COVID-19 Update: Financial Aid for Nursing Homes, Student Loan Assistance, and More
COVID-19 Update:
Appointees to Multi-state Council, Financial Aid for Nursing Homes, Student Loan Assistance, and More
Updates from the Governor
Governors Announce Appointees to Multi-State Council
The governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have announced their appointments to the multi-state council to restore the regional economy. This group is separate from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which will focus on similar efforts at the state level. The multi-state council includes three members from each state including a public health expert, a business/economic development expert, and each governor’s chief of staff. Click the link above to read the full release.
House Republican Leaders Send Letter to the Governor
Governor Lamont, his staff, and administration have worked tirelessly to lead Connecticut through an unprecedented crisis. As conditions improve, the state will be developing a strategy to reopen our economy. This week, House Republican leadership sent a letter to the governor asking for greater communication with the public and the legislature during the recovery process. They also recommend that the governor appoint experts to Reopen Connecticut’s subgroups who have experience working with vulnerable populations, such as children. These recommendations are in response to an alarming increase in reports of domestic violence, the impact of isolation and social distancing on children, issues stemming from a sharp increase in unemployment, and other challenges that have arisen during the pandemic. The damage caused by this global crisis is widespread and comes in many forms, but together, we can address these problems and emerge stronger than before.
Assistance for Nursing Homes
Governor Lamont has ordered his administration to increase Medicaid payments to the state’s 215 nursing home facilities by five percent, which is in addition to the previously announced ten percent increase. This increases payments to nursing homes by $65 million statewide. These funds will help facilities cover employee wages, staff retention bonuses, overtime compensation, shift incentive payments, visitor screening costs, personal protective equipment, cleaning and housekeeping supplies, and other expenses that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also announced additional changes to the state’s Medicaid program.
Alignment of State Policies for Marinas & Boatyards
The governors of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York have announced that marinas, boatyards, and marine manufacturers in their states may open for personal use provided social distancing and sanitation guidelines are followed.
Click here for the full announcement.
Student Loan Payment Relief
It is important to remember the impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut students and young professionals. Governor Lamont, Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez, and leaders from other states have announced a deal with private student loan servicers to help borrowers not covered by the CARES Act, which only provides relief for borrowers of federal student loans. Click here to read the entire announcement.
Earth Day 2020
Today marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This annual event is dedicated to environmental awareness and action, and since 1970, it has inspired many policy changes including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts, as well as the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency. While this year’s celebration is digital, we can all do our part to conserve natural resources, reuse items we may normally throw away, and make a better effort to recycle. I also encourage everyone to take time this coming weekend to enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to practice social distancing!
2020 Legislative Session
The 2020 regular session will constitutionally adjourn on May 6, 2020 without any further action by the House or Senate. Instead, we will likely reconvene later this year for special session to address pressing matters and to ensure continuity of government. I will provide an update on this when possible. Click here to read more.
Additional Resources
As a reminder, these are the best regularly updated resources from global, federal, state and local governments and agencies:
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
Local
Town of New Canaan: Click Here
Town of Wilton: Click Here
Latest COVID-19 Data for CT
(Updated 4/22/2020)
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Confirmed Statewide COVID-19 Cases: 22,469
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Patients Currently Hospitalized Statewide with COVID-19: 1,972
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Confirmed Statewide COVID-19 Fatalities: 1,544
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Confirmed Fairfield County Cases: 9,883
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Confirmed Fairfield County Fatalities: 584
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Confirmed New Canaan Cases: 128
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Confirmed Wilton Cases: 135
Click here to read more.
As always, I will provide more updates as I receive new information. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about the state and local response to the COVID-19 crisis, or any state government matter. 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: Tom.ODea@housegop.ct.gov
Best,
State Representative Tom O’Dea
125th General Assembly District
New Canaan & Wilton