Month: March 2019

Senator Needleman, Representatives Orange and Haines, Secretary of the State Merrill to Hold Forum On Early Voting April 1

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Senator Needleman, Representatives Orange and Haines, Secretary of the State Merrill to Hold Forum On Early Voting April 1

COLCHESTER, CT – On Monday, April 1, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Colchester), Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester), Representative Irene Haines (R-Colchester) and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill will hold a public forum on early voting. This event will be held at the William J. Johnston Middle School Cafeteria, located at 360 Norwich Avenue in Colchester, from 6 to 7 p.m.

This public forum will specifically involve discussion of the recent House Joint Resolution No. 161, which proposes an amendment to the state’s Constitution. That amendment would be placed on the ballot on Nov. 3, 2020, allowing voters to determine whether access to absentee ballots should be expanded to all voters and whether there should be an additional period of at least three days before Election Day where individuals can visit a polling place to cast a ballot.

Currently, Connecticut law has several limits on access to absentee ballots, according to the Secretary of the State’s office. Only active members of the military, individuals with illnesses, physical disabilities or religious beliefs preventing them from voting in person, election officials who will work at polling places other than their own, and individuals who will be away on all of Election Day are allowed to vote absentee. Connecticut is additionally one of only 11 states that currently does not permit early voting, where a voting booth would be held available in a public location for individuals who may not be able to traditionally vote on Election Day itself.

In 2014, a similar amendment was placed on state ballots but was narrowly defeated, despite 59 percent of polled voters supporting the expansion of early voting access.

“I encourage the discussion about this potential amendment, as giving more people access to the ballot is proven in other states to increase voting participation,” said Sen. Needleman. “The more people who participate in our elections, the more accurate our representation of them can be in the state legislature.”

“Connecticut residents live busy, hectic and sometimes unpredictable lives, and it is essential that everyone who can vote is able to exercise that right. The early voting bill will grant flexibility to working families who may not be able to make it to the polls and will expand participation in this fundamental right,” said State Representative Linda Orange, D-Colchester. “We must work to repeal barriers to voting to ensure that all voters’ interests are fairly represented.”

“Early voting is the most important thing we can do this year to address long lines on Election Day and make voting easier for every Connecticut citizen,” said Secretary of the State Merrill. I’m fighting to make sure that every Connecticut citizen can conveniently register, and every registered voter can easily vote. Voters in 39 states already can vote before Election Day and Connecticut voters deserve to be next.”

Sen. Needleman Enews: School Cooperation Strategies

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Senator Duff E-News: Charity Basketball Game; Supporting First Responders; Norwalk & Darien Community Conversations

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Cohen Supports Marine Spatial Plan for Long Island Sound

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Cohen Supports Marine Spatial Plan for Long Island Sound

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) joined a bipartisan group of legislators and environmental advocates to express her support for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Long Island Sound Blue Plan. This plan will utilize a science-based tool, known as marine spatial planning, to make informed decisions around future uses in and around the Long Island Sound. The first draft is now available online. The Blue Plan Advisory Committee has kicked off its official public comment period, which began on March 20 and will conclude on June 21, 2019. Sen. Cohen said the official public comment period presents an important opportunity for the public to weigh in.

“The Long Island Sound Blue Plan has been years in the making and has been a collaborative and cooperative process between several agencies and organizations,” said Sen. Cohen, who is co-chair of the Environment Committee. “Now the public has a chance to provide their input and present feedback. I encourage members of the public to reach out to agencies, organizations and legislators on alterations, additions or subtractions they feel should be made to allow us to move forward in an environmentally conscious manner. There is an email and mailing address which will allow those interested to respond. They can be found on the CT DEEP website.”

The Long Island Blue Plan is made possible due to Connecticut Public Act 15-66, which was enacted July 1, 2015. The Blue Plan will, through marine spatial planning, account for and coordinate the activities of coastal and ocean interests. The Blue Plan also encompasses communicating with communities and stakeholders affected by coastal and ocean interests. It will also preserve and protect the ecosystem’s functions and services. This plan will not create new regulations, instead it will be used in the state’s decision making process for DEEP and permitting programs and the state’s sitting council’s actions. Sen. Cohen said protecting the Sound should be a top priority.

