Aging Committee Takes Aim at Age Discrimination
Bill introduced by Sen. Slap gets unanimous approval to be drafted
HARTFORD – The legislature’s Aging Committee today voted unanimously to draft a bill championed by state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) that would make Connecticut a national leader in protecting older workers from age discrimination.
The bill prohibits employers from asking for date of birth, school graduation and/or attendance dates on job applications. If enacted, Connecticut would be one of the only states that explicitly bans this information from job applications.
The bill would allow for prospective employers to ask about a date of birth if there is a bona fide occupational need, or if state or federal laws require it.
Senate Bill 56, “AN ACT DETERRING AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION,” is the same bill that received widespread support last year – including from the Connecticut AARP, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, and a group of West Hartford seniors – before the coronavirus pandemic ended the 2020 legislative session.
“This bill comes at a critical time for older workers,” said Sen. Slap, who is Senate Chair of the Aging Committee. “We know that during the last recession unemployed folks who were age 50 and over waited longer to find work than younger applicants. Women and people of color are especially impacted by age discrimination. We cannot let that happen again. No one should be vetted for a job because of their age, and this bill closes a costly loophole for older workers. Employers cannot ask for an applicant’s age in an interview, but they are currently allowed to ask for their date of birth on the application. I’m grateful for Representative Phipps’ partnership on this bill and for the strong bipartisan support on the committee.”
“Age discrimination in any form is prohibited in our state, and we must protect the rights of qualified applicants as they search for ways to empower their families and strengthen the economy,” said state Rep. Quentin Phipps (D-Middletown), who is House Chair of the Aging Committee. “Certain questions on job applications can easily target applicants, preventing them to advance in the interviewing process. I support ending this practice and allowing individuals seeking employment to be treated fairly, regardless of age.”
With 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s, Connecticut has the 6th-oldest workforce in the nation, with a median age of 41 (as of 2017.) Just 20% of Connecticut employees were over the age 54 in 2008; today that figure is 26.5%, with the health care, manufacturing, educational services and retail trade industries employing the most workers over age 54.
A 2018 AARP survey found about 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 76% of them see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job. Meanwhile, nearly a third of U.S. households headed by someone age 55 or older have no retirement savings or pension, meaning they’ll have to continue working or rely on Social Security in order to survive financially.
Sen. Slap said there will be a public hearing on the bill in the coming weeks, and he urged anyone who has experienced age discrimination to offer testimony.
The Aging Committee also voted today to raise more than a dozen other bills as “concepts” to be drafted, debated and later voted on. Those concept bills include:
- AN ACT EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESPITE PROGRAM
- AN ACT INCREASING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER NONPARENT RELATIVES RAISING NEEDY CHILDREN
- AN ACT CONCERNING AN INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PREMIUM
- AN ACT CONCERNING NURSING HOME SERVICES
- AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF MEDICAID-FUNDED PROGRAMS
- AN ACT CONCERNING THE RENTERS’ REBATE PROGRAM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
- AN CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES TO VIRTUAL VISITATION AND HUMAN CONNECTIONS
- AN ACT PERMITTING THE COMMUNITY SPOUSE OF AN INSTITUTIONALIZED MEDICAID RECIPIENT TO RETAIN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF ALLOWABLE ASSETS
- AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW VOLUNTARISM NEEDS OF THE STATE OMBUDSMAN
- AN ACT CONCERNING RETROACTIVE MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR HOME CARE SERVICES
- AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REVOLVING LOAN FUND TO ASSIST ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS
- AN ACT CONCERNING SMOKING IN NURSING HOMES, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND OTHER HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
- AN ACT INCREASING FUNDING FOR AGING IN PLACE INITIATIVE
- AN ACT CONCERNING SENIOR CENTERS
- AN ACT CONCERNING LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES
Public Health Committee Co-Chairs Sen. Daugherty Abrams, Rep. Steinberg Joined by Nichola Hall of the Bridgeport NAACP and Kevin O’Flaherty of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to Announce Legislation Banning All Flavored Tobacco Products
Public Health Committee Co-Chairs Sen. Daugherty Abrams, Rep. Steinberg Joined by Nichola Hall of the Bridgeport NAACP and Kevin O’Flaherty of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to Announce Legislation Banning All Flavored Tobacco Products
HARTFORD, CT – Today, Public Health Committee Co-Chairs state Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) and state Representative Johnathan Steinberg (D-Westport) were joined by Kevin O’Flaherty from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Nichola Hall from the Bridgeport NAACP to announce the Public Health Committee plans to introduce legislation banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products.
