Month: May 2018

Senators Larson, Cassano, Gerratana Applaud Passage of Bill to Help Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations

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Senators Larson, Cassano, Gerratana Applaud Passage of Bill to Help Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations

Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford), Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), and Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) applauded Senate passage (19-17) of a bill to help homeowners with crumbling concrete foundations, along with other home health and safety issues, such as lead contamination and sinking homes.

House Bill 5209 places a $12 surcharge on a homeowner’s insurance policy upon their issuance or renewal beginning in 2019, with all the funds to be placed in a newly created Healthy Homes Fund. The funds will pay for the remediation of homes with crumbling concrete foundations, lead abatement in homes, and remediation of homes in a specific area of New Haven that are sinking.

“Connecticut is the kind of place that when our neighbors are in a bind we all come together to help out. For years now, homeowners in northeastern Connecticut and New Haven have been struggling through this horrific ordeal,” Sen. Larson said. “This legislation provides a new source of revenue for the crumbling foundations assistance fund to help repair crumbling foundations and sinking homes in our state. I am proud to stand up for homeowners in my district by leading passage of this critical piece of legislation.”

“The public and governments got behind the victims of other natural disasters like Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. But that’s exactly what’s going on with crumbling foundations. It’s happening in a different way, but the devastation is the same,” said Sen. Cassano. “People are losing their homes, their investments, their way of life. Today we took action to help reverse that.”

“Thousands of Connecticut residents are struggling with or will struggle with the severe effects of crumbling foundations,” said Sen. Gerratana. “This has been a huge problem for so long, and now is the time to do what’s right to help our citizens. This bill provides new revenue to help homeowners fix their homes, and I’m proud to vote today in support of the people of Connecticut’s right to a safe home.”

Eighty-five percent of the moneys in the Healthy Homes Fund will be transferred to the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund for crumbling foundations remediation. Those funds will be distributed through the nonprofit, private captive insurance company Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, LLC, which is in the process of being licensed. The surcharge is expected to raise $10.2 million per year.

The bill passed the House on Saturday, May 5 with bipartisan support on a 97-42 vote.

The Senate today also passed House Bill 5321, a bill updating the real estate property disclosure form passed into law last year, which requires sellers to provide information on potential issues with a home to prospective buyers. HB 5321 further specifies the questions that must be included on the form and adds questions on concrete foundations.

The bill also requires any member of the board of directors for the non-profit captive insurance company that will distribute crumbling foundations remediation funds to recuse themselves if their own application or that of a family member comes before the board. Per statute, two of the board members must be homeowners affected by crumbling concrete foundations.

The bill clarifies that the captive insurance company is not considered a state agency and shall not be considered to be performing a governmental function. This measure would protect the identity of homeowners who submit applications for aid.

Senators Bye, Flexer, and Representatives Boyd, Haddad Work to Protect Community Colleges

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Senators Bye, Flexer, and Representatives Boyd, Haddad Work to Protect Community Colleges

Amendment will create a process to oversee proposed campus closings

Senators Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) and Beth Bye (D-West Heartford), and Representatives Pat Boyd (D-Pomfret) and Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) introduced a strike-amendment today to mitigate campus closings that have been threatened by the Board of Regents for Higher Education since the recent rejection of the community college merger plan by a regional oversight commission.

“The legislature has one day left to reassert its authority that it gave up nearly 30 years ago and ensure that the voices of the people are heard in this process. It is our job as legislators to be the voice of the people, and if we adjourn without acting we have done the people of Connecticut a major disservice,” Senator Flexer said. “This amendment would ensure that the Board of Regents would have to go through a deliberative process before closing a community college campus. They would have to consider access to institutions, the negative affect on students and the community, and the specific industries and employment needs that the campus meets for our state. Our proposal would also require that the Board of Regents engage all stakeholders in the conversation and have public hearings, including one at the institution ultimately proposed to be closed.

“These are critical institutions in our communities and we need a thoughtful process in place if they are going to be closed,” Sen. Bye, Senate Chair of the Higher Education Committee said.

