Month: April 2019

Deficient Bridges

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Structurally Deficient Bridges in Connecticut

Connecticut’s roads and highways are dangerous and risk the safety of all our residents. There are 332 bridges in Connecticut rated as deficient or worse on the National Bridge Inventory rating scale. Deficient, as defined by Federal Highway Authority, means at least one section of a bridge is rated as poor, meaning it has advanced section loss and major deterioration. 279 of these 332 bridges–84%–have been rated in poor condition.

Search the map below to see the deficient bridges in your neighborhood.

Senator Osten: ‘The Time for Dithering is Over.’

Osten tours three bridges in Norwich to make the case for toll revenue and state investment in roads and bridges

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today kicked off her tour of three Norwich bridges to make the case for the creation of electronic tolling in Connecticut to help generate the revenue necessary to fix Connecticut’s massive backlog of road and bridge repairs and upgrades – including those in eastern Connecticut.

There are 332 bridges in Connecticut rated as deficient or worse on the National Bridge Inventory rating scale. Deficient, as defined by Federal Highway Authority, means at least one section of a bridge is rated as poor, meaning it has advanced section loss and major deterioration. 279 of these 332 bridges–84%–have been rated in poor condition.
Sen. Osten highlighted the numerous deficient bridges in southeastern Connecticut with a map of the various bridge locations:

“Polls show there is pubic support and business support for electronic tolling if we put that money toward improving our roads and bridges, which is exactly what we will do,” Sen. Osten said. “The time for dithering is over. Gas tax revenues are flat, our Special Transportation Fund is running out of money, the Federal Highway Administration is running on a shoestring, and Connecticut needs to join the rest of the East Coast of America in creating a fair and reliable source of revenue to keep our motorists safe and to make our businesses more productive and profitable. The alternative offered by some others – to go on a borrowing spree, and put half a century of road and bridge repairs on the state credit card – is fiscally irresponsible. The support is there for tolls. Once we have this new source of transportation revenue, that will free-up other STF monies for projects like road and bridge repairs here Norwich and eastern Connecticut.”

Sen. Osten said recent polls show public and business support for e-toll revenue to repair state roads and bridges:

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Senator Haskell Stands Against Sexual Violence, Supports Key Bills

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Senator Haskell Stands Against Sexual Violence, Supports Key Bills

SDO Photo

State Senator Will Haskell speaks Wednesday at a Senate Democrats press conference, where Senators advocated for legislation including increased protections against sexual assault and harassment.

HARTFORD, CT – This week, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) voted in favor of legislation putting stronger punishments in place for sexual assault and sexual harassment. By voting Wednesday in support of Senate Bill No. 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment,” also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, and House Bill No. 7396, “An Act Concerning Parity Between Sexual Assault in the Case of a Spousal or Cohabitating Relationship and Other Crimes of Sexual Assault and Concerning the Investigation of a Family Violence Crime,” Sen. Haskell and the Judiciary Committee worked to support victims and strengthen protections against sexual violence.

The “Time’s Up” bill extends the timeframe in which an individual can file a lawsuit for sexual assault, and requires additional sexual harassment training sponsored by employers. Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, the five-year statute of limitations for rape in Connecticut is one of the shortest in the country. Twenty-five other states have no statute of limitations for rape, while another 20 have limits longer than in Connecticut.

The bill would extend existing limitations from five years to no limit in the event of felony sexual assault in Class B and C, meaning instances of forced or drug-aided rape, and from five years to 25 years in the event of forced sexual contact. It also eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of minors, eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims against adults, and contains sexual harassment training requirements for employers with at least three employees.

“Every employee deserves to feel safe in the workplace. Full stop,” said Sen. Haskell. “The tragic, harrowing and challenging stories we continue to hear exemplify why we need to tighten regulations and extend current limitations. Thanks to Senator Flexer’s hard work, Connecticut will catch up to the rest of the country in the realm of victims rights and become a leader in the realm of sexual harassment prevention. I hope this vote will send a message to victims of sexual assault and harassment – we believe you, and we support you.”

