Klarides-Ditria shares updates regarding CT unemployment benefits

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The CT Department of Labor has announced updates regarding Unemployment Compensation, including early application timelines for the new federal Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program, and a new Consumer Contact Center tool to assist residents who need unemployment claims assistance.

Established as part of the newest CARES Act iteration, the Mixed Earner Unemployment
Compensation program is a new federal resource for residents who have both self-employment earnings as well as W2 earnings. 

Currently, Connecticut is one of only a handful of states that have announced they are opting into this program, which offers an additional $100 for eligible filers using many state and federal unemployment programs, however, the law excludes PUA claimants.

Over the next few weeks CTDOL will notify claimants who may be eligible to apply.

About the MEUC program:
Eligible claimants will receive an additional $100 per week until the program expires March 13, 2021. 

Eligibility requirements include at least $5,000 in self-employment net earnings in the most recent completed taxable year. Ex. Filers for 2020 will submit 2019 tax documents.
Claimants must apply for the program. CTDOL expects to open the application process in late February/early March. Eligibility will be retroactive to Dec. 27, 2020.
State unemployment, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, extended benefits, and other filers are eligible. The law excludes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants from MEUC.
The program is 100% federally funded, employers are not liable for MEUC payments.
Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, like all unemployment benefits, is taxable and could impact Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.

Consumer Contact Center

The new Contact Center feature, accessed through the www.FileCTUI.com page, allows people to schedule a call back up to two weeks out.
With the new scheduling feature, customers can schedule a call back right from the website and know they have an appointment for a claims specialist. The scheduled call back feature handles all filers except for PUA claimants. 

They are directed to a designated unit at the Contact Center and must continue to use the phone numbers or online features.

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Sincerely,

Contact Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria 860-240-8700 | 800-842-1423 www.repnkd.com nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov                          View a map of our district Information

Klarides-Ditria provides information on COVID-19 vaccine access

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Governor Lamont announced that phase 1b of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout will begin on Monday, Jan. 18, and residents in the state over the age of 75 can now schedule appointments to receive the vaccine. To date, approximately 160,000 doses have now been distributed statewide. Vaccine access with be phased in for the following groups in Phase 1b:  Currently scheduling: Individuals 75 and older Scheduling soon: Front line essential workers Individuals and staff in congregate settings Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 Individuals between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus All eligible residents are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. Beginning today, January 14th, individuals over the age of 75 can make appointments utilizing the following tools: Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments. Online: A form can be accessed online at ct.gov/covidvaccine that allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). Telephone: Those without Internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response. Further details on phase 1b eligibility will be forthcoming and will include guidance for employers, employees, self-employed, and other individuals on when and how to schedule vaccine appointments and where vaccinations will be available. FAQ regarding the vaccine can be accessed here. Next Phases As the rollout continues into more phases, it is expected that vaccines will be available to the general public at pharmacies, doctors' offices, community health clinics, local health clinics, as well as through other providers. Additional Resources For more details about the tentative rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations in Connecticut, please reference the following resources. Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work (CDC): Click Here COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Click Here CT COVID-19 Vaccine Phases & Eligibility: Click Here CT COVID-19 Response: Click Here This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Klarides-Ditria: General Assembly to conduct most business virtually

I just wanted you to know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislative Office Building and Capitol are closed until further notice. In the meantime, representatives and senators will conduct most business virtually. You can watch livestreams of committee meetings, and there will be opportunities to participate in public hearings using Zoom. In order to make it easier to find all the information you need in one place, the House Republican Caucus created an online virtual meeting guide with information, resources and links to help you follow what's happening in the General Assembly. The guide also includes instructions on how to participate in a Zoom meeting, a calendar of events, access to legislative committee pages, bill tracking, and more. The page will be updated throughout the session as new information and technological options become available. For more information, and to access the virtual meeting guide, please click here.

Every year, as the legislative session begins, the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) publishes a report on the major issues that could be taken up by the legislature. OLR provides brief descriptions on several topics, including but not limited to issues impacting: seniors the state budget education funding business programs and regulation public utilities, and much more This report, and reports from past years, can be found on the OLR website. You may notice that some of these items may affect you.  While I try to keep you informed on many issues, the legislature has some great resources on its website - www.cga.ct.gov - on various bills being considered, as well as bills that have passed. This website is handy if you're interested in testifying for or against a bill, or just want to stay up-to-date on pending legislation.

Sincerely,

Rochelle sworn in for second term as state representative

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, was sworn in yesterday [Wednesday] to represent the 104th District for the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2021 session.

Rochelle has been appointed as an Assistant Majority Leader. 

