By State Senator, Norm Needleman.
Please take a few moments to read an update on tuition-free community college, the reopening of the DMV, and other updates from our towns. As always, if my Senate office can be of assistance to you please call 860-240-0428 or email Needleman@senatedems.ct.gov.
Comprehensive Plan Released on Reopening Schools in the State, Grades K-12
The Connecticut Department of Education has released a new comprehensive plan for returning to in-school, full-time classes beginning in the fall. The plan titled, “Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together,” will serve as a guideline for schools across the state to follow as they reopen for the 2020-21 academic year. This document follows the announcement made last week that Connecticut plans to bring all students back to the classroom five days a week. Connecticut has had a 50 percent decrease in coronavirus cases from week to week that has made a tremendous difference and because of this positive trend the plan is for schools to reopen but it could change if the state’s health situation changes.
Reopening will happen on a statewide basis, which will provide equal learning for students across all Connecticut towns. The Department of Education worked closely with the state Department of Public health and it is recommended that school districts use a ‘cohorting’ system, keeping the same students in small groups based on classrooms. All students will have to socially distance and desks in the classroom will have to be spread out to maximize social distancing. Students and staff will be required to wear masks and hand wash frequently. Facial coverings will also be mandatory for the school bus drivers and the students who ride the bus to and from school.
This ‘Adapt, Advance, Achieve’ plan was created with input from students, teachers, parents, principals, superintendents and other educations stakeholders. To view the full plan to keep students and staff safe this upcoming school year, you can click here.
Regional Quarantine Set for Out-Of-State Travelers
The governors of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have announced that they have imposed a regional approach on travelers coming from “hot spot” states such as Florida, requiring those individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from a state with significant community spread.
Travelers from those states have also been warned to be tested before traveling to the tri-state area. The compliance will at first be voluntary, but leaders are willing to require more stringent and strict policies to be put in place should they be ignored, specifically mentioning a possible fine for those who do not quarantine. Hotels, travel agents and airports are expected to cooperate with the quarantine strategy, and leaders may also use billboards, social media and highway signs to advertise the information.
While Connecticut has successfully worked to reduce the state’s spread of COVID-19, with hospitalizations currently standing at less than 150 after a peak of nearly 2,000 in mid-April, other states have not been as successful. Arizona, California, Florida and Texas are among the states seeing the highest rates of infection currently. In the spring, states including Florida placed similar voluntary quarantines on travelers from New York and Connecticut when the northern states’ rates of transmission were high.
Tuition-Free Community College This Fall Semester
The Board of Regents for Higher Education has announced the approval of a one-time, $3 million payment that will provide free community college education without tuition for numerous students statewide for the fall 2020 semester. Students of all financial backgrounds are eligible as long as they are first-time college students and graduated from high school in Connecticut whether public or private.
The payment is expected to cover all applicants in the community college system. Currently, a year’s tuition at a state community college costs about $5,000; about 60 percent of students currently receive enough financial aid to attend school for free.
Applications are due by July 15; interested students can apply for relief at this link.
DMV Reopening Plans
Many aspects of our daily lives have been frustratingly delayed, and among them, my constituents have been patiently waiting for the DMV to reopen. Driver’s licenses, road tests and lessons and new registrations have gone by the wayside. Luckily, though, this is starting to change. If you had an appointment canceled, the DMV is beginning to contact people to reschedule. The DMV is increasingly preparing to return to operations. Here are details about some new changes:
- Road tests resumed June 23; about 1,000 road tests have been rescheduled through June 30. Customers are being called to reschedule canceled appointments.
- The DMV is currently offering appointments for new licenses, IDs, renewals, out-of-state license and registration transfers and CDL upgrades. Learner’s permit knowledge tests will resume in six locations, including Old Saybrook, and registration services will resume at Wethersfield, Willimantic and Danbury on June 30.
- Online services for registration renewal, registration and license status, registration cancellation and emissions test late fees, among other services, can be accessed here.
- Drop-box services for registrations can be accessed at three DMV locations in the state including Old Saybrook. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV website to verify availability as times and locations may change.
- AAA and Nutmeg/DMV Express locations are offering driver’s license duplicates, renewals and name changes.
- Any scheduled appointments will be confirmed and reminded through email.
Things to Consider before Visiting Connecticut’s Beaches and Lakefront Swim Areas
Connecticut has marked its first official heat wave of the summer. As temperatures reached 90 degrees for three days in a row, people across the state are looking for a way to cool off. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are safety protocols in place for people looking to beat the heat. Shoreline state park beaches are the only state swimming areas open for the 2020 swimming season at this point.
To see what Connecticut beaches and swim areas are open you can click here. If you do decide to head to the beach, you should consider the following things:
- If you are not feeling well, stay home.
- If you are at risk for complications of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, consider staying home or make sure to visit at ‘times less traveled’ such as early mornings.
- Choose the destination closet to your home.
- Visit with members of your own household and in groups of five or fewer.
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet apart between individuals and 15 feet between groups on the beach.
- Expect some amenities including bathrooms and snack stands to be closed.
- Bring a face covering and wear it whenever social distancing is not possible.
- Bring your own water bottle, water fountains should not be used.
Clinton Trolley Returning For The Summer
The Clinton Trolley resumed service for the summer on June 25, with it running on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m. through September 5, barring service on July 4. Stops on the trolley include the Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, the Clinton Train Station, Rocky’s Aqua, Lobster Landing and Shanks, the Arts District, Liberty Green, Stop and Shop, the East End and the Safe Harbor Marina. All rides are free with social distancing and state guidelines to be followed. More information is available at www.clintontrolleyworks.com.
Michael B. Ierardi Jr. Memorial Fund Concert Series
The annual Clinton concert series will return beginning July 23 for a shortened summer schedule, with all shows starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Vece Gazebo at Pierson School. Shows will occur weekly on Thursday evenings through August 20, depending on the state’s advancing into its COVID-19 “Phase 3.”
