Senator Maroney Celebrates As Senate Raises Smoking Age To 21

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Maroney Celebrates As Senate Raises Smoking Age To 21

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) celebrated the Senate’s passing of legislation raising the smoking age, or age where someone can purchase tobacco products, from 18 to 21. This legislation passed by a bipartisan 33-3 vote and is part of a push to counteract the increase of youths smoking, especially youth use of tobacco vaporizers or “vapes,” which the Surgeon General called an “epidemic” in December 2018.

“The bipartisan nature with which this legislation was passed sends a clear message that we are committed to protecting young people from smoking and vaping,” said Sen. Maroney. “There is an epidemic of vaping in our high schools and middle schools and we need to do all we can to keep these products out of the hands of teens.”

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, additionally strengthening other laws. In addition to raising the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales for individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes to current laws.

This bill comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In 2018, more than 3.6 million youth across the United States – including 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students – reported using e-cigarettes, according to the Surgeon General. Vaping products also have led to concerns about public health, as they utilize chemicals that are seen as unsafe. They are also often sold with “sweet” flavors, and the chemicals used in those flavors pose additional health risks. The Centers for Disease Control said in 2016 that vaping flavors can facilitate nicotine addiction and simulated smoking behavior.

The bill also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package. This prevents underage shoppers from obtaining vapes or other smoking products without having to show identification or prove they’re of age.

Before the bill reached the Senate, the House approved it by a bipartisan 124-22 vote, and 53 Senators and Representatives co-sponsored the legislation. Its approval would make Connecticut the 12th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to raise the age of access to 21.

Maroney Champions Legislation Promoting Computer Science and Coding Curriculum in Public Schools

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Webmaster

Maroney Champions Legislation Promoting
Computer Science and Coding Curriculum in Public Schools

HARTFORD, CT – Yesterday, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) brought forth legislation to make computer science curriculum a requirement in the state’s public schools. Sen. Maroney led the debate of the bill on the senate floor. The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the state Senate passing unanimously. The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives for further action.

“I am incredibly proud of this legislation and grateful for each of my colleagues that helped to make this possible,” said Sen. Maroney. “As our economy continues to evolve, we must ensure that students are properly prepared for careers in an ever-changing workforce, which is being led by advancements in Computer Science and coding. I have been working on this bill since last November, meeting with industry experts, education experts, and various other stakeholders to craft legislation that will move our state forward. In order to accomplish this, we also must provide our state’s teachers with the tools to educate their students on this curriculum. This legislation will help produce the workforce necessary to drive our economy forward.”

Senate Bill 957, “An Act Concerning The Inclusion Of Computer Science Instruction In The Public School Curriculum, Programs Of Teacher Preparation And Alternate Route To Certification Programs And The Creation Of An Adjunct Computer Science Instructor Permit And Computer Science Endorsement,” has the goal of every school in the state of Connecticut offering computer science education.

In addition to promoting computer science curriculum in our schools, SB 957 will also make the following changes to teacher preparation and certification laws relating to computer science:

Makes Connecticut the first state in the country to require that teacher preparation programs offer instruction in how to teach “programming and coding” to their existing computer and information technology skills curriculum
Requires the State Department of Education to create an endorsement and eventually a certification in teaching computer Science
Requires the Office of Higher Education (OHE), in collaboration and consultation with the State Department of Education (SDE), to develop an alternate route to certification (ARC) program for computer science teachers, which must include mentored apprenticeships and program admission criteria
Asks the DECD to help facilitate internships for college students with companies in our state
Asks DECD to perform an analysis of the workforce needs in our state, and work with the other relevant agencies to develop a plan to prepare our workforce
Includes discussion of STEM and Computer Coding jobs in student success plans.

SB 957 will go into effect on July 1, 2019. While in committee, TechNet Northeast, a bipartisan network of over 80 technology companies, submitted testimony in favor of this legislation. In their testimony they stated, “Computer science is a foundational skill for 21st century jobs and impacts almost every industry in the United States —manufacturing, financial services, cybersecurity, health care, law, construction, tech, and beyond. This legislation is an important step in ensuring our students are prepared to succeed in the digital age.”