“We need to put a process in place to ensure that plans to close any campuses follows a comprehensive process before any decision is made,” Rep. Boyd said. “Campuses such as Quinebaug Valley Community College, which has been an indispensable part of the community it serves, cannot be closed on a whim—we need careful oversight and consideration when making such drastic decisions. I am pleased to join my colleagues in petitioning our legislative leaders to protect these institutions.”

“Our first priority is to work to ensure that no college closure is necessary. However, under current law, there is no formal legislative role if the Board of Regents intends to close a college,” said Rep. Haddad. “This solution would allow for legislative oversight and require an open, transparent and fair process. Sen. Flexer and Rep. Boyd have been actively working with me and Sen. Bye to protect our colleges and QVCC in particular.”

The community college consolidation plan—put together by Mark Ojakian, President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities—would merge all 12 state community colleges into one accredited body, decrease over 200 positions and cut over $23 million by 2022.

It was rejected in April by the New England Association of Schools and College’s Higher Education Commission. After that decision, officials said that colleges will have to review tuition rates, and look into closing one or two campuses.

The 2018 Legislative Session adjourns today, Wednesday, May 9th at midnight.

Senators Bye, Flexer, and Representatives Boyd, Haddad Work to Protect Community Colleges

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Senators Bye, Flexer, and Representatives Boyd, Haddad Work to Protect Community Colleges

Amendment will create a process to oversee proposed campus closings

Senators Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) and Beth Bye (D-West Heartford), and Representatives Pat Boyd (D-Pomfret) and Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) introduced a strike-amendment today to mitigate campus closings that have been threatened by the Board of Regents for Higher Education since the recent rejection of the community college merger plan by a regional oversight commission.

“The legislature has one day left to reassert its authority that it gave up nearly 30 years ago and ensure that the voices of the people are heard in this process. It is our job as legislators to be the voice of the people, and if we adjourn without acting we have done the people of Connecticut a major disservice,” Senator Flexer said. “This amendment would ensure that the Board of Regents would have to go through a deliberative process before closing a community college campus. They would have to consider access to institutions, the negative affect on students and the community, and the specific industries and employment needs that the campus meets for our state. Our proposal would also require that the Board of Regents engage all stakeholders in the conversation and have public hearings, including one at the institution ultimately proposed to be closed.

“These are critical institutions in our communities and we need a thoughtful process in place if they are going to be closed,” Sen. Bye, Senate Chair of the Higher Education Committee said.

“We need to put a process in place to ensure that plans to close any campuses follows a comprehensive process before any decision is made,” Rep. Boyd said. “Campuses such as Quinebaug Valley Community College, which has been an indispensable part of the community it serves, cannot be closed on a whim—we need careful oversight and consideration when making such drastic decisions. I am pleased to join my colleagues in petitioning our legislative leaders to protect these institutions.”

“Our first priority is to work to ensure that no college closure is necessary. However, under current law, there is no formal legislative role if the Board of Regents intends to close a college,” said Rep. Haddad. “This solution would allow for legislative oversight and require an open, transparent and fair process. Sen. Flexer and Rep. Boyd have been actively working with me and Sen. Bye to protect our colleges and QVCC in particular.”

The community college consolidation plan—put together by Mark Ojakian, President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities—would merge all 12 state community colleges into one accredited body, decrease over 200 positions and cut over $23 million by 2022.

It was rejected in April by the New England Association of Schools and College’s Higher Education Commission. After that decision, officials said that colleges will have to review tuition rates, and look into closing one or two campuses.

The 2018 Legislative Session adjourns today, Wednesday, May 9th at midnight.

Statement From Senate President Looney and Rep. Paolillo on the City of New Haven’s Tweed Airport Proposal

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Statement From Senate President Looney & Rep. Paolillo on the City of New Haven’s Tweed Airport Proposal

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and state Representative Al Paolillo, Jr (D-New Haven) today released the following statements regarding the City of New Haven’s proposal for Tweed New Haven Airport:

“The City of New Haven made progress this year by finally developing an outreach campaign,” said Senator Looney. The submission of a proposal to the Board of Alders, the meeting at Jepson School on April 30, and the community meeting at Nathan Hale School on May 5 all occurred too late in the legislative session for a proposal to be developed with the opportunity for robust community participation, consideration of the relocation of the terminal to diminish the traffic impact on New Haven, and the overall impact of enhanced commercial use of the airport. I am sure that the City will take the next several months to reach out to the affected neighborhood, all stakeholders and elected officials in order to build a consensus that respects both economic development opportunities and preservation of one of New Haven’s core neighborhoods.”

