Juan R. Candelaria

As National Blood Donor Month comes to a close the Red Cross faces the worst blood shortage in a decade and more than ever, your help is needed. Make an appointment today to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests completely FREE.

Connecticut bioscience companies have come together to launch the Student Program to Ready Interns for Next-generation Talent (SPRINT) Internship program. The goal is to provide over 100 paid job opportunities in the life-science industry for students attending Connecticut Colleges and Universities as well as students with ties to Connecticut.

Last session my legislative colleagues and I worked collaboratively with the Governor to secure and allocate $70 Million in funding for Connecticut workers.

I have some exciting news to share about the now up-and-running Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund, which was authorized by the legislature in June for the purpose of easing the financial burden on essential workers who became ill and were unable to work, or died, between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021.

Balancing education and the effects of in-person learning on public health has been a daunting and ongoing task during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as cases are on the rise as students and faculty return from their holiday break.

A number of new laws will take effect in Connecticut at the start of the new year. My colleagues and I worked hard during the 2021 legislative session to listen to your concerns and advocate for meaningful change in our state. We look forward to getting back to the Capitol soon to continue in those efforts.

The State Bond Commission recently approved several funding items for New Haven.