Senator Duff Leads Passage of Cecil’s Law to Protect Endangered Species

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Duff Leads Passage of Cecil’s Law to Protect Endangered Species

HARTFORD, CT – Last week, legislation that would prohibit the importation and trade of big six African species, passed the Senate on Friday by a 32-4 vote. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) who introduced the bill praised its passage.

Senate Bill 20, “An Act Prohibiting the Import, Sale and Possession of African Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros and Giraffes,” would ban any person from importing, possessing, selling, offering for sale or transporting any big six African species. “Big six African species” means any specimen of any of the following members of the animal kingdom, including any part, product or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof, except fossils:

African elephant (loxodonta africana)
African lion (panthera leo)
African leopard (panthera pardus pardus)
black rhinoceros (diceros bicornis)
white rhinoceros (ceratotherium simum cottoni)
African giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis)

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

“Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses and giraffes are beautiful animals,” said Senate Majority Bob Duff. “It is not sporting or acceptable in today’s society to ambush and murder these amazing creatures. African nations are working to protect theses species from extinction and this bill is a small step we can take to help them. As long as people are willing to pay large sums of money for the experience of killing one of these beautiful creatures there is little they can do to put a complete stop to it. With this bill we are trying to do our part to put any end to these activities.”

“Friends of Animals is grateful to the Connecticut Senate, led by Bob Duff, for voting to stop supporting the useless trophy hunting industry that is pushing giraffes, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos to extinction,” said Priscilla Feral, President of Friends of Animals. “As soon as you put a price tag on these threatened, vulnerable and endangered animals, you send a mixed message about whether they need to be protected at all, and that’s detrimental to actual conservation. Shooting animals full of bullets does not increase their population or expand their habitat. Trophy hunters are just poachers with permits.”

The bill was proposed after an outcry after an American dentist paid a significant amount of money for the experience of killing an endangered lion. The lion, Cecil, was a beloved ion and local favorite who lived on a wildlife refuge in Zimbabwe.

According to Friends of Animals, from 2005-2015, 59 trophy hunting permits were issued to Connecticut residents by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so people could hunt and kill leopards for their trophies. Six additional permits were provided to Connecticut residents to kill African elephants in Botswana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. And from 2005-2016, Connecticut residents killed 39 lions and one giraffe and imported their trophies.

If passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the Governor, the law would not apply to ivory and would not apply to the importing, transporting or possessing of a live big six African species by any zoological institution accredited by the Zoological Association of America or circus approved by the Department of Consumer Protection.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

Anwar, Looney, Winfield, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Webmaster

Anwar, Looney, Winfield, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

HARTFORD, CT (May 13, 2019) – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D- New Haven), Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven), and Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) released the following statements in response to the announcement that the Sunday fire at the Diyanet Mosque of New Haven was intentionally set.

“This act of arson is a deeply disturbing incident of bigotry and bias inflicting harm on our state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “This mosque is not only a place for religious gathering but also an important community center and hub of activity for the Muslim population of greater New Haven. Thankfully no one was physically harmed as a result, but we know that deliberate attacks like this often cause polarization and emotional and psychological harm. My thoughts are with the entire community as our public safety officials investigate this profoundly troubling incident.”

“Hate has no place in our communities,” said Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven). “People of faith should not feel targeted or afraid in their places of worship. During this holy month of Ramadan, we need to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters feel safe and make it clear that our community supports them. I’m hopeful that a thorough investigation will be completed and whoever is responsible for this horrific crime will be brought to justice.”

“This heinous arson is a reminder of those in the world who wish to harm others solely due to their beliefs,” said Sen. Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor). “I am thankful that no one was harmed, but this act stands as another attack on religion. We all must stand and rally together in the face of those who want to bring us apart. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

“This act of cowardice is an attack on one the most precious freedoms that we hold dear – the freedom to practice our particular faith in peace and free from violence,” said Rep. Roland Lemar (D-East Haven/New Haven). “I strongly condemn this act and assure that New Haven stands in full support of our Muslim community. We will not sit back as one of our houses of worship is attacked and will take an active role in helping to get the mosque rebuilt.”

“I am deeply troubled by this intentional act of violence committed against a place of worship in our city,” said Rep. Paolillo (D-New Haven). “Thank you to all the firefighters, police and emergency services personnel who responded so quickly and for their ongoing investigation. Although I am grateful no one was injured, these incidents of hate cannot be tolerated and those responsible must be brought to justice. I am hoping this will bring us closer together as a community and city. I am already encouraged by the outpouring of support from other religious groups offering the use of their facilities to members of the mosque.”

Looney, Winfield, Anwar, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Webmaster

Looney, Winfield, Anwar, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

Winfield, Looney, Anwar, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Webmaster

Winfield, Looney, Anwar, Lemar, and Paolillo Denounce Arson at New Haven Mosque

Senator Duff Leads Passage of Bill That Would Improve Benefits For Public Safety Employees Injured in the Line of Duty

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Duff Leads Passage of Bill That Would Improve Benefits For Public Safety Employees Injured in the Line of Duty

HARTFORD,
CT – This week, legislation that would improve compensation for public safety employees who had to retire as a result of serious and permanent bodily injury in the line of duty, passed the Senate on Friday by a 36-0 vote. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) who introduced the bill praised its passage.

