Amy Morrin Bello

Dear Neighbor,  



On Tuesday I tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and am feeling lousy. I cancelled all of my in-person meetings and events but was able to attend public hearings in Finance Revenue and Bonding and Government Administration and Elections virtually.  

If you don’t feel well, have traveled, or have been in contact with someone with Covid-19, please mask and test.  

In this edition: 

• Covid-19 Daily Summary 
• One-Year Anniversary of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
• Snap Benefits Update
• Budget Process
• Take My Survey 
• Women’s History Month Writing Contest  
• Legislative Process Infographic 

As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023:



Covid-19 vaccine and booster information can be found here:



To receive free at home Covid-19 tests, visit https://www.covid.gov/tests or check with your insurance provider.

To read the full data report, visit data.ct.gov/coronavirus and click the button labeled, “Data Report.” That website also contains several other data reports, including on the topics of vaccinations, schools, nursing homes, child care, congregate settings, and economic impact.

Every day we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people who stand united in the face of Russian aggression and send thoughts to those who have lost family members and friends during this brutal invasion.



Below are some Connecticut-based organizations that are supporting Ukraine:

• Americares - Stamford-based non-profit which helps to deliver medicine, medical supplies and emergency funding (Donate Here)
• Knights of Columbus - Ukraine Solidarity Fund will provide temporary shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, communications and religious supplies (Donate Here)

Read Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz's statement on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine here.

Starting on April 1, the COVID-19 public health emergency protection will be coming to an end. Medicaid enrollees who were continuously covered will again have to provide proof of eligibility to continue getting benefits.



If you get your healthcare through HUSKY or DSS, you have not had to do your annual redetermination since March 2020. But starting in April, you will have to prove your eligibility once every year. In addition, you will need to provide identification, address, and proof of income.



The Department of Social Services Field Offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Curious about how our state budget is developed? Wondering what we've been working on in Hartford? Here is a simple breakdown of our state budget process. 

Since Governor Lamont proposed his budget a few weeks ago, we have been drafting bills and holding public hearings to hear what you think our state should prioritize for the next two years. 

I have received countless email messages from constituents about budget related items. As the budget process unfolds, I will keep your priorities and concerns in mind. I appreciate your advocacy.  

My legislative survey will remain active for another couple of weeks. If you haven’t completed the survey online or the one mailed to your home, please do so now. I have received a lot of feedback and am not surprised that most constituents have indicated that they are concerned with the cost of living in the state. I value the input I’ve received. The survey can be found here. 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am hosting a writing contest for middle school and high school students in Wethersfield.  

Students may choose one of the following two prompts:  

• Who is the most influential woman in your life today and why?  

• Who is your favorite woman in history and why? 

Students should write a 200 word essay on their chosen prompt. Please email the essay to Grady.Brockway@cga.ct.gov by March 24th.  

One middle school and one high school essay winner will be chosen and will receive a state citation and $20 gift card to a local business.  

If you have any questions, please contact Grady at Grady.Brockway@cga.ct.com.