She will serve as Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, and Insurance & Real Estate Committee.
“I want to first thank the residents of Ansonia and Derby for allowing me to bring their voices to the capitol and work on behalf of our community. I also want to thank Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for entrusting me with these leadership positions to help build a more resilient state,” Rochelle said. “I look forward creating and supporting policy that prioritizes economic recovery, relief for our hardworking residents, more affordable health care, and an easier way of life for residents. We will face many difficult decisions this session, but I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard to create meaningful progress for our community and our state."

In Rochelle's first term, she authored and passed legislation to expand the advanced manufacturing certificate program to high schools across the state. She supported implementing protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, cutting and capping the cost of insulin, incrementally raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and cutting taxes for seniors.

This is a press release from state Rep. Rochelle's office.

Klarides-Ditria: Staying connected during a virtual legislative sessoin

When the Connecticut General Assembly meets in January it will be, by all appearances, in a virtual session. 

This means that committee hearings, floor votes, town halls, and even office hours will be mostly conducted through Zoom, with lawmakers observing social distancing. While the Capitol Complex will remain closed to the public, there are many new opportunities to participate in the process and make sure your voice is heard.

Referred to as a “regular session,” the 2021 legislative session begins Jan. 6 and runs through June 9.

According to the Connecticut state constitution, in an odd-year session any legislator can introduce bills on any subject. This is different from the even-year session where bills can only originate from their corresponding committees and must be related to the making of the two-year state budget. This budget is finalized in even-numbered years during what is known as the "long session."

In state government, many of the most impactful and useful laws we write don't come from our ideas, but from those in our communities. That is why it is important that you know how you can make your voice heard and fix an issue in your town or our state.

Here are some ways that you can participate during this year's virtual session:

Legislation

If you're interested in testifying for or against a bill or just want to stay up to date on pending legislation, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me at 1-800-842-1423 or by e-mail at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@cga.ct.gov

Citations

Please contact my office if you would like to recognize an individual for special events such as an athletic or academic award, an Eagle Scout accomplishment, or a significant birthday.

State Agencies

Contact my office if you need assistance working with state agencies; for example, the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Staying Informed

You can sign up for my email newsletter at RepNKD.com to receive updates on legislative business, community events, and any additional information I think you might want to know about our district and state. I also frequently share information to my Facebook page that might not end up in the newsletter, so please "like" my page to stay in the loop.

Touring the Capitol

In a normal year, our legislative offices can arrange tours of the Capitol Complex through the League of Women Voters. However, you can now take a 'virtual tour' of the State Capitol Building and the Legislative Office Building by visiting their website.

While the pandemic has affected our ability to have indoor, in-person events, that doesn't mean I will be any less accessible to you. 

In fact, it allows me to host virtual events like town halls on Zoom that allow you to call in from the comfort of home. Even if you don't have a computer or are not tech-savvy, you can call in using a landline or mobile phone to give me your input. I will be giving updates on those events when they do happen through my newsletter and Facebook page, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.



Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria named chair of Legislative Regulation Review Committee

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria,  R-Seymour, has been named Chair of the Legislative Review Committee by House Republican Leader-elect Vincent Candelora for the 2021-23 legislative session. 

Klarides-Ditria was also tapped to serve as a Caucus Whip.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the Regulation Review Committee for the 2021-2023 session and look forward to working with my colleagues to review and discuss proposed regulations to make certain they fit within existing state statute and do not make unintended alterations or changes,” Klarides-Ditria said. 

“Nicole has distinguished herself as a smart, tough and capable leader for our caucus,” Candelora said. 

“The regulation process in Connecticut is a year-round commitment that requires a keen eye and attention to detail. I am confident in her abilities to manage the intent of the lawmaker with the legal application of the law, while codifying regulations on behalf of the state residents. This committee is the only balanced one in the legislature—made up of equal numbers of parties from both sides. The respect that Nicole has earned by her colleagues will serve her well on this important committee.”

The Legislative Regulation Review Committee has the responsibility to review regulations proposed by state agencies and approve them before regulations are implemented.  Since all regulations have the force of the law, it is imperative that the regulations do not infringe upon the legislative intent or clash with current state and federal laws and constitutions.  The Legislative Regulation Review Committee is a bipartisan committee with a total of fourteen members, six senators and eight representatives equally by party.  To ensure equality and bipartisanship throughout, the chairmanship or co-chairs rotate every two years pairing either a Democratic Senator with a House Republican or vice versa.

