Phase Two of Reopening CT, Unemployment Update, and More

The governor has announced that indoor dining is slated to reopen on June 17 (Phase Two). Movie theaters, gyms, hotels and motels, outdoor amusement parks, nail salons and tattoo shops, pools and social clubs, indoor museums and aquariums, and small events, such as weddings, will also be included in the Phase Two reopening.

Mortgage Payment Relief Program Extended

Governor Lamont and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez announced that over 45 banks and credit unions have agreed to extend their voluntary participation in the CT Mortgage Relief Program, which provides relief to consumers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The program, launched on March 31, 2020 and set to expire on May 31, 2020, will now run through July 30, 2020.

Click here to read the full release.

Petition for Special Session

The governor, his staff, and administration have worked hard throughout this crisis, but they have left the legislature almost entirely out of the decision-making process since mid-March, and that needs to end. As the ones in state government currently in the trenches with our constituents, we need to be a part of this process, and we are eager to get back to work on their behalf. In order for a special session to occur, members of the House and Senate must sign a petition addressed to the Connecticut Secretary of the State. On Monday, I signed a petition requesting a special session to address the state budget, federal COVID-19 funding for Connecticut, and the various executive orders signed by the governor since the crisis began. It’s time for the voice of the people to return to the state Capitol.

Update from the CT Department of Labor

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is now available. PEUC provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who have exhausted their traditional unemployment benefits, as well as others who do not qualify for unemployment compensation under state or federal law. In order to receive this benefit, you must apply separately.

To learn more about PEUC and to apply, click here.

Guidance for Summer Schools

Summer schools are permitted to open beginning July 6. Capacity will be limited to one teacher and ten other individuals, including students and teacher assistants. This is assuming the classroom will allow 11 individuals to be spaced six feet apart. The superintendents will have the option to suspend summer school if public health conditions change.

Click here for the rules for summer school operations.

New Executive Order: Childcare Centers

Governor Lamont has signed Executive Order 7VV, which amends a previous executive order limiting the capacity of childcare centers to 30 children. The new order increases that number to 50. If a facility wishes to care for more than 50 children, they must obtain permission from the Office of Early Childhood.

Latest COVID-19 Data for CT

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

• Statewide Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: 43,460
• Current Statewide COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations: 350
• Statewide Confirmed COVID-19 Fatalities: 4,038
• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Griswold: 26
• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Lisbon: 9
• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Plainfield: 30
• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Sterling: 2
• Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Voluntown: 9

This data is current as of 8:30 p.m. on 6/4/2020.

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

CT House Republican Resource Page: Click Here

CTAlerts: To subscribe, text the key word COVIDCT to 888-777

News from the governor’s office: Click Here

FAQ Document: Click Here

Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Orders affecting… ​

• Business, Labor, and Housing: Click Here

• Health and Human Services: Click Here

• Education and Childcare: Click Here

• State & Local Government Operations & Elections: Click Here

As always, never hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or any state government issues. I am more than happy to speak with you directly, provide more information if possible, and to serve as 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