Month: June 2019

Senator Anwar Joins Senate Democrat Coalition to Discuss 2019 Session Victories

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Senator Anwar Joins Senate Democrat Coalition to Discuss 2019 Session Victories

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined a coalition of Senate Democrats as they discussed the successes they experienced during the 2019 legislative session, which ended June 5 of this year. Sen. Anwar, a physician, spoke on the importance of the passage of “Tobacco 21,” legislation that raises the legal age of access for tobacco products from 18 to 21.

“Up to 95 percent of all people who smoke started before they turned 21,” said Sen. Anwar. “Over their lives, the cumulative effect of their smoking increases their risk of developing cancers, cardiac diseases and other illnesses. This legislation can reduce the probability of addiction – it drops the likelihood of an individual starting to smoke. It additionally reduces the likelihood that 18-year-old high school students share tobacco products with underage classmates. That will save lives. We will see the direct impact of this bill over time, especially as the average lifespan in the United States is decreasing. This is one piece of that puzzle and we will hopefully be able to reduce its decline. This legislation is the culmination of effort from a lot of people; I would like to thank Senator Mae Flexer, Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Senator Mary Abrams and Representative Jonathan Steinberg. I am honored to have joined them to have achieved this.”

Sen. Anwar joined Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) Monday in the Legislative Office Building to discuss important legislative priorities the Senate achieved during the six-month legislative session. Victories discussed Monday included:

  • The landmark achievement of implementing a Paid Family and Medical Leave program for Connecticut workers
  • A five-tier increase of the minimum wage from $10.10 today to $15 in 2023
  • Significant gun safety changes, including Ethan’s Law, which requires guns to be securely stored in homes where minors live
  • Up to three years of debt-free community college courses for high school graduates
  • Energy legislation adding new focus on green energy generation through wind and solar energy and increased access to high-speed 5G internet service
  • Health insurance protections prohibiting consumer-unfriendly billing practices

Senate leadership also commended freshman Senators for their hard work. Half, or eleven, of current Democratic Senators in the Connecticut General Assembly are in their first term, including Sen. Anwar.

Caption: State Senator Saud Anwar discusses legislation raising the tobacco age of access to 21 Monday.

 

Connecticut Senate Democrats Highlight Successful 2019 Legislative Session

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Connecticut Senate Democrats Highlight Successful 2019 Legislative Session

HARTFORD, CT (June 10, 2019) – Today, Senate Democrats highlighted a series of bills that passed in the 2019 legislative session which will strengthen our economy, improve education, strengthen gun safety, and ensure Connecticut support middle-class and working-class families in Connecticut.

“Years from now Connecticut residents will look back on the 2019 legislative session as one of the most beneficial and productive for the typical working family in our state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “This package of legislation and new laws will vastly improve our quality of life and benefit our economy. Between debt-free community college, paid family and medical leave, and a raise in the minimum wage, Connecticut residents will see positive, tangible benefits from this legislative session.”

ECONOMIC COMPETITION & FAIRNESS

Creating Paid Family and Medical Leave: Senate Bill 1: An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave
In a United Nations survey of 185 countries, only two lacked paid family and medical leave programs: Papau New Guinea and the United States. One quarter of new mothers in the United States return to work just two weeks after their children are born. This program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents, those taking care of seriously ill family members, and those caring for their own serious illnesses–thereby preventing the public from having to choose between work and family. Connecticut becomes the seventh state to offer this global standard to its residents.

Raising the Minimum Wage to $15: Senate Bill 2: An Act Increasing the Minimum Fair Wage
When costs rise but wages stay stagnant, paying rent and utilities or providing for a family become almost impossible. As New York and Massachusetts pass laws to raise the minimum wage, Connecticut cannot continue to lag behind. Senate Bill 2 will raise the minimum wage in Connecticut to $15 by 2023 by implementing five minimum wage increases over the next five years. According to a Quinnipiac University poll, 63 percent of Connecticut residents support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. This increase will keep up with rising living costs, ensure businesses remain strong with competitive wages and bring many who are earning the minimum wage in this state closer to a genuine living wage.

Continuing the Success of the Workforce Pipeline Initiative: Senate Bill 5: An Act Establishing A Workforce Pipeline and Job Creation Task Force
In 2018 Senate Democrats led passage of a Workforce Pipeline & Apprenticeship initiative to provide rapid work skills training for people seeking employment, then place up to 10,000 participants directly into good paying jobs with a bright future. In order to begin addressing the state’s many workforce needs, a collaborative workforce training effort known as the Eastern CT Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative was established two years ago by Electric Boat, the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, the Eastern Workforce Investment Board, and other partners. Through this effort 1,000 entry-level workers were rapidly trained and placed into jobs over a two-year period. This bill will establish a workforce pipeline and job creation task force to continue the positive progress of this initiative. With a track record of success, this is a proven model piloted by this effort, and it will expand to other sectors and areas of the state.

