Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well. During this time of social distancing, my office and I are continuing to go through the ever-evolving stream of information to keep you updated on our state's response to reduce the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus and cautiously open the state economy.
In this email, you will find the following:
COVID-19 Update
Information on federal unemployment benefits for independent contractors
State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment ClaimantsState Re-Opening Plan
May is Mental Health Month
2020 Census
Women's Business Development Council Town Hall
COVID-19 Update
For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, please click the image above.
Friday, the Governor signed the 35th executive order, Executive Order No. 7HH to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
The order enacts the following provisions:
Mandatory suspension of annual town meeting or referendum to adopt budget
Authorization for common-interest communities to hold meetings remotely.
For all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch his daily news briefings here, and read the press releases here.
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
Federal Unemployment Benefits for Independent Contractors, Self-Employed
If you’re self-employed and haven’t filed, the federal rules state you must file first through Connecticut’s unemployment system to receive a denial that then qualifies you for federal unemployment. If you’re self-employed and filed a claim application, you don’t need to file again. Please note that the PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) application is not yet available.
I will keep you updated on when it is available.
State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment Claimants
Looking to upgrade your skills or learn some new ones?
The state is expanding the SkillUp CT program to make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, the program is being launched across the state over the coming weeks to enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications online.
This program is coordinated by the Connecticut Workforce Development Council, the Connecticut Governor's Workforce Council, and the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Eligible residents will receive email instructions on how to obtain a Metrix Learning license that grants them access to nearly 5,000 online courses in fields like information technology, business analysis, project management, digital literacy, and more. Anyone with an Internet connection and computer can access courses.
To enroll in SkillUp CT, click here.
Additional information is available here.
State Re-Opening Plan
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and daily information on cases and outcomes, we are finally seeing some steady progress towards re-opening.
Thanks to the social distancing measures we put in place and most everyone's cooperation and compliance, we have seen a daily decline in hospitalizations across the state.
As a result, Gov. Lamont announced the goal to begin opening cautiously beginning on May 20.
KEY Points that will contribute to the decision to begin opening the state:
A 14-day decline in hospitalizations
Increased testing
Enough contact tracing
Protection for those at highest risk
Adequate protective equipment and hospital capacity
Social distancing protocols
Many of us are anxious to resume our daily activities and interacting with family and friends, however we must do so responsibly. The health and strength of our businesses and economy depends on all of us.
I will keep you updated as we make progress and more details are released by the governor's advisory group.
May is Mental Health Month
The common statistic that 1 in 4 people are coping with mental health is probably an understatement during COVID-19.
Over the past six weeks, everyone has had their lives altered and we are all learning to cope in new ways.
This year’s Mental Health Month shines a timely light on mental wellness. The #YouAreNotAlone social media campaign builds connection and increases awareness of how important connection is, especially during physical distancing.
If you are struggling, or know someone who is, visit the BHCare and NAMI websites listed below to learn more about the many resources available to you or someone you love.
There are suggestions for coping, ways to seek support and many examples of people sharing their stories. There are confidential ways to find a kind ear or shoulder if you need one.
Visit for more information: www.bhcare.org/
nami.org/Support-Education
2020 Census
Together with data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, census data also allows scientists and healthcare experts to model the potential impact of an emerging health threat. Respond to the census today at my2020census.gov.
For additional information on how to respond to the census, what data is used for, and how your information is protected, visit 2020census.gov.
Women's Business Development Council Town Hall
From noon-1 p.m. today [May 5] join the Women's Business Development Council, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Dr. Asha Shah, Stamford Health Associate Hospital Epidemiologist and Associate Director of Infectious Diseases, for a zoom conversation on the COVID-19 response and update.
Join the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83219121131
Mobile: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 832 1912 1131
Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
All my Best,
Kara Rochelle
State Representative
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