By State Senator, Norm Needleman.
As we approach Memorial Day, I want to take a few moments to remember and mourn those who have died in serving our country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local Memorial Day observances have been cancelled or altered. Please consider reaching out to someone you know who has lost a loved one who died serving our country, place a U.S. flag out front of your residence, or checking with your local town hall to see if a virtual ceremony will be conducted.
Flags to be Lowered to Half-Staff Monday in Observation of Memorial Day
Governor Lamont announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff Monday, May 25 from sunrise until noon in observation of Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who have died while serving. As is customary and unique for this holiday, flags are lowered throughout the duration of the morning and then raised to full-staff promptly at noon for the remainder of the day. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
Governor Lamont also announced that the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven will be lit up in Red White and Blue each night this holiday weekend beginning tonight.
DMV Extends Deadlines Again for Credentials Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is further extending deadlines for some credentials that may be expiring. Anything with an expiration date (including licenses, registrations, emissions tests and boat registrations) will be given a another 90-day extension, adding on to a previous 90-day extension. To qualify, they had to expire between March 10 and June 30. In addition to extending the expiration date of DMV credentials, late fees associated with eligible expired credentials will be waived during the time period of the extension for qualifying credentials.
June 1 Deadline Reminder to Apply for Home Heating Assistance
Governor Lamont is reminding Connecticut residents who need help paying last winter’s home heating bills that there is still time to apply to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The extended application deadline of June 1 gives families and individuals who are eligible, including those impacted by COVID-19, more time to apply.
Connecticut residents are welcome to apply, regardless of whether their home is heated through electricity, natural gas, or a deliverable fuel. Home heating benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income (currently $36,171 for a single person and $69,559 for a household of four). For more information on applying for home heating assistance, you can click here and to find the nearest application site, you can visit www.ct.gov/staywarm.
Connecticut Farmers Impacted By COVID-19 Eligible For Food Assistance Program
Connecticut farmers and producers who have suffered financially due to COVID-19 are eligible to sign up for financial aid through the federal Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Earlier this week, it was announced the CFAP will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to American farmers and ranchers. Any producer suffering a 5 percent or greater price decline, or who experienced losses due to market supply chain disruptions, is eligible for this program. Eligible commodities include non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy and specialty crops. Aquaculture, nursery and cut flowers will be considered for relief as well.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications from producers on May 26. For more information, please visit www.farmers.gov/cfap.
Flags to be Lowered Nationwide Today in Honor of the Victims of COVID-19
Today, all U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff nationwide as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. They will fly at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, May 24. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this time.
