From our State Senator, Norm Needleman.
Once again, I want to share an update on resources available to residents, businesses, and nonprofits in our region.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to my office at 860-240-0428 or Norm.Needleman@cga.ct.gov. Follow my Facebook and Twitter pages for additional updates.
Department of Agriculture Grant Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended applications for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program, which helps rural communities better link together through telecommunications to improve education. For example, the program can link teachers to students or medical service providers to patients.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. The application period ends Friday, April 10. More information is available here.
Safe Workplace Practices In Essential Businesses
As part of the governor’s latest executive order, essential workplaces must follow legally binding rules put in place by the departments of Economic and Community Development and Public Health to keep employees and customers safe.
These rules, available here, include:
- Enforcing and controlling contact between individuals to establish proper social distancing and limiting potential contact that could spread disease
- Increasing physical space between employees and customers, delivering services remotely or without person-to-person contact whenever possible
- Utilizing the use of multiple shifts or updated scheduling to limit contact between staff and enact steps to retain social distancing without impacting production if possible.
- Reducing potential transmission points such as internal doors or waste receptacle lids and frequently cleaning touch points.
- Encouraging policies for sick employees to stay at home, ensuring employees are not ill before starting work, and encouraging proper hygiene including hand washing.
Grants Available For Manufacturers Producing COVID-19 Supplies
Connecticut manufacturers producing critical equipment and supplies needed to respond to COVID-19 can now apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist their efforts. The grants, offered through the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program, can be used for working capital, new equipment, and other purposes that help companies build capacity or repurpose their operations.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Department of Economic and Community Development in partnership with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. For more information, visit https://ctmvp.ccat.us.
Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence Assistance Resources
Safe Connect is a platform available to victims and survivors of intimate partner violence or domestic violence assistance who need assistance. The statewide hotline for victims has been expanded into a phone, text, chat and email service available confidentially, safely, available 24/7 and free. If you or someone you know is experiencing problems, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call 888-774-2900.
