May 28 Newsletter

Memorial Day 2021
May 28, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

Below you can find information on the following topics:

  • Roundup of Bills Passed in House This Week
  • Memorial Day Weekend
  • Latest COVID-19 Statistics

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
 
Roundup of Bills Passed This Week
We were at the Capitol this week debating and voting on a variety of bills. Among the bills we passed are the following:
H.B. 6646, An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations
The state has worked incredibly hard over the past few years to provide relief and assistance to hundreds of families in northeastern Connecticut following the devastating discovery that their homes had crumbling foundations. HB 6646 will expand on this work by extending the life of the captive insurance company, require annual reports from quarries, and develop concrete standards.

CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.


 

H.B. 6622, AN ACT CONCERNING PRESCRIPTION DRUG FORMULARIES AND LISTS OF COVERED DRUGS.
I'm so happy to see this bill finally passed in the House to help control cost of essential medications for the patients who need them. Thanks to my friend and constituent Pam Sedacca Greenberg for her advocacy on this issue!

During a "plan year," healthcare insurers are free to add or remove drugs from their formularies or shift individual drugs between tiers. This practice leads to potential higher costs or complete loss of coverage for consumers. HB 6622 would offer peace of mind to consumers by modifying the carrier's ability to impose these potentially confusing changes.

CLICK HERE for more information about this bill.
The House also passed legislation this week to make voting more accessible and convenient for Connecticut residents. HB 6205 expands eligibility for absentee voting in a common-sense way.

Under current law, caregivers and family members of those with a disability or illness are not eligible to vote by absentee, forcing them to choose between their right to vote and caring for a loved one. HB 6205 adopts a more general standard of sickness and disability, thereby allowing caregivers and family members the opportunity to vote by absentee.

Connecticut continues to work on voter protections to make voting as easy, safe, and accessible as possible. The House also passed two resolutions focused on voting rights earlier this month: HJ 58 which calls for no-excuse absentee voting, and HJ 59 which allows for early voting.

All three of these voting reforms are awaiting further action in the Senate.

While other states are passing legislation to disenfranchise voters, Connecticut is acting to support participation in the democratic process.
 
Happy Memorial Day Weekend
I hope you have a fun and safe Memorial Day with family and friends! Please take a moment from your picnics and barbecues to remember why we celebrate this day. Today, and every day, I am thinking of all of those who have lost their lives serving for our country, without whom we would not have our freedom.

If you would like to participate in honoring our fallen heroes, the Glastonbury Veterans Service Commission has scheduled its parade for May 31 at 9 a.m. starting at Welles Street and Main Street.
 
Latest COVID-19 Statistics
Manchester Specific Updates
  • Total Cases (confirmed & probable): 4,915
  • Total Deaths (confirmed & probable): 151

Glastonbury Specific Updates

  • Total Cases (confirmed & probable): 2,213
  • Total Deaths (confirmed & probable): 105