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Dear Neighbor,
The 2023 Legislative Session is well underway, and I want to share some highlights including Women’s History Month, State, and local updates.
In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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March is Women's History Month and March 8 is International Women's Day. A day to celebrate women who have inspired change throughout history, and recognize those who continue to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of women and girls around the world. I am also thrilled to celebrate the many accomplishments of women in Connecticut and beyond throughout the coming weeks!
Let us continue to make Connecticut a safe, fair and equitable place for women and girls. I hope you can join me in recognizing the achievements of those who continue to inspire us and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders and innovators.
Do you want to find out more about the history of Women's History Month? Click here to read more. The State of Connecticut has a long history of Women's movements, click here to learn more.
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In 1974, nearly one hundred years after Mary Hall became the first woman to practice law in Connecticut, the state finally admitted its first African American female lawyer. Her name was Bessye Bennett.
Bennett was born in Prairie View, Texas, in 1938. She went on to study at Radcliffe College in Boston and later turned down acceptance into Harvard Law School so that her husband might earn his PhD in applied mathematics.
In 1964, the family moved to Hartford and Bessye taught in the public school system there. After receiving a master’s in education from Trinity College in 1967, she enrolled in the law school at the University of Connecticut. She graduated in 1973 and a year later became the first African American woman licensed to practice law in Connecticut.
Among her many other accomplishments, Bennett rose to vice president at Society for Savings and later established a private practice. She was also appointed deputy town counsel for the Town of Bloomfield and served on the board of Connecticut Natural Gas.
Learn More in Connecticut Explored Magazine
To learn more about the life of Bessye Bennett, read Constance Belton Green’s article, “The Trailblazing Bessye Bennett” in Connecticut Explored magazine.
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Follow Legislation in Progress
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The link below is a dynamic list of legislation I have introduced or cosponsored this session. Please keep checking back as I add to the list and, using the bill tracking function, you can sign up and receive alerts on the progress of legislative items.
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East Hartford Greater Together
Community Fund Advisory Committee
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East Hartford Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee is now accepting applications for committee members. The purpose of the Greater Together Community Fund is to support the East Hartford community in taking ownership around town needs that will be most beneficial or have the greatest impact on residents. The Community Fund also strives to encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement. To be eligible, you must be a resident of East Hartford, at least 14 years of age and not a current elected official of East Hartford. Previous experience in community organizations or in grant-making is not needed.
The deadline for applications is April 28, 2023. After the application period is closed, the committee will schedule interviews for potential members.
Individuals who are interested in applying can visit the link below to find more information or to fill out the Google Form.
hfpg.org/easthartfordcf
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East Hartford and Manchester Budget Process
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The Towns of East Hartford and Manchester are once again in the process of adopting their annual budgets for the fiscal year 2023-2024.
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Budget workshops for East Hartford were held on the following topics: Mayor's Summary of Budget, Public Works, Board of Education, Police Department, Public Safety Complex, and Fire Department. (Click on any of those topics to find recordings of the workshops).
The Town will hold a follow up special meeting on Monday, March 13 at 7PM. For more information, click here.
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Manchester is in the process of workshops and meetings that will continue next week with the following schedule:
Wednesday, March 15 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #3 (Public Works, Sanitation)
Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #4 (Police, Fire)
Wednesday, March 22 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #5 (Board of Education Follow-Up, Leisure Services)
Thursday, March 23 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #6 (Water & Sewer)
Thursday, March 28 at 5:30PM – Budget Workshop #7 (as needed)
Following the workshops, the Town will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 14 at 7PM, and a special meeting to adopt the budget on Tuesday, April 11 at 7PM. All meetings will be conducted in-person at the Lincoln Center Hearing Room and can be watched live on Silk City TV, Facebook Live, or Cox Channel 16.
For more information, click here.