Candelora also tapped Klarides-Ditria to serve as a Caucus Whip for the coming term. Whips are traditionally responsible for helping to shape public policy, assisting Republican lawmakers and making sure all Republican House members are in attendance to cast their votes on legislative issues.

Klarides-Ditria has also been selected to serve on both the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and Public Health Committee.

“Even though the pandemic has caused major disruptions to our usual routines, I am excited to start another session and work on the important issues facing the state,” Klarides-Ditria said. “This year more than ever, it’s important to make sure the policies, guidelines and laws passed in Hartford don’t unnecessarily burden the residents and businesses that are already struggling. If we work together we can find common sense balance that helps everyone.”

Klarides-Ditria was first elected in 2016. She represents the 105^th District of Beacon Falls, Seymour, and Derby.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Klarides-Ditria: DMV announces additional deadline extensions

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it has added to its list of extended deadlines for residents with expiring credentials. Eligible DMV credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension. In addition to extending the expiration date of DMV credentials, late fees associated with eligible expired credentials will be waived during this time period of the extension for qualifying credentials. Deadlines have been extended for the following DMV-related items: ·       All licenses, permits, and identification cards: Lengthens the credential extension to 90 days for credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       All registrations, including International Registration Plan and boat registrations: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Emissions testing and retesting: For test due dates that fall between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the due date will be extended by 90 days from the emissions expiration date. ·       Permanent disability placard: Any permanent disability placard that expires at the same time as a credential that is subject to an extension will be extended by 90 days. ·       Business licenses: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Temporary registrations: Temporary registrations obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       Temporary licenses, IDs, permits that contain a digital image: Expiration dates will be extended by 90 days for all temporary (paper) licenses obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       Flashing light permits: Expiration dates between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       School bus proficiency tests: Extends the validity of school bus proficiency tests that are due between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 by 90 days. For answers to questions, updates, or more information about these extensions or other previously-issued credential extensions, visit www.ct.gov/dmv, call 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (outside the Hartford area). If you have any additional questions on this or any other issues, please reach out to me by email or call my office.

Rochelle offers housing assistance information

On Monday state leaders announced $33 million in state and federal resources will be allocated to help renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by COVID-19. The plan includes the following: $10 million rental assistance program for Connecticut residents impacted by COVID-19, administered through the Department of Housing, which will provide payments to landlords on behalf of approved tenant applicants, with a priority on lower-income households who have been denied unemployment insurance; $5 million for eviction prevention to help renters who were in the process of eviction before the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency; $10 million to provide mortgage relief to homeowners who have suffered impacts from COVID-19 and whose mortgages are not federally insured, administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA); $4 million in rapid rehousing funds to help people pay costs like security deposits and initial rent to exit homelessness to housing, administered by the Department of Housing; $2.5 million rental assistance program for those who are ineligible for emergency assistance through the federal CARES Act, including those who are undocumented, administered by the Department of Housing; $1.8 million in funding for reentry and rehousing assistance for people exiting incarceration, administered by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness; Extending the residential eviction moratorium to August 25, bringing Connecticut’s measures in line with federal measures (the CARES Act prevents evictions from most properties until late summer); and Extending the opportunity to apply a portion of any security deposit worth more than one month’s rent toward rental payments.All housing assistance programs administered by the state and CHFA will include counseling to help renters and homeowners problem solve and develop plans to pay housing expenses. Details, including the application process, are continuing to be developed and will be released as they become available.  For additional information, please visit the below resources: Connecticut Department of Housing: portal.ct.gov/doh Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA): www.chfa.org Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH): cceh.org This is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

Klarides-Ditria offers update on reopening schools, income taxes, more

School Reopening Guidelines Announced Earlier this week the Connecticut State Department of Education released detailed guidance on reopening schools this fall. You can view the document at this link: ______________________________________________________ Extended Tax Deadlines Approaching On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) extended filing and payment deadlines for certain state tax returns to align with federal changes. The impacted Connecticut returns and the associated filing dates and payment deadlines are set forth in this link.

______________________________________________________ Emergency Assistance to Renters, Homeowners, and Residential Landlords Governor Lamont announced Monday a plan to put state and federal resources to work providing emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. To learn more about this program and whether you may apply to participate, please click here for more information. ______________________________________________________ Plastic Bag Tax Returns Today The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) announced that the suspension of the plastic bag tax expired yesterday, and that retailers should prepare to begin collecting the 10-cent per bag tax again today. The governor in late March suspended the tax during the pandemic response. You can read more about the announcement here. Remember, the state maintains a web portal dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the state's response to the outbreak. If you have questions or concerns on any issue concerning any issues regarding theses issues or any other regarding state government, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.  Sincerely,