Governor moves up date on Phase 2
New Executive Order out on unemployment insurance
News and notes
Survey reminder
- In a somewhat surprising announcement, Governor Lamont moved up the date for Phase 2 of CT’s reopen plan to June 17th.
- In announcing his plans, the Governor noted that the June 20th date for phase 2 coincides with Father’s Day weekend and he felt that it would be better to avoid that weekend by moving the re-open to the 17th.
- Phase 2 re-open means that retail business such as gyms, movie theaters, and indoor dining at restaurants – including mall food courts – will be allowed to re-open.
- That is good news for those retailers, and we know how difficult this period has been for all retailers. The more retailers that can get back to normal business schedules, the better for all retailers – and for our state.
- The Hartford Courant has more on this decision. You can go here.
New Executive Order on unemployment
- In another major announcement in recent days, the Governor issued a new Executive Order dealing with Unemployment Insurance.
- The newest Governor’s EO, which you can view here, would allow any person who is in a vulnerable age group or who has underlining health issues and is concerned about going back to work, to be eligible for unemployment insurance.
- The Courant has more on that announcement as well.
News and links to live by around the state
- Connecticut’s unemployment remains at historic highs, though new weekly claims are slowing. The state received an average of 18,700 initial weekly claims in the first two weeks of May, according to state officials. CT Mirror has the story here.
- Melissa McCaw, the Secretary of the state Office of Policy and Management, told media at Gov. Lamont’s Thursday news briefing that she’s prepared a comprehensive deficiency bill for lawmakers to consider in a special session that might happen later this month. The Governor’s news briefing can be seen here.
- Southern Connecticut State University Political Science and Urban Affairs Professor Jonathan Wharton is “very intrigued” about Connecticut becoming a more desirable location as a result of the new normal. Brookfield Patch has the story here.
- Lamont announced that his administration is establishing a municipal coronavirus relief fund using the federally supported Coronavirus Relief Fund to offset expenses related to COVID-19. Municipalities have reported nearly $40 million in direct costs during the pandemic. Details here.
CRMA Survey reminder
- Last week we asked retailers to take just 5 minutes to complete the CRMA online survey regarding re-opening activities for retailers.
- If you haven’t already done so, we ask again if you would take a moment and fill out this survey. It would strengthen our work on your behalf. Help us to help you. Thank you!