Capitol Update 4.2.2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Lamont and state agencies have announced a number of recent policy changes and announcements with the aim of further limiting the spread coronavirus and steps to protect residents’ financial well being during this difficult time.
Mortgage Payment Relief
Governor Lamont announced a public-private partnership with the state’s financial institutions to provide mortgage relief to Connecticut residents. Specifically, there will be a 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments, no new foreclosures for 60 days, and individual credit scores will not decrease if relief resources are accessed. The state Department of Banking maintains a list of participating institutions and a helpful Q&A section:
60 Day Grace Period for Insurance
The administration announced in executive order 7S, “Beginning on April 1, 2020 for a period of 60 days, no insurer in Connecticut – including life, health, auto property, casualty, and other types – may lapse or terminate a covered insurance policy because a policyholder does not pay a premium or interest during this time. This grace period is not automatic. To be eligible, affected policyholders must provide additional information acceptable to their insurance carriers.”
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is a federal initiative providing forgivable loans. This program is aimed specifically at small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, including nonprofit entities (including churches), veterans’ organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships and independent contractors. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.
Safe Store Rules
Effective on April 3rd, essential retail stores will be required to follow “Safe Store” policies to protect employees and shoppers. These rules include keeping stores below 50% occupancy, clearly marking 6 foot spacing in check out lines, plexiglass shields between cashiers and customers, and other measures to enforce social distancing. The Department of Economic and Community Development has posted the rules and guidelines on their website:
Enjoying State Parks Safely
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced stricter measures to support safe, solitary enjoyment of outdoor spaces at all state parks in an effort to maintain social distancing. This includes plans to limit parking capacity at certain parks to manage visitor levels.
State parks remain open, the agency is closely monitoring park visitorship and is closing parking lots when lots become full and lowering parking thresholds where necessary. Read the guidelines below:
Sharing Constituent Concerns
During this time many residents, businesses, and community organizations have shared their concerns and suggestions with me and legislators across the state. Earlier this week, the House Republican caucus in a letter to Gov. Lamont offered proposals to provide immediate relief to struggling businesses, idle workers, families and taxpayers coping with the economic consequences of the ongoing health crisis – including breaks on overdue property taxes, for companies facing high unemployment insurance rates and those saddled with student debt.
Please continue to reach out to me with any questions you have about the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.