Senator Joseph Crisco 2011 News Feed

Crisco Lauds Role, Potential for State’s Vo/Tech High School System

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:26:19 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) continued his longstanding advocacy for the state’s vocational/technical high school system with testimony before a special task force convened to assess the program. Two of the state’s 20 vo/tech high schools are in the 17th district Senator Crisco represents: Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia and Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden.

Crisco Heralded by Interfaith Group at Its Founding Assembly in Bridgeport

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:18:09 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, was commended at last week’s inaugural convention of Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut (CONECT), an interfaith coalition working toward political and social objectives.

Crisco Welcomes State Funding for Projects in Bethany and Woodbridge

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:11:26 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the imminent release of state funding to assist with municipal projects in his district, one in Bethany and one in Woodbridge. A total of $83,549 will be shared by the towns.

Crisco Recognized by Connecticut Chapter of American Association of Retired Persons

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:54:00 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, received a Legislative Achievement Award earlier today from the state chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Crisco Welcomes Grants Worth $600,000 for Housing in Ansonia and Derby

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:48:32 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the award of two $300,000 grants—one each for housing rehabilitation in Ansonia and Derby. Senator Crisco said the grants are part of the federal government’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Crisco Votes to Pass Two Bills Designed to Generate Jobs, Stimulate Economic Growth Statewide

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:14:21 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today helped win approval for two bills written to help create jobs for Connecticut residents and stimulate the state economy. The votes, taken during today’s Special Session of the General Assembly, will create an enhanced business climate for existing companies to grow and prosper and for a prominent new business, Jackson Laboratory, to relocate to Connecticut.

Crisco Joins Task Force to Address Small Business Healthcare Costs, Issues

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:10:07 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, is now part of a new working group to address healthcare-related challenges faced by small businesses in the state. Senator Crisco is one of two senators on the task force; seven state representatives will also serve. The group includes 16 members from the small business community as well.

Crisco Commends Decision to Deny 12.9 Percent Health Insurance Rate Increase

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:16:08 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said today he is pleased with the recent decision by state regulators to deny Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield a requested 12.9 percent rate hike. A far more modest 3.9 percent increase was approved for other plans offered by Anthem.

Crisco to Host 25th Annual Senior Fair in Ansonia Thursday, October 20, 2011

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:42:07 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) has announced plans for this year’s 25th anniversary edition of his annual Senior Fair on Thursday, October 20, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The event is held each year at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway, in Ansonia.

Crisco Announces Public Hearings to Assess, Learn From Connecticut’s Irene Response

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:52 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) said today legislative hearings have been scheduled regarding the state’s preparedness for and response to Tropical Storm Irene. All-told, members of four separate committees will review, assess, and try to learn from what went wrong and what went right during that last week in August.

Crisco, Connecticut-Based Advocacy Group Hail California's New Breast Cancer Screening Law

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:18:15 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), co-Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, was joined today by Nancy Cappello, Ph.D., founder and president of Are You Dense, Inc., a Connecticut-based breast cancer advocacy group, in praise of a new California law to advance the cause of breast cancer awareness, early detection, and screening options for women with dense breast tissue. Senator Crisco and Dr. Cappello said the new California law—enacted on the last day of this year’s legislative session—is closely based upon existing Connecticut law. It awaits the signature of California Governor Jerry Brown.

Crisco & Looney, Amity Superintendent Brady Spell Out New Anti-Cyberbullying Measures

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:11:42 -0400

State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) were welcomed today at Amity High School in Woodbridge by Dr. John Brady, Superintendent of the Amity Regional School District #5. The three officials held a press conference to highlight features of a new state law to combat bullying in schools and more specifically, cyberbullying.

Crisco Says Two State Programs Will Assist Businesses Victimized by Irene

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:38:38 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced to area business owners two state programs to assist them if their company was damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene. One program will be administered by the state Department of Revenue Services and the other by the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Senator Crisco said.

Crisco, Gentile Announce Funding For Ansonia Armory Community Center

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:18:55 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) and Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia) today welcomed the State Bond Commission’s expected approval of funding for renovations to bring the Ansonia Armory up to code for use as a community center. A $500,000 grant will be used to repair the gym floor, install an ADA-compliant elevator and sprinkler system.

Crisco & Hartley, Representative Berger Report State Funding for NVCC Campus Upgrades

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:12:02 -0400

State Senators Joan V. Hartley (D-Waterbury) and Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), and Representative Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) today welcomed the imminent release of state funding to underwrite the design and engineering phase of wholesale renovations of Founders Hall at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury. A total of $4.47 million was allocated for this part of the project.

Crisco and Looney, Representative Villano Say $13.6M State Grant Will Continue Cleanup of Hamden’s Newhallville Neighborhood

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:55:18 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and Representative Peter Villano (D-Hamden) today announced the imminent release of significant state funding meant to help remediate problems in the Newhall neighborhood in Hamden. The lawmakers said approximately $13.6 million will be made available to excavate, backfill, and restore landscaping, fences, and other pre-existing conditions throughout the effected parts of that district.