Senate Bill 556, “An Act Concerning Additional Compensation for Certain Retired Public Safety Employees,” would permit any municipality, by a two-thirds vote of its legislative body, to annually pay a retired public safety employee who suffered serious and permanent
bodily injury in the line of duty and had to retire as a result, the difference between the employee’s disability pay and the employee’s regular rate of pay prior to retirement.

The bill was introduced after Norwalk Police Officer Phil Roselle was accidently shot by a co-worker during a prescheduled fire arms training in September 2017. Officer Roselle suffered career-ending injuries and has been battling other permanent medical issues
related to the incident. He has twice been denied workers’ compensation, as the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission reasoned that Type 1 diabetes was preventing him from working. The Roselle family argues that Officer Roselle was healthy until the
shooting, which initiated a decline in his health.

“I’m pleased that this bill passed with bi-partisan support,” said Senator Duff. “Any public safety employee who is injured in the line of duty and is forced to retire must be taken care of by their community. Officer Roselle served Norwalk for over 30 years and was forced to retire due to a horrible accident. It’s only right that municipalities do what is necessary to ensure that these employees are protected. Our first responders and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line and do an incredible job of keeping our communities safe and this bill will guarantee that they are compensated properly for their service should they
ever have to retire due to a serious injury.”

“I would also like to thank Mayor Harry Rilling for his support and partnership during this process and helping find a solution for Officer Roselle and all public safety officials that have been impacted,” continued Senator Duff.

The bill now awaits a vote by the House of Representatives.

Statement from Sen. Moore on Police Arrests During Last Night’s Protest

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Webmaster

Statement from Sen. Moore on Police Arrests During Last Night’s Protest

Today, Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) released the following statement in response to the protests and subsequent arrests last night in Bridgeport.

“It was heartbreaking to see last night’s protest on the tragic anniversary of Jayson Negron’s death end in such disarray, with protesters and bystanders getting arrested or detained. Activists who are on the front lines everyday advocating for police reform and a Connecticut Post reporter who was simply doing her job were among those unfairly detained. The events that occurred are extremely unfortunate, but what is even more troubling is the response from the city of Bridgeport. I attempted to contact the Mayor’s office and the Chief of Police numerous times for answers and received only silence. If this is the type of response I get as a State Senator, what does this mean for the residents of Bridgeport? If they want an explanation from their Mayor and police department, will their calls go unanswered as well? This is unacceptable and I hope moving forward we won’t see city officials respond as inadequately as they did last night.”

State Senate Passes Anwar-Supported Crumbling Foundations Legislation

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Webmaster

State Senate Passes Anwar-Supported
Crumbling Foundations Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the state Senate approved legislation to protect home buyers from unknowingly purchasing a home with a crumbling concrete foundation by a 35-1 vote. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a member of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said this legislation will provide consumers with peace of mind when purchasing a home.

“Crumbling foundations have already harmed so many, and we need to make sure no one else is exposed to this problem,” said Sen. Anwar. “For this legislation to pass the Senate means we are making sure we protect homebuyers and limit any further harm.”

Senate Bill 907 expands the scope of the “Residential Condition Report,” which an owner must disclose to a prospective buyer with any facts about the property, to the seller’s knowledge, about the presence of the harmful iron sulfide pyrrhotite in concrete foundations, if any testing was done to locate pyrrhotite, any degradation caused by pyrrhotite and any repairs due to deterioration. When these iron sulfides are exposed to water and oxygen they swell causing cracks and structural damage.

Under SB 907, four Residential Condition Report exemptions have been removed and require the seller to provide this report when the residential property will transfer pursuant to a court order, by a political subdivision of the state, by a deed in lieu of foreclosure or when the property is conveyed to the mortgagee.

Prior to passing the state Senate, SB 907 passed the Insurance and Real Estate Committee unanimously on March 19.

Sen. Osten Applauds New Law Allowing Hemp Production in Connecticut

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Osten Applauds New Law Allowing Hemp Production in Connecticut

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) – a longtime advocate of legalizing hemp production in Connecticut so financially embattled farmers across the state can plant a new, in-demand cash-crop – today applauded Governor Ned Lamont’s Thursday signing of the bill into law.

Sen. Osten said the legislature’s quick, unanimous and bipartisan action on hemp, and the governor’s Thursday signature, will allow farmers to begin planting and harvesting as soon as possible.

“I’m very happy to see the legislature’s hemp bill signed into law by the governor; it will allow farmers to plant and grow a crop beginning this summer, and that’s a game-changer for the Connecticut agricultural community,” Sen. Osten said. “Hemp is a billion-dollar industry in America that only has room to grow. I anticipate our new hemp law will help the large agricultural community in eastern Connecticut, and it may even replace some of the tobacco crops that have fallen out of production in recent years.”
Senate Bill 893, “An Act Concerning A Pilot Program For Hemp Production,” requires the state Department of Agriculture to adopt regulations establishing an industrial hemp pilot program in accordance with federal law. The pilot program will study the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp in Connecticut and ensure hemp growth and cultivation only takes place at sites certified by, and registered with, the state.

