Month: March 2019

Senator Dennis Bradley’s Statement on the Passing of State Representative Ezequiel Santiago

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Senator Dennis Bradley’s Statement on the Passing of State Representative Ezequiel Santiago

HARTFORD, CT — Today, State Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) released the following statement in response to the passing of State Representative Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport). Santiago was 45.

“I am stunned and heartbroken with the news of Rep. Santiago’s passing,” said Sen. Bradley. “He was a prime example of leadership and class we should all follow. Rep. Santiago’s impact has left an indelible mark on the city of Bridgeport and state of Connecticut. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Bridgeport lost a great leader today.”

About Dennis Bradley: Sen. Bradley was first elected to represent the 23rd district in 2018. He is the deputy majority leader. He was chairman of the Bridgeport Board of Education and is an attorney at Bradley, Denkovich & Karayiannis (BDK) Law Group, a civil litigation and personal injury law firm.

Senator Anwar, Faith Leaders to Unite Against Hate Sunday in Berlin

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Senator Anwar, Faith Leaders to Unite Against Hate Sunday in Berlin

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced faith leaders will unite against hate in Berlin on Sunday and called for protection of all places of worship in response to terrorist attacks committed Friday at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

At 4 p.m. Sunday at the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford (Berlin Masjid), located at 1781 Wilbur Cross Highway in Berlin, Sen. Anwar will join with local faith leaders, along with state leaders, with the purpose of standing together to bring unity and togetherness in response to these tragic events, the latest of many committed in houses of worship nationally and worldwide. Friday’s attacks come after similar ones against a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania synagogue in 2018, a Quebec City, Quebec mosque in 2017, a Charleston, South Carolina church in 2015 and a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in 2012, among others.

“We must condemn this act of hate and all acts of hate,” said Sen. Anwar. “An attack on one faith is an attack on every faith. Let us all stand united against hatred in all of its manifestations. We must protect places of worship in all of our faith communities.”

Lesser, Scanlon Pleased with Committee Advancement of Health Insurance Reform Legislatio

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Lesser, Scanlon Pleased with Committee Advancement of Health Insurance Reform Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Insurance and Real Estate Committee co-chairs State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford) lauded the efforts of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee for approving transformative health insurance reform legislation. From lowering the high costs of prescription drugs, to getting control of high deductible health plans, Sen. Lesser said these reforms will bring much-needed relief to Connecticut families.

“I applaud the Insurance and Real Estate Committee for moving the most sweeping slate of health insurance reforms our state has seen in years forward and tackling the cost of prescription drugs, high deductible health plans and the unaffordability of healthcare,” said Sen. Lesser. “The prescription drug bills and high deductible health plan reform are incredibly important in their own right to make Connecticut a national leader in reforming these areas. I’m excited to work with the AARP and other stakeholders in making healthcare more affordable and accessible for Connecticut families.”

Rep. Scanlon agreed these reforms are necessary and will positively impact the lives of Connecticut residents who are burdened with the high price of care. He applauded the committee for moving this legislation forward.

“Today our committee took bold action to lower the cost of prescription drugs and hold drug companies accountable for backroom deals that keep prices high,” said Rep. Scanlon. “This legislation along with our high deductible bill is all about delivering on promises we made last fall to lower the cost of health care and I’m proud that we are keeping our promise to the people of Connecticut and providing them with real relief.”

The Insurance and Real Estate committee advanced the following bills to the House and Senate.

Lowering the High Cost of Prescription Drugs: House Bill 7174 takes action to address the rising costs of prescription drugs. This legislation, backed by the AARP, will give authority to the state’s Comptroller to create the “Connecticut Prescription Drug Program.” This program will allow individuals to enroll in pharmacy benefit terms negotiated by the state for its state employee pool. The Comptroller will also be able to make the state’s pharmacy benefit terms available to qualified private employees.

This legislation will put an end to “pay for delay,” practices, where branded drug companies pay generic drug companies to delay introducing a cheaper alternative to the market by requiring the drug to be sold at 50 percent of the list price for the time period of the delay. This bill will also protect small pharmacies and their customers by preventing pharmacy benefit managers from hitting them with retroactive fees to recoup claim payments already paid to the pharmacy at the point-of-sale, provide a rebate to consumers at the point-of-sale and establish a task force to study the feasibility of importing prescription drugs from Canada.

