Klarides-Ditria: DOT to start immediate repairs on Commodore Hull Bridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced immediate repairs on the Commodore Hull Bridge - which carries Route 8 over the Housatonic River between Shelton and Derby. According to the DOT, “during a special inspection of the bridge in preparation for a future project, advanced deterioration on the gusset plates was noticed. These plates connect the truss members together to support the weight of the overall bridge structure and traffic load on the bridge.  Due to the additional deterioration found, starting this week CTDOT will begin milling off the bituminous wearing surface (pavement), and posting a 32-ton weight restriction for all vehicles.” There are 12 gusset plate locations anticipated. Travel lane shifts in both directions will likely be required, as well as closure of on/off ramps directly adjacent to the structure while repairs are being completed. The objective is to maintain two lanes of traffic for Route 8 NB & SB.  The bridge remains safe for the traveling public. DOT urges drivers to slow down, move over, and use caution when traveling through this area to keep themselves and workers safe.

Sincerely,

Ansonia Police share website for state road closures, alerts

From APD Facebook page:

Please refer to this website for road closures throughout the state: https://ctroads.org/

Griffin in Derby named CT's most socially responsible hospital for 2nd straight year

Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital was named Connecticut’s most socially responsible hospital, according to the Lown Institute’s 2023-24 Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. 

This is the second straight year Griffin is ranked first in the state.

The Index is the first ranking to measure social responsibility of nearly 4,000 U.S. hospitals nationwide and applies never-before-used metrics such as racial inclusivity, avoidance of overuse, and community benefit. 

Griffin has been recognized by the Lown Institute for outstanding social responsibility, receiving an “A” grade through strong performance across metrics of health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care.

Griffin was ranked #1 of 26 hospitals in the state and #118 nationwide for social responsibility.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition and a tribute to our exceptional caregivers for their commitment to Planetree’s patient-centered care principles and Griffin’s values of quality, safety, service, collaboration, innovation and stewardship,” said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. 

“The Griffin Health Board of Directors and administrative leadership appreciate the importance of social responsibility in providing high-quality health care that meets the needs of the community we serve, and in how it ensures that Griffin will continue to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of its residents.”

According to the Index, Griffin received “A” grades for social responsibility, value of care, avoiding overuse, cost efficiency, patient safety, patient outcomes, and clinical outcomes. It also ranked in the state’s top five for overall value and outcomes, and clinical outcomes.

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to include metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, creating a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. 

In the fourth annual and largest set of rankings to date, the 2023-24 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on 50+ measures--including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse--for more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. 

Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. 

Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website at https://lownhospitalsindex.org/rankings/our-methodology.

Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute, said the U.S. needs socially responsible hospitals like Griffin.

“When communities have access to socially responsible healthcare, our nation grows stronger,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “That’s why it’s so important to hold up these high-performing hospitals as examples for others to follow.”

The Lown Institute is a nonpartisan think tank that generates bold ideas for a radically better
system of health. 

Learn more about the Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.

About the Lown Institute
Founded in 1973 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Bernard Lown, MD, developer of the defibrillator and cardioverter, the Lown Institute believes that a radically better system of health is possible and generates bold ideas towards that goal. The Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is a signature project of the Institute and features measures never used before like racial inclusivity, avoidance of overuse, and pay equity.

