Month: July 2019

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment for First Responders Signed Into Law

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Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment for First Responders Signed Into Law

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation that would provide police, firefighters and other first responders with increased workers compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line to protect us, and in their work, they often see the worst of the worst, things the rest of us never have to experience,” said Sen. Anwar. “Those sights can stay with a person and haunt them, causing long-term mental injury. We need to protect these brave men and women and give them the support they need to overcome the pain they experience. By providing them with these expansions of treatment, we let them know that they should not be afraid to seek help and that we will support them in their time of need.”

 

Sen. Needleman Stands With Leaders as Governor Signs Bill Expanding PTSD Treatment for First Responders

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Sen. Needleman Stands With Leaders as Governor Signs Bill Expanding PTSD Treatment for First Responders

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State Senator Norm Needleman stands with Richard Hart, Deputy Chief of the City of Waterbury Fire Department and Connecticut Director of Legislative and Political Affairs for the Uniformed Professional Firefighters of America, after Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill allowing medical coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder for first responders.

WATERBURY – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined Governor Ned Lamont and a number of state officials, political leaders and first responders to commemorate Lamont’s signing of a bill expanding treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder to first responders including police officers and firefighters. Under the new law, these first responders will have the ability to seek treatment after witnessing or experiencing traumatic incidents while on the job.

“Our first responders make sacrifices to protect our safety, and in doing so, they must often face tragedy and trauma,” said Sen. Needleman. “Those scenes can linger and last long after they end, causing significant mental stress and trauma that can negatively impact their lives and the lives of their families and friends. Many first responders refuse to seek help because they fear they will be treated differently. Today, we’re extending them a helping hand, letting them know that we know they are in pain and that we are willing to help. My only regret is that the legislation does not include EMS workers, as the negotiations leading to this bill were intricate and complicated, but I am confident that we can change that in the General Assembly next year and provide them the assistance they need.”

With the bill signed by Governor Lamont today, first responders who experience traumatic incidents in the line of duty would be authorized to receive medical benefits if they are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The new law also expands the evaluation period for an employer to accept or deny such a claim from 30 days to 180 days. Due to negotiations between unions and municipalities in the creation of the law, it does not currently include coverage for emergency medical services workers and Department of Corrections officers, but a late addition to the bill includes a study of expanding the care to those individuals to be completed by the end of 2019. Lawmakers will have the opportunity to create a similar law covering those workers in the 2020 legislative session.

The new standards are expected to provide coverage to roughly 36,000 state and local employees, including 26,800 firefighters, 8,180 police officers, 958 state police officers and 140 parole officers.

Senators Anwar, Osten Support Signing of Bill Intended to Fight Scourge of Crumbling Foundations

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Senators Anwar, Osten Support Signing of Bill Intended to Fight Scourge of Crumbling Foundations

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State Senator Saud Anwar joins a coalition of political and regional leaders as Governor Ned Lamont signs legislation fighting crumbling foundations into law.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) joined Governor Ned Lamont to support the signing of legislation designed to fight the scourge of crumbling foundations impacting numerous homeowners throughout the state. The legislation in question will establish a grant program to study the possibility of reducing the cost of repairing and replacing crumbling foundations; establish a board for oversight of those applications; create a low-interest loan program for property owners with crumbling foundations who reach maximum financial assistance; and modify definitions of surcharges and terms intended to support new knowledge of crumbling foundations.

“Far too many homeowners in our state know the unfortunate struggles of dealing with crumbling foundations in their homes,” said Sen. Anwar. “With today’s signing by the Governor, we let them know we hear them and are working as hard as we can to help them. By establishing a grant program to study best ways to reduce the cost of repairing foundations, we will try to find new solutions to help homeowners, as the extreme costs those repairs currently represent a significant financial barrier to resuming a normal life. The loan program provides new opportunities for homeowners to lessen the financial struggle of repairing their homes, which sometimes represent their life’s savings. Additionally, by modifying language and terms of existing legislation, including expanding the definition of ‘residential building’ to include additional structures, this legislation supports more property owners who until now could not receive relief for their homes. I laud this important step forward for the state.”

“The issue of crumbing foundations is going to be with Connecticut and its residents for a long time to come, so the legislature needs to continually fine-tune our public policies to help as many people as possible. That’s what we did today,” said state Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), whose Senate District includes the towns of Hebron and Columbia.