Dealing with High Deductible Health Plans: Senate Bill 902 will require certain high deductible health plans to apply annual deductibles on a calendar-year basis, prorate yearly deductibles to reflect the portion of the year the coverage was effective, provide deductions for in-network as well as out-of-network covered benefits and not increase deductibles due to a plan providing family coverage or due to family size. Currently, high deductible health plans are putting care out of reach, as individuals and families are saddled with exorbitant deductible milestones to reach in order to access care. Many Connecticut residents are burdened by this and are essentially uninsured. This legislation will remove this burden and provide health plans that are affordable and fair.

Sen. Osten Celebrates Committee Passage of PTSD Workers’ Comp Bill

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Sen. Osten Celebrates Committee Passage of PTSD Workers’ Comp Bill

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today joined in the Labor Committee passage of one her top legislative priorities over the past several years: a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to cover mental or emotional impairment.

Senate Bill 164, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Osten, passed the Labor Committee today on a 12-2 bipartisan vote and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

The bill adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or so-called “mental-mental” injuries, to Connecticut’s workers’ compensation coverage laws. Currently, only a ‘mental’ injury caused by a physical injury – such as a police officer needing psychological counseling after being shot and wounded – are covered by worker’s compensation insurance.

“First responders who have witnessed traumatic events on the job can experience difficulty coping or adjusting to the event for weeks and months at a time,” Sen. Osten said in support of the bill. “Connecticut only covers work-related mental injuries when they are sustained in conjunction with a physical injury. But standalone mental injuries can be debilitating and limiting enough that they need to be addressed and accounted for in the realm of worker’s compensation. That’s what this bill does. “

The bill voted out of the Labor Committee today extends worker’s comp to incidents where a police officer or a firefighter witnesses the “death or maiming” of a human being in the line of duty, or witnesses the “immediate aftermath” of that death or maiming.

The bill calls for these workers’ compensation claims to be paid not by any city or town, but to be paid by the State of Connecticut out of a workers’ compensation insurance policy taken out by the state.

Proposed Wildlife Refuge Gains Momentum

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Proposed Wildlife Refuge Gains Momentum

State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven, Hamden, North Haven) and State Representative Alphonse Paolillo (D-New Haven), co-sponsors of Senate Bill 245, An Act Prohibiting Hunting Along the Quinnipiac River in New Haven, are pleased the legislation has received a favorable vote in the Environment Committee. The bill identifies property as a state wildlife refuge to preserve the environment and to protect the public.

“The ability to hunt so close to densely populated urban neighborhoods threatens the quality of life and public safety for New Haven residents,” said Senator Looney. “I want to thank the local advocates who continue to work with Rep. Paolillo and me on this important issue. Today is a critical step in the process and together we will solve this problem, protect our environment, and keep our neighbors safe.”

“The concerns of residents along the river have been heard and I am pleased we are moving closer to enhancing safety and protecting the environment,” said Rep. Paolillo. “I will continue advocating for this legislation so people no longer fear the risk of injury – or worse – from errant gunfire. I want to thank the elected officials, law enforcement, environmental advocates, residents – and especially Sen. Looney – for getting us this far.”

In addition to wildlife, the proposed refuge area is alongside densely populated neighborhoods with marinas, a boat launch, park and playground. Residents have expressed concern for their safety when hunters have been active.

Last year, DEEP instituted a one year moratorium on hunting in the designated area.

Senator Abrams, Meriden Delegation, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the State Emphasize Importance of an Accurate 2020 Census

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Senator Abrams, Meriden Delegation, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the State Emphasize Importance of an Accurate 2020 Census

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State Senator Mary Abrams, center, speaks Thursday on the importance of the 2020 Census for Meriden and Connecticut. From left: Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewcz, State Representative Cathy Abercrombie, State Representative Emil “Buddy” Altobello New York Region Assistant Census Manager Lisa Moore and State Representative Hilda Santiago.

MERIDEN, CT – Today, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) joined a coalition of legislators including Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, State Representatives Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden), Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden) and “Buddy” Altobello (D-Meriden), and Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati, to emphasize the importance of making sure every Meriden resident, and every state resident, is properly represented in the 2020 Census. Thursday was the kickoff of 2020 Census efforts in Meriden, roughly one year before the national campaign begins.

“The message we need to get out to our community is that ‘you count,’ so make sure that you count,” said Sen. Abrams. “The Census affects so many things that we want in our community, and that we need here, so it’s very important that we come together. I’m very excited we’re getting this campaign started a year in advance with so many stakeholders getting involved.”

“There is a huge amount of federal funding at stake for Connecticut. Last year, we received $10.8 billion from the federal government. For every person we undercount, we lose $2,900. Some of the programs directly affected are the WIC program, the SNAP program, energy assistance, school programs, Head Start programs, all important for Meriden,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz. She added starting Census efforts in Meriden is important because “Meriden is one of the places in our state designated as a hard-to-count area. There are areas in Meriden where there is a transient population, people move frequently, and it makes it harder to reach out to those individuals and families.”

