Month: March 2018

Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney Regarding Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty

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Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney Regarding Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty

Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today released the following statement regarding Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty:

“Congresswoman Esty has long been a conscientious leader in the fight against harassment and abuse in the workplace. However, I agree with Senator Flexer that if the facts of this matter involving former staff of the congresswoman’s office are as they are alleged to be in recent news articles then Congresswoman Esty should do the right thing and resign.

“As I have said recently in public hearing testimony, we are in the midst of a national reckoning concerning sexual harassment and sexual assault. Sexual harassment is continuing to be exposed across all types of industries and all levels of government—regardless of party.

“The heartbreaking stories of so many victims only reinforce the need to ensure that we must do all within our power to protect those who depend on us and ensure safe work environments so that no one at her or his place of employment ever feels exposed to discrimination, harassment or retaliation of any kind.”

Statement from Senator Cathy Osten Concerning Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty

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Statement from Senator Cathy Osten Concerning Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty

Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today released the following statement concerning Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty:

“Once again, we are learning of another instance of harassment in the workplace. We must do more as a society to protect everyone in the workplace. I commend the brave young woman for coming forward and sharing her story. It is my hope that each time an instance of abuse is brought to light that we will move one step closer to eliminating it.

“As a long time advocate for the fair treatment of women, and as someone who has fought against the culture of harassment, Congresswoman Esty should have known better and done better. Indeed, this incident demonstrates a shocking lack of judgement on the part of the Congresswoman, and therefore I believe Congresswoman Esty should resign her office.”

Senator Flexer Statement Re: Congresswoman Esty

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Senator Flexer Statement Re: Congresswoman Esty

Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danileson) released the following statement regarding Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty:

“It was devastating to learn about the situation in Rep. Etsy’s office that has recently come to light. The congresswoman failed her staff on every level when she decided to protect an alleged abuser instead of them. It’s completely unacceptable.

“Instead of immediately suspending her chief of staff once she learned of the allegations, she allowed him to work for her and oversee her staff for months after and then kept the ultimate resolution a secret. This type of complicit behavior contributes to the culture of secrecy around abuse and harassment in our decision-making bodies and it’s got to stop.

“We must expect more from our elected officials. We must set the example. No employer should allow this conduct. Her failure to do the right thing here hurt us all, especially as more and more women are courageously coming forward. It’s time for Rep. Etsy to step aside.”

Looney E-News: Standing with Justice McDonald

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Senator McCrory E-News: New Medicare Cards Arriving Next Month… Scams Already Happening

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Duff Blasts Republicans for Killing Net Neutrality Bill

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Duff Blasts Republicans for Killing Net Neutrality Bill

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) denounced Republican State Senators in the General’s Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee for killing Senate Bill 2, An Act Concerning Internet Service Providers and Net Neutrality Principles.

“After the Trump Administration moved to end net neutrality, I hoped that we in Connecticut could rise above politics to protect consumers and small businesses,” said Senator Duff. “States like Oregon and Washington have already passed net neutrality protections on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans here in Connecticut chose to stand with big business and President Trump instead of the people of our state.”

Senator Duff introduced Senate Bill 2, which proposes charging the Public Utility Regulatory Authority with regulating the provisions of net neutrality and prohibiting internet service providers in Connecticut from throttling consumer internet speeds, blocking certain websites, or imposing prioritization pricing.

“Connecticut’s businesses, startups, students and consumers need an open internet,” Senator Duff continued. “I will continue to fight for a fair, open and accessible internet.”

During the Obama administration, the FCC voted to adopt strong, open internet rules to ensure that Americans reap the economic, social and civic benefits of an open internet, including the preservation of net neutrality.

Following the December 2017 announcement by the Federal Communications Commission that they were rolling back federal net neutrality rules, Senator Duff announced that he would introduce legislation during the 2018 legislative session of the General Assembly aimed at protecting Connecticut businesses and consumers.

Without net neutrality, internet providers will be able to control and decide which websites and content appear on the internet. That can slow competitors or block any political content with which they disagree. Internet Service Providers will also be able to charge extra money to support the content of the few companies that will be able to pay, which hurts small business and consumers.

Statement on the Passing of State Trooper Kevin Miller

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Statement on the Passing of State Trooper Kevin Miller

Public Safety Committee Co-chairs Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford), Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford), Representative Joe Verrengia (D-West Hartford) released the following statement regarding the passing of Connecticut State Trooper Kevin Miller, a 19-year member of the state police, who was killed in a crash on I-84 today.

“On behalf of my colleagues in the state legislature I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of State Trooper Kevin Miller. We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with you,” Sen. Larson said.

“It’s just a very sad event for everyone in the state. It’s sad when a young person with a family passes and when it’s someone who has dedicated his life to public service, it hits home even more so,” Sen. Guglielmo said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Miller’s family and colleagues during this difficult time,” Rep. Verrengia said.

Sen. Gerratana E-news: Applauding Labor Committee Passage of Earned Family Medical Leave Bill

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Senator Larson E-News: South Windsor Students Share Art at the Capitol

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Sen. Moore E-News: WPCA Bill Passes in Committee

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