“As a shoreline resident, shoreline legislator and co-chair of the Environment Committee, I could not be more thrilled with the unveiling of the draft of the Long Island Sound Blue Plan,” said Sen. Cohen. “There is so much happening and changing every day, from climate change, to coastal development, to new energy sources and new recreational sources, all changes which have a great impact on our land and waterways. We must be mindful of our beautiful, natural resources and uphold our duty to manage, care for and protect the Long Island Sound. Infrastructure proposals need to fall in line with those goals”

State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), Geraldo Reyes (D-Waterbury), Mary M. Mushinsky (D-Wallingford), Joe Gresko (D-Stratord) and Environment Committee co-chair Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) also voiced their support for the Long Island Sound Blue Plan and stressed the importance of protecting and preserving the Long Island Sound. The public can comment on the plan by emailing deep.blueplanlis@ct.gov and can view the plan at ct.gov/deep. Comments are reviewed by the Advisory Committee and others working on the Long Island Sound Blue Plan.

Senator Maroney Enews: Important Legislation Earned Committee Passage This Week

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Looney Announces Support of Cannabis Bills

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Looney Announces Support of Cannabis Bills

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) submitted testimony in support of four different pieces of legislation regarding cannabis legalization before legislative committees.

In the Judiciary Committee Sen. Looney supported Senate Bill 1085 – An Act Concerning The Legalization Of The Retail Sale And Possession Of Cannabis And Concerning Erasure Of Criminal Records In The Case Of Convictions Based On The Possession Of A Small Amount Of Cannabis; Senate Bill 1089 – An Act Concerning Cannabis And The Workplace; and House Bill 7372 – An Act Concerning Driving While Under The Influence Of An Intoxicating Drug.

Sen. Looney’s testimony states:

“Cannabis prohibition has lasted 80 years. Yet, it has been just as much of a failure as America’s short-lived experiment with alcohol prohibition. It is time we take the rational, common-sense approach to cannabis as we did with alcohol.

“Legalization of cannabis makes sense for numerous reasons, one being that, as was the case with alcohol in the 1920s, prohibition breeds violence. Since drug-related disputes can’t be resolved lawfully, violent conflict becomes inevitable. In a regulated system, cannabis will be produced and sold by legitimate, taxpaying businesses instead of drug cartels and criminals.

“I am also pleased to see that Senate Bill 1085 includes significant provisions to facilitate the erasure of criminal records for individuals previously convicted of conduct made legal by the bill. This is an absolutely critical issue for communities in which have been disproportionately harmed by strict enforcement of drug laws. No person’s future should be compromised for conduct that the majority of the population thinks should be legal.”

If enacted, Senate Bill 1085, An Act Concerning The Legalization Of The Retail Sale And
Possession Of Cannabis And Concerning Erasure Of Criminal Records In The Case Of Convictions Based On The Possession Of A Small Amount Of Cannabis, would:

Permit consumers 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounce of cannabis, of which no more than five grams may be concentrates.

Add smoked cannabis to the definition of “smoking” for the purposes of the clean indoor air act

Permit a person who has been convicted of possession of a controlled substance for possession of less than 1.5 ounces of a cannabis-type substance, to file a petition for erasure of such conviction with the Superior Court. The person must include a copy of the arrest record or an affidavit supporting the petition. If the petition is in order, the Superior Court then shall direct all police and court records and records of the state’s or prosecuting attorney pertaining to such case to be physically destroyed. The bill also prohibits fees from being charged for such petitions.

If enacted, House Bill 7372 – An Act Concerning Driving While Under The Influence Of An Intoxicating Drug, would:

  • Make it a class C misdemeanor for a person to (1) smoke, otherwise inhale or ingest a cannabis-type substance while operating a motor vehicle upon a public highway or (2) smoke a cannabis-type substance in a motor vehicle that is being operated by another person upon a public highway.
  • Create a grant program, administered by OPM, to reimburse municipalities for the costs associated with the training of police officers to act as drug recognition experts.

If enacted, Senate Bill 1089 – An Act Concerning Cannabis And The Workplace, would:

  • Provide that no employer is required to make accommodations for an employee or allow an employee to perform his or her duties while under the influence of a cannabis-type substance or possess, smoke or otherwise consume a cannabis-type substance while performing such duties.

In the General Law Committee Sen. Looney supported House Bill 7371- An Act Concerning The Retail Sale Of Cannabis.

Sen. Looney’s testimony states:

“Legalization can also help Connecticut’s economy. Colorado has issued 40, 334 licenses to individuals to work directly in the cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses also retain workers and utilize services from a wide variety of collateral sectors, including construction, engineering, security, legal, insurance and real estate. An economic analysis of the legal cannabis industry found that it generated $2.4 billion in overall economic activity in 2015. And this bill contains specific provisions designed to encourage small business development and promote diversity. The Cannabis Control Board, in conjunction with the Office of Justice Reinvestment, would be required to adopt procedures and policies to promote a diverse industry, including licensees who are part of communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.”

