Rochelle shares info on state's rental assistance program, vaccine roll-out

Friends and Neighbors, Today [Monday], the state launched the UniteCT program to provide rental and utility assistance to residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approved tenants can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance paid to their landlord and up to $1,500 in past due electric utility bills paid to their utility company. The program is funded by Connecticut's $235 million share of the federal stimulus package that was passed in December. Residents can complete and track an application from any computer or smart phone device. Applicants needing help filling out the application can call the UniteCT call center at 1-844-UniteCT (1-844-864-8328) or email DOH-UniteCT@ct.gov. Click the button below to learn more about the program and apply! Learn More and Apply Here

COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline Accelerated

Good news! The State announced several key updates regarding the phasing and pace of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. First, the next phase of the roll out, which expands eligibility to individuals aged 45 to 54, will begin this Friday, March 19. If you are in this age category, you will be able to begin the scheduling process at 8:00 am on Friday morning.   The State also announced today that general availability to all individuals 16-years-of-age and older will begin ahead of schedule. Eligibility is tentatively scheduled to begin for this age group on Monday, April 5. This acceleration comes as the State was informed by the Biden administration that we should anticipate receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally authorized vaccines over the next several weeks.   It’s important to note that these dates are for appointment eligibility. They are not a guarantee of a timeline in which you will receive the vaccine.   Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of our population that has been vaccinated. Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include: All individuals age 55 and older; Healthcare personnel; Medical first responders; Residents and staff of long-term care facilities; Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. All eligible individuals in Connecticut who would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Those without access to the Internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.   While a large portion of eligible residents have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still a number of residents that need to be vaccinated. We must have patience as we wait to roll up our sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine.   Today’s news is good sign that the end of this pandemic is closer than ever before.

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