Cohen Speaks to DECA Members and Business Students at Coginchaug High School

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Cohen Speaks to DECA Members and Business Students at Coginchaug High School

DURHAM, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) met with students in DECA, as well as business students, at Coginchaug High School to talk about her career in business, her time as a politician and DECA’s impact on helping shape her career.

DECA was formerly the Distributive Education Clubs of America, however due to the growth of the club; the acronym is no longer used. According to their website, DECA’s mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. They have 215,000 members across 3,500 high school chapters and 275 college chapters. Sen. Cohen, who was a member of DECA while in high school, told students it was beneficial for her professional career.

“Whether you go into a business career or not, become an entrepreneur, going into the corporate world or are in the trades business, the skills you develop from participating in DECA will help you throughout the course of your life,” said Sen. Cohen. She went on to tell the students, “Even as a politician I call on what I learned from my marketing and DECA coursework to help guide me. I am referring to things like public speaking and developing a plan or framework from which to move forward. These are invaluable life skills that you’re receiving right now.”

Sen. Cohen answered students’ questions and talked about life as a state senator, her career in corporate marketing, owning a small business and what inspired her to become a politician. She said she was thrilled to speak to students at Coginchaug High School.

“I want to thank Coginchaug High School for giving me the opportunity to speak to such an inquisitive and eager group of young people,” said Sen. Cohen. “I am confident they will continue to have a rewarding experience as DECA members and business students. From there the possibilities are endless, but I’m certain and excited that they are shaping our future.”

Cohen Joins Governor Lamont And Lt. Governor Bysiewicz To Mark Equal Pay Day At Woman-Owned Business

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Cohen Joins Governor Lamont And Lt. Governor Bysiewicz To Mark Equal Pay Day At Woman-Owned Business

NORTH BRANFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) joined Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to visit Penn Globe Gaslight Company, an independent woman-owned business in North Branford, to mark Equal Pay Day – the date that symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

“For far too long, women have been undervalued in the workplace for the work they provide compared to their male counterparts that do the same job – something that can be systemically ruinous, unfair and terrible for our workplace,” Governor Lamont said. “Connecticut has been a leading state in ensuring that our laws protect women, and that includes the right to equal pay for equal work. Closing the gender wage gap is imperative to a stronger state with a stronger economy. I’m proud that our administration has made putting women into leadership positions a priority – half of our state agencies are led by women, which is important not only for changing the culture of our workplace, but toward ensuring that state government reflects the people it represents.”

“Closing the gender pay gap is about more than just lifting up women, it’s about lifting up all Connecticut families and growing our state’s economy.” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. “Just last year, Connecticut took an important step toward closing the wage gap with the passage of a pay equity law. We want all women in our state to know that there are protections in place that prohibit employers from discriminating against them in the workplace.”

Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages. In Connecticut, women on average are still earning 83 cents to every dollar compared to their male counterparts – that’s a gap of nearly $11,000 per year. Black and Latina women earn just 63 cents and 54 cents per dollar, respectively, compared to their white male counterparts.

At the beginning of this year, a new law – Public Act 18-8 – went into effect in Connecticut that prohibits employers from asking prospective employees about their previous wages, as evidence shows women disproportionately carry lower salaries from one job to the next.

In addition, employers cannot:

Prohibit an employee from disclosing or discussing their wages;
Prohibit an employee from disclosing or discussing the wages of another employee that have been voluntarily disclosed;
Prohibit an employee from inquiring about the wages of another employee;
Require an employee to sign a waiver that denies the employee their right to disclose or discuss their wages or to inquire about the wages of another employee;
Require an employee to sign a waiver that denies the employee their right to disclose or discuss or the wages of another employee that have been voluntarily disclosed;
Discriminate or retaliate against any employee who discusses their wages, asks about other employee wages, or discusses the wages of another employee that have been disclosed voluntarily.

“I am proud of how far we have come, but recognize that we still have quite a ways to go,” Sen. Christine Cohen said. “Banning pay history inquiries prevents further discriminatory practices and I’m confident we’ll continue to see forward movement as a result of that legislation. Additionally, by highlighting businesses that provide equal pay for equal work, we encourage others to get to the right place because inequality is unacceptable. There is no reason that my daughters shouldn’t receive the same pay rate as my son for comparable work. We must do all we can to ensure that we are fighting for and protecting women’s rights.”

