Jeff Currey

I saw a tweet (or is it xeet now?!) on Thursday that noted there were 50 days until fall and all I could think was, c’mon y’all, there is still plenty of summer left! Peaking around the corner in all of its colorful inevitability, though, is the back-to-school season, which brings fun and new exciting opportunities for our students throughout Connecticut.

Connecticut's Children's released its Back to School Toolkit that has helpful, age-appropriate tips to navigate the start of the school year and ways you can set up children up for success. And while I’ve got your attention and we’re on a “seasons” kick, winter’s inevitability will be upon us by year’s end, so read further below for some tips on what you should be doing NOW to prepare you and your household.

In the coming weeks, there will be more back-to-school content from me, but I do want to leave you with a reminder to find a bit of time to enjoy the last full month of summer and all this season brings with it, of course, after you read the email below.

Have an easy weekend.

• Education Chair's Corner
• At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond
• Health Resources
• Resources for Seniors
• Resources for Veterans
• Community Resources & Events
• Youth Activities & Resources
• Job Opportunities & Resources

You can find additional resources and information on my website. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Starting this fall, incoming freshmen high school students will need to complete a half-credit course in personal financial management and financial literacy in order to graduate from Connecticut public high schools thanks to an overwhelmingly bipartisan law passed during the 2023 Legislative Session and recently signed into law. It also adds personal financial management and financial literacy to the state’s required program of instruction for public schools.
 
The requirement can count as either a humanities credit or as an elective credit and will not add to students’ existing required credits.
 
Financial education is as important as math, science, and reading. This course will help give every student a better shot at financial success, particularly those who have not been provided the opportunity or the resources otherwise to receive this kind of instruction.
 
The Connecticut State Board of Education will provide curriculum and resources to help local school boards develop the courses, along with non-profits, credit unions, and other subject matter experts, which must include instruction on banking, investing, savings, the handling of personal finance matters, and the impact of using credit cards and debit cards.
 
Connecticut joins 21 other states that have enacted laws requiring students to take a personal finance course to graduate from high school.
 
The legislation is PA 23-21. It was approved in the Senate by a vote of 35-1 and in the House of Representatives by a vote of 138-12.

The annual rally is organized by the EHPS Office of Equity, Partnerships and Achievement, which has coordinated more than 20 community vendors to share resources and information with attendees.

The highlight of the event for children is leaving the rally with a new backpack, stocked with school supplies, so they’re ready for the upcoming school year. Families are encouraged to visit available vendors before getting a backpack. Please note EHPS can only guarantee backpacks for the first 1,500 students who attend. 

The Manchester Human Services Administration will be accepting VISA gift cards ($25 increments) and/or monetary donations only for the 2023-2024 school year. We will be distributing a gift card to eligible families for the purchase of school supplies for children in grades K-12.
 
Senior, Adult and Family Services will be conducting screenings. To qualify, families must reside in Manchester, receive state assistance and meet the program’s income guidelines.
 
If you, or anyone you know, including an organization, would like to donate, it would greatly help Manchester families! We will be accepting donations through Friday, August 11.
 
You can contact Lisa at (860) 647-3092, or email her at lfusco@manchesterct.gov or Kim at 860-647-3096 or email her kims@manchesterct.gov for more information.

In 2019, the legislature passed, and the Governor signed PA 19-25 into law, creating CT Paid Leave. January 1, 2021, employee payroll contributions began. One year later, on January 1, 2022, benefit payments began for qualified applicants.

Families in Connecticut shouldn't have to worry about whether they can balance taking care of family needs or paying the bills. With this program, both can happen, as it offers partial income replacement benefits.

What qualifies for eligible leave?

• Parental bonding - the birth of an employee's child or placement of an adopted or foster child with the employee
• Serious health conditions - for the employee or a family member of the employee
• Donors - to serve as an organ or bone marrow donor
• Armed Forces - for family members in the armed forces undergoing treatment for an injury or illness incurred in the line of duty or being deployed to a foreign country
• Family violence - for family violence victims to seek medical care or counseling, obtain services from a victim services organization, relocate because of family violence, or participate in civil or criminal proceedings related to the family

Connecticut is one of 13 states in the nation to pass paid family and medical leave legislation, along with California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as Washington D.C. States including New Hampshire and Vermont have enacted voluntary programs for employers who want to opt in.

Connecticut should be proud of its paid leave program. It is held up as a national model for other states to emulate. 

Connecticut’s unemployment system is currently receiving several thousand claims per day; CTDOL suspects around 75% are fraudulent and is withholding payment. 