House Bill No. 7396 would repeal current language in state statutes concerning sexual assault in spousal or cohabitating relationships, specifically repealing the state’s separate spousal rape law. This outdated statute prevents some victims of sexual violence from accessing various legal protections because they are married to or live jointly with their abuser. After repealing this language, the bill would then replace it with new standards and statutes that protect married and cohabiting individuals.

“This change is necessary to protect victims, correcting an oversight in current state statutes that doesn’t provide the same protection to a victim based solely on the identity of their abuser,” said Sen. Haskell. “The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Susan B. Anthony Project and State Victim Advocate, to name a few, have all supported this legislation, and for good reason. Rape is rape, whether you’re married to someone or have never met them before.”

Senator Flexer Leads Advancement of Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

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Senator Flexer Leads Advancement of Democrats “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment,” advancing it in the legislative process and bringing it closer to potentially becoming law. Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allow more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training. Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) is a member of the committee.

“Passing this bill out of committee shows that the legislature is committed to addressing the pervasive problem of sexual assault and sexual harassment,” said Senator Mae Flexer. “Thanks to the ‘Time’s Up’ and “Me Too’ movements, society’s view on these issues is changing. This change is long overdue and I’m proud that the legislature is taking concrete steps to help change the status quo and the conversation around what behaviors are acceptable in our communities and workplaces. We are telling victims we believe you, a change in our viewpoints on these issues that are long overdue.”

Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Cases of Sexual Assault

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape of an adult — five years — is one of the shortest in the country. Twenty-five other states have no statute of limitations for rape, and 20 states have a limit longer than Connecticut’s.

Senate Bill 3 would extend our existing statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from five years to no limit in Class B and C felony sexual assault (e.g., forced rape, rape by drugs), and from five years to 25 years in Class D felony sexual assault (e.g., forced sexual contact) for adults and 35 years for victims aged 18, 19, and 20. Also, Senate Bill 3 eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a minor.

Statutes of Limitations for Civil Cases of Sexual Assault

In addition, Senate Bill 3 makes changes to the statute of limitations for civil cases of sexual assault. Currently the statute of limitations for a victim under 18 is the victim’s 48th birthday. Reports vary, but the average age a victimized minor discloses their abuse is age 52 or older. This bill would extend the statute of limitations for those under 18 to those under 21 years old. Additionally, it will extend the time to bring a claim from the victim’s 48th birthday to their 56th birthday. Under current law, sexual abuse of adults has a statute of limitations of 3 years. This bill would extend the statute of limitations for rape and other serious acts committed against an adult from 3 years to 5 years.

Workplace Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Currently, employers with only 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to supervisory employees within six months of their employment. Senate Bill 3 requires employers with three or more employees to provide training to all employees, not just supervisors.

“Sexual assault and harassment cannot and should not be tolerated,” said Senator Flexer. “This legislation will make our workplaces safer for all employees and show victims of sexual assault and harassment that they are being heard. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure final passage of this bill.”

The bill now awaits a vote by the Senate.

 

Senators Flexer, Anwar, Abrams, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

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Senators Anwar, Abrams, Flexer, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senators Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire), Saud Anwar (D-East Windsor, East Hartford, Ellington, South Windsor) and Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) joined fellow legislators and representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Hartford Hospital in the State Capitol to support House Bill No. 7200, which would raise the statewide sale age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

Sens. Abrams and Anwar, who are the Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, joined Sen. Looney and Sen. Flexer in advocating for raising the age for access to tobacco products to protect youth in Connecticut and reduce the number of people who become addicted to nicotine.

“This good cause has found the right time,” said Sen. Looney. “It’s critical because of the toxic and tragic effects of tobacco use moving down to younger and younger people all the time. I think it’s important to recognize tobacco is always toxic in every context, circumstance and amount. There is no context in which tobacco is beneficial for anyone at any time, and its effects are cumulative, disastrous and tragic for families in this state and all over the country. With bipartisan support, involvement and commitment to the issue, I look forward to the passage of ‘Tobacco 21’ in 2019.”