“There’s another really important element to the Census,” Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz said. “Governor Lamont and I want to get economic growth going in Connecticut. The best way to help that growth is to count every person because, every day, people who are real estate developers and businesspeople look at that data to decide if they want to bring business to Meriden, if they want to bring housing. This is so very critical.”

“Today, more than ever, we must make every possible effort to ensure that every resident living in the state is accurately counted in the 2020 Census,” said Rep. Santiago. “If we do not, we stand to lose critical federal funding for vital services for our residents that we rely on. The ripple effects of an inaccurate count would be felt for years to come. Our main goal is to reach every resident in Meriden and ensure people understand failing to fill out the Census form will negatively impact our federal funding for programs including Section 8 housing, Medicaid and Medicare, food programs like SNAP, education, and so much more.”

“The real work will rest with local communities,” said Secretary Merrill, who noted the Census doesn’t just impact federal programs but has a direct effect on national factors including political subdivision redistricting. “In the past, we have either gained or lost Congressional representation based on the count of our communities.”

Secretary Merrill noted this will be the first year the Census will be available online

“I don’t think we can say enough how important the Census is,” Rep. Abercrombie said. “Everybody is a partner. We have the Housing Authority, the library and the school district helping, and I’m so happy we’re starting this a year before, not at the last minute. The dollars that come to this community are based on the Census.”

“We need to know you’re here, you need to be counted, so we can then take advantage of helping different initiatives and programs to bring them back to our community,” said Mayor Scarpati.

Lt. Gov. Bysiewcz and Rep. Santiago added that federal discussions about adding a citizenry checkbox to the Census shouldn’t stop anyone from filling out the form.

“We have a federal administration that wants to add a checkbox to the federal Census form that asks if you are a citizen,” Lt. Gov. Bysiewcz said. “Since 1790, we have been completing Census information without that checkbox. We want to get the message out to undocumented people across the state that you should not feel afraid to come forward, as federal law prohibits anyone from getting access to that personal information.”

“We can’t allow the negative national rhetoric effect residents’ participation in our town. We must also break through the fear of some residents about answering the Census and assure them they will not be putting themselves or other families in danger by participating,” said Rep. Santiago.

More information about the 2020 Census efforts, including how members of the public can work as Census employees and about the new phone and internet options, can be found at www.census.gov and www.2020census.gov/jobs.

Winfield Statement on Proposed Legislation on the Legalization of Cannabis

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Winfield Statement on Proposed Legislation on the Legalization of Cannabis

“Equity must be at the forefront of the conversation around the legalization of cannabis,” said Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven). “Part of our job is to ensure that those who have been most impacted by the war on drugs are not left behind in this conversation, and instead are at the center of it. Measures like the expungement of criminal records for those with cannabis convictions are ways we can establish a policy that is equitable and just for all. Prioritizing equity applicants and sending a significant portion of the revenue raised from cannabis legalization back into the urban communities that bore the brunt of the unjust war on drugs are all important. In looking to do this we realize that from time to time unforeseen issues will arise after legalization. In order to ensure all perspectives are taken into account as we move forward, we have also included members with a background in civil rights and justice matters on the Cannabis Control Commission.”

Flexer Leads Unanimous Passage of Bill to Protect Community Colleges

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Flexer Leads Unanimous Passage of Bill to Protect Community Colleges

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee passed Senate Bill 749, “An Act Requiring Legislative Approval for the Merger or Closing of Institutions within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities,” advancing it in the legislative process and bringing it closer to potentially becoming law. Senator Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) is vice-Chair of the committee.

Introduced by Senator Flexer and Representative Pat Boyd (D-Brooklyn), this bill would change state law to require the General Assembly to approve any action the Board of Regents for Higher Education might take regarding closures or mergers of any community colleges.

“Passing this bill out of committee unanimously sends a signal that the legislature is focused on protecting our community college system,” said Senator Flexer. “These institutions are integral parts of our communities and play a crucial role in educating thousands of students across the state. Adding the legislature as a check on the Board of Regents for Higher Education will safeguard against the merger or closure of our colleges.”

“We have heard from many students and teachers that they feel the community college experience is being threatened by current proposed plans,” said Representative Boyd. “Community colleges, such as QVCC, offer a uniquely connected college experience – not only between faculty and students but students and their community. SB 749 offers essential protections to community colleges as well as a sense of security to students and faculty.”