Crisco Announces Criteria, Calls for Connecticut Hall of Fame Nominations

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:43:43 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), founder of the Connecticut Hall of Fame and chairman of its selection committee, today announced the start of this year’s nominations process. State residents are invited to suggest names of potential members they think merit consideration. Nominees selected by the committee will be included in next year’s induction class.

Crisco Hails Governor’s Signature On Bone Marrow Compatibility Initiative

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:29:56 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today attended a formal signing ceremony at the Capitol and welcomed Governor Malloy’s signature on Public Act 11-88. Senator Crisco said the new law ushers in a new age of possibility for those who suffer from certain life-threatening conditions.

Hamden State Senators Welcome State Grant for All-Access Playground in Hamden

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:16:51 -0400

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven / Hamden) and State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) welcomed the imminent final release of $400,000 in state funding to help underwrite construction costs for an all-access playground in Hamden. The new facility will be installed in the Town Center Park on Dixwell Avenue.

General Assembly: No Veto Overrides

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:17:15 -0400

Democratic Leaders of the General Assembly announced today that there will be no veto overrides when it convenes on July 25th for its annual veto session. Instead of attempting an override of Senate Bill 11, AN ACT CONCERNING THE RATE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CERTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES, the legislature and executive branch are working together to achieve a common goal—greater transparency and public input in the rate increase approval process for health insurance.

Crisco Urges Resolution of U.S. Debt Crisis, Warning of Dire Impact Otherwise

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:41:10 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), the Senate’s Federal Relations Liaison, today urged members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation, Malloy administration officials, legislative leaders in both parties, and constituents to join him with an urgent appeal to Obama administration officials and Congressional leaders to resolve the looming federal budget and debt ceiling crisis.

Crisco Expects State Funding Friday for Hamden Bridge Rehabilitation

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:22:14 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) said today he expects final approval imminently for state funding needed to underwrite repairs and rehabilitation of an important river crossing in Hamden. A total of $403,920 will be allocated for work on the bridge that carries Tuttle Avenue over the Mill River.

Crisco Hosts Taiwanese Breast Cancer Specialist For Screening Summit

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:37:27 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today hosted Taiwanese breast cancer specialist Dr. Pai-Jung Huang at the state Capitol. Dr. Huang is Medical Director of the Taipei Medical University Hospital and is working to import for his country many of Connecticut’s breast cancer screening policies, championed by Senator Crisco in recent years.

Crisco, Looney Hail Senate Vote for Bill to Increase Transparency of Insurance Rate Approval Process

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:45:47 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) successfully ushered through the Senate last night his bill to provide public input and greater transparency in the rate increase approval process for health insurance and long term care insurance. The lawmakers said the current process, characterized by autonomous decisions by the commissioner of the state Department of Insurance, yields extraordinary, double-digit rate increases.

Crisco Wins Senate Vote, Final Action for Healthcare Oversight, Pooling Bill

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:58:10 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco , Jr. (D-Woodbridge), the Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today led an extended debate and earned Senate passage of a comprehensive healthcare reform bill. The Senate’s affirmative vote represents final legislative action on the bill, which now advances to the governor’s desk for his expected signature.

Crisco, Representatives Gentile and Greene Honor Ansonia High Students and Princeton Race Relations Award Winner

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:20:19 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) was joined yesterday by State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-104th) and State Representative Len Greene (R-105th) to honor the Ansonia High School Human Relations Club at the State Capitol in Hartford.

Crisco Wins Senate Approval for Bill to Create State Insurance Exchange

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:38:09 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today ushered through the Senate a bill to establish the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, which will function as a clearinghouse to help individuals and employers evaluate and compare insurance options.

Crisco Earns Senate Vote for Bill to Provide More Health Coverage for Patients During Clinical Trials

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:37:35 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today won Senate approval for a bill to expand insurance coverage for routine care required by patients who undergo clinical trials for treatment of progressive, life-threatening, or chronic and debilitating conditions.

Crisco Welcomes Final House Vote on Bill to Reform Bail Bond Transactions

Fri, 27 May 2011 17:13:01 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today praised last night’s approval by the House of Representatives—representing final legislative action—for his bill to reform many bail bonding practices in Connecticut. Last night’s House vote was 129—7; Senator Crisco’s bill was approved unanimously by the Senate May 20th and had previously received unanimous support in four separate legislative committees.

Crisco Wins Senate Vote to Help Seniors Secure Long-Term Care Insurance

Fri, 27 May 2011 17:10:49 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today pledged to continue his efforts to win enactment of his bill to help senior citizens research and understand long-term care insurance policies before buying them. Senator Crisco’s bill to address the matter received unanimous approval from the Senate last night and now advances to the House of Representatives.