Senator Looney Praises Senate Vote To Raise Smoking Age To 21

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Looney Praises Senate Vote To Raise Smoking Age To 21

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) celebrated the Senate’s passage of legislation raising the smoking age, or age where someone can purchase tobacco products, from 18 to 21. This legislation is part of a push to counteract the dangerous increase in youth smoking, especially youth use of tobacco vaporizers or “vapes,” which the Surgeon General called an “epidemic” in December 2018.

“This good cause has found the right time,” said Senator 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. I’m thrilled that this legislation passed with bipartisan involvement and support.”

Businesses found to have sold tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses.

Senator Haskell Supports Senate Vote To Raise Smoking Age To 21

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Haskell Supports Senate Vote To Raise Smoking Age To 21

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) joined the Senate’s passing of legislation raising the smoking age, or age where someone can purchase tobacco products, from 18 to 21. This legislation, which Sen. Haskell co-sponsored, is part of a push to counteract the rise of smoking among young people, especially the prevalence of tobacco vaporizers or “vapes” among middle and high school students. The Surgeon General recently called this wave of addictive and dangerous behavior an “epidemic.”

“The lifelong consequences of smoking tobacco clearly damage public health, and we need to use every tool in our toolbox to prevent youth from falling into this deadly habit,” said Sen. Haskell. “With 95 percent of adult smokers starting before they turn 21, this reform is long overdue. I applaud Senator Mae Flexer for leading the way on this bill, and Senator Mary Abrams and Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who chair the Public Health Committee, for their tireless work to develop it. I’m proud to say that today, we’re thinking of the next generation of Connecticut residents.”

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, effective on October 1. In addition to raising the age, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales for individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes to current laws.

Businesses found to sell tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses. Most importantly, they face a possible revocation of their license to sell tobacco products.

This bill comes as data shows a rise in youth tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In 2018, more than 3.6 million youth across the United States – including 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students – reported using e-cigarettes, according to the Surgeon General. These products are often sold under the alluring guise of “fruity” flavors, and the chemicals used in those flavors pose additional health risks. The Centers for Disease Control confirmed in 2016 that vaping leads to nicotine addiction and simulated smoking behavior that derails a young person’s life.

The bill also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package. This prevents underage shoppers from obtaining or other smoking products without having to show identification.

Senator Anwar Joins Senate In Expanding State Ban On Fracking Waste

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Anwar Joins Senate In Expanding State Ban On Fracking Waste

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate in approving an expansion of the state’s ban on fracking waste. The legislation goes further than current regulations, permanently banning the fuel production byproduct.

“I was proud to be Mayor of South Windsor when we took action on fracking waste, joining dozens of other towns and cities across the state in banning its use,” said Sen. Anwar. “This product represents a significant threat to public health and our natural resources. By taking action now, we prevent any future where fracking waste becomes a nuisance in our state.”

Senate Bill No. 753, “An Act Concerning the State-Wide Ban on Fracking Waste,” expands Connecticut’s current ban on fracking waste. Currently, hydraulic fracking waste, otherwise known as waste created in the process of drawing natural gas, oil and other fuels from the earth’s surface, is banned in the state until the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection adopts regulations regarding it. Under the updated language, collection, storing, disposal and use of fracking waste would be permanently banned in the state.

Before this legislation passed the Senate, it passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and the Environment Committee by a bipartisan 28-1 vote. The Environment Committee received approximately 100 testimonies expressing concerns over fracking waste’s significant environmental and health hazards. Prior to this legislation, more than 50 towns in Connecticut already enacted similar ordinances banning fracking waste, including Weston and Ridgefield.

Sen. Needleman Leads Senate Passage Of Legislation To Hold Utilities Accountable

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Needleman Leads Senate Passage Of Legislation To Hold Utilities Accountable

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) led the Senate’s passage of legislation designed to hold utility companies accountable and improve their responses to power outages. It spurs the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to establish a docket containing standards for acceptable performance from utility companies and standards for minimum staffing and equipment levels for electric distribution companies.

“In recent years, response times to repair our electrical systems after weather incidents have risen sharply,” said Sen. Needleman. “Families, residents and businesses all rely on consistent power to live their daily lives, and the longer these delays stretch, the worse they become. As a business owner, I know that for many people, every second of a power outage means lost money, and an unstable electrical system We need to review and set new standards for utilities today so that tomorrow’s storms don’t leave as large of an impact. As the Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, I am proud to have guided this legislation to the Senate floor.”