If enacted, House Bill 7371, An Act Concerning The Retail Sale Of Cannabis, would:

  • Create a Cannabis Control Commission composed of five commissioners appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. Two members shall have backgrounds in social justice or civil rights and one member shall have a background working in economic development.
  • Provide for 4 types of regulated businesses: retailers, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and laboratories. Also directs the Commission to study the feasibility of establishing a cannabis microbusiness license.
  • Require the DCP to develop comprehensive rules, including governing security, labeling, and inspections; prohibiting toxic or addictive additives; restricting advertising; and standards and rules for laboratory testing, which will include testing for contaminants and potency.
  • Require the Cannabis Control Commission to promote and encourage full participation in the cannabis industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.The commission is required to:
    • Engage in outreach to educate such persons regarding ownership and employment opportunities regarding cannabis establishments.
    • Establish an “equity” applicant status to include individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by high rates of arrest and conviction, as well as individuals who can demonstrate documentation as the commission may require, requisite experience with cannabis cultivation, distribution or the sale or manufacture of cannabis products prior to the effective date of this section, or prior conviction for possession of cannabis;
    • Require yearly reporting by each cannabis establishment regarding the diversity of its workforce and ownership
    • Not prohibit individuals with an infraction or misdemeanor drug charge from participating in the cannabis industry;
    • Require that all licensees establish and adhere to policies that encourage diversity for purposes of employment, contracting and other professional service opportunities;
    • Require that any cannabis establishment that is not owned by an equity applicant comply with an approved plan to reinvest or provide employment opportunities in those communities disproportionately impacted by high rates of arrest and conviction and having a history of economic disinvestment, as determined by the commission; and
    • Establish a lower fee structure for equity applicants based upon applicants’ assets and income.
  • Direct the Commission to study the feasibility of permitting individuals to cultivate marijuana at home.
  • Permit equity applicants current medical program licensees to apply for licenses three months before other applicants.
  • Permit towns to prohibit or restrict establishments within their borders.
  • Continue the existing medical program and requires DCP and the Cannabis Control Commission to conduct a study for the establishment of a program to subsidize purchases by low-income medical cannabis patients.

For the full testimony from Senator Looney please see attached.

Senator Anwar, Housing Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno, Town Leaders See Damage of Crumbling Foundations First-Hand

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Senator Anwar, Housing Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno, Town Leaders See Damage of Crumbling Foundations First-Hand

WILLINGTON, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Department of Housing Commissioner Selia Mosquera-Bruno, Stafford Republican First Selectman Mary Mitta and Shelton Republican Mayor Mark Lauretti got a first-hand look at the impact of the continuing crisis of crumbling foundations in Connecticut. The bipartisan group visited the Willington home of Tim Heim, the President of the Connecticut Coalition Against Crumbling Basements, who gave them a tour of his basement that continues to deteriorate due to faulty concrete in the foundation.

Heim showed the significant damage in his basement, with cracks visible on many of the room’s walls. He illustrated the significance of the issue by using a level to show the slope of the walls shifting as the concrete deteriorates, putting the home’s structural safety at risk. Heim told the officials he has been working since 2015 to try and save his home despite significant barriers in his way, including the high cost of repairing the foundation. The five discussed the significant financial impact the homes could have on towns and cities, reducing property values and grand lists among other issues.

Thousands of homes in the north, east and central parts of Connecticut could be deemed uninhabitable or require repairs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars due to the presence of the chemical pyrrhotite in the concrete used to pour their foundations, according to the Connecticut Department of Housing. The 3rd District is one of the hardest-hit areas of the state, and Sen. Anwar has worked in the past as mayor of South Windsor to find relief for those impacted.

Pyrrhotite was found to regionally originate in a quarry located in Willington. The mineral causes deterioration of concrete foundations if the concrete is exposed to oxygen and water. The damage can take more than a decade to become visible. Dozens of towns in Connecticut may have homes compromised by pyrrhotite.

“I am grateful to the Commissioner for making the crumbling foundation disaster one of her top priorities,” said Sen. Anwar. “Just two weeks into the job, she has personally come to visit the homes and understand the issues. As co-chair of the Housing Committee, I look forward to working with the Commissioner to make sure that the Department of Housing is able to play an important role in finding solutions and support for the families.”

“Seeing it personally gives me a different way of thinking about crumbling foundations,” said Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno. “It’s not just something people are talking about; it’s an issue impacting so many. I feel the pain of the homeowners, who put their investments, their savings and their financial resources all their lives into their homes. They’re now in situations where they’ll have to redo their homes. Their dreams falling down to Earth are just devastating. I will do whatever I can to help.”

“I appreciate Sen. Anwar’s efforts and dedication to coming up with remediation for the affected homeowners and victims of crumbling foundations,” said Heim. “I also appreciate him getting involved in August of 2015 and he’s still involved very intensely today. It’s a bipartisan effort and a bipartisan solution, and that’s the reason why we’re here today. Everybody from both sides of the aisle came together and put their political affiliation aside and focused on what matters, the people here in Connecticut who just lost what they’ve worked for all their lives.”