GUN SAFETY


Statewide Ban On Ghost Guns: House Bill 7219: An Act Concerning Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are increasingly becoming a problem across the country. These firearms can be made using a 3D printer and assembled with kits purchased online, allowing anyone to have access to an unmarked, unregistered firearm without a permit. Ghost guns have been seized in Torrington, Ridgefield and Waterbury, and these firearms have been used in mass shootings in California in 2013 and 2017. This session we passed a bill that will prohibit manufacturing a firearm without a serial number, manufacturing a plastic gun that can pass through security measures if its grips, stocks and magazines are taken off, and prohibits the possessing, receiving or transferring of an unfinished firearm frame or lower receiver lacking a serial number. Ghost guns are dangerous and difficult for law enforcement to trace, and banning these firearms will make our state safer for all.

Ensuring Guns Are Stored Safely When Around Minors: House Bill 7218: An Act Concerning the Safe Storage of Firearms in the Home and Firearm Safety Programs in Public Schools
The tragic death of Ethan Song, the 15 year old Guilford boy who was accidentally killed by an improperly stored gun at a friend’s house, rocked the state. In the aftermath of Ethan’s passing, we’ve had an important conversation in Connecticut about safe storage of firearms—whether they are loaded or unloaded—when in a household with a minor. In response, we passed legislation which will strengthen our state’s gun laws by requiring safe storage for all guns—loaded and unloaded—and increased the age restriction which requires gun owners to secure loaded or unloaded guns in locked containers from 16 years old to 18 years old. The legislation will also require the
Connecticut Board of Education to develop a K-12 guide on gun safety. This bill prioritizes the lives of our state’s young people while also educating them on proper gun safety.

Ensuring Safe Storage of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle: House Bill 7223: An Act Concerning The Storage Of A Pistol Or Revolver In A Motor Vehicle
As gun thefts from cars rise throughout the country, this legislation will prohibit storing a pistol in an unattended motor vehicle, unless that pistol is in the trunk, a locked glove box or a locked safe. This legislation can reduce the up to 600,000 guns stolen each year and is another improvement to our state’s gun laws to ensure the safety of each and every person in Connecticut.

EDUCATION

Debt-Free Community College: Senate Bill 273: An Act Concerning Debt-Free College
Connecticut has the third-highest student loan debt in the country, and the cost of public college education in the state has grown nearly three times faster than inflation in the last 50 years. This problem ties an anchor around recent graduates’ feet, preventing them from starting their lives and families. Starting in Fall 2020, students in good academic standing will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take at state community colleges, allowing them to graduate without accruing debt. This provides students relief from crushing debt and strengthens Connecticut’s workforce for the future.

Helping Pay Down Student Loan Debt: Senate Bill 72: An Act Establishing A Tax Credit For Employers That Make Payments On Loans Issued To Certain Employees By The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority
Connecticut student loan debt more than doubled from 2008 to 2017. It is estimated that new college graduates in Connecticut carry over $35,000 of student debt. This level of debt can affect were you decide to work, where you decide to live and what purchases (such as a house) you can make. In addition, Connecticut employers are struggling to fill positions in careers with shortages. This bill creates a tax credit program for businesses who help pay off the debt of their employees. By giving a credit of up to 50% (capped at $2,625) to businesses who pay off the loans of their employees, we are giving businesses an incentive to hire people right here in Connecticut. Employees must have graduated within five years, which limits eligibility for the employer for five years of credits and only applies to loans issued by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. These credits can be deducted from corporate or insurance industry taxes.

HEALTH CARE

Raising the Smoking and Vaping Age to 21: House Bill 7200: An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-one
Ninety-five percent of adult smokers started smoking before they turned 21. The lifelong consequences of smoking tobacco clearly damage public health, and we need to use every tool in our toolbox to prevent our young people from falling into this deadly habit. We also need to fight the nationwide epidemic of “vaping” among middle- and high-school students. We passed this bill to raise Connecticut’s smoking age, and the age at which someone can purchase tobacco products (including vaporizers and vaping liquid) from 18 to 21. In addition to raising the smoking age, the bill also increases penalties for tobacco sales for individuals under the age of 21, and it bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds.

Protecting Nursing Home Residents: Senate Bill 375: An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels
Patients in our state’s nursing homes are some of our most vulnerable residents, and they must receive adequate care and attention from staff. This bill requires nursing homes to post in a conspicuous space every day information regarding the number of advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse’s aides who will be providing direct patient care during each shift. The bill also allows DPH to take disciplinary action or issue a citation against a nursing home if the home substantially fails to comply with the state’s minimum direct care staffing requirements (i.e. 1.9 hours of direct nursing staff per resident per day). The home would have to post the staffing violation prominently on-site.