The proposed legislation will be similar in scope to 2020’s Senate Bill 76, which stated, “no distributor or dealer shall sell, offer for sale, display for sale or possess with intent to sell any flavored cigarette or flavored tobacco product.” Surrounding states have taken similar measures, as Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island have banned the sale of flavored tobacco products. Massachusetts, California, and over 100 cities nationwide have banned the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes. Sen. Daugherty Abrams said this legislation will protect children across the state from the predatory practice of luring children into tobacco use through flavored products.
“It is incredibly important that we address this public health crisis now,” Sen. Daugherty Abrams said. “Prior to the global pandemic, we were prepared to pass this legislation. Now as we continue to address COVID-19, it is even more timely and necessary that we address this crisis and protect our state’s young people from these harmful products. We must act this session, as action will save lives.”
Tobacco companies have long used flavored products to attract kids, starting with menthol cigarettes and now continuing with e-cigarettes. According to the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey, youth usage of electronic cigarettes is still a public health crisis and has “increased dramatically” from 2011 with 3.6 million youth still using e-cigarettes. Flavors are a big reason why. As reported in JAMA, 81% of youth who have ever used tobacco of any kind started with a flavored product. Additionally, according to the survey, more than eight out of 10 youth e-cigarette users reported using the flavored products. Rep. Steinberg said it is imperative to the well-being of our state’s youth to ban flavored tobacco products.
“The pandemic has reminded us that the public health can be quite fragile, requiring proactive efforts to protect our citizens,” said Rep. Steinberg. “It’s time that we act to end the sale of all tobacco flavors, which can prove dangerous to one’s health as well as potentially leading young people on the path to addiction.”
Addiction comes with dire health consequences. According to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on E-Cigarette Use Among Youth, the aerosol users inhale and exhale from these flavored tobacco products can “potentially expose both themselves and bystanders to other harmful substances, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports youth usage of e-cigarettes can make these individuals “more likely,” to smoke cigarettes in the future.
“For decades, the tobacco industry has been using flavored products to hook kids into addiction,” said Kevin O’Flaherty, Director of Advocacy for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “First with menthol cigarettes, flavored chew and cigars; now most recently with over 15,000 different flavors of e-cigarettes. 95% of all tobacco users started before they turned 21, and 80% of kids who have ever used tobacco started with a flavored product. Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey have banned the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes and Massachusetts has gone further, banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored smokeless tobacco. It’s time for Connecticut to protect our kids from these predatory products and these insidious flavors.”
The tobacco industry has utilized menthol directly to target the Black Community. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 85% of Black smokers use menthol tobacco products compared to the less than 10% that did in the 1950s. Additionally, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death among Black Americans, claiming 45,000 lives per year, per the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Nichola Hall, of the Bridgeport NAACP, said this sobering data requires immediate action.
“How many more black lives should the tobacco companies take from us? The loss of one life is devastating but losing 45,000 Black American lives per year should have everyone committed to making an immediate change,” said Hall. “Most importantly, these deaths are preventable. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids states since the 1950’s Black smoker’s use of menthol tobacco products increased from 10% to 85%; statistics do not lie; but the tobacco companies do. They strategically and successfully target our young people with menthol cigarettes, which they know are easier to start and harder to quit. It’s time for Connecticut to stop the sales of these flavored products, and to pull up the ladder of addiction that has destroyed lives, families, and our community for far too long.”
The Public Health Committee will raise this concept at their meeting on Wednesday, January 20 at 10 am. The meeting will be broadcast here.
State Senator Dennis Bradley Reflects On Martin Luther King Day
State Senator Dennis Bradley Reflects On Martin Luther King Day
Today, State Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) is reflecting on Dr. Marin Luther King’s birthday and is asking others to show love for their community.
“I want to encourage Connecticut residents to remember everything that was Dr. King, summed up in one word, and that word is love,” said Sen. Bradley. “Although in his life, his daughter stated there were polls that indicated he was the most hated man in America, we know that even through that hate, Dr. King loved. As we reflect on the year 2020, we know all too well, that the love that Dr. King taught us, must prevail.”
Senator Bradley is encouraging the community to explore the Dr. King Center online to honor his life and to donate if you can. Today, LifeBridge Community Services in Bridgeport held a food drive and Senator Bradley is hopeful those who can give to others will participate in activities like these. Senator Bradley says showing support for others keeps Dr. King’s legacy alive.
Senator Marilyn Moore Encouraging Family Members to Help Residents Who Are 75 Years of Age and Older
Senator Marilyn Moore Encouraging Family Members to Help Residents Who Are 75 Years of Age and Older
As the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older can now schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) has released the following statement as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is now live.