“I have had a long relationship with the Commissioner of Housing and I have become very familiar with the crumbling foundations issue in Eastern Connecticut during my campaigning for Governor in the state,” said Lauretti, who pursued a campaign for Governor in the 2018 election. “I’ve really developed a compassion for the people here and the problems they have to deal with. It’s really important for people in other parts of the state to understand the devastation here, and how that devastation will impact the state as a whole.”

“I’d like to thank the Commissioner for coming out to eastern Connecticut to take a look at what’s going on,” said Mitta. “We need someone proactive like her who will continue to fight for the eastern part of Connecticut.”

State Senator Saud Anwar, second from left, speaks to, from left, Connecticut Coalition Against Crumbling Basements President Tim Heim, Department of Housing Commissioner Selia Mosquera-Bruno and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti in Heim’s home, its cracked foundation behind them.

Sens. Osten, Looney and Anwar Welcome Federal Decision Approving East Windsor Casino

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Sens. Osten, Looney and Anwar Welcome Federal Decision Approving East Windsor Casino

HARTFORD – State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today welcomed federal Interior Department approval of minor changes to the existing Tribal-State Compact between the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes and the State of Connecticut – changes that are needed in order for the tribes to open a new casino in East Windsor.

The brief decision, posted online today, is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday, when it will then become official.

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Interior has approved the amendment to the state’s existing agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes,” said Sen. Looney. “This step in the process is good news for the tribes and is movement in the right direction for our state. I hope today’s development opens a path to a comprehensive package for Connecticut on the issues of casinos, gambling, and sports betting.”

“Tribal Winds is now approved, and I look forward to the ribbon-cutting and all the jobs it will bring to central Connecticut,” said Sen. Osten, whose Senate district includes the two existing tribal casinos and who introduced a bill this session to bypass the Interior Department process. “I always thought this decision was just a matter of time, I just didn’t know how much time it would take. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this decision comes just a few months after former Interior Department Secretary Zinke resigned in disgrace.”

Sen. Osten is referring to former Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke, who resigned as Interior Department secretary in January under an ethical cloud; he is now being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for possibly making false statements regarding his actions in delaying approval of the Tribal Winds casino.

“I’m very excited about today’s decision,” said Sen. Anwar, whose Senate district includes East Windsor, where the Tribal Winds casino has already broken ground. “I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to strengthen economic development in East Windsor and neighboring towns. All the work has been done, the site is shovel-ready, and we need to move forward and create 2,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs to help improve the lives of people and their families.”

Sens. Looney, Osten and Anwar Welcome Federal Decision Approving East Windsor Casino

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Sens. Looney, Osten and Anwar Welcome Federal Decision Approving East Windsor Casino

HARTFORD – State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today welcomed federal Interior Department approval of minor changes to the existing Tribal-State Compact between the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes and the State of Connecticut – changes that are needed in order for the tribes to open a new casino in East Windsor.

The brief decision, posted online today, is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday, when it will then become official.

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Interior has approved the amendment to the state’s existing agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes,” said Sen. Looney. “This step in the process is good news for the tribes and is movement in the right direction for our state. I hope today’s development opens a path to a comprehensive package for Connecticut on the issues of casinos, gambling, and sports betting.”

“Tribal Winds is now approved, and I look forward to the ribbon-cutting and all the jobs it will bring to central Connecticut,” said Sen. Osten, whose Senate district includes the two existing tribal casinos and who introduced a bill this session to bypass the Interior Department process. “I always thought this decision was just a matter of time, I just didn’t know how much time it would take. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this decision comes just a few months after former Interior Department Secretary Zinke resigned in disgrace.”

Sen. Osten is referring to former Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke, who resigned as Interior Department secretary in January under an ethical cloud; he is now being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for possibly making false statements regarding his actions in delaying approval of the Tribal Winds casino.

“I’m very excited about today’s decision,” said Sen. Anwar, whose Senate district includes East Windsor, where the Tribal Winds casino has already broken ground. “I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to strengthen economic development in East Windsor and neighboring towns. All the work has been done, the site is shovel-ready, and we need to move forward and create 2,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs to help improve the lives of people and their families.”

Statement from Sen. Looney on East Windsor Casino Decision

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Statement from Sen. Looney on East Windsor Casino Decision

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Interior has approved the amendment to the state’s existing agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes. This step in the process is good news for the tribes and movement in the right direction for our state. I hope that today’s development opens a path to a comprehensive package for Connecticut on the issues of casinos, gambling, and sports betting.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)