“We are faced with a public health crisis,” said Sen. Abrams. “Our children are the victims of an insidious conspiracy to draw them into an addiction that can be life-altering or even life-ending, one that the Surgeon General has declared as an epidemic. Ninety-five percent of addicted smokers started before the age of 21, 46 percent of adult smokers became daily smokers before the age of 21, and each day, 350 youth become regular smokers. The primary source of tobacco products for underage smokers is their 18-to-21 peers. With House Bill No. 7200, or ‘Tobacco 21,’ we in the state legislature joined with families, teachers, school administrators and municipal leaders to curtail this epidemic and protect our children. If we fail to hold this industry accountable for its actions, the young people of our state will be the ones who pay the price. The young people of Connecticut are in harm’s way and it is imperative that we protect them by passing this legislation.”

“As a medical doctor who specializes in lung diseases, I know all too well the harmful effects that smoking tobacco can cause,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to the youth of today, to protect them any way we can, and this legislation does just that. It will prevent these harmful products from falling in the hands of our youth, helping ensure the health of future generations. Its strong bipartisan support is evidence that it can truly make a difference and I look forward to seeing it pass.”

“According to the Department of Public Health, nearly one in five high school students use tobacco products at least once a month, including 3.5 percent of students smoking cigarettes and nearly 15 percent of them smoking e-cigarettes,” said Sen. Flexer. “It’s clear that we need to put a stop to this harmful practice, and raising the age of access can do just that. Many underage smokers today obtain tobacco products through their friends and colleagues at school, some of whom are older than 18. By raising the age of access, we can heavily reduce their access and better protect their health. I plan to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation passes.”

House Bill No. 7200, “An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One,” also known as “Tobacco 21,” was approved by the Public Health Committee on March 22. In a bipartisan effort, 53 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation, which was endorsed in public hearing testimony by groups including the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have already raised the age of access to 21.

If the bill is approved as written, its language would raise the point of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21, with penalties for underage sales including fines and mandated education from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Penalties for repeated violations can also lead to the suspension or revocation of a business’s license to sell tobacco products.

 

Senators Anwar, Abrams, Flexer, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

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Senators Abrams, Anwar, Flexer, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

SDO Photo

Senate President Martin Looney, center, speaks Wednesday in the State Capitol on legislation aiming to raise the age of access to tobacco products as Sens. Saud Anwar, left, and Mary Abrams look on.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senators Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire), Saud Anwar (D-East Windsor, East Hartford, Ellington, South Windsor) and Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) joined fellow legislators and representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Hartford Hospital in the State Capitol to support House Bill No. 7200, which would raise the statewide sale age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

Sens. Abrams and Anwar, who are the Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, joined Sen. Looney and Sen. Flexer in advocating for raising the age for access to tobacco products to protect youth in Connecticut and reduce the number of people who become addicted to nicotine.

“This good cause has found the right time,” said Sen. Looney. “It’s critical because of the toxic and tragic effects of tobacco use moving down to younger and younger people all the time. I think it’s important to recognize tobacco is always toxic in every context, circumstance and amount. There is no context in which tobacco is beneficial for anyone at any time, and its effects are cumulative, disastrous and tragic for families in this state and all over the country. With bipartisan support, involvement and commitment to the issue, I look forward to the passage of ‘Tobacco 21’ in 2019.”

“We are faced with a public health crisis,” said Sen. Abrams. “Our children are the victims of an insidious conspiracy to draw them into an addiction that can be life-altering or even life-ending, one that the Surgeon General has declared as an epidemic. Ninety-five percent of addicted smokers started before the age of 21, 46 percent of adult smokers became daily smokers before the age of 21, and each day, 350 youth become regular smokers. The primary source of tobacco products for underage smokers is their 18-to-21 peers. With House Bill No. 7200, or ‘Tobacco 21,’ we in the state legislature joined with families, teachers, school administrators and municipal leaders to curtail this epidemic and protect our children. If we fail to hold this industry accountable for its actions, the young people of our state will be the ones who pay the price. The young people of Connecticut are in harm’s way and it is imperative that we protect them by passing this legislation.”