Treating Mental Health at Colleges and Universities: Senate Bill 750: An Act Concerning the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Illness at Institutions of Higher Education
College students have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and panic attacks at increased rates in recent years. While up to 75 percent of mental illnesses arise before the age of 24, just one in five college students with mental illnesses seek help each year. This bill creates a task force to study current approaches to treating mental illness in higher education and find ways to improve them. Those recommendations will help us put a better support system in place, allowing students in crisis to find the help they need.

Protecting Patients: Senate Bill 42: An Act Concerning Coinsurance, Copayments And Deductibles And Contracting By Health Carriers
Too many patients are overbilled or receive surprise bills from their insurance company. It is critical that our state increase health care transparency and protect patients. This bill includes the following provisions: 1) establishes a task force to look at issues of affordability around high deductible health plans, 2) requires hospitals to disclose fees associated with trauma activation, 3) prohibits disability insurance policies from containing discretionary clauses that allow the insurance company to interpret language it has itself presented in the contract, 4) prohibits insurers from denying coverage for ER services due to the fact that an insured could have received care elsewhere, 5) adds out of network lab services to the existing “surprise billing” law, 6) decreases the timeframe from 72 to 48 hours, (except during the weekend) for adverse determination review, and 7) ties out of pocket costs to the actual cost of services and prohibits insurers from charging insureds for care more than an uninsured would pay.

A CONNECTICUT FOR ALL

The “Time’s Up” Act: Senate Bill 3: Time’s Up Act: An Act Concerning Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment
Compared to other states, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape – just five years to bring a complaint
– is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states have no statute of limitations for rape, or they have a longer limit than Connecticut. But our country is in the midst of a long- overdue reckoning regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment, and Connecticut can no longer lag behind other states in protecting victims of sexual assault. That’s why we passed a bill extending our statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from 5 years to 20 years, extending the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allowing more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and requiring more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

A Council on Protecting Women’s Health: Senate Bill 394: An Act Establishing A Council on Protecting Women’s Health
If a federal agency changes the definitions of domestic violence and sexual assault, should Connecticut residents be concerned? If an administration dictates that overseas groups receiving U.S. health funds may not use this money to provide legal abortion services, what could possibly be the effect on Connecticut? If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, how does that affect health care in Connecticut? What about an Appellate Court or Supreme Court decision regarding abortion? These are all questions of great importance to Connecticut women and their families. That’s why we created The Council on Protecting Women’s Health, to monitor legislation and policy at the federal level and its potential negative impact women’s health right here in Connecticut.

Protecting the Transgender Community: Senate Bill 792: An Act Creating an Advisory Committee to Study Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Expression That Occurs in Workplaces and Schools in the State
According to the Transgender Law Center, Connecticut is in the top tier of states for laws protecting members of the transgender community. However, the current federal administration has taken several actions to backtrack on progress. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice reversed a policy that provided non-discrimination protections for transgender people in the workplace, and the Department of Education also reversed policy and will not take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are banned from restrooms that match their gender identity. Given these developments, this bill would establish an advisory committee to inform the General Assembly whether our laws have been successful, and what changes may be necessary to ensure equality and opportunities for all residents of our state.

 

Connecticut Senate Democrats Highlight Successful 2019 Legislative Session

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Connecticut Senate Democrats Highlight Successful 2019 Legislative Session

HARTFORD, CT (June 10, 2019) – Today, Senate Democrats highlighted a series of bills that passed in the 2019 legislative session which will strengthen our economy, improve education, strengthen gun safety, and ensure Connecticut support middle-class and working-class families in Connecticut.

“Years from now Connecticut residents will look back on the 2019 legislative session as one of the most beneficial and productive for the typical working family in our state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “This package of legislation and new laws will vastly improve our quality of life and benefit our economy. Between debt-free community college, paid family and medical leave, and a raise in the minimum wage, Connecticut residents will see positive, tangible benefits from this legislative session.”

ECONOMIC COMPETITION & FAIRNESS

Creating Paid Family and Medical Leave: Senate Bill 1: An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave
In a United Nations survey of 185 countries, only two lacked paid family and medical leave programs: Papau New Guinea and the United States. One quarter of new mothers in the United States return to work just two weeks after their children are born. This program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents, those taking care of seriously ill family members, and those caring for their own serious illnesses–thereby preventing the public from having to choose between work and family. Connecticut becomes the seventh state to offer this global standard to its residents.

Raising the Minimum Wage to $15: Senate Bill 2: An Act Increasing the Minimum Fair Wage
When costs rise but wages stay stagnant, paying rent and utilities or providing for a family become almost impossible. As New York and Massachusetts pass laws to raise the minimum wage, Connecticut cannot continue to lag behind. Senate Bill 2 will raise the minimum wage in Connecticut to $15 by 2023 by implementing five minimum wage increases over the next five years. According to a Quinnipiac University poll, 63 percent of Connecticut residents support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. This increase will keep up with rising living costs, ensure businesses remain strong with competitive wages and bring many who are earning the minimum wage in this state closer to a genuine living wage.