“Since this plan was first proposed, Sen. Looney and I have been clear that the neighborhood and the community process needs to be at the forefront. The concerns and the well-being of the community need to be put first. It’s incumbent upon the city administration to communicate with neighboring residents about their proposal and how it will impact the community. A true community benefits agreement should be reflective of the neighborhood’s needs. We need to bring together residents, stakeholders and local leaders to fully vet the city’s proposal,” said state Rep. Paolillo.

Flexer Leads Passage of Bill Honoring Connecticut’s Only Two National Guard Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

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Flexer Leads Passage of Bill Honoring Connecticut’s Only Two National Guard Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

photo of Senator Medal of Honor Recipients.

Colonel Robert Burton Nett (left) and First Lieutenant Lee R. Hartell (right)

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) led final passage of a bill to honor Colonel Robert B. Nett and First Lieutenant Lee R. Hartell, the only two members of the Connecticut National Guard ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor—the nation’s highest military award.

The bill is a request from the Connecticut Military Department to rename two military facilities.

“For several years, the state’s veteran’s community has been working to honor these Connecticut heroes in this special way. It gives me great pleasure to see their efforts come to fruition,” Sen. Flexer, co-chair of the Veteran’s Committee, said. “Both Col. Nett and Lt. Hartell deserve our recognition for their service and sacrifice. Today we honor them and all those who’ve served by passing this bill which celebrates Connecticut’s military heritage.”

The state military training facility in Niantic would be called Camp Nett at Niantic in honor of Connecticut Army National Guard Colonel Robert B. Nett of New Haven, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on December 14, 1944, during World War II. Until 2010, Camp Niantic was named after the sitting governor, but legislation passed that year made “permanent” the name change to Camp Niantic.

The state military training facility in Windsor Locks would be named Camp Hartell in honor of Connecticut Army National Guard First Lieutenant Lee R. Hartell of Danbury, recipient of the congressional medal of honor for his actions on August 27, 1951, during the Korean hostilities.

Col. Robert B. Nett

Colonel Nett, a New Haven native who enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard in 1940, was sent into combat on Christmas Island shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was soon sent to Fort Benning and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1942. Then-Lieutenant Nett was a company commander in December 1944 when he led an assault on a Japanese stronghold. He was seriously wounded three times during the attack but killed seven enemy soldiers with his rifle and bayonet. He later rejoined his unit and fought on Okinawa. Colonel Nett helped train South Korean soldiers during the Korean War and was an adviser to Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. After 33 years of military service, Colonel Nett retired and spent 17 years as a teacher. He was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2007, and the leadership hall at Camp Niantic, built in 2004, bears his name. Col. Nett died in 2008 at the age of 86.

1st Lt. Lee R. Hartell

First Lt. Hartell, a member of Battery A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. During the darkness of early morning, the enemy launched a ruthless attack against friendly positions on a rugged mountainous ridge. 1st Lt. Hartell, attached to Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, as forward observer, quickly moved his radio to an exposed vantage on the ridgeline to adjust defensive fires. Realizing the tactical advantage of illuminating the area of approach, he called for flares and then directed crippling fire into the onrushing assailants. At this juncture a large force of hostile troops swarmed up the slope in banzai charge and came within 10 yards of 1st Lt. Hartell’s position. 1st Lt. Hartell sustained a severe hand wound in the ensuing encounter, but grasped the microphone with his other hand and maintained his magnificent stand until the front and left flank of the company were protected by a close-in wall of withering fire, causing the fanatical foe to disperse and fall back momentarily. After the numerically superior enemy overran an outpost and was closing on his position, 1st Lt. Hartell, in a final radio call, urged the friendly elements to fire both batteries continuously. Although mortally wounded, 1st Lt. Hartell’s intrepid actions contributed significantly to stemming the onslaught and enabled his company to maintain the strategic strongpoint. His consummate valor and unwavering devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Banning Bump Stocks

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Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Banning Bump Stocks

Rapid-fire devices can turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machine guns

HARTFORD, CT – Democrats in the State Senate today led passage of critical public safety legislation banning bump stocks which can turn semi-automatic weapons into automatic weapons. Bump stocks are devices that transform the firing mechanism of a semi-automatic weapon into a weapon that fires like a fully automatic weapon; a bump stock was used in the Las Vegas shooting, where the shooter was able to fire an estimated 90 shots in 10 seconds. It also makes the weapon less accurate.