Legislation enacted Tuesday will establish a grant program supporting the development of methods and technologies intended to reduce the average cost of repairing and replacing concrete foundations that have deteriorated due to the presence of pyrrhotite, a chemical that causes erosion of concrete if exposed to oxygen. It’s hoped that the legislation can drastically lower the cost of these repairs, which can rise to more than $100,000 for a single home. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $8 million to fund grants awarded by an innovation board.

Further, it creates a low-interest loan program for property owners who have already received the maximum amount of financial assistance they can receive for home repairs through established programs. This loan program will limit further financial strain for them in an already difficult time.

The legislation also makes modifications to the Healthy Homes surcharge, a $12 charge on certain home insurance policies intended to assist homeowners with crumbling foundations, and expands the definition of “residential building” to include structures previously not covered by relief programs.

These changes go further to support families and homeowners negatively impacted by the continuing crisis of crumbling foundations, a crisis that has harmed a number of families in many regions of Connecticut, primarily the northern and eastern regions.

 

Senator Needleman Joins Governor Lamont for Signing of Invasive Species Bill

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Senator Needleman Joins Governor Lamont for Signing of Invasive Species Bill

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State Senator Norm Needleman joins a coalition of political and regional leaders as Governor Ned Lamont signs legislation into effect better protecting Connecticut waterways from invasive species.

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined Governor Ned Lamont for the signing of legislation designed to fight invasive species and preserve Connecticut’s lakes, ponds and rivers. This is an important step that will protect Connecticut’s natural wildlife and environment while also benefitting the beautiful bodies of water that draw so many from the state and beyond.

“Too many bodies of water around Connecticut experience significant environmental damage by invasive species. A simple weed or piece of algae stuck to a boat’s hull can, in time, create a massive threat to a lake or river’s ecosystem, rapidly multiplying. That can harm fishing and recreation, even making the body of water unusable,” said Sen. Needleman. “There’s a reason this legislation received overwhelming support from both environmental groups and lake and boating associations – it will help protect our state against these dangerous threats, keeping our waterways clear. It’s great to see this issue receive the attention it deserves.”

The legislation in question will create a boat stamp, with proceeds helping to fund removal of invasive species from state waterways. Connecticut residents will be charged $5, while out-of-state residents will be charged $25. The collected funds will be deposited into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Fund to support programming on eradicating invasive species, education and public outreach programs to better educate the public, and grants to study better management of bodies of water.

The bill passed the House and Senate on bipartisan votes of 131-10 and 34-2, and in March, dozens of residents supported it at a public hearing. Towns in the 33rd District including East Hampton, Lyme and Old Lyme have experienced growth of invasive weeds and algae in their waterways and bodies of water. The new law takes effect January 1, 2020.

Sen. Kushner Welcomes New Law to Help Clean Up Connecticut’s Lakes and Ponds

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Sen. Kushner Welcomes New Law to Help Clean Up
Connecticut’s Lakes and Ponds

DANBURY – Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed the signing into law of a bill designed to clean up invasive species from Connecticut’s lakes and ponds – especially Candlewood Lake – and to allow conservation police to enforce noise ordinances on Candlewood Lake.

The bill was signed into law this afternoon in the State Capitol by Governor Ned Lamont.

“Candlewood Lake is Connecticut’s largest lake, and it’s one of our state’s greatest natural assets. But Candlewood Lake is also under attack by invasive species like Eurasian milfoil. Something had to be done,” Sen. Kushner said today. “As vice-chair of the Environment Committee, I had an opportunity to champion this bill and to set a plan in motion. With this new invasive species fee, Connecticut will be able to build-up the funds necessary to combat invasive plants and to take on any invasive species that might show up in the future. I’m proud of the bipartisan support this bill generated and I look forward to the good environmental work that will come from it.”

House Bill 6637, “AN ACT REQUIRING AN INVASIVE SPECIES STAMP FOR THE OPERATION OF A MOTORBOAT ON THE WATERS OF THE STATE AND ENFORCEMENT OF NOISE ORDINANCES ON CANDLEWOOD LAKE,” passed the General Assembly in June on an overwhelming and bipartisan 165-12 vote.