Continuing the Success of the Workforce Pipeline Initiative: Senate Bill 5: An Act Establishing A Workforce Pipeline and Job Creation Task Force
In 2018 Senate Democrats led passage of a Workforce Pipeline & Apprenticeship initiative to provide rapid work skills training for people seeking employment, then place up to 10,000 participants directly into good paying jobs with a bright future. In order to begin addressing the state’s many workforce needs, a collaborative workforce training effort known as the Eastern CT Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative was established two years ago by Electric Boat, the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, the Eastern Workforce Investment Board, and other partners. Through this effort 1,000 entry-level workers were rapidly trained and placed into jobs over a two-year period. This bill will establish a workforce pipeline and job creation task force to continue the positive progress of this initiative. With a track record of success, this is a proven model piloted by this effort, and it will expand to other sectors and areas of the state.

GUN SAFETY


Statewide Ban On Ghost Guns: House Bill 7219: An Act Concerning Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are increasingly becoming a problem across the country. These firearms can be made using a 3D printer and assembled with kits purchased online, allowing anyone to have access to an unmarked, unregistered firearm without a permit. Ghost guns have been seized in Torrington, Ridgefield and Waterbury, and these firearms have been used in mass shootings in California in 2013 and 2017. This session we passed a bill that will prohibit manufacturing a firearm without a serial number, manufacturing a plastic gun that can pass through security measures if its grips, stocks and magazines are taken off, and prohibits the possessing, receiving or transferring of an unfinished firearm frame or lower receiver lacking a serial number. Ghost guns are dangerous and difficult for law enforcement to trace, and banning these firearms will make our state safer for all.

Ensuring Guns Are Stored Safely When Around Minors: House Bill 7218: An Act Concerning the Safe Storage of Firearms in the Home and Firearm Safety Programs in Public Schools
The tragic death of Ethan Song, the 15 year old Guilford boy who was accidentally killed by an improperly stored gun at a friend’s house, rocked the state. In the aftermath of Ethan’s passing, we’ve had an important conversation in Connecticut about safe storage of firearms—whether they are loaded or unloaded—when in a household with a minor. In response, we passed legislation which will strengthen our state’s gun laws by requiring safe storage for all guns—loaded and unloaded—and increased the age restriction which requires gun owners to secure loaded or unloaded guns in locked containers from 16 years old to 18 years old. The legislation will also require the
Connecticut Board of Education to develop a K-12 guide on gun safety. This bill prioritizes the lives of our state’s young people while also educating them on proper gun safety.

Ensuring Safe Storage of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle: House Bill 7223: An Act Concerning The Storage Of A Pistol Or Revolver In A Motor Vehicle
As gun thefts from cars rise throughout the country, this legislation will prohibit storing a pistol in an unattended motor vehicle, unless that pistol is in the trunk, a locked glove box or a locked safe. This legislation can reduce the up to 600,000 guns stolen each year and is another improvement to our state’s gun laws to ensure the safety of each and every person in Connecticut.

EDUCATION

Debt-Free Community College: Senate Bill 273: An Act Concerning Debt-Free College
Connecticut has the third-highest student loan debt in the country, and the cost of public college education in the state has grown nearly three times faster than inflation in the last 50 years. This problem ties an anchor around recent graduates’ feet, preventing them from starting their lives and families. Starting in Fall 2020, students in good academic standing will receive credit for the first 72 credit hours they take at state community colleges, allowing them to graduate without accruing debt. This provides students relief from crushing debt and strengthens Connecticut’s workforce for the future.

Helping Pay Down Student Loan Debt: Senate Bill 72: An Act Establishing A Tax Credit For Employers That Make Payments On Loans Issued To Certain Employees By The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority
Connecticut student loan debt more than doubled from 2008 to 2017. It is estimated that new college graduates in Connecticut carry over $35,000 of student debt. This level of debt can affect were you decide to work, where you decide to live and what purchases (such as a house) you can make. In addition, Connecticut employers are struggling to fill positions in careers with shortages. This bill creates a tax credit program for businesses who help pay off the debt of their employees. By giving a credit of up to 50% (capped at $2,625) to businesses who pay off the loans of their employees, we are giving businesses an incentive to hire people right here in Connecticut. Employees must have graduated within five years, which limits eligibility for the employer for five years of credits and only applies to loans issued by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. These credits can be deducted from corporate or insurance industry taxes.

HEALTH CARE

Raising the Smoking and Vaping Age to 21: House Bill 7200: An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products to Persons Under Age Twenty-one
Ninety-five percent of adult smokers started smoking before they turned 21. The lifelong consequences of smoking tobacco clearly damage public health, and we need to use every tool in our toolbox to prevent our young people from falling into this deadly habit. We also need to fight the nationwide epidemic of “vaping” among middle- and high-school students. We passed this bill to raise Connecticut’s smoking age, and the age at which someone can purchase tobacco products (including vaporizers and vaping liquid) from 18 to 21. In addition to raising the smoking age, the bill also increases penalties for tobacco sales for individuals under the age of 21, and it bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds.

