Update to Vaccine Schedule, Tax Filing Extension, Capacity Increases, Gaming Update, and Other Information

Governor Lamont Announces Accelerated COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule

Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is accelerating Connecticut’s age-based rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to proceed on a quicker schedule than what was originally anticipated when it was announced last month.

Going forward, Connecticut’s rollout of the vaccine will proceed on the following schedule:

• March 19: Scheduling opens to all individuals age 45 to 54
• April 5 (tentative): Scheduling opens to all individuals age 16 to 44

The state will work with providers and the Department of Developmental Services to accelerate access for the most medically high-risk individuals under 45 during the month of April.

Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include:

• All individuals age 55 and older;
• Healthcare personnel;
• Medical first responders;
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities;
• Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and
• PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.

All eligible individuals in Connecticut who would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online here.

Those without access to the internet can call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Connecticut filing, Payment Deadlines for Individual Income Tax Returns Extended to May 17th, 2021

The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is extending the filing and payment deadline for Connecticut individual income tax returns to Monday, May 17th, 2021.

This extension aligns with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement Wednesday, where it indicated federal income tax filings and payments would be extended until May 17th, 2021.

File Electronically

The DRS highly recommends electronic filing, including via the DRS online Taxpayer Service Center, found below. Electronic filing, along with requesting direct deposit, is the fastest way to receive a refund, if one is expected.

More Information

Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the DRS website for additional updates. To reach DRS by phone during normal business hours – Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – call 860-297-5962 (from anywhere); 800-382-9463 (within CT, outside Greater Hartford area only); or 860-297-4911 (Hearing Impaired, TDD/TT users only).

– DRS website: portal.ct.gov/drs

– IRS website: www.irs.gov/

To read more, click here.

Governor and Tribes Come to Agreement on Sports Wagering and Online Gaming

On Wednesday, Governor Lamont, Mohegan Tribe, and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe announced that an agreement has been reached that will allow the State of Connecticut, pending legislative approval, to modernize gaming options available to state residents, including allowing for sports wagering and online gaming.

Key components of the agreement include:

• An 18 percent tax rate for the first five years on new online commercial casino gaming (or “iGaming”) offerings, followed by a 20 percent tax rate for at least the next five years
• A 13.75 percent tax rate on sports wagering
• Connecticut Lottery shall have the right to operate 15 retail sports betting locations, as well as operate an online sports betting skin
• Connecticut Lottery shall have the right to sublicense locations to the state-licensed parimutuel operator
• Connecticut Lottery will undertake new retail sports betting venues in Hartford and Bridgeport
• License agreement to be for ten years with a five-year extension option
• Expansion of iLottery and Keno through the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, including the sale of draw tickets online
• Both tribes agree to halt development of an East Windsor casino through the duration of this agreement

For more information, click here.

Capacity Limit Increases and Executive Order 10D

Yesterday, Governor Lamont released Executive Order 10D which:

• Relaxation of capacity limits for religious, spiritual, or worship gatherings: Removes capacity limits for religious, spiritual, and worship gatherings effective Friday, March 19, 2021, provided that all persons present at any such gathering wear masks, except for designated speakers speaking from designated safe locations, and a distance of no less than six feet is maintained between people who do not live in the same household.
• Repeal of mandatory travel advisory and self-quarantine requirements: Repeals the previously issued mandatory travel advisory and self-quarantine requirements, effective Friday, March 19, 2021. The Connecticut Department of Public Health continues to recommend limiting travel to prevent the transmission of COVID-19

Effective TODAY, the current restrictions for businesses and organizational will ease.

All Businesses/Organizations

• Capacity limits are now up to 100%, subject to social distancing requirements (unless otherwise noted).
• 6 ft. spacing and social distancing continues to be required where possible (unless otherwise noted).
• Masks continue to be required in all public settings where social distancing is not possible.
• All establishments must follow CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting guidelines.

Sports and Gyms/Fitness Centers

• All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance.
• Indoor and outdoor pools should limit the total number of patrons in the pool area and pool to the number of people/households that can safely fit on the pool deck area while maintaining 6 ft. of distance, including 3 ft. wide walking paths. “Free swim,” where individuals are not engaged in lap swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, or other similar organized water activities, is discouraged at this time. Youth and amateur swimming teams are subject to DPH guidance.
• Road race organizers are encouraged to follow the guidance contained in the Outdoor Events Reopen Recommendations below.
• 6 ft. spacing is still required between gym/fitness center customers, as are masks.

Restaurants & Indoor Recreation

• 6 ft. spacing or non-porous barrier continue to be required between tables, with an 8-person maximum table capacity.
• Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service– bars that only serve beverages must remain closed. No standing bar services is allowed outside of private events.
• All restaurants and indoor recreation continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.

Movie Theaters and Performing Arts Venues

• Capacity limit is still up to 50%.
• 6 ft. spacing is required between parties.
• All movie theaters and performing arts venues continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.

In addition, social distancing guidelines and masks will still be required.
For more detailed information on these guidelines, other general recommendations, and individual sector guidelines, click here.

Connecticut Future Caucus Hold Press Conference to Highlight Legislative Goals

Yesterday, I joined Democrat and Republican lawmakers as part of a press conference to announce the formation of Connecticut’s Future Caucus.

The Future Caucus is a national group of the country’s youngest state legislators, approximately 45 and under, from all political parties, with the intent to help bridge the partisan divide on issues that are important to younger generations such as the economy, technology, environment, and energy.

As one of the Co-Chairs of this caucus, my goal is to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to not only bridge the partisan divide, but to also collaborate on innovative solutions to issues facing the Millennial and future generations in order to move the state forward.

Connecticut became the 31^st state to form a Future Caucus and is now part a network of over 1,000 legislators across the country.

To watch yesterday’s brief press conference, click here.

Public Hearings the Week of 3/22

Next week, several committees within the legislature will be holding virtual public hearings on a variety of topics. If you are interested in testifying via Zoom, via email, or just listening, The Connecticut General Assembly provides a bulletin that highlights links to each committee, the bill proposals up for debate, and ways you can go about participating or viewing these meetings.

The bulletin also features individual members for each legislative committee, contact numbers for the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building, among other valuable pieces of information.

To view the bulletin, click here.