“As a medical doctor who specializes in lung diseases, I know all too well the harmful effects that smoking tobacco can cause,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to the youth of today, to protect them any way we can, and this legislation does just that. It will prevent these harmful products from falling in the hands of our youth, helping ensure the health of future generations. Its strong bipartisan support is evidence that it can truly make a difference and I look forward to seeing it pass.”

“According to the Department of Public Health, nearly one in five high school students use tobacco products at least once a month, including 3.5 percent of students smoking cigarettes and nearly 15 percent of them smoking e-cigarettes,” said Sen. Flexer. “It’s clear that we need to put a stop to this harmful practice, and raising the age of access can do just that. Many underage smokers today obtain tobacco products through their friends and colleagues at school, some of whom are older than 18. By raising the age of access, we can heavily reduce their access and better protect their health. I plan to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation passes.”

House Bill No. 7200, “An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One,” also known as “Tobacco 21,” was approved by the Public Health Committee on March 22. In a bipartisan effort, 53 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation, which was endorsed in public hearing testimony by groups including the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have already raised the age of access to 21.

If the bill is approved as written, its language would raise the point of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21, with penalties for underage sales including fines and mandated education from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Penalties for repeated violations can also lead to the suspension or revocation of a business’s license to sell tobacco products.

 

Senators Abrams, Anwar, Flexer, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

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Senators Anwar, Abrams, Flexer, Looney Advocate for Raising the Smoking Age

SDO Photo

Senate President Martin Looney, center, speaks Wednesday in the State Capitol on legislation aiming to raise the age of access to tobacco products as Sens. Saud Anwar, left, and Mary Abrams look on.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Senators Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire), Saud Anwar (D-East Windsor, East Hartford, Ellington, South Windsor) and Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) joined fellow legislators and representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Hartford Hospital in the State Capitol to support House Bill No. 7200, which would raise the statewide sale age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

Sens. Abrams and Anwar, who are the Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, joined Sen. Looney and Sen. Flexer in advocating for raising the age for access to tobacco products to protect youth in Connecticut and reduce the number of people who become addicted to nicotine.

“This good cause has found the right time,” said Sen. Looney. “It’s critical because of the toxic and tragic effects of tobacco use moving down to younger and younger people all the time. I think it’s important to recognize tobacco is always toxic in every context, circumstance and amount. There is no context in which tobacco is beneficial for anyone at any time, and its effects are cumulative, disastrous and tragic for families in this state and all over the country. With bipartisan support, involvement and commitment to the issue, I look forward to the passage of ‘Tobacco 21’ in 2019.”

“We are faced with a public health crisis,” said Sen. Abrams. “Our children are the victims of an insidious conspiracy to draw them into an addiction that can be life-altering or even life-ending, one that the Surgeon General has declared as an epidemic. Ninety-five percent of addicted smokers started before the age of 21, 46 percent of adult smokers became daily smokers before the age of 21, and each day, 350 youth become regular smokers. The primary source of tobacco products for underage smokers is their 18-to-21 peers. With House Bill No. 7200, or ‘Tobacco 21,’ we in the state legislature joined with families, teachers, school administrators and municipal leaders to curtail this epidemic and protect our children. If we fail to hold this industry accountable for its actions, the young people of our state will be the ones who pay the price. The young people of Connecticut are in harm’s way and it is imperative that we protect them by passing this legislation.”

“As a medical doctor who specializes in lung diseases, I know all too well the harmful effects that smoking tobacco can cause,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to the youth of today, to protect them any way we can, and this legislation does just that. It will prevent these harmful products from falling in the hands of our youth, helping ensure the health of future generations. Its strong bipartisan support is evidence that it can truly make a difference and I look forward to seeing it pass.”

