State & Local Updates

Fairfield
February 19, 2021
I am thrilled that this Monday’s Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) hearing at 10:30 a.m. will allow us to hear your testimony on HJ 58 and HJ 59 for Early Voting and No Excuse Absentee balloting. These resolutions are the steps needed to allow the constitutional amendments to make their way on the ballot for a vote from all of you.
GAE Committee Hearing Monday
 
When my husband and I lived in Washington state 20 years ago during his military service, we were even then able to receive an absentee ballot in the mail, no excuses needed. This past year we learned how important the absentee ballot option was for the voters of Connecticut.

I encourage you to sign up to testify via Zoom or submit electronic testimony via email so that you can have your voice heard on these matters. Here are steps to participate in Monday's hearing:
  1. Register to Testify at the Hearing
    • Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the Online Testimony Registration Form. The registration form must contain the name of the person who will be testifying. A unique email address must be provided for each person registered to speak. Registration will close on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
    • Speaker order of approved registrants will be listed in a randomized order and posted on the Government Administration and Elections Committee website this Sunday at 6:00 P.M. under Public Hearing Testimony.
  2. Submit Written Testimony
    • Email written testimony in Word or PDF format to GAETestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should include your name, town, and the related bill number(s).
  3. Watch the Hearing

Updated CDC Guidance on Masks

Many of you might be like my family, discussing how we should now be wearing masks. The CDC has recently released new recommendations to double mask – here’s how:
  • DO add Layers of material (2 ways to layer)
    • Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric.
    • Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask.
      • The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face.
  • DON'T
    • Combine two disposable masks
      • Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve it.
    • Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask
      • Only use one KN95 mask at a time.

Wearing a mask, maintaining 6 feet of distance and getting a vaccine when eligible will help us stop the spread of this virus.

I want to also make sure I share some information on Scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Connecticut. If you live or work in Connecticut AND are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, there are multiple options for how you can schedule.

See below for a list of scheduling options:
Am I Eligible for the Vaccine?
 

Vaccine Access Line
 
 
 
 

 The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line is open 8a-8p, 7 days per week. By calling this line, you can schedule at locations across the State of Connecticut
 
Call
877-918-2224
 Walgreens Walgreens is currently offering COVID Vaccine at 12 different locations – and will soon be adding many more across the State
 CVS CVS is currently offering vaccine in ~10 stores across the State of Connecticut
 Walmart Walmart will be offering COVID-19 vaccines at 7 locations across the State of Connecticut: Torrington, West Haven, North Windham, New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and Norwalk
 VAMS VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System, and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the State, including:
• Trinity Health of New England
• Griffin Hospital
• Nuvance Hospital
• Other Health Departments
 Hartford Healthcare Hartford Healthcare has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the Hartford-area. You can use MyChart to schedule
Yale
NewHaven
Health		 Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the New Haven area. You can use MyChart to schedule
 
Stamford Health
 		 Stamford Health is operating a clinic 7-days-per-week at the Stamford Hospital. You can use ZocDoc to schedule
Click the link to schedule
 
Upcoming Healthcare Round Table

I am excited for the opportunity to have a conversation with Comptroller Lembo, Sen. Haskell and Reps. Anne Hughes and Jenn Leeper on SB 842. Options for affordable healthcare are more important than ever, and this bill provides an important alternative for Connecticut residents and small businesses. I always tell my children to go to the source for information. Comptroller Lembo is the best source for facts information on this proposal.
Register for the Zoom
Recent Zoning and Affordable Housing Forums

On Wednesday, I joined two conversations regarding zoning and affordable housing, one with FairPLAN as a panelist and another with Fairfield Yabantu and the Fairfield Museum and History Center as a participant. Each offers a different perspective and conversation with respect to the affordable housing issues we face in our community and throughout the state.

In the coming weeks, I hope to bring you a series of conversations on these topics. Look for more information on my Facebook page and via my e-blasts.