Learn more at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

2 Derby Board of Education members win recognition

Laura Harris  Daniel P. Foley, Jr. DERBY - Board of Education member Laura Harris recently achieved the level of Master Board of Education Member in the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Board Member Academy for the 2022-2023 school year.  Daniel P. Foley, Jr., Vice-Chair of the Derby Board of Education achieved the level of Certificated Board of Education Member. Harris was one of three board of education members recognized for their achievement in attaining this level by participating in numerous hours of board-related professional development activities for the 2022-2023 school year.  To achieve the Master Board of Education level, a board member must first accumulate at least 20 credits, becoming a Certificated Board of Education member. The Master Board of Education member must earn an additional 20 credits beyond the CBEM level.  The areas of study are leadership, effective meetings, school/community relations, strategic planning, group dynamics, board member ethics, school finance, labor relations, and school law. Foley earned CABE’s Certificated Board of Education Member designation.  Through his attendance at numerous CABE/CAPSS Conventions and workshops has acquired a wide variety of skill, knowledge, and ability.  To achieve the Certificated Board of Education member status he had to acquire 20 credits in the areas of board relations, policy, curriculum, school finance, school law, labor relations, and board operations. Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Mrs. Harris and Mr. Foley are among the most engaged members that I have served with over the course of my 26 years on the Derby Board of Education. They always take the time to be the best members they can be, constantly improving as board members and participating in all

available learning opportunities. The Derby Board of Education is better because of their participation and representation. I consider it an honor to serve with both of them.” Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr. said, “This recognition is a testimony to board member Harris’ and vice chairman Foley’s incredible commitment to their role and relentless drive to stay up to date, learn more and go above and beyond to ensure our kids, our staff, this family is receiving to best support possible to learn, grow and excel in their own way." This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Klarides-Ditria: DMV announces online license renewal

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently launched new services that enable residents to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards online without having to visit an office in-person. The DMV’s new online renewal option has already been offered to residents whose driver’s license or non-driver ID expired within the last 45 days.  As part of the soft-launch of the new service during the last two months, more than 20,000 individuals have already successfully renewed online. Eligible residents will receive an invitation by postal mail or email to complete their transaction online and make an electronic payment via credit or debit card. Upon successful completion of the online renewal, the license or non-driver ID will be received by mail within 20 days. The department’s efforts to modernize and expand online services to allow more credential holders in the state to safely and securely apply, renew, reinstate, and pay for credentials more efficiently became more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During this time, it moved to an appointment-only system, which helped reduce wait times and kept residents safe. The DMV has also launched two new services with the goal of making it easier for commercial driver’s license holders to complete DMV transactions more easily online and via mobile devices. The Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) Portal serves as a “one-stop shop” for the carrier industry (trucking companies) to complete transactions. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Medical Certificate Portal gives these drivers the option of electronically sending their medical certificates directly to the DMV’s Driver Services Division from their mobile device. All of the DMV’s services can be found online by visiting ct.gov/dmv.

Sincerely,

This is a release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria's office.

Klarides-Ditria: Equity Match Grant Program launched for women-owned businesses

The Women’s Business Development Council and the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) launched a new COVID-19 relief program for women-owned businesses/or minority-owned businesses in CT.

The Equity Match Grant Program is designed to help businesses pivot, expand or restructure during the pandemic and beyond.

The application period is open now (Feb. 1), and continues through Feb. 15.

Grants will range between $2,500 and $10,000 for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on business. 

Applicants will be required to match 25% of the grant funding with their money. A recipient of a $10,000 grant must have invested, as a match, $2,500 in their business over the past 12 months or be able to invest an incremental $2,500 of their own funds in that purchase.

The Women’s Business Development Council raised $525,000 which DECD will match up to $500,000, bringing the total amount of funds available in the Equity Match Grant Program to more than $1 million.

Qualified Applicants
Women owned/minority owned business
Have clear and specific use for the grant money
In business with a record of sales for a minimum of two years.
Business registered in CT and in good standing with the State
Utilize online/automated financial system – POS, Quickbooks, Xero, etc.
Have established business banking relationship
Prior participation in WBDC programs or services preferred

