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| 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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| House Votes to Continue Fiscal Guardrails & Support Students |
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| The House was in session yesterday to keep Connecticut moving forward and invest in our students. We voted to continue securing the fiscal guardrails that have allowed the state to cut taxes, invest in families and the economy, pay down debt, and save for the future. Thanks to our work, we have:
• Cut over $650 million in taxes
• Paid off billions in pension debt
• Invested in preschool education and children's mental health programs
We accomplished this while maintaining record savings for our rainy-day fund to continue our efforts for a fiscally responsible future. This just the start – this fiscal year we will continue to cut taxes for working families middle, reduce debt levels, save for the future, and most importantly continue our commitment to invest in our communities.
To secure funding for our students, we voted to utilize $60 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to ensure every child in Connecticut can access free school lunches for the remainder of the school year.
I would also like to highlight the more than $20 million pay-out to special education funding that has been allocated to schools across the state.
I'd like to know, what do you think about these issues? |
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| Governor Lamont Delivers Budget Address |
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont delivered his budget address – an outline of his legislative priorities for the next two fiscal years. The proposal is focused on initiatives that the Governor believes will spur economic growth in the state, calling for middle-class tax cuts and investments in young families, education, workforce development, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Of course, this is only the first step in the process of adopting a new state budget. We will now await the proposals from the Finance Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Then, negotiations will be off and rolling!
I'd like to know, what do you think about this issue? |
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| Today in CT History: Connecticut’s 1st African-American Congressman |
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Today in 1953, future Congressman Gary A. Franks was born in Waterbury, the youngest of six children in a family of limited means. His parents put a high value on education, and all six of their children went to college, and three obtained doctoral degrees. Gary was an All-State high school basketball player and went on to play for Yale University, from which he graduated in 1975. During the next decade, Franks worked as a labor relations executive for three Fortune 500 companies, before starting his own real estate firm in Waterbury. Encouraged by his friend John Rowland, Franks entered politics in an effort to bring “new blood” to the Waterbury Republican Party.
In 1990, when Rowland vacated his congressional seat to run for governor, Franks successfully sought the nomination for his seat as a black Republican conservative, beating out six other candidates. In a campaign that drew national attention, Franks, aided by campaign appearances from President and First Lady George and Barbara Bush, was able to defeat well-known Democrat Toby Moffett in a district where Democrats outnumbered Republicans two to one. |
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Franks was the first African American elected to Congress from Connecticut and the first black Republican elected to Congress in 60 years. A member of the Armed Services committee, Franks secured large numbers of defense contracts for the state. He also wrote the bill that led to the establishment of Weir Farm as Connecticut’s first National Park site.
Franks helped craft the GOP’s 1995 welfare reform package, and he upset many in the African American community because of his strong opposition to affirmative action and his support for the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court.
Franks’s strong and independent views put him at odds not only with members of the Black Congressional Caucus, but sometimes with his own party leadership. Nevertheless, he served three terms, until his defeat in 1996 by Democrat James Maloney. Two years later, after a failed attempt to unseat Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, Franks retired from politics.
If you'd like to learn more about Gary Franks and other interesting CT historical figures, click here. |
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| State & Local Offices Closed Monday, Feb. 13 |
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| A reminder that all town offices in East Hartford and state offices will be closed on Monday, February 13 in observance of Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, and reopen for regularly scheduled hours of operation on Tuesday, February 14. This will not affect the curbside waste pickup. Weekly trash and recycling collection will occur based on your regular schedule.
Manchester's town offices are unaffected by this holiday and will remain open for regularly scheduled hours of operation on Monday.
For more information, East Hartford residents can click here, and Manchester residents can click here. |
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| East Hartford Earns Aa3 Issuer Rating |
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| Mayor Mike Walsh announced that Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aa3 issuer rating to the Town of East Hartford. Moody’s also confirmed the town’s Aa3 general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) rating. This action concludes a review that was initiated on November 3, 2022, in conjunction with the release of the US Cities and Counties Methodology. |
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This rating reflects the town's financial position, which includes below average, but stable reserves and liquidity. Operating balance will likely continue, given the town's effective management and strong financial practices. This includes conservative budgeting and mandatory application of surpluses to pay down unfunded OPEB liabilities.
For more information, click here. |
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| Tax Preparation Services & Resources Available |
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| Looking for help this tax season? There are a few free tax preparation services available in both East Hartford and Manchester. Both towns will offer sites staffed by VITA volunteers to help prepare simple income tax returns for free, only for low to mid-income families and individuals making no more than $60,000 per year at the following sites. |
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In East Hartford, VITA volunteers will be available at Raymond Library by appointment only on Sundays from 1PM-4:30PM now through April 2. Dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment.