“Penn Globe is committed to supporting equal pay for equal work and we support closing the gender pay gap in the manufacturing sector,” Marcia LaFemina, president of the Pennsylvania Globe Gaslight Company, said. “I believe it is critical that we encourage more girls to study STEM and that we emphasize the need for women to fill the thousands of manufacturing job vacancies in our state.”

Earlier this year, Governor Lamont launched the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls to provide a coordinated state response to issues that impact the lives of women and girls in Connecticut. Chaired by Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, the council is charged with focusing on four areas of impact: education and STEAM; economic opportunity and workforce equity; leadership; and health and safety. Each of the four impact areas affects the financial security of women.

No Surprise: Sen. Kushner Welcomes Overwhelming Public Support For Creation of Paid Leave in CT

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

No Surprise: Sen. Kushner Welcomes Overwhelming Public Support
For Creation of Paid Leave in CT

HARTFORD – Nobody had to tell state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) that a paid family and medical leave program in Connecticut is a wildly popular public policy idea with state residents – but it was nice to hear anyway.

Sen. Kushner joined paid family leave advocates today at a press conference in Hartford to announce the findings a new poll of Connecticut residents which found that 88 percent of Connecticut voters favor the creation of a paid family leave program in the state, including 78 percent Republicans.

Two-thirds of voters said they would be more likely to support a candidate if he or she supports paid family leave, and 80 percent of voters said creating a paid family leave program in Connecticut would make us more competitive with neighboring states that already offer such paid leave. Only three percent of those surveyed oppose paid leave..

“Today’s poll is a reflection of what I’ve heard throughout my Senate district, which is strong and unwavering support for the creation of a paid family and medical leave program,” said Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee which passed a paid family and medical leave bill. “There are so many working people and families in our state who could use a paid family and medical leave program right now. We need to make it a priority. If there is just one bill that I would like to see pass this session, it’s paid family and medical leave.”

“Today’s poll confirms that Connecticut voters need and overwhelmingly support paid family and medical leave,” said Catherine Bailey, deputy director of the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) and chair of the Campaign for Paid Family Leave. “CWEALF is proud to highlight the results of this poll on Equal Pay Day, the symbolic day in 2019 where women’s earnings finally catch up to men’s earnings from the previous year. Connecticut women will not achieve equal pay until we eliminate the financial punishment women face when they need to take time off from work to care for a loved one or welcome a new baby. It’s time for lawmakers, as well as Governor Lamont, to give Connecticut voters what they want: real paid family and medical leave.”

On February 19, the Labor and Public Employee Committee passed the Democrats’ top priority for the 2019 legislative session, Senate Bill 1, which calls for the creation of a Family and Medical Leave insurance program in Connecticut offering up to 12 weeks of paid leave at a maximum of $1,000 per week per employee. The program would be funded by an employee contribution not exceeding one-half of one percent of earnings.

The bill now awaits action by the House and Senate.

Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bonding For Old Saybrook Police Camera Reimbursments

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bonding For Old Saybrook Police Camera Reimbursments

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Old Saybrook) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve a significant reimbursement to the Old Saybrook Police Department for its purchase and implementation of police body cameras and video storage devices today.

The State Bond Commission will issue a total of $2.63 million to seven municipalities’ police departments in return for their investments in body cameras and video storage devices. Of that bonding, $56,639 in reimbursements is allocated for the Old Saybrook Police Department.

“Our police departments are making steps toward transparency, allowing for a better relationship with the public, and it’s great to see Old Saybrook’s first responders will receive a reimbursement on their investment,” said Sen. Needleman.

“The State’s fiscal assistance with offsetting some of Old Saybrook’s body and cruiser camera costs is welcomed,” said Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, “especially during a time when communities both large and small seek to have their Law Enforcement Agencies utilize technology to both enhance their operations, add efficiencies, and build trust with the citizens they are sworn to protect through transparency and accountability.”

Looney, Paolillo Applaud State Investment in Grand Ave. Bridge

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Looney, Paolillo Applaud State Investment in Grand Ave. Bridge

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) said today that among the $190 million in Connecticut transportation infrastructure improvements approved by the State Bond Commission today is money for bridge repairs to the Grand Avenue Bridge in New Haven.