“Semi-automatic weapons with a bump stock device have been used in a mass shooting where clearly accuracy was not an important criterion to the shooter,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There is no legitimate reason why bump stocks should be owned or sold in our state. They have no legitimate use in civilian life.”

“Bump stocks and other rapid fire devices transform an already lethal weapon into a killing machine suitable for the battlefield,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “The mass shooting in Las Vegas demonstrated the kind of extreme threat to public safety bump stocks and rapid fire devices pose. Today, the Connecticut Senate passed this common-sense gun safety reform.”

“This bump stock ban is probably the most obvious piece of legislation at the State Capitol this year to ensure the health and safety of the Connecticut public,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The ban has received wide, bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and in the House of Representatives, which I believe speaks to the common-sense nature of the bill. And more than 80 percent of Americans support banning bump stocks. So obviously the overwhelming opinion of Democrats, Republicans and Americans is that we in the Connecticut legislature made the right decision this evening.”

“In our society, I don’t see the need to turn any semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun,” said Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford). “Even the president and his attorney general believe bump stocks should be banned.”

“Bump stocks are unnecessary, they’re dangerous, and there’s no better evidence of that than the massacre of 58 people in Las Vegas late last year,” said Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester). “And no one that I’ve spoken to in the ensuing months has been able to articulate to me any reason why bump stocks should be allowed in Connecticut.”

“Banning these bump stocks will move us closer to making our state a safe place where people want to raise their children,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “In the 22nd Senatorial District, we felt the pain of our neighbors in Newtown in 2012, and we know the damage that can be done using these automatic-style weapons. It’s harmful to families and the communities they live in.”

“Too many lives across the country, including the 58 lives in the tragic Las Vegas shooting, have been lost to these types of weapons,” said Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport). “These bump stocks, which make it easier to fire rounds quickly from a semi-automatic weapon, have no place in our society. Banning them is the right thing to do to make our communities safer.”

“The Vegas shooter left 58 people dead and was also able to injure hundreds more just by tacking on one of these bump stocks to his weapon,” said Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven). “No average citizen should be able to walk around our communities with that kind of ammunition.”

“These bump stocks allow regular firearms to mimic automatic fire which means that once that trigger is pulled and held, that weapon will fire on, and on, and on, and on, and on until the trigger is released or it runs out of ammunition,” said Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford). “This serves no purpose for hunting or protection and should be banned in order to make our communities safer.”

“I believe that we don’t need bump stocks in our society. They are a huge threat to our children, parents, and the citizens of Connecticut,” said Sen. Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford). “I am so proud to stand with my fellow Democrats and vote to ban bump stocks in Connecticut.”

HB 5542, An Act Concerning Bump Stocks and Other Means of Enhancing the Rate of Fire of a Firearm, generally makes it a class D felony for anyone, except a licensed firearms manufacturer fulfilling a military contract, to sell, offer to sell, otherwise transfer, or offer to transfer, purchase, possess, use, or manufacture a “rate of fire enhancement” (e.g., a bump stock). By law, a class D felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Massachusetts, California, Washington, Vermont, New Jersey, and Florida have already passed laws banning bump stocks and other rapid-fire devices.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Banning Bump Stocks

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Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Banning Bump Stocks

Rapid-fire devices can turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machine guns

HARTFORD, CT – Democrats in the State Senate today led passage of critical public safety legislation banning bump stocks which can turn semi-automatic weapons into automatic weapons. Bump stocks are devices that transform the firing mechanism of a semi-automatic weapon into a weapon that fires like a fully automatic weapon; a bump stock was used in the Las Vegas shooting, where the shooter was able to fire an estimated 90 shots in 10 seconds. It also makes the weapon less accurate.

