Community Letter From State Representative Christine Palm (D-36)

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — The following is a recent press release issued by Christine Palm (D-36).

"Dear Neighbor:

Those of us in elected office like to joke about President Reagan's famous quip: "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

And while state government doesn't always run efficiently -- we all have horror stories about unnecessary bureaucracy and long waits -- surely the pandemic has shown us the value of government at its best. Here, then, are a few resources offered by the State of Connecticut and the federal government you may find helpful.

Covid-Related Resources:

DPH Statement on Johnson and Johnson Vaccine

• DPH Statement on FDA and CDC Decision to Restart Use of J and J Vaccine (ct.gov)

Walkup COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

• Walk-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Locations (ct.gov)

United Way 211 - Transportation Support to Vaccine Locations W/ UBER

• United Way Of Connecticut, Community Health Center, Inc. And Uber Announce Partnership To Provide 30,000 Free Rides To Vaccine Sites (constantcontact.com)

Farmworker Vaccination Clinics

• Register for Farmworker Vaccination Clinics

Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce/Community Health Center, Inc. ABC (Amusement Parks, Beaches, Chambers of Commerce) Vaccination Program

CHC can offer access to the COVID-19 vaccine for your company (employees, contractors, family members) through this exciting initiative.

CHC offers all three vaccine types. You may select one for your company:

• Janssen J&J (age 18+ only, one dose)
• Moderna (age 18+ only, 28 days between 1st and 2nd dose)
• Pfizer (16+, 21 days between 1st and 2nd dose)

To submit a request for an on-site vaccination clinic, please CLICK HERE.

Resources Related to Available Household Funds:

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Rolls Out on May 12, 2021

• The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.
• Emergency Broadband Benefit | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

Help for Businesses:

SBA Announces Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released details on the application and eligibility requirements for the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The funding – included in the American Rescue Plan and run by the SBA – will assist the hardest-hit restaurants with the funds they need to meet payroll, purchase COVID-related supplies, and recover industry jobs lost during the pandemic.
• All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply, but during the first 21 days, priority will be given to businesses owned by women, veterans and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
• The application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English and Spanish.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund details – English

Restaurant Revitalization Fund details – Spanish

Tax Credits/Tax Rebates Available:

• If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, along with several expanded and refundable tax credits available to individuals, you must file a 2020 tax return, even if you usually don’t file a tax return.

• The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit. Previously limited to people over 25, the Earned Income Tax Credit is now open to:
  • Individuals over 19
  • Former foster kids who are 18 years or older
  • Homeless youth (no age specified)
  • Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit here.

Please help me reach your neighbors, who may be in need, by forwarding this email to them. Feel free to contact me by email at Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Christine Palm
State Representative"