“This new tool is imperative to help save those who are most vulnerable and protect those from COVID-19,” said Sen. Moore. “I want to encourage those who are able to register for a vaccine to do so. You are not only protecting yourself but others around you. This upcoming Phase continues to lead us in the right direction of our state returning back to normal.”
In the coming weeks, Phase 1b will include residents 65 years of age or older and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers. Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.
For those who are unable to access the online portal, family members and loved ones can submit an application for a resident who is 75 years of age or older into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. If an individual does not have an email address to use, signing up for one is free. A resident can go to gmail.com and create an account, or a loved one can help do that for them.
“While I appreciate residents who are 75 and older being put into this next group who are able to get the coronavirus vaccine, I am concerned they personally will not have access to the online registration,” said Sen. Moore. “I strongly encourage family members of those who are 75 and older to submit an application on their behalf and I am asking family members help these residents sign up for an email account.”
Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.
More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks. Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.
Senator Needleman Grants Citation to Carter Gowrie After Decades of Service to the Shoreline Community and Beyond
Senator Needleman Grants Citation to Carter Gowrie After Decades of Service to the Shoreline Community and Beyond
This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) granted a citation to Carter Gowrie of Essex, recognizing the decades of community service and dedication that Gowrie has committed to the surrounding shoreline towns and organizations. Most notably, Gowrie and his business, Gowrie Group, have raised more than $2.1 million for The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries over the last fourteen years through the Gowrie Challenge. Gowrie and his company are also longtime sponsors and supporters of many local institutions including the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, Ivoryton Playhouse and New England Science & Sailing, among many other local institutions.
“Carter Gowrie’s remarkable spirit of community service is evidenced by the support and leadership he has shown to so many worthwhile and charitable causes,” said Sen. Needleman. “It is because of that spirit his friends, family and colleagues hold him in the highest esteem. Mr. Gowrie has impacted countless lives in our community for the better and the effects of his generosity will be evident for decades to come.”
“Thank you so much for this CT State Citation,” said Gowrie. “The Shoreline Soup Kitchen delivered 1.6 million pounds of food to folks in our eleven shoreline towns. What an incredible undertaking! The need was up 50% in this pandemic year, and it is with sincere pride that we worked together at Gowrie Group all these years to help this great cause. Thank you to all of you who stepped up in 2020 to greatly exceed our goal. We look forward to continuing our matching challenge in 2021.”
Carter Gowrie and his insurance firm Gowrie Group have, for decades, supported local charitable causes with a strong belief in giving back to the surrounding community in Westbrook and beyond. The annual Gowrie Group Challenge involves Gowrie Group donating $30,000 to The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP), and challenging local businesses and friends to help meet an aspirational goal of raising $175,000 of more to support the SSKP. This year, given the significant increase in demand for food services because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge was even more important. The local community and sponsors stepped up to meet this need in a huge way, and The 2020 Gowrie Challenge surpassed all previous records and raised an astonishing $284,000 for the benefit of the SSKP.
The long list of foundations and causes supported by Carter Gowrie and Gowrie Group include: the Mystic Seaport Museum, the New England Museum Association, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Robie Pierce Regatta for people with disabilities, the Connecticut River Leukemia Cup Regatta, the Diocese of Norwich, Vista Life Innovations, US Sailing, New England Science & Sailings, Raise The Roof, Habitat For Humanity, the Connecticut Sports Foundation, the National Sailing Hall of Fame, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Marine Trades Associations, the Veteran Angler Charters, the Providence Animal Rescue League and local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs and many public safety entities.
Sen. Cohen Welcomes COVID-19 Vaccinations For CT Residents Age 75+
Sen. Cohen Welcomes COVID-19 Vaccinations For CT Residents Age 75+
GUILFORD – Today, as the Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to phase 1b, Connecticut residents who age 75 or older can now schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.
“Connecticut has recently been highlighted as one of the top states in the country for the percentage of its residents who have been vaccinated against this terrible, infectious virus, and now we are moving to protect a group of citizens who we have experienced devastating consequences from COVID-19,” said state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford). “In the coming weeks, more groups of people will qualify for vaccinations, and my hope and expectation is that the majority of Connecticut residents will be in line by mid-summer. It’s been a long year, and this process is lengthy, but it has to be thorough and precise, and we are getting there.”
In the coming weeks, phase 1b is expected to expand to include residents 65 years of age or older, and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers.
Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.
Family members and loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for residents 75 years of age or older by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.
Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.
More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks. Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state.
While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.
