Senator Haskell Gives a 2021 Legislative Year in Review
State Senator Will HaskellThis past year was undoubtedly full of challenges, both here in Connecticut and across the country. But 2021 was also notable for moments of community compassion, economic advancement and scientific progress. Neighbors helped neighbors through moments of isolation, and health care workers worked long hours to ensure that Connecticut became the most vaccinated state in the country. Businesses that had shuttered their doors were eventually flooded with local customers, and our state added 53,4000 jobs to date. I've learned a ton this year -- about my district and about our state. Through every twist and turn, I was grateful for the seat that my constituents gave to me in the State Senate.
I want you to know that we didn't allow the pandemic to slow our work at the State Capitol. In fact, many of us felt an urgency to work even harder on behalf of the communities we represented. I want to highlight a few areas of progress, and renew my commitment to keep working for you when we return to the Capitol in February.
COVID-19 prompted a crisis of physical and mental health, and we stepped up on both fronts this year. New tax credits ensured that small businesses could afford personal protective equipment, and stronger laws will ensure that public school students are vaccinated. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 2 provided resources to help young people who are struggling with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Now, students can access confidential care and utilize mental health wellness days. Importantly, teachers will receive enhanced suicide prevention training. As the youngest member of the legislature, I know how hard it is for young people to afford dental and vision insurance, so I'm pleased to report that we expanded dental and vision insurance to folks through the age of 26. As telehealth became a valued tool for patients and providers alike, we passed legislation to ensure that insurance companies continue covering telehealth services until at least June 2023.
In the wake of the most successful election in American history (not because of which candidates won, but because more Americans voted than ever before), my colleagues and I took a hard look at voting rights in Connecticut. We passed automatic registration and ensured that voting drop boxes will remain in place in the years to come. We guaranteed time off for employees looking to vote, and excitingly, made progress toward bringing Early Voting to Connecticut. If you agree that Connecticut should join 40 other states in providing a few days of early voting, you can vote to make it happen during the 2022 election. A referendum will allow the public to decide whether or not we want elections that are accessible and convenient for all.
As important as it is to recap where we've been, I'm also eager to look toward the future. This session, we kept Connecticut's future taxpayers in mind by passing a budget that boosts funding for education, cuts $40 million in taxes for 195,000 households and provides $110 million to nonprofits helping families. We filled our rainy day fund with over $3 billion, and used another billion to pay down pension obligations. We made investments in the future without raising taxes, often working in a bipartisan manner. I'm proud that we built stronger workforce pipelines to ensure that Connecticut businesses have access to a highly-skilled workforce. Our new auto-admission policy for high-achieving high schoolers will allow them to easily matriculate into our exceptional state universities.
COVID-19 may still be with us, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. As we head into a new year, I'm hopeful that we can soon forget the meaning of social distancing and monoclonal antibodies. But in the meantime, I'm proud to live in this state and I think you should be too. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and have a wonderful holiday season.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 3; State Positivity Rate 6.78%, Hospitalizations up 26
The Westport-Weston Health District reported 3 new COVID-19 cases for Westport over the past 24 hours. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 6.78% while hospitalizations were up 26 patients, totaling 736 patients across the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 2,312 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 32 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 6.78% [down from 7.14%]
State Hospitalizations: 736 patients [+26]
Westport Property Transfers: November 29th - December 3rd
Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $58,958.47
Total Sales: $23,583,388.00
Highest Transfer Price: 236 & 259 Riverside Avenue: $4,500,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 48 Woodside Avenue: $780,000
Transfers:
236 & 259 Riverside Avenue: $4,500,000
265 Greens Farms Road: $2,459,500
47 North Avenue: $1,895,000
11 Salem Road: $1,650,000
89 Old Hill Road: $1,570,000
20 Poplar Plain Road: $1,400,888
43 Hiawatha Lane: $1,150,000
9 Summer Hill Road: $1,100,000
4 Old Hill Road: $1,050,000
12 Saint George Place: $915,000
299 North Avenue: $900,000
401 Harvest Commons: $870,000
11 Hen Hawk Lane: $863,000
131 Compo Road North: $830,000
508 Harvest Commons: $825,000
90 Hillandale Road (95% Interest): $783,750
90 Hillandale Road (5% Interest): $41,250
48 Woodside Avenue: $780,000
Staples Candlelight Concert Return To In-Person Audience Is Simply Spectacular
Staples Choir & Orchestra at Their Opening Night Performance on Thursday
After last year's COVID concerns requiring a streaming event, the Staples Orchestra, Choir and Featured Singers thrilled the audience which is limited to 50% capacity this year for safety. Westporters are well aware of the tremendous talent Staples has produced over the years and from the performances of this amazingly talented class there may well be more superstars like Justin Paul at Staples this year.
This exceptional production was guided by the dedicated staff which includes Orchestra Directors Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Hockensmith, Choral Director Luke Rosenberg, Caitlin Serpliss, Assistant Band Director Mry Gardner, Percussion Director and Philip Giampietro, Band Director. Mr. Giampietro told WestportLocal this:
"For this year’s Candlelight concert, we chose a program that allowed the band, orchestra, and choir programs to collaborate and perform as much of the music all together as possible. This gives the concert itself an undertone of unity and human connection that we hope will carry the audience through the holiday season amidst the challenges of the pandemic".
Although the Friday and Saturday night shows are sold out, the performance will be streamed on Thursday December 23rd at 8:00 PM. Just visit www.StaplesMusic.org.
To learn more about the prolific achievements of this amazing school's programs visit Broadway World's “High School In The Spotlight” article: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/High-School-in-the-Spotlight-Staples-High-School-20120402
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