Protecting Nursing Home Residents: Senate Bill 375: An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels
Patients in our state’s nursing homes are some of our most vulnerable residents, and they must receive adequate care and attention from staff. This bill requires nursing homes to post in a conspicuous space every day information regarding the number of advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse’s aides who will be providing direct patient care during each shift. The bill also allows DPH to take disciplinary action or issue a citation against a nursing home if the home substantially fails to comply with the state’s minimum direct care staffing requirements (i.e. 1.9 hours of direct nursing staff per resident per day). The home would have to post the staffing violation prominently on-site.

Treating Mental Health at Colleges and Universities: Senate Bill 750: An Act Concerning the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Illness at Institutions of Higher Education
College students have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and panic attacks at increased rates in recent years. While up to 75 percent of mental illnesses arise before the age of 24, just one in five college students with mental illnesses seek help each year. This bill creates a task force to study current approaches to treating mental illness in higher education and find ways to improve them. Those recommendations will help us put a better support system in place, allowing students in crisis to find the help they need.

Protecting Patients: Senate Bill 42: An Act Concerning Coinsurance, Copayments And Deductibles And Contracting By Health Carriers
Too many patients are overbilled or receive surprise bills from their insurance company. It is critical that our state increase health care transparency and protect patients. This bill includes the following provisions: 1) establishes a task force to look at issues of affordability around high deductible health plans, 2) requires hospitals to disclose fees associated with trauma activation, 3) prohibits disability insurance policies from containing discretionary clauses that allow the insurance company to interpret language it has itself presented in the contract, 4) prohibits insurers from denying coverage for ER services due to the fact that an insured could have received care elsewhere, 5) adds out of network lab services to the existing “surprise billing” law, 6) decreases the timeframe from 72 to 48 hours, (except during the weekend) for adverse determination review, and 7) ties out of pocket costs to the actual cost of services and prohibits insurers from charging insureds for care more than an uninsured would pay.

A CONNECTICUT FOR ALL

The “Time’s Up” Act: Senate Bill 3: Time’s Up Act: An Act Concerning Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment
Compared to other states, Connecticut’s statute of limitations for rape – just five years to bring a complaint
– is one of the shortest in the country. Forty-five states have no statute of limitations for rape, or they have a longer limit than Connecticut. But our country is in the midst of a long- overdue reckoning regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment, and Connecticut can no longer lag behind other states in protecting victims of sexual assault. That’s why we passed a bill extending our statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes from 5 years to 20 years, extending the time limits people have to file lawsuits for sexual assault, allowing more time for criminal prosecution of sexual assault, and requiring more employer-sponsored sexual harassment training.

A Council on Protecting Women’s Health: Senate Bill 394: An Act Establishing A Council on Protecting Women’s Health
If a federal agency changes the definitions of domestic violence and sexual assault, should Connecticut residents be concerned? If an administration dictates that overseas groups receiving U.S. health funds may not use this money to provide legal abortion services, what could possibly be the effect on Connecticut? If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, how does that affect health care in Connecticut? What about an Appellate Court or Supreme Court decision regarding abortion? These are all questions of great importance to Connecticut women and their families. That’s why we created The Council on Protecting Women’s Health, to monitor legislation and policy at the federal level and its potential negative impact women’s health right here in Connecticut.

Protecting the Transgender Community: Senate Bill 792: An Act Creating an Advisory Committee to Study Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Expression That Occurs in Workplaces and Schools in the State
According to the Transgender Law Center, Connecticut is in the top tier of states for laws protecting members of the transgender community. However, the current federal administration has taken several actions to backtrack on progress. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice reversed a policy that provided non-discrimination protections for transgender people in the workplace, and the Department of Education also reversed policy and will not take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are banned from restrooms that match their gender identity. Given these developments, this bill would establish an advisory committee to inform the General Assembly whether our laws have been successful, and what changes may be necessary to ensure equality and opportunities for all residents of our state.

Senator Needleman Leads Senate Approval of Bills Bolstering Connecticut Green Energy Production, Economic Growth

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Senator Needleman Leads Senate Approval of Bills Bolstering Connecticut Green Energy Production, Economic Growth

Senate Democrats Photo

HARTFORD, CT – This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) led the Senate’s approval of legislation that positions Connecticut as a clean energy leader, bolstering its energy grid and clean energy production, while paving the way for the state to financially benefit with the creation of new jobs and an infusion of new technologies.

“Connecticut’s energy industry and energy production is well positioned to benefit from the approval of this legislation,” said Sen. Needleman. “These bills directly support our state’s energy grid while expanding its ability to utilize eco-friendly power generation sources. They represent a sharp increase for Connecticut’s green energy industry. This is one of the largest economic development initiatives in Connecticut, impacting towns including New London and its surrounding areas. It represents up to $2 billion in total economic impact and the creation of numerous jobs as we push toward a cleaner future. As the Chairman of the Energy and Technology Committee, I am overjoyed to see our state move forward.”

