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07/02/2021 12:00 AMJuly 1, 2021: After a quick return to the Capitol for a special session, we are officially in the interim. I am looking forward to a summer of visiting the wonderful farms, businesses, parks and trails of the twelfth district and hearing from YOU on what legislation you would like to see next session. The best legislation comes from our constituents and I look forward to continuing our collaborative process in 2022.
Additionally, I want to send a huge congratulations to the students, teachers, staff and parents of of all our wonderful schools here in district. This year was challenging, to put it lightly. I am so impressed by the resilience, adaptability and commitment to education displayed by all. I hope you enjoy your well-deserved summer break.
I will continue to keep you updated through my e-news, on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SenatorCohenCT and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out at Cohen@SenateDems.ct.gov. Stay safe. Be well.
Happy July Fourth!
With many towns resuming typical Fourth of July celebrations, I wish you all a very happy Independence Day! Let us remember the sacrifices of our forefathers and their revolutionary spirit. Enjoy your long weekend and please celebrate safely!
Work Search Changes & Expiration Of Federal Programs
The CT Department of Labor is reminding residents beginning July 1, anyone filing their weekly certification will be required to report their work search activity online. Additionally, a reminder that federal unemployment programs established during the pandemic will expire on September 4.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (the $300 weekly supplemental) programs are not expected to be re-authorized. Connecticut's state unemployment and extended benefits programs are still available. To avoid a denial of benefits, claimants must make weekly work search efforts that include employer contacts, job training, and other activities.
For more information, you can click here.
Connecticut Summer at the Museum
Beginning today, and continuing through Labor Day Weekend, Connecticut children 18 and under, plus an accompanying adult, can visit Connecticut museums free of charge through the Summer at the Museum program! This is part of a statewide effort to provide students and families with enrichment and learning experiences this summer. Among the local museums offering free admission to local families through this program: Dudley Farm, Guilford; Guilford Keeping Society, Guilford; Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford; Hyland House Museum, Guilford.
That's not all. Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo, Hartford's Connecticut Science Center, Old State House and Mark Twain House, the New Britain Youth Museum, Windsor Locks' New England Air Museum, East Haddam's Gillette Castle State Park, the Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium and Newtown's EverWonder Children's Museum are among the roughly 90 museums offering free admission through Summer at the Museum. For a full list, please follow this link.
Affordable Summer Enrichment Programs Available For Students
Hundreds of summer enrichment programs for Connecticut students are available now. These programs, many of which are supported by American Rescue Plan elementary and secondary emergency relief funding and provided through towns and cities, school districts and community partners, include summer camps and educational experiences designed to help children socialize, engage with learning and prepare for the coming school year. Please visit [this link] for more information.
Some in-district programs available are: Killam Point Day Camp, Branford; Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department Summer Camp, Higganum; The Madison Arts Barn Summer Program, Madison
New Legislation Taking Effect July 1
Combating Climate Change: To fight climate change, and adapt to its expected changes, municipalities will now be permitted to establish municipal stormwater authorities. The new law also allows the Connecticut Green Bank to develop programs to support green infrastructure, increasing its bond limit from $100 million to $250 million.
Plastic Bag Ban: July 1 begins the second part of the plastic bag ban passed in the 2019 budget. Previously, under state law, grocers and other retail businesses were required to charge a 10 cent fee on plastic bags, although many retailers have already opted out of plastic bags all together. Beginning today, plastic bags will be banned across the state. I am so thrilled to see this legislation come to fruition and look forward to continuing to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. So today forward, remember to bring your own reusable bags! You are doing the environment and our wildlife a big favor.
Ice Cream Truck Safety: Through passage of what is referred to as "Tristan's Law", in honor of a young boy from Wallingford who was struck and killed by a vehicle after purchasing ice cream, ice cream trucks are now required to employ a number of safety protocols. Trucks are now required to be equipped with signal lamps, stop signals, front crossing arms and convex mirrors to promote children's safety. This law also restricts trucks from selling on high speed roads, near schools that are in session or when their view of the road is obstructed.
Crisis Pregnancy Centers: This bill prohibits limited service pregnancy centers from making deceptive claims about the services they provide at their centers. Certain pregnancy centers have faced criticism for misleading patients to believe they offer pregnancy termination services, ultimately delaying time sensitive reproductive care for vulnerable pregnant women.
Black and Latino Studies: To promote mutual understanding and educate students about diverse cultures, all boards of education in Connecticut will include Black and Latino studies in their curriculum.
CEP Childcare: The Citizen's Election Program, a publicly funded campaign finance program, will now allow candidates to use said funds for childcare expenses. Our government works best when everyone has a seat at the table, and this legislation will enable single parents and working parents to run for public office.