Application Requirements
Complete and submit a WBDC Intake Form
Complete and submit a WBDC Equity Match Grant Application (will be available when the next round opens on February 1st, 2021)
Provide a Use of Funds Statement (100 words or less) with the grant amount requested, how the funds will be used, and what impact the grant will have. The Use of Funds Statement must be supported by proposals, quotes and/or paid invoices evidencing planned use.
Submit a current and complete business plan including:
Current financial statements (must include at least 2 years of Profit & Loss Statements, 2018, 2019 and YTD 2020)
3–year financial projections clearly demonstrating impact of the grant funds (2021-2023)
Submit evidence of business ownership (e.g. Articles of Incorporation/Organization)
Provide a Letter of Good Standing from the CT Department of Revenue Services (obtain here)
Provide two years of business tax returns (2018, 2019, and 2020 if available)
Provide proof of Connecticut residency (e.g. Driver’s License)
Provide a copy of the most recent bank statement for the business checking account.
Be able to “match” 25% of the amount of the grant with incremental money or money that has already been invested in the business over the last 12 months.

More information can be found on the Women’s Business Development Council website.

Sincerely, This is a press release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria.

Klarides-Ditria lists policy changes, new laws effective Jan. 1

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With 2020 coming to an end, I wanted to make you aware of new policies affecting Connecticut taxpayers and businesses taking effect on January 1, 2021.

These changes include:
Pensions and Annuities – The percent of pension and annuity payments exempt from the income tax is set to increase from 28 to 42 percent.

Teacher Pensions – The percent of teacher pension payments exempt from the income tax will be doubled from 25 to 50 percent.

Payroll Tax – Employers must begin collecting a 0.5% payroll tax to contribute to the FMLI Trust Fund.

Capital Base Tax – The Capital Base Tax on Connecticut businesses begins a four-year phase-out until it is eliminated in 2024.

New legislation effective dates are typically January 1, July 1, and October 1 throughout the calendar year. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community.

I have highlighted some noteworthy new laws below and encourage you to take a look at the full list, which can be accessed by clicking here.

An Act Concerning Emergency Response by Electric Distribution Companies, The Regulations of Other Public Utilities and Nexus Provisions for Certain Disaster-Related or Emergency-Related Work Performed in the State.

This new law requires proportional representation for Connecticut on the boards of directors of prospective holding companies for PURA-regulated utilities. To review the whole summary, click here.

An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans

This new law establishes a price cap for certain diabetes-related prescriptions and expands the prescription drug monitoring program to include them. 

To review the whole summary, click here.

Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year.

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

Rochelle: COVID Relief Fund grants available for nonprofit arts groups

 

Nonprofit arts organizations can now apply for one-time COVID Relief Fund for the Arts grants and matching funds between $5,000 and $750,000.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts will accept applications between Oct. 23 and Nov. 3.
The $9 million in grants are being made available through the federal CARES Act.
Funding is available for performing arts centers, performing groups, and schools of the arts.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process here.
You can read the Governor's announcement here.


This information is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Pool at Shelton Community Center to open with restrictions

Community Center Pool To OPEN!

The Pool will open July 22

At the present time:

MEMBERS ONLY, no walk-ins will be accepted.. Reservations will be required. Members must have their cards when they arrive to swim. Members without a reservation or membership card will not be allowed to swim.

Members may begin calling Monday, July 20 at 9 a.m. to make reservations through Monday, July 26.
Memberships that were current as of March 17 will receive credit on their memberships when they renew their membership.
See pool schedule and COVID-19 rules for procedure. Members must request either a lane or the open area when making reservations. Three reservations per week.
NO LOCKER ROOMS or showers, swimmers must arrive and leave in their suit.
The deck shower will be available to rinse before entry. This is still required by health code before swimming.
No exercise equipment will be available. Members may bring their own equipment. All equipment must follow our equipment use policies.
Water fountains are water refill stations only. No one may drink from the fountain. Water bottles must be plastic. NO GLASS!
Masks must be worn at all times when not in the water. Social distancing must be followed at all times.
There are no swim lessons or fitness classes at this time. We do not have an anticipated date to begin any form of classes or lessons.
The remainder of the Community Center and Fitness Room will remain closed at this time.
Please remember that the situation as well as requirements given by the State of Connecticut are constantly changing in response to COVID-19. Changes will be made as necessary to adhere to these policies.