House Bill No. 7156, “An Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived from Offshore Wind,” authorizes state officials including the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Office of Consumer Counsel and the state’s electric procurement manager to solicit proposals for wind energy projects of up to 2,000 megawatts.

Not only is wind energy ranked as a class 1 renewable production source, meaning it is carbon free, but its rate of 2,000 megawatts represents up to 40 percent of the state’s total energy needs. This legislation, as a result, positions Connecticut to drastically improve its production and consumption of clean energy. Officials can start soliciting projects this year.

Further, the legislation requires that these projects provide good-paying jobs to workers across Connecticut. These projects must also come with mitigation plans for environmental issues and fisheries, protecting businesses and natural resources alike.

Officials including DEEP Commissioner Katie S. Dykes and Office of Consumer Counsel Commissioner Elin Swason Katz applauded the bill during public testimony, noting it would help the state’s commitment toward a cleaner energy network while creating new jobs in the state.

House Bill No. 5002, “An Act Concerning a Green Economy and Environmental Protection,” bolsters several green economic strategies that the state can use. Among its many purposes:

  • It expands residential and commercial solar incentive programs, which promotes municipalities’ and businesses’ use of solar power
  • It increases virtual net metering caps from $10 million to $20 million, allowing towns to invest more in clean energy for powering towns
  • It creates a study for the state to check inventory of land for class 1 renewables, allowing for better information about installation of solar panels on public land
  • It updates state building contract standards to meet national energy efficiency standards
  • It expands state anaerobic digestion programs, which use food waste and animal waste to generate energy
  • It allows electric distribution companies to own their storage systems and storage infrastructure.

Prior to its acceptance by the Senate, this bill passed the House, the Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Technology Committee. It received support from dairy farms, environmental representatives and the Connecticut Citizen Action Group among numerous others. It awaits the Governor’s signature.

Senate Gives Final Approval to Invasive Species Legislation

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Senate Gives Final Approval to Invasive Species Legislation

HARTFORD – A bill fighting troublesome invasive species and preserving Connecticut’s lakes, ponds and rivers received final approval in the state Senate today and now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) voted to approve the legislation.

House Bill 6637, “AN ACT REQUIRING AN INVASIVE SPECIES STAMP FOR THE OPERATION OF A MOTORBOAT ON THE INLAND WATERS OF THE STATE,” charges Connecticut residents $5 and out-of-state residents $25 for a boat stamp that would help fund the removal of invasive plants and animals from Connecticut’s waterways.

The bill passed the House and Senate on overwhelmingly bipartisan votes of 131-10 and 34-2. At its public hearing in March, the bill received support from more than a half-dozen environmental groups and dozens of Connecticut residents, many of them members of lake homeowner associations who have seen the health and beauty of Connecticut’s lakes and ponds degraded over the years by invasive weeds brought in on boat hulls, motors, and fishing gear.

“Supported by numerous environmental groups and boating and lake associations, this legislation will provide much-needed funding to address the growing issue of aquatic invasive species in our ponds, rivers and lakes,” said Sen. Needleman. “Collected funds will be deposited into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Fund for programming to eradicate aquatic invasive species, education and public outreach programs, and provide grants to conduct research and education on managing these bodies of water. I am pleased to see it pass the Senate.”

Among the dozens of supporters who spoke on the bill at public hearing was Margot Burns, environmental planner for the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments. The LCRVCG represents towns including Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Lyme, Portland and Westbrook.

“Protecting our regional economy of public recreation in regards to boating, fishing, and swimming is dependent on our ability to maintain water quality of the highest standards and healthy wildlife habitats,” said Burns. Funding is necessary to research, survey, plan and execute responses to invasive species in Connecticut waterways, she said.

Maroney Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Provide College Loan Debt Relief, Require Coding Curriculum in Schools, and Help Veterans Land Manufacturing Jobs

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Maroney Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Provide College Loan Debt Relief, Require Coding Curriculum in Schools, and Help Veterans Land Manufacturing Jobs

Three Maroney Bills Head to Governor’s Desk

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) applauded the state House of Representatives passage of three bills he championed this legislative session. One of the Senator’s bills will provide college loan debt relief to Connecticut residents, another will expand coding and Computer Science curriculum in public school and the last will create a program to assist veterans with starting manufacturing careers. The three bills advanced out of the state House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support and will head to Governor Ned Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“I am elated to see all three bills receive bipartisan support in both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate,” said Sen. Maroney. “These three pieces of legislation mean improved education in our schools, relief for our state’s college graduates and jobs for our state’s veterans. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with state Senator’s Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) on Senate Bill 72, which will provide student loan debt relief, and to both chambers for their support on my other two important pieces of legislation.”

Coding Curriculum for All

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. Before passing the state House of Representatives by a 133-17 tally today, it passed the state Senate unanimously.