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Reminder: Free Learning Opportunity for East Hartford Residents
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East Hartford Works and Goodwin University will host a 5-week Professional Skills Academy focused on manufacturing beginning Tuesday, April 18. Classes will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening from 4PM-9PM at Goodwin University. Participants will earn continuing education credentials from Goodwin in: Enhanced Shop Math, Introduction to Blue Print Reading, Enhanced Metrology and OSHA 10.
This is a free program for East Hartford residents. Participants must have a High School Diploma or GED. Supports will be made available for childcare and transportation. Registration is open now and space is limited so reserve your spot by calling Yadira Jeter at (860) 290-4345.
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Deadline Approaching – Submit Feedback on Manchester NEXT
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A public draft of Manchester Next, the Town of Manchester’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), is now available for review. Those who live, work, or visit Manchester are encouraged to submit feedback during the public comment period now through March 15.
Your voice matters – public comment will be utilized to finalize the plan. Review the plan and submit comment by clicking here. If you have any questions or require additional information, call the Planning and Development Department at (860) 647-3044.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Griffin Hospital has partnered with the Town of East Hartford to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics on the following dates at Raymond Library (840 Main Street):
- Sunday, March 12, 2P-5PM
- Tuesday, March 21, 3PM-7PM
- Thursday, March 23, 3PM-7PM
- Tuesday, March 28, 3PM-7PM
Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J vaccines will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents 6 months and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. Additionally, Griffin will offer free health screenings including A1C (diabetes) and blood pressure checks at each clinic.
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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).
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For any questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. If transportation is needed to get to and from a clinic site, please contact the Health Department for assistance.
The White House relaunched the program making free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to every U.S. household. Just as before, you can order tests through COVIDTests.gov and enter your shipping information. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The Administration will also make tests available to individuals who are blind or have low vision through this program. People who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call +1 (800) 232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8AM-8PM E.T., Monday to Friday and 8AM-5PM E.T. on weekends.
For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic by clicking here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at (877) 918-2224.
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Learn Blackletter Calligraphy at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 15 at 6PM! It is a classic, dramatic, lettering style and a great way to introduce yourself to the broad edge nib. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz will teach you the basics, provide you with guidelines and lettering samples you can trace, and she will guide you through a project.
This program is for adults only age 18 and up. Space is limited and registration is required, so call the library at (860) 645-0821 to reserve your spot.
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Registration is open now for OAKC Together We Tee! This program is offered to local Black and Brown youth of all genders ages 9-12 and their parent/guardian to introduce kids to the game of golf. The Manchester Country club will be providing all participants with lessons by golf professionals, fee waivers, and equipment.
The program will run on the following dates: Wednesdays, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, and August 16 with golf instruction from 5PM-6:30PM, followed by a family style dinner from 6:30PM-7:30PM. The program is limited to 10 participants, so register today by clicking here.
If you have questions or would like additional information, call Senior Recreation Specialist Calvin Harris at (860) 647-3088 or Recreation Supervisor Taylor McBride at (860) 647-6039.
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Do you have a business card? How about a website? Are you looking for help? At Drop-in Digital Navigation hours, the East Hartford Public Library will work with small business owners to develop the technology skills you need to make your business technology work as hard as you do. Business owners at every stage of development are encouraged to attend. Drop-in hours will be offered on Fridays from 10:30AM-12:30PM (March 3, 10, 24, & 31; April 14 & 27; and May 5, 12, &26). For more information, click here.
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department’s Annual Egg Hunt at McAuliffe Park is on Saturday, March 25 at 12PM. There will be thousands of pieces of chocolates and stuffed plastic eggs for children ages 10 and younger (and their accompanying parent/guardian).
Participants will be grouped by ages and directed to designated areas: ages 3 and under, ages 4-5 and ages 6-10. Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In case of inclement weather or poor field conditions, updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page
This is a free event for East Hartford residents. For more information, click here.
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Calling the young people in our community – it's not too early to be thinking about summer employment or learning opportunities! Gain valuable work experience and get paid this summer by signing up for the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP).
SYELP connects youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Applications are open now! Sign up by clicking here.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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