News

Small business owners and workers asked to provide input on reopening efforts

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman is encouraging small business owners and workers to fill out two surveys to help gather important insight on the state’s reopening efforts:

• The Small Business Reopening Survey is for business owners and will help understand the current status and implications of reopening
• The CT Worker Sentiment Survey will help understand how employees feel returning to the workplace

Both surveys were launched by the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT, which works in collaboration with the state to engage, retain, and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut.

Southbury Economic Development Commission and the Office of Economic Development is also conducting a survey to provide feedback regarding the ways that Southbury businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis

Update from the Pomperaug District Department of Health

Governor Lamont signs 37th executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Governor Lamont today signed another executive order – the 37th since he enacted the emergency declarations – that builds upon his efforts to encourage mitigation strategies that slow down transmission of the virus. Executive Order No. 7JJ enacts the following provisions:

1. Applicability of Executive Order No. 7S, Section 8 – Suspension of reapplication filing requirement for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Freeze Tax Relief Program: Enables the state to continue benefits in the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled, Circuit Breaker Tax Relief Program and for the Homeowners’ Elderly/Disabled Freeze Tax Relief Program without the taxpayer having to recertify eligibility.
2. Distance learning and remote testing certification for DEEP programs: Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct classes and testing remotely using online methods or any other feasible means.
3. Tolling of land use and building permits: Extends the period of validity of approval or permits issued by a municipal land use agency or building official so they do not expire during the state of emergency.
4. Allowance of suspension of in-person voting requirements by members of the public for critical and time-sensitive municipal decisions: Authorizes legislative bodies of municipalities the ability to adopt or amend ordinances or resolutions deemed essential; approve, enter into, or amend existing contracts or agreements deemed essential; or option, acquire, transfer, lease, dispose, or sell any real or personal property as deemed essential without complying with any requirements for in-person approval by electors or taxpayers, including annual or special town meetings requiring votes or referenda.