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.

Providing College Loan Debt Relief to Connecticut Residents

Senate Bill No. 72, “An Act Establishing a Tax Credit for Employers That Make Payments on Loans Issued to Certain Employees by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority,” would provide a tax credit to employers making payments on their employees’ student loans. Students who attended the Connecticut State College University systems would be eligible and those who received loans through that body would be eligible for loan relief as well. This legislation passed the state Senate 27-8 and made it out of the House by a 138-8 vote.

This program is designed for employees who are full-time workers who have lived in Connecticut and been employed full-time for at least five years after graduation. Starting in 2022, each employer who makes loan payments directly to state loan authorities can claim a credit equal to half of the payments they make during any given year. The program allows them to receive these tax credits for no more than five years. The maximum payment available in a given year is $5,200.

Connecticut student loan debt more than doubled from 2008 to 2017, increasing in size from $8 billion to $17 billion. Connecticut Realtors testified earlier this year that first-time home buyers are delayed up to seven years from making a purchase due to student loan debt. Sen. Maroney said earlier this year that this bill serves as an excellent recruiting tool for companies looking to attract new workers to the state of Connecticut.

Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans

Senate Bill 968 will establish the Military to Machinist Program, which will accomplish the following:

  • Assist veterans in earning an advanced manufacturing certificate from a qualifying certificate program of an institution of higher education.
  • Certificate holders will also be aided in finding employment with any eligible business* in the advanced manufacturing field.
  • A designated liaison from The Workplace will assist veterans in obtaining funding for their education.
  • The liaisons will also be tasked with helping eligible businesses apply to The Workplace for a grant to subsidize on-the-job training and compensation for new employees and tax credits for apprenticeship training in manufacturing, construction and plastic-related trades.
  • In addition, the bill creates a special Veterans Platform to Employment program that will assist long termed unemployed veterans in gaining employment.
  • *Connecticut businesses in good standing regarding state and local tax payments are considered eligible businesses.

The Military to Machinist Program will go into effect October 1, 2019 and was voted out of the House and Senate unanimously.

Senator Anwar Lauds Approval of Relief for Crumbling Foundations

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Senator Anwar Lauds Approval of Relief for Crumbling Foundations

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) lauded the Senate’s passing of legislation providing support to those whose homes have been impacted by crumbling foundations. Having already passed the House, this approval means the legislation will soon go to the Governor’s desk for signing.

“This issue is impacting a number of communities in eastern Connecticut,” said Sen. Anwar. “Homeowners and business owners continue to learn the homes and buildings they’ve worked so hard to attain are unsafe. Repairing this issue can cost more than most can afford. Few can pay on their own. By taking action today, we ease their burden and support so many who are struggling. I look forward to Governor Lamont signing this bill.”

House Bill No. 7179, “An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations,” takes a number of steps to support property owners whose properties suffer from crumbling foundations. The language includes:

  • A new grant program, established by the Commissioner of Housing, to support the development of new technology reducing the average cost of repairing and replacing the cost of repairing and replacing concrete foundations.
  • An innovation board to review applications for that grant program.
  • An $8 million appropriation to fund grants through that program.
  • A modification of the Healthy Homes Fund surcharge to support affected property owners.
  • Redefining the term “residential building” to support property owners experiencing this problem.

Thousands of homes across Connecticut could be deemed uninhabitable or require significant repairs due to the presence of the chemical pyrrhotite in the concrete used to pour their foundations. Dozens of towns, including those in the 3rd District, may have homes compromised by the presence of the chemical.

 

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Senate Approval of Legislation Addressing Opioid Use in Connecticut

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Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Senate Approval of Legislation Addressing Opioid Use in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after the Senate’s approval of legislation addressing opioid use in the state.

“The opioid epidemic is personal to me,” said Sen. Anwar. “As a critical care doctor, I see patients die due to complications from opioid use almost once every month. These are preventable deaths. This is not an illness of individuals but an illness of our society. There are many ways to try and address this challenge. This bill is a starting point to have a comprehensive plan and look at ways individuals in our society are getting access to opioids, prevention methods, early identification and treatment opportunities. This requires all hands on deck to try to prevent, identify and manage this illness. I am happy we have been able to pass this bill and look forward to the Governor signing it and starting the process. As we learn more, I believe we will have to enhance and explore this further. I thank the chairs of the Public Health Committee, Senator Mary Abrams and Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and others who have been instrumental in addressing this.”

 

House Passes Tax Credit for Businesses That Pay Student Loans, Bill Now Heads to Governor for Approval

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House Passes Tax Credit for Businesses That Pay Student Loans, Bill Now Heads to Governor for Approval

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) celebrated the House’s passing of legislation that will make Connecticut more affordable for both businesses and young people, making higher education more affordable. With the House’s approval, the legislation will soon be signed by the governor and made law.