The state will provide $12.5 million to repair the Grand Avenue Bridge over the Quinnipiac River.

“This transportation project is a critical investment for New Haven,” said Sen. Looney. “The Grand Avenue Bridge is an idyllic fixture of the community which will now be refurbished to serve another generation. I want to thank Governor Lamont for stepping in and helping the city fund this undertaking.”

“The Grand Avenue Bridge is a historical landmark and serves as a vital connection point for commerce and transportation in our area,” said Rep. Paolillo. “This $25.5 million transformational project will help set the economic landscape with jobs during construction and after the project is completed. A lot of work has gone into the rehabilitation plans and I thank Sen. Looney, our City Engineer Giovanni Zinn and everyone who has moved this project forward. Residents and businesses will be kept updated on the rehabilitation progress.”

On Tuesday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, the State Bond Commission approved:

$69 million to resurface 442 lane-miles of roadway this summer
$48.9 million for “Fix-it-First,” interstate highway, and state bridge improvements projects
$30 million in town aid road (TAR) grants to cities and towns for local road projects
$21.8 million for various local bridge repairs in 19 different cities and towns
$20 million to upgrade the Cos Cob Bridge in Greenwich, which carries the Metro North Railroad over the Mianus River
$55 million in grants to cities and towns for various municipal projects
$20 million for the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund
$2.6 million for police body cameras and media storage
$800,000 for improvements to the state Veterans Cemetery in Middletown

Senator Needleman, Secretary of the State Merrill, Representatives Haines and Orange Hold Colchester Forum on Early Voting

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Needleman, Secretary of the State Merrill, Representatives Haines and Orange Hold Colchester Forum on Early Voting

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill speaks in Colchester Monday as State Senator Norm Needleman and State Representatives Linda Orange and Irene Haines look on.

COLCHESTER, CT – On Monday, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Colchester), Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and State Representatives Irene Haines (R-Colchester) and Linda Orange (D-Colchester) joined together at Colchester’s William Johnston Middle School to hold a forum on early voting. Merrill has proposed a resolution that would amend the state Constitution to expand access to early voting and discussed the plan in detail.

Under Merrill’s proposal, Connecticut would add two new points of access for voters across the state. If passed, it would require at least three days of early voting prior to Election Day itself and allow increased access to absentee ballots for members of the public. Currently, Connecticut is one of just 11 states that does not allow early voting, and it is one of 16 that doesn’t allow access to absentee ballots without requiring the voter to answer questions. Voters must be active military members, be unable to visit a voting station due to illness, disability or religious reasons, be out of town for all voting hours on Election Day or be election employees assigned to a location other than their own to currently gain access to absentee ballots in Connecticut.

The state constitution includes language prohibiting early voting, requiring an amendment that would change that language. If the Government Administration and Elections Committee passes Merrill’s resolution with at least a three-quarters vote of support, it would become a ballot question on the 2020 ballot; she said if it does not pass with a large majority, it would likely land on the 2022 ballot or later. The ballot question would read “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to provide a minimum of three days of early voting and to allow all voters to vote by absentee ballot?”

Expanding early voting access, according to Merrill, would provide benefits to the public including relieving long lines at polling places, alleviating those with long commutes, accommodating sick or elderly voters and allowing for more people to access the ballot on their own terms and their own schedules.

“We absolutely need to do something, whether it’s opening up early voting or absentee voting, because the more people who vote, the better our democracy is,” said Sen. Needleman. “If people can vote on the weekend, or don’t have to take time off work, it makes voting more accessible. I support the largest number of people voting possible in the most efficient way.”

“Connecticut voters want the option of voting before Election Day, like the voters in 39 other states already have,” said Merrill. “I’m glad to have the support of Senator Needleman and Representative Orange in this effort to ensure that every eligible Connecticut citizen can easily register, and every registered voter can conveniently vote.”

“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.”

Sen. Cohen Reaffirms Her Support for Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Cohen Reaffirms Her Support for Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD , CT– Monday, on the day it received its much-anticipated public hearing before the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) reiterated her support for Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” The legislation Democrats’ call the ‘Time’s Up” bill is designed to increase some sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“We must protect victims, prevent sexual assault and harassment from taking place and educate everyone on what is and what is not appropriate behavior in the workplace,” said Sen. Cohen. “This legislation is necessary to accomplish those goals. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to ensure the passage of this proposed legislation.”