“According to the Department of Public Health, nearly one in five high school students use tobacco products at least once a month, including 3.5 percent of students smoking cigarettes and nearly 15 percent of them smoking e-cigarettes,” said Sen. Flexer. “It’s clear that we need to put a stop to this harmful practice, and raising the age of access can do just that. Many underage smokers today obtain tobacco products through their friends and colleagues at school, some of whom are older than 18. By raising the age of access, we can heavily reduce their access and better protect their health. I plan to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation passes.”

House Bill No. 7200, “An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One,” also known as “Tobacco 21,” was approved by the Public Health Committee on March 22. In a bipartisan effort, 53 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation, which was endorsed in public hearing testimony by groups including the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have already raised the age of access to 21.

If the bill is approved as written, its language would raise the point of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21, with penalties for underage sales including fines and mandated education from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Penalties for repeated violations can also lead to the suspension or revocation of a business’s license to sell tobacco products.

 

Sen. Looney Advocates for Raising the Smoking Age

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Sen. Looney Advocates for Raising the Smoking Age

SDO Photo

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) joined fellow legislators and representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Hartford Hospital in the State Capitol to support House Bill No. 7200, which would raise the statewide sale age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

Sen. Looney joined Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden), Sen. Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), who are the Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, and Sen. Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) in advocating for raising the age for access to tobacco products to protect youth in Connecticut and reduce the number of people who become addicted to nicotine.

“This good cause has found the right time,” said Sen. Looney. “It’s critical because of the toxic and tragic effects of tobacco use moving down to younger and younger people all the time. I think it’s important to recognize tobacco is always toxic in every context, circumstance and amount. There is no context in which tobacco is beneficial for anyone at any time, and its effects are cumulative, disastrous and tragic for families in this state and all over the country. With bipartisan support, involvement and commitment to the issue, I look forward to the passage of ‘Tobacco 21’ in 2019.”

“We are faced with a public health crisis,” said Sen. Abrams. “Our children are the victims of an insidious conspiracy to draw them into an addiction that can be life-altering or even life-ending, one that the Surgeon General has declared as an epidemic. Ninety-five percent of addicted smokers started before the age of 21, 46 percent of adult smokers became daily smokers before the age of 21, and each day, 350 youth become regular smokers. The primary source of tobacco products for underage smokers is their 18-to-21 peers. With House Bill No. 7200, or ‘Tobacco 21,’ we in the state legislature joined with families, teachers, school administrators and municipal leaders to curtail this epidemic and protect our children. If we fail to hold this industry accountable for its actions, the young people of our state will be the ones who pay the price. The young people of Connecticut are in harm’s way and it is imperative that we protect them by passing this legislation.”

“As a medical doctor who specializes in lung diseases, I know all too well the harmful effects that smoking tobacco can cause,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to the youth of today, to protect them any way we can, and this legislation does just that. It will prevent these harmful products from falling in the hands of our youth, helping ensure the health of future generations. Its strong bipartisan support is evidence that it can truly make a difference and I look forward to seeing it pass.”

“According to the Department of Public Health, nearly one in five high school students use tobacco products at least once a month, including 3.5 percent of students smoking cigarettes and nearly 15 percent of them smoking e-cigarettes,” said Sen. Flexer. “It’s clear that we need to put a stop to this harmful practice, and raising the age of access can do just that. Many underage smokers today obtain tobacco products through their friends and colleagues at school, some of whom are older than 18. By raising the age of access, we can heavily reduce their access and better protect their health. I plan to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation passes.”

House Bill No. 7200, “An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-One,” also known as “Tobacco 21,” was approved by the Public Health Committee on March 22. In a bipartisan effort, 53 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation, which was endorsed in public hearing testimony by groups including the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have already raised the age of access to 21.

If the bill is approved as written, its language would raise the point of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21, with penalties for underage sales including fines and mandated education from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Penalties for repeated violations can also lead to the suspension or revocation of a business’s license to sell tobacco products.