“Semi-automatic weapons with a bump stock device have been used in a mass shooting where clearly accuracy was not an important criterion to the shooter,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There is no legitimate reason why bump stocks should be owned or sold in our state. They have no legitimate use in civilian life.”

“Bump stocks and other rapid fire devices transform an already lethal weapon into a killing machine suitable for the battlefield,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “The mass shooting in Las Vegas demonstrated the kind of extreme threat to public safety bump stocks and rapid fire devices pose. Today, the Connecticut Senate passed this common-sense gun safety reform.”

“This bump stock ban is probably the most obvious piece of legislation at the State Capitol this year to ensure the health and safety of the Connecticut public,” said Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford). “The ban has received wide, bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and in the House of Representatives, which I believe speaks to the common-sense nature of the bill. And more than 80 percent of Americans support banning bump stocks. So obviously the overwhelming opinion of Democrats, Republicans and Americans is that we in the Connecticut legislature made the right decision this evening.”

“In our society, I don’t see the need to turn any semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun,” said Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford). “Even the president and his attorney general believe bump stocks should be banned.”

“Bump stocks are unnecessary, they’re dangerous, and there’s no better evidence of that than the massacre of 58 people in Las Vegas late last year,” said Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester). “And no one that I’ve spoken to in the ensuing months has been able to articulate to me any reason why bump stocks should be allowed in Connecticut.”

“Banning these bump stocks will move us closer to making our state a safe place where people want to raise their children,” Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) said. “In the 22nd Senatorial District, we felt the pain of our neighbors in Newtown in 2012, and we know the damage that can be done using these automatic-style weapons. It’s harmful to families and the communities they live in.”

“Too many lives across the country, including the 58 lives in the tragic Las Vegas shooting, have been lost to these types of weapons,” said Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport). “These bump stocks, which make it easier to fire rounds quickly from a semi-automatic weapon, have no place in our society. Banning them is the right thing to do to make our communities safer.”

“The Vegas shooter left 58 people dead and was also able to injure hundreds more just by tacking on one of these bump stocks to his weapon,” said Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven). “No average citizen should be able to walk around our communities with that kind of ammunition.”

“These bump stocks allow regular firearms to mimic automatic fire which means that once that trigger is pulled and held, that weapon will fire on, and on, and on, and on, and on until the trigger is released or it runs out of ammunition,” said Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford). “This serves no purpose for hunting or protection and should be banned in order to make our communities safer.”

“I believe that we don’t need bump stocks in our society. They are a huge threat to our children, parents, and the citizens of Connecticut,” said Sen. Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford). “I am so proud to stand with my fellow Democrats and vote to ban bump stocks in Connecticut.”

HB 5542, An Act Concerning Bump Stocks and Other Means of Enhancing the Rate of Fire of a Firearm, generally makes it a class D felony for anyone, except a licensed firearms manufacturer fulfilling a military contract, to sell, offer to sell, otherwise transfer, or offer to transfer, purchase, possess, use, or manufacture a “rate of fire enhancement” (e.g., a bump stock). By law, a class D felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Massachusetts, California, Washington, Vermont, New Jersey, and Florida have already passed laws banning bump stocks and other rapid-fire devices.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

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Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

Senate Democrats last night stood up against attacks on healthcare from Republicans in Washington, DC and led final passage of legislation that protects and expands mandated health benefits for women, children and adolescents in Connecticut.

House Bill 5210 passed the Senate 34-2 and ensures that insurance policies offered in Connecticut must cover the “10 Essential Health Benefits” protected in the federal Affordable Care Act.

These benefits include:

  • outpatient care
  • trips to the emergency room
  • prenatal care and ongoing care for the baby throughout its childhood
  • prescription medicine
  • lab tests
  • mental health services
  • substance use disorder services.

House bill 5210 also preserves women’s access to contraception with no out of pocket cost—even if the Trump administration ever succeeds in killing “Obamacare.”

“Women in Connecticut should have access to these essential health services regardless of policies enacted at the federal level,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) said. “Healthcare is not only critical in improving a women’s quality of life, but it is also at times serves as the only means to keep a woman alive.”

“Connecticut has a long history of supporting women’s health care issues and this year is no exception,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “This is a great day for three-quarters of a million Connecticut women who count on these benefits so they can continue to lead healthy lives.”

