Capitol Update 4.15.2020
Update from the Department of Revenue Services
On Tuesday, April 14th, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service (DRS) extended filing and payment deadlines for certain state tax returns, to align with federal changes. Information about the impacted Connecticut returns and the associated filing dates and payment deadlines are available on the DRS website.
Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 7T making it possible to file for a family violence restraining order online, ensuring that victims have access to this critical safety measure during the coronavirus outbreak.
In Connecticut, safe, free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence are available through Safe Connect, a project of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In addition to assisting with the electronic filing of a restraining order, they can provide information, safety planning, counseling, and referrals to a local CCADV domestic violence member organization for ongoing support and services locally.
Safe Connect advocates are available 24/7 throughout COVID-19. They can be reached via call, chat or email. Bilingual services are available. Call 888.774.2900 or email SafeConnect@ctcadv.org to connect with an advocate.
Protections for Renters
Governor Lamont issued an executive order stating that landlords may not issue evictions to residential tenants before July 1, 2020 and must grant an automatic 60-day grace period for payment of April rent. Additionally, tenants may be granted a 60-day grace period for payment of May rent upon written request to their landlords, noting that the non-payment reason is COVID-19-related.
Please note that tenants remain liable for unpaid rent, and landlords and tenants must continue to comply with the terms of the original rental agreement.
Medical Surge Plan
The state is implementing a medical surge plan in partnership with long-term care facilities to establish COVID-19 recovery centers. These recovery centers will accept patients who can be discharged from acute care hospitals but are still affected by COVID-19 infection. This plan will free up beds in the state’s hospitals by taking advantage of the nearly 2,000 beds available in long-term care facilities.
Caucus Resource Page
The Connecticut House Republicans have created a helpful website with the latest on state and federal COVID-19 programs to assist residents and businesses affected by the outbreak.
cthousegop.com/COVID19-programs
Preparing to Reopen Connecticut’s Economy
On Monday, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut alongside Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware will begin developing a regional framework to safely lift restrictions while limiting the spread of coronavirus. The working group will be comprised of each state’s chief of staff, a public health expert and an economic development official. Connecticut’s representatives on the group will include Indra Nooyi, who is the co-chair of the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT and former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo; Albert Ko, MD, who is a professor of Epidemiology and Medicine and a department chair at the Yale School of Public Health; and Paul Mounds Jr., who serves as chief of staff in the Office of the Governor. Additionally, Indra Nooyi and Albert Ko will serve as chairs of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group that will gather business and health leaders from across the state to make recommendations to the Governor.