More than five dozen individuals and organizations submitted written testimony Monday regarding Senate Bill 3; those testifying in support include the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Women and Families Center, the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence the state Victim Advocate, and The Center for Family Justice.

Compared to other states and the District of Columbia, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape — 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 felony sexual assault ( e.g., forced sexual contact).

Senate Bill 3 eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a minor, which would apply prospectively (going forward after passage), and it eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims against an adult, which would also apply prospectively.

Senate Bill 3 also contains new sexual harassment training requirements where employers with three or more employees must provide such training to all employees.

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. The new bill would require two hours of training for all employees, not just supervisors.

The Judiciary Committee has until April 12 to vote on the bill.

Senator Moore’s Statement on Equal Pay

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Moore’s Statement on Equal Pay

“Pay inequity, particularly for women of color, is a serious problem throughout the country and in Connecticut. It’s simply unfair that white women make 82 cents for every dollar a man makes and that number drops to 58 cents for women of color. Women of color face the extra hurdle of intersectional discrimination which fuels the racial and gender wealth gaps. This is morally inexcusable and also limits access to educational opportunities and career advancement for black women and girls.

“Today symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year. It’s a reminder that we in the legislature have the power to pass legislation to ensure women across all racial backgrounds are fairly compensated for their work and I’m encouraged that we can do that this session.

“Additionally, as an appointed member to the newly created Governor’s Council on Women and Girls we have an additional avenue to identify opportunities to address pay equity.”

Sen. Maroney Reaffirms His Support for Democrats’ “Time’s Up” Sexual Harassment Bill

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Maroney Reaffirms His Support for Democrats’ “Time’s Up”
Sexual Harassment Bill

HARTFORD , CT– On the day it received its much-anticipated public hearing before the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) today reiterated his support for Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” The legislation Democrats’ call the ‘Time’s Up” bill is designed to increase some sexual harassment penalties, extend the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, and require more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

“In addition to a close friend of mine, my cousin was also the victim of child sexual assault,” said Sen. Maroney. “Sexual assault is devastating to both the child and their surrounding family. There should be no statute of limitations on sexual assault crimes against children. As some of the most vulnerable in our communities, they more than deserve additional legal protections. The average age of someone who was abused and comes forward is in their fifties. We owe it to our children to protect them and keep them safe. And in the unfortunate and tragic instances where something bad happens to them, they should be able to seek justice at any time.”

More than five dozen individuals and organizations submitted written testimony today regarding Senate Bill 3; those testifying in support include the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Women and Families Center, the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence the state Victim Advocate, and The Center for Family Justice.

Senate Bill 3 also contains new sexual harassment training requirements where employers with three or more employees must provide such training to all employees.
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. The new bill would require two hours of training for all employees, not just supervisors.

The Judiciary Committee has until April 12 to vote on the bill.

Senator Flexer Reaffirms Support for Democrats “Time’s Up” Bill

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Flexer Reaffirms Support for Democrats “Time’s Up” Bill

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on 15 bills. Included on the docket was Senate Bill 3, “An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.” Also referred to as the “Time’s Up” bill, this legislation would increase certain sexual harassment penal-ties, 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 train-ing. Senator Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) is a member of the committee.

“This legislation seeks to address the antiquated laws that Connecticut has surrounding sexual assault and workplace harassment,” said Senator Flexer. “For too long, people have felt that they could not come forward and seek help because they would not be believed or they were scared of retribution from an employer. Although this is still far too common, in the era of ‘Time’s Up’ and ‘Me Too,’ society’s view on the issue of sexual assault and harassment is changing. This bill takes concrete steps to help change the status quo around what is considered acceptable behavior and ensures that women are being heard, action is being taken, and our workplaces are safer for all employees.”

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. Two hours of training for all employees, not just supervisors, would also be required.

Organizations such as the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the Center for Family Justice, the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Women and Families Center, and the state Victim Advocate all submitted written testimony in support of Senate Bill 3.

“Connecticut should lead on this issue and show the rest of the nation that sexual assault and harassment cannot and should not be tolerated,” Senator Flexer said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation.”

The Judiciary Committee has until April 12 to vote on the bill.