 

Cohen Supports Legislation to Ban Styrofoam Trays in Schools as Bill Passes State Senate

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Cohen Supports Legislation to
Ban Styrofoam Trays in Schools as Bill Passes State Senate

Cohen

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the state Senate voted to ban Styrofoam trays from all schools by a bipartisan 29 to 6 vote. Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) worked collaboratively across the political aisle to introduce the legislation. Sen. Cohen co-chairs the Environment Committee and said this is a bill which will keep harmful chemicals out of our schools and away from our landfills and incinerators.

“Styrofoam is not biodegradable nor is it currently recyclable in Connecticut. Additionally, it presents a bevy of health risks for animals and individuals including its potential carcinogenic nature” said Sen. Cohen. “With safer and environmentally-friendly alternatives available, there is no need to continue to expose our children and our environment to this harmful material. I applaud the state Senate for passing this legislation and am thrilled that we are moving closer to a Styrofoam-free state.”

Senate Bill 229, “An act prohibiting the use of Styrofoam trays in Connecticut schools,” will ban Styrofoam, the brand name for expanded polystyrene, in all Connecticut schools, colleges and universities. This material is not biodegradable and can wreak havoc on animals and sea life that might confuse the harmful material for food or shelter after it has been discarded. This bill prohibits school districts and regional school districts from entering into purchasing contracts for trays made of expanded polystyrene.

Under the bill, each school district is required to develop a plan for discontinuing the use of expanded polystyrene trays. Each plan must require the district to discontinue the use of expanded polystyrene trays by July 1, 2021. The state Senate’s passage of this legislation comes as cities across the nation are banning this harmful material. Currently, 12 cities have expanded polystyrene bans. On May 1, Maine became the first state to ban food containers made of this non-biodegradable material.

Before passing the state Senate, SB 229 made it out of the Environment Committee by a 20-8 vote on March 18. The bill now awaits action by the state House of Representatives and if passed by the House, it will head to Governor Ned Lamont.

SDO Agenda Report

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2019 SDO Agenda Report

ECONOMIC COMPETITION & FAIRNESS

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 1: An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave 

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 2: An Act Increasing the Minimum Fair Wage 

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 5: An Act Establishing A Workforce Pipeline and Job Creation Task Force 

✓

✓

✓

House Bill 7371: An Act Concerning the Retail Sale of Cannabis

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 1085: An Act Concerning the Legalization of the Retail Sale of Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis and Concerning Erasure of Criminal Records in the Case of Convictions Based on the Possession of Small Amounts of Cannabis

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 423: An Act Concerning Funding Connecticut’s Transportation Future

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 764: An Act Limiting “On-Call” Shift Scheduling

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 64: An Act Concerning Captive Audience Meetings

✓

✓

✓

GUN SAFETY

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

House Bill 7219: An Act Concerning Ghost Guns 

✓

✓

✓

House Bill 7218: An Act Concerning the Safe Storage of Firearms in the Home and Firearm Safety Programs in Public Schools

✓

✓

✓

VOTING RIGHTS

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Joint Resolution 14: A Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for Early Voting

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 266: An Act Requiring Polling Places at Institutions of Higher Education 

✓

✓

✓

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 991: An Act Concerning Access to Legal Counsel for Indigent Individuals in Immigration Removal Proceedings 

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 689: An Act Concerning Tolling Temporary Restraining Orders

✓

✓

  

Senate Bill 653: An Act Concerning Open File Disclosure in Criminal Cases

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 691: An Act Concerning Erasure of Criminal Records

✓

✓

✓

EDUCATION

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 273: An Act Concerning Debt-Free College

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 435: An Act Concerning Student Loan Forgiveness

✓

✓

✓

HEALTH CARE

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

House Bill 7200: An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-one

✓

✓

✓

House Bill 7267: An Act Concerning Public Options for Health Care In Connecticut

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 375: An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 750: An Act Concerning the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Illness at Institutions of Higher Education