“This legislation will strengthen our efforts to grow our agricultural economy and create jobs, and do so in a responsible manner by opening a competitive market to thousands of Connecticut’s farmers,” Gov. Lamont said. “With this program, farmers will have the opportunity to bolster their profits with hemp, and veteran and first-time farmers alike will be attracted to a new and growing market that will offer crop diversification, increased revenue, and expertise in an expanding field. I applaud both chambers of the General Assembly for their unanimous, bipartisan support of this legislation. If we truly want to give an economic boost to our state’s farms, this is something we should all support.”

“We thank Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for moving this important piece of legislation – in a bipartisan manner – to open up and create new opportunities for farmers,” said state Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt. “Today is an exciting day for our state and our farming community. Hemp has the potential to stabilize the agricultural economy and attract new farmers to the industry while providing consumers with a locally grown product that is in high demand. The Department of Agriculture looks forward to working with our potential growers.”

Commissioner Hurlburt said individuals with questions on moving forward with hemp growing and processing can email the department at agr.hemp@ct.gov, or call (860) 713 -2502.

A hemp industry could prove a boon to Connecticut’s economy. It’s estimated that an acre of hemp can generate 500 to 1,500 pounds of dried flowers per acre, generating gross revenues of $37,500 to $150,000 per acre. The Hemp Industries Association notes that U.S. retail sales of hemp products totaled nearly $700 million in 2016.

Hemp has been grown for centuries for use in clothes, paper, and rope. According to the Congressional Research Service, there are over 25,000 different uses for industrial hemp, including fibers, textiles, paper, construction and insulation materials, cosmetic products, animal feed, food and beverages.

The Connecticut Hemp Association estimates more than 100 Connecticut farmers are interested in planting hemp.

State Senate Passes Lesser-Supported Crumbling Foundations Legislation

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Webmaster

State Senate Passes Lesser-Supported Crumbling Foundations Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the state Senate approved legislation to protect home buyers from unknowingly purchasing a home with a crumbling concrete foundation by a bipartisan 35-1 vote. State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), who co-chairs the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, led debate on this legislation and said this bill will provide consumers with peace of mind when shopping for a home.

“This is an important new consumer protection to provide additional information to purchasers of homes about the history of the home,” said Sen. Lesser. “Nobody should be hoodwinked into buying a home known to have a crumbling foundation.”

State Senators Steve Cassano (D-Manchester) and Doctor Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) agreed this legislation is necessary to protect consumers from purchasing homes with crumbling foundations.

“Passing this bill is a great step towards addressing the pervasive problem of crumbling concrete foundations,” said Sen. Cassano. “Crumbling foundations have caused irreversible damage on people’s homes and livelihood. This bill ensures that people are lifted up and assisted as they repair and replace these deficient structures.”

When these iron sulfides are exposed to water and oxygen they swell causing cracks and structural damage. According to the Department of Housing, more than 35,000 homes are facing the potential for a failed concrete foundation. According to a report submitted by the Office of Legislative Research, homes in 36 towns are potentially affected by crumbling concrete foundations.

By law, a seller must credit the purchaser $500 at closing if the seller does not provide the purchaser with a written Residential Condition Report. If enacted, this law will go into effect on October 1, 2019.

Prior to passing the state Senate, SB 907 passed the Insurance and Real Estate Committee unanimously on March 19.

Senator Abrams Leads Senate Passage Of Bill Creating Practice Of Dental Therapy

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Abrams Leads Senate Passage Of Bill Creating Practice Of Dental Therapy

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) led this week’s passage of legislation through the State Senate establishing the new practice of Dental Therapy in Connecticut. Sen. Abrams played a key role in the legislation’s formation as Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee.

Senate Bill No. 807, “An Act Concerning the Legislative Commissioners’ Recommendations for Revisions to the Public Health Statutes,” among other modifications, would allow trained Dental Therapists to perform a variety of educational, preventative, and therapeutic services under the supervision of dentists in public health settings such as group homes, child care centers, and nursing homes. Dental Therapists would be a vital part of improving access to dental health care for underserved populations such as veterans, seniors, children, and the disabled, who otherwise would not have access to care. The Health Resources and Services Administration reported that all eight Connecticut counties have areas with a shortage of dental health professionals. In 2017, a Department of Public Health report indicated that the rates of untreated dental decay have risen in recent years.

“The new category of dental therapy represents a huge step forward in treating dental health needs in the state,” said Sen. Abrams. “Many people endure discomfort and pain rather than address their dental problems due to lack of access. It is important that we address these problems with oral health in the state, particularly because oral health correlates to overall health. By expanding oral health care providers particularly dedicated to the underserved in public health settings we can expand access to dental care and improve the health of communities across the state. I was happy to have helped guide this legislation through the Senate today.”

Dental therapy programs have found success in other states. According to the American Dental Hygiene Association, Minnesota implemented this practice in 2011. Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Maine and Vermont have additionally passed dental therapy legislation.