Upon receiving an unemployment claim, ReEmployCT, the state’s unemployment tax and benefits system, automatically sends employers a notice that a claim has been filed against them. If an employer receives a notification for an employee who still works for the company, it is an identity theft red flag. Employers should respond quickly to these notices and the victim of ID theft should report this on the CTDOL Identity Theft Report form and with local law enforcement. Filling out the ID theft form helps CTDOL protect the victim’s future unemployment benefits; it is available in English and Spanish. 

Residents should also report identity theft to CTDOL if they receive a monetary determination letter or a 1099 tax form from CTDOL but have not filed for unemployment benefits. 

CTDOL’s Fraud Watch webpage has comprehensive information on preventing, reporting, and recovering from fraud and identity theft. Additionally, information for employers is found on the ReEmployCT employer page. 

PA 23-161 passed the House and Senate unanimously and leaves banks and credit unions much better trained and equipped to detect elder fraud and financial abuse. This law, which takes effect July 1, 2024, authorizes certain employees of financial institutions to temporarily suspend or hold a transactions or disbursements involving an adult over the age of 60 if there is reasonable suspicion of financial exploitation.
 
Anyone who preys upon the vulnerabilities of our citizens and steals their money and destroys their retirements will now be watched closer than ever since this law soon gives banks and credit unions more tools to catch criminals.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold a virtual public information meeting on Monday, August 21 at 5:30 pm. concerning air quality monitoring projects to be conducted in Hartford and East Hartford. You can register here.

Monitoring will be conducted using DEEP’s new Geospatial Measurement of Air Pollution, or “GMAP,” air quality monitoring vehicle. The GMAP vehicle can detect and record in real-time the concentration of 16 different air pollutants, including toxic vapors, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. The GMAP vehicle provides the benefits of a “Next Generation Compliance” enforcement tool and will allow DEEP to identify new or previously unknown sources of air pollution and to prioritize inspections of air pollution sources based on environmental risk. With the GMAP vehicle, DEEP will conduct air quality monitoring throughout the state, emphasizing monitoring in environmental justice and historically overburdened communities.

The meeting will consist of an informational presentation given by DEEP, followed by an opportunity for comments and questions by members of the public. The meeting is open to all interested, especially to those who live, work, or attend school within the affected communities. If you are unable to attend this meeting, DEEP will post a recording of the meeting to its website. Written comments are also welcome and may be submitted to: Lakisha.Stephenson@ct.gov until September 22.

More information about the GMAP program can be found at Geospatial Measurement of Air Pollution - GMAP (ct.gov).

Energy supply rates have been lower this summer, but higher supply rates are anticipated again this coming winter. With tips and programs to use less energy, Eversource is offering steps now to better manage your electric and gas bills to get ready now. 

As Connecticut scientists warn of new tick species, it is more important than ever to take preventative measures. Here are some tips to share with your friends and family!

• East Hartford Senior Services
• Manchester Senior, Adult, and Family Services
• CT Health and Human Services Older Adult Services
• 211/United Way of Connecticut Resources for Older Adults

• Survey for East Hartford Seniors (English)
• Encuesta de personas mayores de East Hartford Survey (Espanol)

Seniors can also pickup hard copies of the survey at the following locations:

• Augie & Ray’s Restaurant at 314 Main Street
• Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place – 2 Survey box locations (The Front Lobby and the Assessor’s office)
• Fire Stations
• Station 1 – 726 Main Street by the Town Hall (Park on the North end of the ramp - closest to the Town Clerk trailer. The survey box is the front watch room).
• Station 2 – 1692 Main Street by McAuliffe Park (Park in front of the kitchen door. The survey box is in the kitchen/watch room).
• Station 3 – 31 School Street - Public Safety Complex (survey box is inside the front lobby)
• Station 5 – 141 Brewer Street (Park on the front. The survey box is in the front foyer).
• Station 6 – 1050 Forbes by Brewer Street (Park on the North Driveway-Brewer Street side. The survey box is in the front foyer).

NOTE: If the fire personnel are on a call, the station will be locked, and you will have to return later or use another drop off location. Also, NEVER park in front of the garage doors even for a moment, as an emergency call could come in and you would be blocking their path. See the details for where each survey box is within the various Fire Stations.

• East Hartford Golf Club at 130 Long Hill Street
• Hartford East senior housing complex – 886 Main Street East Hartford
• Library - Raymond Library at 840 Main Street
• Library - Wickham Memorial Library at 656 Burnside Avenue
• Public Safety Complex at 31 School Street (survey box is inside the front lobby)
• Riverside Health Care & Rehabilitation at 745 Main Street
• Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive 

Please answer all of the survey questions to provide us with important information that is crucial to interpreting your survey. YOUR RESPONSES ARE STRICTLY ANONYMOUS! Only statistical results will be reported, and anonymous write-in comments. 

