(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a supplementary request with the support of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation to the President of the United States for enhanced federal financial support toward the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor is requesting that the federal government enhance its support to Connecticut citizens by authorizing the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) cover 100 percent of the costs Connecticut has incurred to save lives and protect public health and safety and to the extend financial assistance directly to affected Connecticut residents. Further, the governor’s letter confirms that President Trump’s March 27 Major Disaster Declaration includes the tribal nations of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation; reiterates Connecticut’s request for access to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which would provide direct assistance to residents; and requests Connecticut be made eligible for the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program should the president authorize state’s access to the program.
Under the currently approved Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of eligible COVID-19 expenses for state and local governments, as well as the tribal nations.
“The size and scope of this public health emergency is unprecedented,” Governor Lamont said. “The president has acknowledged this in declaring a major disaster in every state in the nation. If approved, this request would bring much needed additional financial assistance to the state and our municipalities.”
Governor Lamont also thanked the president for the previously announced approval of 100 percent reimbursement for the costs associated with activation of the Connecticut National Guard, which is providing the state with support during emergency response to the pandemic. This is a state activation of the Guard, meaning that Governor Lamont continues to command its forces through Connecticut’s Adjutant General and Joint Staff.
**Download: Supplementary request from Governor Lamont on enhanced federal support for Connecticut