Crisco Votes to Toughen State’s Response to Cyber-Bullying in Schools

Thu, 26 May 2011 09:33:42 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) was part of a unanimous Senate vote today for a bill to strengthen and enhance Connecticut’s laws intended to contain school bullying. The bill makes great strides to remedy the growing trend toward cyber-bullying, described as hostile, threatening, or abusive behavior using electronic devices.

Crisco Says Senate Bill Offers More Coverage for Breast Cancer Screenings

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:42:00 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today won unanimous Senate approval for his bill to require insurance coverage of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer screening after a woman is found to have heterogeneous or dense breast tissue.

Crisco Earns Senate Nod for Bill to Require Comprehensive Review of State’s Insurance, Financial Services Sectors

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:41:14 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee and vice-chair of its Commerce Committee, today steered through the full Senate a bill previously approved by both of those committees. SB1068, An Act Concerning a SWOT Analysis of the State’s Insurance and Financial Services Clusters, requires the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD) to complete a detailed study of those vital sectors of the state’s economy.

Crisco Convenes Connecticut Hall of Fame Ceremony and Welcomes New Inductees

Thu, 05 May 2011 17:01:40 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), founder of the Connecticut Hall of Fame and chairman of its selection committee, today hosted a formal induction ceremony at which the newest honorees were revealed and enshrined.

Governor Malloy: Bond Commission Approves Funding For Development Of Renaissance Place In Naugatuck

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:15:04 -0400

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State Bond Commission on Friday approved a grant of $500,000 to assist with architectural and engineering design services for a parking garage at the Renaissance Place development project in Naugatuck.

Crisco Reports Two $1,500 Grants to Preserve Historic Barns in Hamden

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:20:01 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today welcomed two grants, each worth $1,500, for historic barn preservation in Hamden. Senator Crisco said the grants are from the non-profit Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, established by the General Assembly in 1975 to ‘protect and nourish the vitality of significant buildings and landscapes.’

Crisco, Representative Nardello Praise $200,000 for Bethany Airport Community Center

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:07:08 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) and Representative Vickie Nardello (D-Prospect) today hailed news from Bethany First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski that the town qualified for $200,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of the Bethany Airport property.

Hartley, Crisco Welcome State Funding For Improvements at Naugatuck Valley Community College

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:09:44 -0400

State Senators Joan V. Hartley (D-Waterbury) and Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today welcomed news about the imminent release of state funding to underwrite the design phase of major on-campus site improvements at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury. A total of $1.325 million will be allocated for detailed plans of the comprehensive project.

Crisco Asks Governor Malloy to Consider Adopting Formal State Alzheimer’s Plan

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:41:32 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, recently submitted a letter to Governor Dannel P. Malloy asking the governor to consider adopting a formal, comprehensive state Alzheimer’s plan. Senator Crisco said 18 other states have already prepared and published such a document.

Crisco Reports Extended Deadline for Yale-New Haven Hospital-Sponsored Minority Nursing Scholarships

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:20:54 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) announced today that an extension has been granted for applications to Yale-New Haven Hospital's Minority Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Program. Senator Crisco said students in his district from Amity, Ansonia, Derby, and Hamden high schools are encouraged to apply for the financial award.

Crisco Wins Committee Nod for Bill to Regulate Real Estate Transfer Fees

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:19:02 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today praised committee approval of a bill meant to prohibit ‘private transfer fees’ in Connecticut. The relatively new financing plan, already restricted or subject to outright bans in 19 states, amounts to a private sector conveyance fee, adding undue cost to the sale of property, Senator Crisco said.

Crisco to Serve on Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:04:04 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) to serve on the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee, effective immediately. According to the Connecticut General Assembly Web site, “all executive and legislative nominations requiring action of either or both chambers, except judicial nominations, nominations of workers' compensation commissioners and nominations of members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles,” are referred to this committee.

Crisco Welcomes Final Nod for State Funding of Local, Job-Creating Projects

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:04:27 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today reported final approval for state funding to help underwrite several infrastructure improvement projects in his district. Specific bond allocations were approved at yesterday’s meeting of the State Bond Commission, the first chaired by Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

Crisco, Representative Gentile Want Ansonia Bridge Named After Police Commissioner, National Guard General

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:24:09 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) testified today before the legislature’s Transportation Committee on behalf of a bill he introduced to have a bridge in Ansonia dedicated to and named after the late Brigadier General Brian F. Phipps, an Ansonia resident who was also a long-serving Ansonia police commissioner.

Crisco Co-Sponsors Bill to Lower Electricity Rates and Improve Efficiencies

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:50:39 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) will co-sponsor a bill unanimously drafted by the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee meant to reduce electricity costs, promote renewable energy, and create financing options for energy efficiency improvements in Connecticut homes and businesses.

Crisco Re-Appointed to Co-Chair Insurance and Real Estate Committee

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:21:53 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) has been re-appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) to serve as Senate Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee. According to legislative documents, “the Insurance and Real Estate Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to insurance law and real estate law,” and is charged with oversight of the state Department of Insurance.