Please remember that the situation as well as the requirements given by the State of Connecticut are constantly changing in response to COVID-19. Changes will be made as necessary to adhere to these policies.

Pool Schedule

Rochelle offers update on state's Phase 2 reopening regulations

*Sharing info from a message today from state Rep. Kara Rochelle:

Updated guidance on indoor and outdoor gatherings has been released. The plan is as follows:

• Effective today, June 17:
  • Indoor private gatherings - 25 people
  • Outdoor gatherings - 100 people
  • Outdoor event venues (amphitheaters, race tracks) - 25% of fire capacity and distancing
• Effective July 3:
  • Indoor private gatherings - 25 people
  • Outdoor private gatherings - 100 people, one time exception for graduations at 150 people
  • Outdoor organized gatherings (fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) - 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, cap of 500 people; event organizer responsible for compliance
  • Outdoor event venues - 25% of fire capacity and distancing
• Effective mid-July (date to be determined)
  • Indoor private gatherings – 50 people
  • Outdoor private gatherings (including graduations) – 250 people
  • Outdoor organized gatherings (e.g. fireworks, concerts in municipal parks) – 15 feet of space blanket to blanket, no cap; event organizer responsible for compliance with guidance
  • Outdoor event venues – 50% of fire capacity and distancing

To read Tuesday's full update, click here. 

For all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch the 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

DMV deadlines have been extended by 180-days from their original expiration dates. 

Eligible DMV credentials that expire between March 10, 2020 and June 30, 2020 will automatically be extended.
For more information, visit https://CTDMV.info.

Over 45 banks and credit unions have agreed to extend their voluntary participation in the Connecticut Mortgage Relief Program, which provides relief to consumers facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now run through July 30, 2020. It was set to expire May 31, 2020.

This program provides the following forms of assistance:

•  90-day grace period for all mortgage payments
• Relief from fees and charges
• No new foreclosures for 60 days (through July 30, 2020)
• No credit score changes for accessing relief.

For more information and a list of participating financial institutions, click here.

Klarides-Ditria offers update on state's response to COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Friend, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and some recent announcements including current plans for reopening our state in phases. ______________________________ Gov. Lamont Releases Rules for Businesses Opening May 20th Earlier this week Governor Lamont announced specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This first phase includes restaurants, offices, hair salons and barbershops, retail stores, and outdoor museums and zoos. You can find more specific information about the rules for each of these businesses at this link. _____________________________________________ Schools To Remain Closed Last week, Governor Lamont announced that due to the ongoing pandemic, in-person classes at K-12 schools in Connecticut will remain canceled for the rest of the academic year. There is still no determination regarding plans for summer school. You can read the announcement from Governor Lamont at this link. ______________________________ Unemployment Claims for the Self-Employed After weeks of waiting and several false starts, the “big RED button” for self-employed workers to file for the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is finally live on the Department of Labor (DOL) website. This is a two-step process. You must first file for state unemployment benefits using the BLUE button and then file for PUA using the RED button. In addition, DOL recommends clicking on the GREEN button to sign-up for direct deposit. The system defaults to debit card benefits payment and that can take 10 days to 3 weeks to get. Direct deposit takes about a week.  For more information on how to apply for benefits under the PUA system, including step by step instructions, please read this press release issued by the Connecticut Department of Labor. You can go directly to the link for filing here. ______________________________ Useful Links and Resources As we continue to address the current COVID-19 pandemic, my colleagues and I have been working to provide you with the most current information. Our office has created a page with information and links to resources and programs you might find useful during and after the coronavirus outbreak. You can read more here. I wanted to also remind you that the state of Connecticut has a comprehensive COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date information information for individuals and businesses that you can view here as well as a 'Frequently asked Questions' document which can be found here. If you have any questions or concerns on these or any other issue, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700. I will be providing more frequent updates on my Facebook page, which you can find by clicking here.