester High School’s Bailey Auditorium. All tickets are $10 each (plus a service fee) if purchased online in advance, and $12 cash/check at the door. |
The Town of Manchester and multicultural community partners will honor and celebrate International Mother Language Day (IMLD) with a weekend of events with the goal to inspire acceptance and solidarity Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, February 26. Each event is free of charge and open to the public. Click here for more information. |
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Storyteller Monica Peterson brings the history, humor, and magic of the Irish people to life in this fascinating program at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30PM. No registration required for this free adult program. |
Every 2nd Saturday of each month, WORK_SPACE has an open house from 10AM-2PM. Plan to spend the day down and mark your calendars for the next 2nd Saturday on March 11. The theme will be "Paint Your Own Canvas." Learn more here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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Registration is open now for the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department’s Splashing for Eggs events on Friday, March 31 from 5:30PM-8PM at the Middle School Pool! Participants will be assigned a time slot to ‘hop’ into the pool to collect some floating eggs. Reserve a time slot by clicking here – space is limited.
And be sure to save the date! Easter activities are coming to East Hartford in March! The Annual Egg Hunt will be held at McAuliffe Park on Saturday, March 25 at 12PM. Best suited for children 10 and younger (with an accompanying parent/guardian).
Both events are free for East Hartford residents! |
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| Looking to get the kiddos out of the house? Check out Winter Storytime options at Manchester Public Library! Now through March 4, storytime options will be available for kids of all ages at both Cheney and Whiton. No registration required – call (860) 645-0577 for program details. Plus – for the little ones, check out Preschool Bingo on Tuesday at 6:30PM at Cheney. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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East Hartford Works is partnering with Goodwin University to offer a free 5-week Professional Skills Academy to East Hartford residents with a focus on manufacturing. The 5-week academy will be part-time, three days a week at Goodwin University, held Tuesday-Thursday evenings at 4PM-9PM.
Register today by calling Yadira Jeter, East Hartford Works Career Coach at (860) 290-4345. Learn more by clicking here. |
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering an American Red Cross Babysitter Training Course on Saturday, March 11 from 9AM-4PM for youth ages 11-15 who are current or future babysitters. The class will cover how to manage real-life situations, diapering, feeding and professionalism, but will NOT include CPR.
Babysitters will receive a Babysitting Certificate that includes Standard First Aid. Open to both residents and non-residents – registration is required at Ehparks.org and is open now! Sign up by clicking here. |
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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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| 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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| 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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