“Connecticut must stand up against attacks from Washington, DC on the healthcare women in our state rely on,” said Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson). “This legislation protects and expands upon women’s access to basic healthcare for themselves and their children. It also aims to end the healthcare disparity that results in less access to care and higher rates of maternal mortality in underserved communities, and it protects the ten essential health benefits that provide everyone in our state with access to basic, preventive healthcare access. With the passage of this legislation, Connecticut has stood up to those who would strip away health care from our residents. ”

“Women from across Connecticut who testified in support of this legislation said that for many of them, prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, this kind of life-saving care would not have been accessible and that rolling back the guarantee of access to this kind of care would be devastating to them,” Insurance Committee Co-chair Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) said. “I am proud to lead passage of this bill and will continue to fight for all the women in my district and across Connecticut.”

The bill, which previously passed the House 114-32, now heads to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s desk for his signature.

Larson Leads Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

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Larson Leads Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) last night stood up against attacks on healthcare from Republicans in Washington, DC and led final passage of legislation that protects and expands mandated health benefits for women, children and adolescents in Connecticut.

House Bill 5210 passed the Senate 34-2 and ensures that insurance policies offered in Connecticut must cover the “10 Essential Health Benefits” protected in the federal Affordable Care Act.

These benefits include:

  • outpatient care
  • trips to the emergency room
  • prenatal care and ongoing care for the baby throughout its childhood
  • prescription medicine
  • lab tests
  • mental health services
  • substance use disorder services.

House bill 5210 also preserves women’s access to contraception with no out of pocket cost—even if the Trump administration ever succeeds in killing “Obamacare.”

“Women from across Connecticut who testified in support of this legislation said that for many of them, prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, this kind of life-saving care would not have been accessible and that rolling back the guarantee of access to this kind of care would be devastating to them,” Sen. Larson, co-chair of the Insurance Committee, said. “I am proud to lead passage of this bill and will continue to fight for all the women in my district and across Connecticut.”

The bill, which previously passed the House 114-32, now heads to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s desk for his signature.

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

Posted on by Webmaster

Senate Democrats Lead Passage of Bill Protecting 10 Essential Health Benefits for Women

Senate Democrats last night stood up against attacks on healthcare from Republicans in Washington, DC and led final passage of legislation that protects and expands mandated health benefits for women, children and adolescents in Connecticut.

House Bill 5210 passed the Senate 34-2 and ensures that insurance policies offered in Connecticut must cover the “10 Essential Health Benefits” protected in the federal Affordable Care Act.

These benefits include:

  • outpatient care
  • trips to the emergency room
  • prenatal care and ongoing care for the baby throughout its childhood
  • prescription medicine
  • lab tests
  • mental health services
  • substance use disorder services.

House bill 5210 also preserves women’s access to contraception with no out of pocket cost—even if the Trump administration ever succeeds in killing “Obamacare.”

“Women in Connecticut should have access to these essential health services regardless of policies enacted at the federal level,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) said. “Healthcare is not only critical in improving a women’s quality of life, but it is also at times serves as the only means to keep a woman alive.”

“Connecticut has a long history of supporting women’s health care issues and this year is no exception,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “This is a great day for three-quarters of a million Connecticut women who count on these benefits so they can continue to lead healthy lives.”

“Connecticut must stand up against attacks from Washington, DC on the healthcare women in our state rely on,” said Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson). “This legislation protects and expands upon women’s access to basic healthcare for themselves and their children. It also aims to end the healthcare disparity that results in less access to care and higher rates of maternal mortality in underserved communities, and it protects the ten essential health benefits that provide everyone in our state with access to basic, preventive healthcare access. With the passage of this legislation, Connecticut has stood up to those who would strip away health care from our residents. ”

“Women from across Connecticut who testified in support of this legislation said that for many of them, prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, this kind of life-saving care would not have been accessible and that rolling back the guarantee of access to this kind of care would be devastating to them,” Insurance Committee Co-chair Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) said. “I am proud to lead passage of this bill and will continue to fight for all the women in my district and across Connecticut.”

The bill, which previously passed the House 114-32, now heads to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s desk for his signature.