Insurance Committee Raises Proposed Bill From Sen. Slap RE; Travel Insurance Covering Suicide
Insurance Committee Raises Proposed Bill From Sen. Slap RE; Travel Insurance Covering Suicide
HARTFORD – The legislature’s Insurance Committee today voted to draft a bill submitted by state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) that would prohibit insurance companies in Connecticut that offer travel insurance from denying an insurance claim because an insured’s family member or friend committed suicide, thereby cancelling the vacation and losing any deposits the family may have already made.
Sen. Slap introduced the bill after hearing from a constituent whose family vacation was cancelled after a family member committed suicide before the trip; they had travel insurance, but their claim was denied by the insurance company because the insurance company did not consider that family death a coverable event.
“It’s amazing to me that some insurance companies will cover the cost of lost or stolen luggage, or will cover a refund if you’re called away to jury duty or get hospitalized with appendicitis, but the tragedy of a suicide is not deemed a coverable event. That makes no sense, so I’m seeking to close a loophole,” Sen. Slap said. “These specific circumstances may be few and far between, but when they occur, they are emotionally devastating to individuals. The economic impact is a distant second concern, but it should still be addressed.”
Sen. Slap’s bill, Senate Bill 89, “AN ACT CONCERNING TRAVEL INSURANCE AND SUICIDE,” seeks to amend Title 38a of the Connecticut General Statutes, which pertains to insurance policies offered and sold in Connecticut.
Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Following New Tool Launched to Help Connecticut Residents Over 75 Years Old Get Vaccinated
Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Following New Tool Launched to Help Connecticut Residents Over 75 Years Old Get Vaccinated
Today, as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older can now schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) has released the following statement as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is now live.
“I am excited to announce that Connecticut has launched its online vaccine registration portal,” said Sen. Maroney. “We are one of the leading states in vaccinating its population and this tool will help ensure we can effectively deliver the vaccine to those who are in need.”
In the coming weeks, Phase 1b will include residents 65 years of age or older and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers. Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.
Family members and loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for residents 75 years of age or older by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.
Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.
More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks. Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.
Sen. Cabrera Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Live COVID-19 Vaccination Access Registration for Residents 75 Years or Older
Sen. Cabrera Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Live COVID-19 Vaccination Access Registration for Residents 75 Years or Older
HARTFORD, CT – Today, as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older can now schedule appointments to get vaccinated as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is live. State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) said this presents an important opportunity for residents to protect themselves against COVID-19.
“I applaud Governor Lamont and all those involved with moving this important, life-saving work forward,” said Sen. Cabrera. “We’ve all discussed, among family and friends, how we long to get back to normal. This development moves us a step closer to normalcy. I encourage everyone with a loved one 75 years of age or older to take advantage of this opportunity and schedule these appointments, make sure your loved ones are vaccinated. To those 75 years or older, talk to your friends and make sure they get vaccinated, too. To all, please continue to wash your hands, practice social distancing and wear a mask over your mouth and nose when in public.”
In the coming weeks, Phase 1b will include residents 65 years of age or older and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers. Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.
Family members and loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for residents 75 years of age or older by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.
Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.
More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks. Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.
Keeping Up With An Online Legislative Session
Out of an abundance of caution amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, legislators have shifted their activity out of the State Capitol and onto Zoom. With the pandemic still having everyday impacts on modern life, moving hearings from crowded rooms to online meetings is a necessary step to preserve public health.
However, despite this shift, members of the public are still encouraged to participate and follow this year’s session. Public comment sessions will take place over Zoom and committee hearings will be broadcast digitally statewide. To follow this year’s legislative session, whether you have your eyes on specific legislation or are following the proceedings in various committees, here are resources that will help you:
Connecticut Network
On cable television and at www.ct-n.com, the Connecticut Network has carried public access to legislative sessions, meetings, hearings and more and has continued to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. With as many as five live feeds available digitally and on-demand access for anyone needing to find a statement or meeting they missed, CT-N allows for extensive public access – on January 12 alone, the service hosted at least half a dozen committee hearings for on-demand access.
The Connecticut General Assembly Website
The General Assembly’s website, cga.ct.gov, contains both daily snapshots of what committees and hearings are happening on any given day and detailed information about all of the legislation filed for consideration this session. On just the main page, you can see daily records which include lists of bills filed, passed and to be considered on given days; a schedule of events, which contains direct links to Zoom and Youtube livestreams and agendas for the day’s work for every committee meeting on a given day; features allowing you to follow certain bills and issues you’re interested in from their introduction to their potential acceptance; and further information regarding everything from how bills become law to how to testify at a public hearing. With just a few clicks, you can follow any committee, commission or piece of legislation through the entire legislative session.