In Manchester, VITA volunteers will be available at the following sites: |
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Manchester Senior Center
By appointment only
Call (860) 647-3092
Saturday appointments available beginning February 11 through April 15, 9AM-4PM
You do not need to be a member of the senior center to attend |
The Village, Manchester Community Y
By appointment only
Call 211 or click here
Appointments available Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 10:30AM-2:30PM; Fridays, 9:30AM-2PM; Saturday, 10AM-1PM
Virtual appointments are also available |
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| Additionally, the senior centers in both communities will offer appointments with AARP volunteers certified by the IRS to offer tax counseling and preparation services: |
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East Hartford Senior Center
By appointment only
Call (860) 291-7460
Appointments available now through April 15, Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-4:30PM |
Manchester Senior Center
By appointment only
Call (860) 647-6024
Appointments available now through April 14 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1PM-3PM. |
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The Town of East Hartford is also offering assistance to elderly, persons with disabilities, and veterans needing guidance on available exemption programs. Representatives from the East Hartford Assessor's Office will be at the East Hartford Senior Center every Wednesday, 9AM-3:30PM to accommodate walk-ins and appointments for the senior, totally disabled and veteran program exemptions. More information can be found here.
For more information on available resources, East Hartford residents can click here and East Hartford residents can click here. |
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| Mark Twain House & Museum Seeking Volunteer Readers for the Twain Award Selection Committee |
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| The Mark Twain House & Museum is seeking volunteer readers to join the Twain Award Selection Committee. Volunteer readers will help the museum to identify a "long list" of titles for the Twain Award – a prestigious award distinguishing works of fiction that speak with an American voice and tell a uniquely American story. |
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Each volunteer on the selection committee will need to read at least two books that will be submitted by authors and publishers and will be expected to answer questions about the books. The reading period will take place from late March to mid-June.
If you have any questions or would like to join the selection committee, email Literacy Programs Coordinator Omar Acevedo at omar.acevedo@marktwainhouse.org. |
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| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
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| The Manchester Health Department and Connecticut Department of Public Health will offer a free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Friday, February 17 from 12PM-3:30PM at the Manchester Senior Center (549 East Middle Turnpike). No appointment and no insurance required. First and second doses, plus boosters, will be available to all eligible residents. |
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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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Free COVID-19 test kits are also available at the East Hartford Health Department's new location in Room B09 of the Community Cultural Center. Testing is recommended for any individual currently experiencing symptoms or who thinks they have been exposed to COVID-19 (i.e., fever, dry cough, and tiredness). For guidance on how to use the kits, click here.
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 through the program to individuals who are blind or have low vision. 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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Don't miss that next Spruce Street Farmers Market tomorrow, February 11 from 9AM-1PM! Find Super Bowl snacks, Valentine's Day gifts, and so much more at the "Love Your Local Market' – featuring 27 Connecticut farms, prepared food vendors and artisans.
SNAP/EBT will be accepted – plus double your SNAP up to $20 (spend $20 and receive an additional $20). Free admission and free parking available – for more information and a complete list of vendors, click here. |
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A draft of Manchester Next, the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), will soon be available and the public is invited to an upcoming open house and presentation to learn all about it! During a community open house and presentation, members of the public can get familiar with the draft POCD and provide questions and feedback on the following dates:
- Wednesday, February 15: Drop-in Hours from 12PM-7PM at WORK_SPACE (901 Main Street), presentation will begin at 7PM.
- Thursday, February 16: Drop-in Hours from 8AM-4PM at Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center (153 Spruce Street).
The public draft will also be available for online viewing on February 15, and the Town will continue to accept comments on the draft plan through March 15. If you have questions or require additional information, click here, or reach out by email to epetersen@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3044. Please RSVP for the presentation using the email or phone number above. |
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The Manchester Public Library is pleased to host Dylan Napoleone for “Ice Fishing 101” on Thursday, February 16 at 6:30PM in the Howroyd Room. Whether you've never gone ice fishing and want to learn, or you're a veteran of the sport, this seminar is for you! Dylan will demonstrate and instruct on a plethora of topics including lures/bait, equipment, safety, techniques, and much more.
No registration required for this free program. For more information call (860) 645-0821. |
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Mayor Mike invites East Hartford residents to attend the second annual Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, February 16 from 6:30PM-8:30PM in the auditorium of the Community Cultural Center. The goal of the meeting is for Mayor Mike to share his renewed vision for East Hartford and communicate established goals to the community.
Remote access is available, for more information click here. |
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Looking for new, exciting ways to help your child practice and develop their math skills? Join the East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, February 16 at 6PM in the Children's Department to participate in games and activities to help your child grow their confidence in mathematical thinking, all while having fun!
Register to participate by clicking here – best suited for elementary students in grades K-5. |
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| Come learn more about the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation (EHAAEF) at East Hartford Brewing on Friday, February 17 at 5PM. Grab a beer and connect with other alumni and community members! |
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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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