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 4: An Act Concerning the Accessibility of Prescription Drugs

✓

✓

✓

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 526: An Act Requiring A Study Concerning the Creation of A Municipal Option to Amend the Municipal Fiscal Year to Align With the Federal Fiscal Year

✓

✓

✓

ENVIRONMENT

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 598: An Act Concerning the Submission of a Plan for the Production of Hemp in Connecticut

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 588: An Act Prohibiting Off-Shore Drilling for Oil and Gas in Connecticut

✓

✓

✓

ENERGY

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 469: An Act Requiring the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to Establish Performance Standards and Minimum Staffing and Equipment Levels for Electric Distribution Companies

✓

✓

✓

A CONNECTICUT FOR ALL

Introduced

Public Hearing & Testimony

Passed Committee

Senate Bill 3: Time’s Up Act: An Act Concerning Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

✓

✓

  

Senate Bill 697: An Act Concerning Nondisclosure Agreements in the Workplace

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 761: An Act Concerning Honest Recommendations in the Workforce

✓

✓

  

Senate Bill 765: An Act Ensuring Fair and Equal Pay for Equal Work

✓

✓

✓

House Bill 7070: An Act Concerning Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 394: An Act Establishing A Council on Protecting Women’s Health

✓

✓

✓

Senate Bill 792: An Act Creating an Advisory Committee to Study Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Expression That Occurs in Workplaces and Schools in the State

✓

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Senate Bill 533: An Act Concerning Access to Diaper Changing Stations in Public and Commercial Buildings

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Senator Anwar, Governor Lamont Tour East Windsor Shredding Facility, Discuss Importance Of Efficiency And Privacy

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Senator Anwar, Governor Lamont Tour East Windsor Shredding Facility, Discuss Importance Of Efficiency And Privacy

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State Sen. Saud Anwar stands with Infoshred CEO Stacey J. Lombardo during his Tuesday tour of the company.

EAST WINDSOR, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Windsor) joined Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Josh Geballe, among other leaders, to tour Infoshred, a document shredding facility in East Windsor. With Infoshred CEO Stacey J. Lombardo, Sen. Anwar and fellow leaders advocated for increasing business efficiency and privacy in Connecticut, with Sen. Anwar applauding the governor and commissioner for their work on legislation reducing red tape.

Governor Lamont and Commissioner Geballe announced House Bill No. 7385 while at Infoshred, legislation targeted to reduce the amount of paperwork approved by the state by nearly 100,000 documents per year. Currently, every business wanting to sell to the state needs to fill out at least seven forms. House Bill No. 7385 reduces that figure to one, making government more efficient while eliminating unnecessary work on the behalf of business owners and leaders. Sen. Anwar applauded their efforts and leadership in creating this legislation.

“Our government works best when it has the time and resources to focus on the major issues in our state,” said Sen. Anwar. “This legislation is the first of what I hope will be many bills that aim to strike back against government inefficiency, and I look forward to supporting its passage. I commend Governor Lamont and Commissioner Geballe for their leadership on this issue.”

Additionally, during a tour with Lombardo, Sen. Anwar recognized the importance of increased efficiency, as well as the importance of privacy, in business. As Infoshred offers a variety of document removal services, it offers businesses a simple and effective way to protect themselves by ridding themselves of outdated or confidential information. Sen. Anwar knows that need personally. In his career as a medical doctor, Sen. Anwar frequently deals with medical documents in context of patient confidentiality laws, and has personally used Infoshred in the past to properly dispose of documents after they become outdated.

“Infoshred offers a significant service to the residents of East Windsor and the greater Hartford region, giving businesses and residents a safe and secure way to dispose of vital documents and confidential information,” said Sen. Anwar. “Having personally used it for my own business before, I know how important privacy can be for businesses, and I applaud them for their help and support. I’d also like to congratulate Stacey Lombardo and recognize her success as the founder and CEO of a woman-led business. Individuals like her are the true success stories of Connecticut and we need to highlight leadership like hers around the state and beyond.”