Authority to merge or close institutions within the Connecticut State University System and the regional community technical college system rests with the Connecticut Board of Regents. In April 2018, Board of Regents President Mark Ojakian put forward a plan called “Students First,” which would have merged all 12 state community colleges into one accredited body. The plan was later rejected by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, but was followed by another proposal that would have consolidated the 12 state community colleges in five years, rather than two.

“At the public hearing on this bill, I met with students who attend our community colleges including QVCC, listened to their testimony and heard the profound impact their school has had on their lives,” Senator Flexer said. “As a proud graduate of Quinebaug Valley Community College, I saw myself in these students and I know the importance of keeping the ‘community’ in community colleges. I’m optimistic about where this legislation will go and look forward to preserving our great community college system here in Connecticut.”

The bill now awaits a vote by the Senate.

Statement from State Senator James Maroney on College Admissions Scandal

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Statement from State Senator James Maroney on College Admissions Scandal

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) released the following statement in response to reports of a college admissions scandal in which multiple people have been indicted for a cheating scheme to get their children accepted into the most prestigious universities despite their children lacking the academic credentials.

“It’s very disappointing, especially for anyone who has worked really hard to try to earn their way into these colleges,” said Sen. Maroney. “Unfortunately, it has become extremely competitive at the top colleges and many people have the mindset they can only get a good education at these top schools, so they’re willing to go to great lengths. They wrongly focus on getting into a narrow band of schools rather than finding the right school for them. It’s the opposite of what we’re trying to promote with the legislature. We’re looking at access and affordability, and helping more students get into school and find pathways to get a degree. We don’t want the message to be that you can only buy your way into a top school. We want people to know that it still is possible to earn your way into the best schools, and that you don’t need to go to just the best schools, there are many great schools to get an education.”

Sen. Maroney is the founder and Director of Educational Consulting at First Choice College in Milford, which aims to prepare high school students for college. They provide SAT and ACT private tutoring and offer community initiatives to help families prepare to pay college tuition. Sen. Maroney has also introduced and co-introduced a number of bills which, if passed, will make college affordable and establish non-traditional pathways to earning a Bachelor’s Degree.

About James Maroney: Sen. Maroney was first elected to represent the 14th District (Milford) in 2018. Before being elected to the Senate, he was a State Representative for the 119th District from 2012-2014, where he served on the Higher Education Committee. Due to his distinguished service on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, he was asked to serve on the Planning Commission for Higher Education and help develop a strategic plan for higher education in Connecticut.

Senator Haskell Endorses Advance of Debt-Free College Tuition Legislation

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Senator Haskell Endorses Advance of Debt-Free College Tuition Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – This week, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) moved legislation forward that would expand access to higher education by making community college affordable. On Tuesday, the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee gave a joint favorable report to Committee Bill No. 273, “An Act Concerning Debt-Free College.” This is a crucial step as the bill moves closer to becoming a law.

“As Chair of the Higher Education and Advancement Committee, I am thrilled that we were able to move3 this bill through our committee,” said Sen. Haskell. “College debt is an epidemic that’s holding the next generation of workers, taxpayers and homeowners back. By creating a pathway toward debt-free community college, we create a ladder of opportunity for hard-working families to gain the skills required of a 21st century work force. Our committee heard the business community loudly and clearly when they told us 75 percent of jobs will require a degree beyond a high school diploma by 2025. This bill moves toward the goal of preparing every student for a 21st century workforce.”

Committee Bill No. 273 is a roadmap to debt-free community college. Its language would allow high school graduates in regional community-technical colleges the ability to graduate without accruing debt. Students are also asked to submit the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, form – increased FAFSA participation increases federal support for the state at large. Students would be required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.5, accept all available financial aid and come from households with income of roughly $70,000 or less.

Connecticut State Colleges & Universities President Mark Ojakian said in submitted testimony that nearly 60 percent of community college students already have their tuition, fees and book costs covered by federal funding, or they receive financial aid covering their tuition and fees. This legislation fills that gap, giving more students an opportunity to graduate debt-free

Student loan debt in the United States adds up to more than $1.5 trillion in total, according to testimony submitted by Senate Democrats. Connecticut’s status as having the third-most average student loan debt in the nation underscores the need to pass this bill, which bars so many from graduating college without financial strain.

“In order for Connecticut to be a favorable option for [new graduates], it is critical that we as a state invest in our future,” said ten Senate Democrats who submitted testimony. “A fundamental pillar of our future is the young people growing up in Connecticut and the young people that may consider moving to Connecticut. We need this group to stay and grow Connecticut. Our businesses, our economy and our prosperity depend on it.”