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN that will be held on Friday, September 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The DVA continues our commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans by providing this “one stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at regional sites across the State. This regional approach to Stand Down will help Connecticut Veterans connect with the programs, services, and benefits in their local communities.

Regional site locations in:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport Wheeler Recreation Center, 400 University Avenue
• Bristol: St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Avenue
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
• Rocky Hill: CTDVA Campus, 287 West Street

In the coming months, the DVA will provide registration information, transportation schedules, list of available services at each location and FAQs on this webpage.

The Town of Manchester has two grant programs for small business owners that I wanted to share with you.

The Business Investment Fund Grant Program offers reimbursable matching grants to eligible Manchester small business owners for projects that address code, access, energy efficiency, or sustainability improvements and promote enhanced use of underutilized space to add jobs, value, and economic vitality.

The Business Façade and Signage Improvement Fund Grant Program offers reimbursement grants to eligible Manchester small business owners to improve the exterior appearance of commercial and mixed-use buildings and signage.

The application deadline for both grant programs is October 1, 2024 or until funds are exhausted. For more information, contact the Planning & Economic Development Department at planningdept@manchesterct.gov or (860) 647-3044.

Farmers and vendors that produce eligible foods sold at the East Hartford market are able to accept Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as well as Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits. Residents interested in applying for the SFMNP program can contact East Hartford Social Services at (860) 291-7248. WIC clients will be receiving electronic benefits cards by mail with instructions for using the funds at participating markets.

East Hartford market organizers are in the process of applying to accept supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits. Updates will be announced as we obtain SNAP market approval and establish how residents can utilize SNAP benefits to purchase eligible foods at our farmers’ market.

The East Hartford Farmers’ Market is asking for residents and organizations to help fight hunger and food insecurity experienced by residents of our community. Donations will help residents that rely on food pantry assistance to purchase fresh produce. Available funds will also be used to provide additional support for SNAP, WIC and senior market nutrition program recipients.

Sponsors will be recognized at the market and through the Town's communication channels.  Show your shared commitment to health programs that support East Hartford quality of life. For more information, view the EH Market Partner Information.        

The market is interested in adding more vendors to serve the community. If you are a farmer or market vendor that produces honey, milk, eggs, or other foods, or locally produced crafts, please complete the vendor application using the links listed below. Market organizers will review completed applications and notify vendors whether your application is accepted. Vendors are advised to review the East Hartford market guidelines. Click the links below for further information:

• Food Vendor/Farmer Application
• Small Business/Non-Food Vendor Application
• Non-profit and Community Organization Application
• Farmers’ Market Food Vendor Guidelines 

The outdoor Spruce Street Farmers Market runs Wednesdays through August 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Market Field on 153 Spruce Street. 

Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse Connecticut business owners and products, including: fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, baked goods, a featured food truck, vegan offerings, honey, maple syrup, and artisans. See the weekly vendor line up and market theme at facebook.com/SpruceStreetMarketCT 

In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20 (spend $20 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20 to spend on SNAP eligible items). Bring the kids for our Power of Produce program (POP)! Every child who visits the Welcome Pavillion will receive a $2 voucher to spend on produce. This program is sponsored by MELC.



Questions? Email sprucestmarket@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3089.

The outdoor Northwest Park Farmers Market season will run Wednesdays starting September 6-October 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Northwest Park on 448 Tolland Turnpike.

Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse Connecticut business owners and products, including: fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, baked goods, a featured food truck, vegan offerings, honey, maple syrup, and artisans. See the weekly vendor line up and market theme at facebook.com/NorthwestParkFarmersMarketCT

In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20 (spend $20 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20 to spend on SNAP eligible items). Bring the kids for our Power of Produce program (POP)! Every child who visits the Welcome Pavillion will receive a $2 voucher to spend on produce. This program is sponsored by MELC.



Questions? Email nwpmarket@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3089.

State and local officials gathered at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of a new children’s urgent crisis center. It is one of four centers opening statewide created by legislation passed in 2022 addressing the mental health needs of children and teens.

Licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, the centers function as walk-in clinics, providing youths and their families with immediate access to resources while they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, such as thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness; out-of-control behaviors; substance misuse; and other mental health concerns. They are aimed at diverting youths and their families from making visits to emergency rooms to address behavioral health crises.

Current capacity for the four centers is 72 daily slots. They are strategically located across Connecticut and are operated by:

• The Village for Families and Children in Hartford
• Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven
• The Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut in New London
• Wellmore Behavioral Health in Waterbury

I am happy to have expanded services for the children's behavioral health system in Connecticut.

Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.

Click here for the Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library. 

Click here for East Hartford Community Television. 

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library. 

Click here for Manchester Public Television.