“I am ecstatic to see so many Democrats and Republicans in the House support this crucial initiative,” said Sen. Haskell. “With the rising wave of student loan debt holding students and recent graduates back, I’m proud that we’re working across the aisle to revitalize our economy. This bill helps employers and employees alike. I’m excited to see this legislation that I helped to write reach Governor Lamont’s desk.”

Senate Bill No. 72, “An Act Establishing a Tax Credit for Employers That Make Payments on Loans Issued to Certain Employees by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority,” provides tax credits to employers who make payments on their employees’ student loans from the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. The program will assist employees working full-time in Connecticut who live and work in the state for at least five years after graduation. Starting in 2022, employers making loan payments can claim credits of half of the value of those payments for a period of up to five years.

This legislation comes as student loan debt more than doubled in Connecticut from 2008 to 2017 from $8 billion to $17 billion.

Senator Haskell co-sponsored this legislation with Senator Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich) and Senator James Maroney (D-Milford).

Sen. Osten Votes for Balanced State Budget That Investments in People, Jobs and Communities

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Sen. Osten Votes for Balanced State Budget That Investments in People, Jobs and Communities

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) this evening joined with her Democratic Senate colleagues in passing a 2020-2021 state budget that supports working families, students and seniors while remaining fiscally responsible, paying pension obligations, and growing Connecticut’s Rainy Day Fund to an impressive $2.6 billion.

The budget passed the Senate on a 20-16 vote and now heads to Governor Lamont for his signature into law.

The budget is balanced, includes no income or sales tax hikes, and keeps non-fixed state spending increases to a minuscule 0.3% in the first year of the budget.

“This is a balanced budget that protects the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, constrains state spending to a large degree, and provides a real path forward to addressing our long-term liabilities,” said Sen. Osten, who as Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee was intricately involved in crafting the biennial state budget.

The biennial state budget highlights include:

Supporting Connecticut Families

  • Includes funding to implement an increase in the minimum wage
  • Funds a Paid Family Medical Leave program

Monumental Positive Changes for Higher Education

  • Establishes debt-free community college for all Connecticut residents
  • Increases funding for UConn by $9.7 million in 2020 and $20.6 million in 2021

Safeguarding Seniors

  • Increases funding for nursing home workers that care for our seniors and avoids a statewide strike of workers ($11 million more in 2020 and $18.5 million more in 2021)
  • Provides funding for the Center for Medicare Advocacy ($300,000 in each year)
  • Increases funding for Meals on Wheels ($475,000 in each year)

Fiscal Responsibility

  • Over $2.6 billion in the “Rainy Day” fund
  • Only 1.7% growth in state spending in 2020 and 3.4% in 2021
  • Only 0.3% growth in non-fixed cost state spending in 2020 and 2.1% in 2021
  • 1,000 fewer Connecticut state employee positions
  • Budget is under the constitutional spending cap, the bonding cap, the expenditure cap and the volatility cap.

Invests in Job Creation and Workforce Development

  • Jobs Funnel Programs (Over $1 million each year)
  • Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative ($2 million each year)
  • Healthcare Apprenticeship Initiative ($500,000 each year)
  • Connecticut’s Youth Employment Program ($5 million each year)
  • Cradle to Career ($100,000 each year)
  • Pilot Re-Entry Program ($800,000 each year)
  • Veteran Machinists Training ($250,000 each year)

Holding the Line on Taxes

  • No increase in the sales tax rate, though the current sales tax is modernized to cover digital downloads, dry-cleaning, parking, and interior design
  • No increase in the income tax rate
  • No increase in the capital gains tax rate
  • Cuts income taxes for seniors on Social Security and pensions
  • Eliminates the business entity tax to help new companies start-up and remove a nuisance tax on all businesses

Funding Our Pensions and Paying Down Our Debt

  • Over $1.5 billion goes toward paying down last generation’s unfunded pensions
  • Only $229 million or 13% is for current employees in 2020 and $220 million in 2021
  • Funds 100% of pensions and benefits for current state employees and teachers

Other Investments

  • Fully funds Passport to the Parks program
  • Includes funding for Juvenile Justice ($11.7 Million in FY 20 and $10.2 Million in FY 21)
  • Funds services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities including employment and day services for new high school graduates ($6.3 Million in FY 20 and $14.6 Million in FY 21) as well as individuals aging out of the Department of Children and Families and residential schools ($3 Million in FY 20 and $5.7 Million in FY 21)
  • Preserves funding for mental health and substance abuse grants ($1.6 Million in each year)
  • Provides funding for caseload growth in the Birth to Three program ($1.4 Million in FY 20 and $2 Million in FY 21)
  • Includes funding for a new State Trooper Class in FY 20
  • Provides funding to staff Welcome Centers and restore the hours of operation at the Rest Areas on our highways
  • Provides $500,000 each year in new funding for the Connecticut Diaper Bank
  • Funds the Foreclosure Mediation Program $1.8 Million in FY 20 and $2 Million in FY 21.