Senate Bill No. 469, “An Act Requiring the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to Establish Performance Standards and Minimum Staffing and Equipment Levels for Electric Distribution Companies,” tasks the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority with establishing industry-specific standards for acceptable performance by electric utility companies in emergencies. This is designed to protect public health and safety and minimize the number of service outages and disruptions that could occur.

In setting those standards, PURA will study the adequacy of electric distribution companies’ infrastructure, utilities and equipment, current policies and procedures for coordination between stakeholders before emergencies, and staffing and equipment levels companies currently employ, including their minimum staffing levels.

This legislation is intended to address delays in service restoration after power outages and comes as Connecticut electricity customers face the most expensive costs in the continental United States. Earlier this year, Eversource received approval for a rate increase from PURA that will see customers’ electricity bills grow more than $20 annually. Based on that increase, the company would be expected to increase staffing, improve response times after inclement weather and bolster its current resources.

Sen. Needleman Supports PTSD Coverage For Police And Firefighters

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Needleman Supports PTSD Coverage For Police And Firefighters

HARTFORD – The state Senate took the first step today toward providing Connecticut’s police officers and firefighters with workers’ compensation coverage for the emotional and mental injuries they suffer on the job after witnessing some particularly horrible trauma.

Senate Bill 164, “An Act Including Certain Mental or Emotional Impairments Within the Definition of Personal Injury Under the Workers’ Compensation Statutes,” passed the Senate today on a 35-0 vote; it now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill essentially expands the definition of ‘personal injury’ in state workers’ compensation laws to include so-called “mental-mental” injuries (a mental injury without an accompanying physical injury), as of July 1, 2019. The new provisions are expected to cover an estimated 36,000 state and local employees, including 26,800 firefighters, 8,180 police officers, 958 state police officers and 140 parole officers.

“In my work as Essex’s First Selectman, I work closely with local emergency services, and I’ve seen first-hand the challenges they face every day,” said Sen. Needleman. “We need to support those who see traumatic incidents. Post-traumatic stress can negatively impact a person’s life, sometimes changing their entire lives. This legislation gets suffering first responders the help they need, and I am more than happy to support it.”

“Although this bill does not include EMS personnel, I am happy that it was amended to support a study of expanding coverage to them in the near future,” said Sen. Needleman. They are exposed to the same level of stress on the job and suffer as high a percentage of cases of PTSD. It is my sincere hope that next year, we will revisit the issue and extend this coverage to EMS first responders. In many cases, they are the first on the scene and have to deal with the difficult task of witnessing and managing critical situations, often resulting in the loss of life or worse.”

Maroney Donates Work Attire for Veterans to the Save-A-Suit Foundation

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Maroney Donates Work Attire
for Veterans to the Save-A-Suit Foundation

State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) with Robert Silverberg (right) and Connor Royle (left) of the Save-A-Suit Foundation in front of a record number of suits donated to the Save-A-Suit Foundation on Thursday, May 30, 2019. This is the 4th year of the Capitol Save-A-Suit Foundation, which provides veterans and college graduates with professional work attire. In the first three years of the Capitol Save-A-Suit Foundation, an average of 700 professional outfits where donated per year by lawmakers, staff members and lobbyists.

Sen. Osten Supports PTSD Coverage for Police and Firefighters

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Osten Supports PTSD Coverage for Police and Firefighters

After years of effort, legislature directs cities and towns to cover the effect of mental trauma on first responders

HARTFORD – After six years of effort, the state Senate finally took the first step today toward providing Connecticut’s police officers and firefighters with workers’ compensation coverage for the emotional and mental injuries they suffer on the job after witnessing some particularly horrible trauma.

Senate Bill 164, “An Act Including Certain Mental or Emotional Impairments Within the Definition of Personal Injury Under the Workers’ Compensation Statutes,” passed the Senate today on a unanimous and bipartisan 35-0 vote; it now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill expands the definition of ‘personal injury’ in state workers’ compensation laws to include so-called “mental-mental” injuries (a mental injury without an accompanying physical injury), as of July 1, 2019. The new provisions are expected to cover an estimated 36,000 state and local employees, including 26,800 firefighters, 8,180 police officers, 958 state police officers and 140 parole officers.

And, with a last-minute amendment, the bill also requires the Labor and Public Employees Committee to study the cost and impact of adding emergency medical services personnel and certain Department of Correction Employees to the list of potentially covered employees.

“I’ve been working on this issue for years, and I think we need to recognize that post-traumatic stress is an actual condition that can be treated, and when treated, allows that person can return to work. That’s what workers’ compensation is for,” Sen. Osten said. “There is a chance to save somebody’s life here. And I’m hoping that over time, the more data we collect, we’ll discover that the claims and the cost is not that great, and we’ll be able to open this law up to other classes of first responders, such as EMS and corrections officers.”

The bill language was written by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and police and firefighters union representatives after many months of negotiation and debate; CCM had opposed previous Post-Traumatic Stress bills due to the potential cost of paying for mental health care for emergency responders.

But recent Democrat-led significant reduction in workers’ comp costs for Connecticut cities and towns may have helped pave the way for today’s action.

Workers’ compensation laws typically cover medical expenses and allow an employee to collect a portion of their paycheck for a certain time period if they suffer a physical injury on the job – say, a gunshot, a burn, or a broken leg. But worker’s compensation laws rarely provide coverage for the emotional or mental injuries a police officer or firefighter may suffer after experiencing a particularly harrowing scene, such as a mass shooting or a car accident.

SB 164 allows workers’ compensation benefits to be paid to police, volunteer or full-time firefighters, and parole officers diagnosed with PTS and who experienced one of the six following events:

Witnessing the death of a person.
Witnessing an injury that causes the death of a person shortly thereafter.
Treating an injured person who dies shortly thereafter.
Carrying an injured person who dies shortly thereafter.
Viewing a deceased minor.
Witnessing an incident that causes a person to lose a body part, to suffer a loss of body function, or that results in permanent disfigurement.

Today’s PTS vote has been a half-decade in the making.

Just months after the December 2012 shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bill 823, “An Act Concerning Severe Mental or Emotional Impairment and Workers’ Compensation Coverage,” which sought to expand workers’ compensation coverage to people suffering from post-traumatic stress as a direct result of witnessing the death or maiming of another person.

The bill received wide and strong support from various first responders at its February public hearing – just two months after Sandy Hook – but the bill was vehemently opposed by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) who complained that the measure would amount to “a new, unfunded mandate on cities and towns.”

As an alternative to the legislation, a private fund was announced to help pay for the counseling costs of affected first responders at Sandy Hook, but that fund raised less than $400,000.

Democrats continued to introduce various PTS measures over the years, all of which were opposed by business and municipal groups.

At the same time, however, Democrats also introduced and passed various new laws that substantially reduced workers’ compensation costs for Connecticut cities and towns. Just last fall, the Connecticut Insurance Department approved a nearly 17 percent decrease in rates for workers’ compensation insurance, marking the fifth consecutive year that rates have dropped in Connecticut – a nearly 50 percent drop in rates over the past five years.

Sen. Anwar Supports PTSD Coverage for Police and Firefighters

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Anwar Supports PTSD Coverage for Police and Firefighters

State Senator Saud Anwar speaks with Trish Buchanan, wife of East Hartford Police Officer Paul Buchanan and advocate for first responder post-traumatic stress disorder support, Wednesday before the Senate’s Thursday approval of legislation on the topic.

“The most significant injuries are sometimes the ones that are not physically visible,” said Sen. Anwar. “The experiences our first responders have, including our police officers, firefighters, Department of Corrections workers and EMS workers, lead them to wear pain and suffering underneath their badges. We are indebted to Trish Buchanan, wife of East Hartford Police Officer Paul Buchanan, for bringing to light the much-needed recognition and understanding of post-traumatic stress in first responders. I am honored to co-sponsor this legislation with Senator Cathy Osten; it allows us, as a state, to bring that recognition further to make sure that our police officers and firefighters are protected.”

SB 164 allows workers’ compensation benefits to be paid to police, volunteer or full-time firefighters, and parole officers diagnosed with PTS and who experience a number of traumatic events. With a last-minute amendment, the bill also requires the Labor and Public Employees Committee to study the cost and impact of adding emergency medical services personnel and certain Department of Correction Employees to the list of potentially covered employees.