Update: May 4 7:30 p.m. – State Response to Coronavirus

Friends and Neighbors,

In a press release and during his daily press briefing, Governor Lamont reminded non-filers who have dependents that they must register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by noon on May 5, 2020 in order to have $500 per child added to their $1,200 coronavirus stimulus payment. This includes residents who receive either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.

He also announced the statewide expansion of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic.

To watch the full video of the governor’s afternoon press conference, please click here:

More information and the governor’s full press release can be read here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/05-2020/Governor-Lamont-Coronavirus-Update-May-4

SSI and VA recipients reminded to take action by May 5 to receive federal stimulus payments for dependents

While many people in Connecticut have already received their coronavirus stimulus payments as part of the federal assistance meant to help Americans suffering from the financial fallout of COVID-19, Governor Lamont is reminding non-filers who have dependents that they must register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by noon on May 5, 2020 in order to have $500 per child added to their $1,200 coronavirus stimulus payment. This includes residents who receive either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying resident aliens who have a valid Social Security number, could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and had an adjusted gross income under certain limits are eligible for the Economic Impact Payments. While most eligible U.S. taxpayers are receiving their Economic Impact payments automatically, non-filers who have dependents need to provide information to the IRS to receive the additional funding.

For more information on the steps non-filers should take, click here for guidance from the IRS.

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Governor Lamont Announces Statewide Launch of Free Online Job Training Program for Unemployment Claimants

During COVID-19 Emergency, SkillUp CT Allows Jobseekers to Upgrade Skills From Their Own Homes

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the statewide expansion of a program that will make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The SkillUp CT program will significantly expand access to comprehensive online course work from a leading global provider for thousands of Connecticut residents. Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, a sustained rollout of the program across the state over the coming weeks will enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications even while the doors to most brick-and mortar education and training providers remain closed.

The program is coordinated by the Connecticut Workforce Development Council in collaboration with the Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council and the Connecticut Department of Labor. Based on a successful model implemented by the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, it is being offered through Connecticut’s five regional workforce development boards.

Eligible Connecticut residents will receive email instructions on obtaining a Metrix Learning license that provides them access to about 5,000 online Skillsoft courses in areas such as information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, and digital literacy, among others. Anyone with an internet connection and a computer can access courses. SkillUp CT also offers training tracks leading to over 100 industry certifications and will provide career coaching through the workforce boards.

The program will be funded by the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) under an existing grant to the state’s five regional workforce boards.

To enroll in SkillUp CT, unemployment insurance claimants in Connecticut should visit ct.metrixlearning.com/landing.cfm.

More information can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2020/05-2020/Governor-Lamont-Announces-Statewide-Launch-of-Free-Online-Job-Training-Program

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Teacher Appreciation Week

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and while we’re always grateful for the wonderful educators who shaped our lives, this week takes on even more importance this year.

As the virus forces changing routines and distance learning I want to recognize the women and men who continue to challenge and inspire the next generation, even from their own homes.

Please thank a teacher!

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As of 6:45 p.m. tonight – Monday, May 4^th – the state is reporting a total of 29973 cases of Coronavirus. Updated virus totals and Town-by-Town statistics can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

The total statewide number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 2556.

*For public health surveillance, COVID-19-associated deaths include persons who tested positive for COVID-19 around the time of death (confirmed) and persons whose death certificate lists COVID-19 disease as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death (probable).

Latest COVID-19 Testing Data in Connecticut

Updated 6:45 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020

Total patients who tested positive: 29973

Fairfield County: 12245

Hartford County: 6173

Litchfield County: 1047

Middlesex County: 713

New Haven County: 8110

New London County: 641

Tolland County: 464

Windham County: 217

Pending address validation: 363