COVID-19 Update

Federal Unemployment Assistance

Connecticut’s unemployment rate has reached 21.5 percent. As a result, many in our state are experiencing financial hardship. The state’s Department of Labor (DOL) and the federal government have made efforts to expand and increase benefits for the unemployed, and to speed up the process so claimants can receive assistance sooner.

Here are the federal unemployment programs created by the CARES Act:

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

FPUC is a supplemental payment of $600 per week to individuals who are already receiving some other form of unemployment insurance (UI), such as state assistance.  Eligible recipients do not need to apply for FPUC separately. You will be automatically enrolled once you have filed for regular unemployment insurance (UI), PUA or PEUC (not yet available). Yesterday, Governor Lamont announced that CT DOL has begun issuing these federal stimulus payments to eligible recipients.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

PUA applications will be accepted beginning tomorrow, Thursday, April 30th. This is unemployment assistance for contractors and others not covered by traditional UI, as well as people who were receiving UI prior to the COVID-19 crisis who have exhausted those benefits. To apply for PUA, you must first apply for regular UI through the state. Your application will be denied, but you will be entered in the system. Beginning tomorrow, you must then apply for PUA separately.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

PEUC allows individuals to receive an extra 13 weeks of unemployment benefits. This program is not yet available, but I will provide updates when possible.

Here is an FAQ document for CT DOL detailing these programs: Click Here

Reopen CT Advisory Group

Governor Lamont has named the members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group. The group consists of the main advisory group, which include business and public health experts; a business committee; a community committee; an education committee; and representatives from the governor’s administration. Unfortunately, members of the state legislature were not included. The group will also be excused from open records laws.

As the voice for our districts in Hartford, representation from the General Assembly should have been a priority for the advisory group. As the unemployment rate climbs, and residents and businesses eagerly await the state’s reopening, members of the public want to be a part of the conversation and have their voices heard. While the group will consult with the governor and legislature, members of the House and Senate should play a larger role in the process. The advisory group must reflect the openness, transparency, and inclusion that Connecticut residents and businesses deserve.

List of Open Farmers’ Markets

Many people in the 45^th District earn a living in the agricultural industry, and many more frequent farmers’ markets and farm stands. The CT Department of Agriculture and CT Northeast Organic Farming Association have partnered to expand the list of farms, farmers’ markets, and farm stands beyond the current CT NOFA membership. This is free of charge and online. Farmers who would like to be added to the list may fill out an online form. They have also shared a map of farms, farmers’ markets, and farm stands located throughout the state.

Read the announcement on DOAG’s website: Click Here

Latest COVID-19 Data for CT

Below are the latest data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health:

• Statewide Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: 26,767

• Current Statewide COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations: 1,691

• Statewide Confirmed COVID-19 Fatalities: 2,168

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Griswold: 15

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Lisbon: 5

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Plainfield: 18

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Sterling: 2

• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Voluntown: 5

This data is current as of 4:00 p.m. this afternoon (4/29/2020).

The decline in the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations is encouraging. If this data continues trending in this direction, the governor has indicated that some businesses may begin to open in the near future, although we have yet to receive specifics.

Additional Resources

As a reminder, these are the best regularly updated global, federal, and state resources:

Global

• World Health Organization: Click Here

Federal

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Click Here

State

• State of Connecticut Web Portal: Click Here

• FAQ Document from Governor’s Office: Click Here

• CT House Republicans Resource Page: Click Here

As always, never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 crisis, or any state government issues. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to be a resource for you and your families.

Email: Brian.Lanoue@cga.ct.gov

Best,

State Rep. Brian Lanoue

45^th General Assembly District

Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown