Month: June 2019

Sen. Osten Welcomes Opening of Highway Rest Stops

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Sen. Osten Welcomes Opening of Highway Rest Stops

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that Connecticut’s seven state-operated highway rest area buildings, including indoor restroom facilities, will be open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week beginning this Monday, July 1, 2019.

Sen. Osten has been advocating for re-opening the rest stops for the past six months; Governor Ned Lamont announced the re-opening this morning.

“Nine days into the start of the 2019 legislative session I introduced a bill, Senate Bill 713, to re-open Connecticut’s highway rest stops on a 24/7 basis. Less than six months later that is now a reality,” Sen. Osten said. “Re-opening these rest stops has not only been supported by the public for obvious reasons, but by the trucking industry, local chambers of commerce – even the Connecticut Airport Authority. We need rest stops open 24/7 for truckers to take federally mandated breaks, for families and individuals travelling overnight to make a safe stop, and for the convenience of all travelers during daylight hours. I was happy to place the funds for these rest stop re-openings in the state budget, and I’m pleased that my Democratic colleagues and Governor Lamont saw fit to support that.”

Staffing levels at the rest stops were reduced on October 1, 2016 in response to budget cuts, limiting the seven locations to a one-shift, daytime operation. While the rest areas technically remained “open” around the clock under the scenario, the indoor facilities were closed to the public for the remaining two evening and overnight shifts, necessitating the sole use of outdoor portable restroom facilities during hours during un-staffed hours.

The seven rest areas are in the following locations:

  • I-84 Danbury Eastbound past Exit 2
  • I-84 Southington Eastbound past Exit 28
  • I-84 Willington Eastbound past Exit 69
  • I-84 Willington Westbound past Exit 70
  • I-91 Wallingford Southbound past Exit 15
  • I-91 Middletown Northbound past Exit 19
  • I-95 North Stonington Southbound past Exit 93

Senator Haskell, Representative Steinberg, Ombudsman Painter Advocate for the Westport Rehabilitation Complex to Remain Open

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Senator Haskell, Representative Steinberg, Ombudsman Painter Advocate for the Westport Rehabilitation Complex to Remain Open

HARTFORD, CT – This morning, Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter sent the following letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Traditions Senior Management, the company that operates the Westport Rehabilitation Complex. Together, they strongly encouraged management to re-consider the closure of the facility and improve transparency between residents and the administration.

Mr. RB Bridges,

We are writing to express our concern regarding recent events at the Westport Rehabilitation Complex. As we’re sure you agree, individuals who live in this facility deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We hope you will consider the best interest of these Westport residents as you determine the future of this property.

Numerous residents have made clear that there is a little communication from the administration regarding the closing of the complex. Residents who call this facility home are exasperated by a lack of transparency, and they are frightened by the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The Westport Rehabilitation Complex is their home, full stop. This facility has provided quality long-term care for many individuals and they should receive adequate notice and assistance with alternative options if needed. Despite the financial incentives that management may face, profit should never be put above people. The health and safety of individuals, especially our most vulnerable neighbors, should be paramount in any future decisions.

As advocates of consumer protection and supporters of high-quality long-term care, we encourage you to re-consider this closure and ensure that residents are properly considered, informed and respected. We appreciate your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Will Haskell

26th District

Representative Jonathan Steinberg

136th District

Mairead Painter

Long Term Care Ombudsman

Sen. Lesser Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision to Not Add a Citizenship Question to the 2020 Census

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Sen. Lesser Statement on the Supreme Court’s Decision
to Not Add a Citizenship Question to the 2020 Census

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to not add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census:

“I’m pleased the Supreme Court has blocked – at least for the moment – the Trump Administration’s cynical attempt to manipulate the census to undercount millions of people,” said Sen. Lesser. “The Administration’s move could have huge effects on regular people, including on Connecticut’s budget. That’s why it was a no-brainer for me to join a friend-of-the-court brief in this case against the Administration’s outrageous position.”

Sen. Lesser joined 190 bipartisan state and local officials and municipalities across the nation who signed onto an amicus brief in opposition to adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.

A citizenship question would have discouraged people from filling out the census, which would have had an adverse effect on both rural and urban communities across nation. The after-effects of discouraging many people from filling out the Census would have led to inaccurate Census data, costing municipalities millions of dollars in federal funding. This would have also resulted in reduced legislative representation in communities that need it the most.

Last year, Connecticut received over $10 billion in federal funding due to the census. This funding goes to vital programs like Head Start, Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, highway planning and construction and much more.

Sen. Lesser Welcomes State Investment for Vital Middletown-Portland Bridge and Route 9 Project

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Sen. Lesser Welcomes State Investment
for Vital Middletown-Portland Bridge and Route 9 Project

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) welcomed news that the State Bond Commission is to release tens of millions of dollars in funding for repairs to a vital bridge that connects Middletown and Portland. Repairs to the Charles J. Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 over the Connecticut River, will ensure transportation over the key connector will not be compromised. Additional funds will also be allocated to cover traffic signal removal on Route 9 in Middletown.

“This major investment in the Arrigoni Bridge is important to protecting the safety of pedestrians, motorists and the public,” said Sen. Lesser. “It includes important security upgrades that will save lives. And I’m happy to see Governor Lamont move forward by renewing the commitment to fixing the traffic lights on Route 9 –the funding approved today will keep DOT working on a solution that works for Middletown and the state as a whole. I am appreciative of the strong support of Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission.”

With a total cost of $46.8 million, $39.4 million coming from the state, the phase 2 replacement of the Arrigoni Bridge from Middletown to Portland will involve the bridge’s approach spans, which are deteriorating. The work will additionally assist with repairs to sidewalk and pedestrian railing deficiencies to better support integrity of the deck.

Additionally, Phase 2 of the Arrigoni Bridge project in Middletown will include installation of a protective fence on both sides of the bridge. The entire length of the fence will be a minimum of eight feet above the walkway.

The Arrigoni Bridge, built between 1936 and 1938, was the largest and most expensive bridge in the state at the time of its completion. The Phase 2 design will utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve the safety and reliability of this historic 79-year-old bridge.

This request was made by the Fix it First Bridge Program (FIF). The FIF Program provides rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or replacement of bridges on the state highway system. This repair is for bridges which have been identified as being in fair or poor condition where funds are not otherwise available.

Additionally, $2 million has been allocated to cover design activities and coordination for a traffic signal removal project on Route 9 in Middletown.

Sen. Lesser Keynotes Major Cancer Network Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

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Sen. Lesser Keynotes Major Cancer Network Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Senate Democrats Photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) gave a speech on the impact of state policy on the access to high-quality care in America at a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Oncology Policy Summit in Washington D.C. The senator, who is also a cancer survivor, then participated in a panel discussion with professionals and advocates from across the country to discuss trends in cancer care policy at the state level.

Sen. Lesser, who is co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, thanked the NCCN for giving him the opportunity to talk about the importance of states in passing laws that improve health care accessibility and affordability. He told his own story of fighting cancer and discussed recently passed legislation in Connecticut.

“This NCCN Summit is a big deal, and it’s an incredible honor to have been asked to be their keynote speaker,” said Sen. Lesser. “As a cancer survivor, this issue is personal to me. Across the country, Connecticut is widely recognized as one the country’s leaders when it comes to cancer treatment and health reform. Despite the failure of the legislature to pass the Connecticut Option, this has still been a banner year for health reform. Connecticut passed dozens of proposals that strengthen the rights of patients and expand access to coverage and it was great to be able to discuss recent legislation, trends in health reform and meet many of the nation’s healthcare thought leaders.”

The NCCN is a prestigious non-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers across the country devoted to patient care, research, and education, according to their website. NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system, per the NCCN website.

Additionally, world-renowned experts from NCCN Member Institutions diagnose and treat patients with a broad spectrum of cancers and are recognized for caring for patients with complex, aggressive or rare forms of cancer.

Sen. Needleman, Rep. Haines Welcome State Bond Commission Funding for East Hampton Bridge Replacement

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Sen. Needleman, Rep. Haines Welcome State Bond Commission Funding for East Hampton Bridge Replacement

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-East Hampton) and State Representative Irene Haines (R-East Hampton) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to release significant funding for a bridge repair project in East Hampton. These repairs to East Hampton’s Route 66 bridge over Pocotopaug Creek will ensure the region sees no interruptions in transportation.

“This bridge is vital for transportation through our region,” said Sen. Needleman. “The East High Street bridge on Route 66 is more than a century old – it is more than due for replacement to keep our drivers safe. Its expansion and upgrades will further benefit drivers in East Hampton and those who travel the road every day. I thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of the 33rd District.”

“Route 66 is a vital artery for East Hampton that connects our community with towns west of the Connecticut River,” said Rep. Haines. “The road isn’t just important for commuters; it’s a vital route for emergency services and is host to numerous small businesses, retailers and manufacturers. Replacing the bridge over Pocotopaug Creek and making much needed repairs to the Arrigoni Bridge will ensure that residents can safely travel for years to come.”

Work on the East Hampton bridge carrying Route 66 over the Pocotopaug Creek, with a cost of $2.2 million, will see the bridge, built in 1913, replaced with a wider box culvert, with replacement of current resources and updates to existing guide rails, transitions and bridge attachments.

Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bond Commission Funding for Vital Middletown-Portland Bridge

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Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bond Commission Funding for Vital Middletown-Portland Bridge

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Portland) announced today that the State Bond Commission agreed Wednesday to release tens of millions of dollars in funding for repairs to a vital bridge that connects Middletown and Portland. These repairs to the Arrigoni Bridge, which carries Route 66 traffic over the Connecticut River, will ensure transportation over the enormously critical transportation asset will not be compromised.

“This bridge is vital for transportation through our region,” said Sen. Needleman. “The Arrigoni Bridge sees more than 30,000 drivers per day and is more than 80 years old, with a deck that has seen section loss and reduced carrying capacity. This funding will keep the bridge in good condition for up to two additional decades. I welcome this new funding and thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of the 33rd District.”

With a total cost of $46.8 million, $39.4 million of that total coming from the state, the phase 2 replacement of the Arrigoni Bridge from Middletown to Portland will involve the bridge’s deteriorating approach spans. The work will additionally assist with repairs to sidewalk and pedestrian railing deficiencies to better support integrity of the deck.

Additionally, Phase 2 of the Arrigoni Bridge project in Middletown will include installation of a protective fence on both sides of the bridge. The entire length of the fence will be a minimum of eight feet above the walkway.

The Arrigoni Bridge, built between 1936 and 1938, was the largest and most expensive bridge in the state at the time of its completion. The Phase 2 design will utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve the safety and reliability of this historic 79-year-old bridge.

This request was made by the Fix it First Bridge Program (FIF). The FIF Program provides rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or replacement of bridges on the state highway system. This repair is for bridges which have been identified as being in fair or poor condition where funds are not otherwise available.

Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bond Commission Funding for Chester Ferry Landing, Gillette Castle State Park Repairs

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Sen. Needleman Welcomes State Bond Commission Funding for Chester Ferry Landing, Gillette Castle State Park Repairs

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Chester) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to release significant funding for a major ferry landing and reconstruction of a local state park. The ferry improvements will benefit local transportation, while they will work to increase local tourism in conjunction with the park reconstruction.

“The Chester-Hadlyme ferry is an important resource for commuters and tourists in the 33rd District, and Gillette Castle State Park is a vital draw both locally and state-wide,” said Sen. Needleman. “Replacing damaged timber at the Chester-Hadlyme ferry landing will further support transportation while ensuring this ferry, which transports up to 300 cars per day, remains active. Gillette Castle State Park, a centerpiece of our District, will receive vital upkeep that will help it remain a key attraction for our region. I thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”

Roughly $4 million will be allocated to replacing all damaged and rotted timber piles and associated hardware at the Chester-Hadlyme ferry landing as well as the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry landing. Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam will see $1.993 million allotted for reconstruction of collapsed retaining walls, a deteriorated entrance portico, and related projects.

Haskell, Steinberg Cheer State Bonding for Repairs to Westport MTA Bridge

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Haskell, Steinberg Cheer State Bonding for Repairs to Westport MTA Bridge

State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) announced today that the State Bond Commission approved bonding for repairs to a Westport MTA train bridge dating back more than 100 years. The interim repairs to the bridge, which carries trains over the Saugatuck River, are expected to extend its life service by up to 20 years.

“These repairs, made to a bridge dating back to the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, are vitally important to transportation in the 26th District,” said Senator Haskell. “The issues they will address will help keep MTA trains running smooth for years to come, protecting the strength of this vital transportation network. It may even help speed up the train schedule. This funding is welcome to help our region, and our state, retain and improve its transportation strengths.”

“Although these funds will only maintain the bridge, rather than replace it, this support is critical to achieve the ultimate outcome of replacing all four of the ancient bridges on Metro North,” said Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport). “Only then will travel time decrease and reliability be assured.”

“Tens of thousands of commuters depend on the New Haven Line every day, and it’s critical that we maintain our railroad bridges in a ‘state of good repair,’” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti. “The five movable bridges on the New Haven Line are all more than 100 years old; each is always in need of maintenance and, ultimately replacement. The Saga bridge is a key link in this system and I’m happy this funding is being made available.”

“Assuring the quality of rail transportation is essential to Westport’s long-term success as a community,” said Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe. “I appreciate the State Bond Commission giving its attention and support to funding the interim repairs of the Saugatuck River railroad bridge which is a critical piece of infrastructure on the main line of Metro North.”

Today, the State Bond Commission allocated $20 million in repairs to public transportation bridges on the MTA New Haven-New York City train line. Specifically, the repairs are intended for the Saugatuck River bridge in Westport and a second bridge in Cos Cob. These repairs are means to address mechanical, electrical, access deficiencies and steel in the bridge, with an expected extension of train service life of 15 to 20 years.

The Saugatuck Railroad Bridge was built in 1905 the same year President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in for his second term. For reference, the bridge is older than radio (the first radio broadcast was in 1906), actor John Wayne (born in 1907), and the Model T (invented in 1908).

Sen. Osten Welcomes New State Law to Help Connecticut Producers of Honey and Maple Syrup

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Sen. Osten Welcomes New State Law to Help Connecticut Producers of Honey and Maple Syrup

Senate Democrats Photo

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex, back row, center) and John and Bonnie Hall of Maple Breeze Farm in Westbrook (to the left of Governor Lamont) look on as Gov. Lamont signs a new law making it easier for Connecticut farmers to sell the honey and maple syrup that they produce.

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague, fourth from right) looks on as Gov. Lamont signs a new law making it easier for Connecticut farmers to sell the honey and maple syrup that they produce. To the right of Sen. Osten, partially hidden, is Don Tuller, president of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) was on hand today for the signing of a new state law that will make it easier and less-expensive for Connecticut farmers to sell the honey and maple syrup that they produce on their own land.

Sen. Osten joined Connecticut farmers in Governor Ned Lamont’s State Capitol office for the signing of Senate Bill 233, “AN ACT CONCERNING COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTS AND THE PRODUCTION OF HONEY AND MAPLE SYRUP,” a bill that Sen. Osten co-sponsored which moves state oversight of those products from the state Department of Consumer Protection to the state Department of Agriculture.

The move means honey and maple syrup farmers in Connecticut will have both fewer regulations – and fewer potentially costly regulations – to adhere to when selling their products.

“There was never a good reason for regulating the production of honey and maple syrup because those products are not processed – they are ready to consume right after boiling or just off the honeycomb. These farmers know what they’re doing,” Sen. Osten said. “Cutting the red tape for syrup and honey farmers is good for Connecticut business and good for Connecticut consumers.”

Don Tuller, president of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Board of Director, said the new law will make a difference for Connecticut honey and maple syrup producers.

“It saves them time and money,” Tuller said. “The old regulations were really a little bit out of the DCP’s wheelhouse. They don’t understand on-farm conditions; they’re more suited to regulating commercial establishments like stores.”

Senate Bill 233 passed the Environment Committee on a unanimous and bipartisan vote in February, and was then passed by unanimous and bipartisan votes in both the state Senate and the House of Representatives.

The new law exempts all Connecticut maple syrup and honey production – including its preparation, packaging, labeling, and sale – from regulation under the state’s Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and cottage food law, which the state Department of Consumer Protection oversees. The new law instead requires maple syrup and honey farmers to be licensed and inspected by the state Department of Agriculture. The new provisions take effect on October 1.