Senator Anwar Update 6/4/2020

For a town-by-town breakdown and other COVID-19 statistics, please visit: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

TONIGHT Facebook Live on Race Relations With Deacon Art Miller

TONIGHT at 8:30 p.m., I will join Deacon Art Miller of Simsbury’s St. Mary’s Church for a Facebook Live conversation focused on race relations in America. The events unfolding in America in recent days are disturbing and compelling all the same; we cannot lose focus on the events that incited them, and how deeply that issue has sunk into American society. From Emmett Till in 1955 to George Floyd in 2020, race relations have long been a part of American society. Our discussion will involve what is necessary to one day move past that into a more peaceful time.

Discussing Racial Inequality and Social Justice with Children
As protests continue to make way across the country following the death of George Floyd, it is important to know and understand how to talk to your children about racial inequality and social justice. Research shows that talking to children about the topics of race, inequality and social justice can make big changes and leave lasting positive impacts on a child’s development.

Medical experts say you can start talking to children about racial inequality and social justice at any age as long as it’s in a developmentally appropriate manner. If your child has questions about what happened to George Floyd, have an open (age-appropriate) conversation about it.

For more on how to discuss racial inequality with your child, Connecticut Children’s has guidance for different ages and how to make sure they feel safe on their website.

H&R Block Frontline Workers Program Extended
H&R Block is extending free Tax Pro Go, expert-prepared virtual tax service, for police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and healthcare workers through the end of June as a way to thank frontline workers for their service during the coronavirus pandemic. Frontline workers can get free virtual tax preparation by visiting www.hrblock.com/frontline. They will need to upload a picture of their work ID showing they are an officer, firefighter, EMT, or healthcare worker for the tax professional to apply the offer.

A Reminder: How to Properly Wear a Mask

In Connecticut, it is still recommended that residents wear a mask when they head out the door to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus pandemic. As more businesses start to open in the state, the guidance remains in place for customers and employees to wear a face covering.  As a reminder, the proper way to wear a mask is as follows:

Step 1: Wash your hands before placing a mask on your face.
Step 2: Put it on over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
Step 3: Fit it snug on the sides of your face.

New Feature to Help Apply for Public Assistance during COVID-19 Pandemic
Before the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect Connecticut residents and its business community, the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) received 2,500 to 3,000 new claims a week. Since March 13, it has processed over 566,000 of the more than 582,000 state unemployment insurance (UI) applications. The agency has been issuing approximately $15 million per week in state benefits payments. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, it has issued over $742.5 million in state UI benefit payments.

To see if you qualify for public assistance during this time, head to www.filectui.com. There is a new feature added to the PUA system under Common Questions and Concerns that addresses the uploading of PUA documentation during the application process.

On April 24, CTDOL began administering the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $600 supplemental stimulus to eligible residents and on May 7, CTDOL began the first phase of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. On May 22, an initial batch of letters was mailed out to individuals who were eligible for the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

Unemployment Update from the Department of Labor
Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the state Department of Labor reports that it has processed more than 566,000 of a total 582,000 unemployment insurance applications; that represents the equivalent of four years of average unemployment applications activity in just 11 weeks. The DOL has now issued more than $742.5 million in state unemployment benefit payments and $1.3 billon in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation supplemental stimulus payments. On May 7, it began administering Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds; it has thus far issued $44.5 million in those payments. Additionally, as Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation applications arrive in its offices, the DOL has issued $19 million in those payments.

If you have not yet applied for unemployment compensation, have questions about it or are seeking more information due to a recent change in employment, please visit www.filectui.com.

Mandatory COVID-19 Testing for Staff of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
More efforts are being made to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the state. As hospitalizations continue to decline in Connecticut, Governor Lamont is continuing new strategies to slow down the transmission of the virus. In his latest executive order, it is now mandatory for staff of private and municipal nursing homes, residential communities and assisted living agencies to get tested for COVID-19. Starting the week of June 14, all staff will have to be tested weekly for the rest of the public health emergency.

Determination of Suitable Work for Employees in the State
Governor Lamont has enacted a new order to determine if it is safe for an employee to go back to work. Under the determination of suitable work order, this will allow the Connecticut Department of Labor to consider, when determining a worker’s eligibility for unemployment benefits, whether COVID-19 could pose a health risk to a member of that worker’s household. Determining whether that person is able to return to work or not, other household members will be taken into consideration.

Deadlines Approaching to Qualify for Coverage through Access Health CT
Connecticut residents who may have lost their jobs in recent weeks should act quickly if they would like to enroll in health care coverage through Access Health CT. Losing health insurance from furlough or a layoff is considered a qualifying life event. As a rule, people have 60 days after their coverage ends to apply through Access Health CT. The deadline for those who lost their jobs in April is approaching. For more information, you can visit AccessHealthCT.com.

Online Purchasing of Food with SNAP Benefits begins Today
Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able to purchase food online from participating stores in Connecticut beginning today. Those enrolled in SNAP will be able to use their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to buy eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup. Retailers approved for the initial launch of online SNAP purchasing include Amazon, 12 Walmart stores and 22 ShopRite stores.

Public Service Announcement to Fact Check COVID-19 Information
There is so much information about the virus that gets posted online every day. Attorney General William Tong and the Connecticut State Police released a Public Service Announcement encouraging residents to fact check information they receive about the COVID-19 pandemic. Beware of scam artists who are attempting to spread false information online. Make sure to rely on information about coronavirus from official sources. To see the PSA you can click here. If you come across a scam regarding misinformation about the coronavirus crisis, you can file a complaint online.

New Order Allows Larger Amount of Children in Child Care Program
Governor Lamont has signed a new executive order that amends the previous limit of 30 children in a childcare program because of the coronavirus pandemic. A facility can now have up to 50 children without needing to obtain approval from the Office of Early Childhood. Any facility caring for over 50 children will need approval.

FEMA Approves Funding for Crisis Counseling in Connecticut
Connecticut has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide crisis counseling to those who have been impacted by COVID-19. A federal grant of $669,404 will be utilized by the state to provide the following services:

·      Crisis counseling to those experiencing homelessness who are in shelters, hotels and in the community, as well as staff in              these facilities
·      Crisis counseling to senior citizens in congregate care settings and the community
·      Enhancement of crisis counseling call-line services provided through United Way by calling 2-1-1

Additional Emergency SNAP Benefits being Delivered June 12The Connecticut Department of Social Services will be providing $16.3 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to nearly half of the state’s SNAP participants on Friday June 12. These extra food benefits will go to over 108,000 households in Connecticut that are not currently receiving the maximum benefits allowed for their household size. The average emergency benefit amount a household will see on its electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card is $150.

New Partnership to Support Vulnerable Residents During the COVID-19 Crisis
Connecticut is partnering with philanthropic organizations in an effort to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable residents in the state who are directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and who may be ineligible from receiving assistance through federal pandemic relief programs, including those who are undocumented.

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was created at the outbreak of the pandemic to provide emergency assistance to those who have been impacted, excludes relief to any residents who are undocumented and any U.S. citizen who files taxes with an undocumented spouse or partner. This same measure also denies emergency benefits to the U.S. citizen children of these parents.

Now, $2.5 million in state funding will be made available to provide rental assistance as well as $1 million dollars in emergency funding through the philanthropic organization 4-CT is being made available to families who are excluded from existing federal relief programs. These funds will be made available through the 4-CT Card, which will provide direct, one-time payments to families. For more information on how the assistance is provided and how the 4-CT card works, you can click here.

860-240-0347 or Toll-free 1-800-842-1420
www.senatedems.ct.gov/Anwar