The new law enables Connecticut municipalities and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to prevent and respond to infestations of aquatic invasive species that negatively impact water quality, recreational use, environmental health and property values through a user-fee-based approach.

The new law requires owners of registered vessels to pay an annual aquatic invasive species fee of $5 for in-state vessels and $20 for out-of-state vessels. The proceeds will be used for programs to eradicate aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms; for education and public outreach programs about protecting and preserving state lakes, rivers, and ponds; and for grants to state and municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The new law also authorizes DEEP environmental conservation police officers to enforce the noise ordinance of any municipality bordering Candlewood Lake (Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman) on the lake’s waters. If more than one of these municipalities has a noise ordinance, the officers may enforce the most restrictive one.

The new law takes effect January 1, 2020.

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Bill Signings Increasing Protections for the LGBTQ Community

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Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Bill Signings Increasing Protections for the LGBTQ Community

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State Senator Saud Anwar, center, applauds as Governor Ned Lamont shakes State Representative Jeff Currey’s hand after signing legislation supporting the LGBT community.

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after Governor Ned Lamont signed several bills supporting and increasing protections for the LGBTQ community. The bills in question include legal and health protections for members of the community.

“There should be no place for discrimination in Connecticut, and with the Governor’s signing of these bills today, we put more protections in place for the LGBTQ community,” said Sen. Anwar. “By banning the so-called “gay panic” defense, an legal strategy that depends on discrimination and victim-blaming, we protect individuals from violence against them. Increasing minors’ access to medication preventing HIV protects young members of the LGBT community from the fatal illness by giving them the ability to seek their own treatment. And by creating the LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, we provide a new resource to too many youths in our community who may find themselves homeless or underprivileged because of discrimination against them for simply being the person they are. I commend these advances, which will benefit so many across our state.”

 

Looney and Fasano Statements on Tweed Ruling

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Looney and Fasano Statements on Tweed Ruling

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statements in response to the ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the case Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority v. Tong.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven):
“I am urging Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong to appeal the ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Tweed New Haven Airport.

“Earlier this year Senator Fasano, Representative Paolillo, and I met with the Governor and his staff on the necessity for a community benefits plan for the neighborhoods around Tweed New Haven Airport if there were to be any expansion in the number of flights. The strong residential neighborhoods around Tweed must be protected from any damaging impact caused by the potential overruling of state law.”

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven):
“The city of New Haven and Tweed made a promise to the community. They signed off on an agreement that allowed for certain improvements to be made that benefited them. Then, once they got what they wanted, they stabbed the community in the back. They reneged on the very same pledge that they negotiated and approved. How can the community ever trust Tweed and the City of New Haven again?

“While today’s ruling concerns state statute, it does not change the fact that a contract still exists between Tweed, East Haven and New Haven. No federal law can invalidate that contract. I have spoken to the East Haven mayor and it is clear that the contract with Tweed is still enforceable, and therefore restrictions are still in place based on that contract.

“Finally, it remains very concerning that Mayor Harp seems intent on pushing forward with breaking New Haven’s promise to the community, a promise she made as a state senator and a promise she inherited as mayor. She served in the legislature in a high power leadership position at the time the Tweed deal was negotiated and approved. For her to breach the deal she approved as a lawmaker is another blow to public trust. I fear New Haven and Tweed’s decision to go this route has severely damaged their ability to work with the community in all future endeavors.”

 

Sen. McCrory Welcomes New 2019 Tax Breaks for Connecticut Residents

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Sen. McCrory Welcomes New 2019 Tax Breaks for Connecticut Residents

HARTFORD – State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) announced today that the month of July has brought good news for Connecticut taxpayers: the start of new tax breaks on Social Security, pension, and other personal income.

“Two years ago, I and other legislators passed a bipartisan state budget that cut certain taxes in the future. Well, that future is now!” Sen. McCrory said. “Connecticut is home to a growing elderly population, and we want to make their lives as comfortable as possible so they can remain here and enjoy our great quality of life. We also want to make it easier for those with pensions and other retirement income to stay here instead of fleeing to Florida or some other pension tax-free state.”

Beginning July 1, 2019, 100% of a person’s Social Security income in Connecticut will be tax-free if your adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 a year for an individual or $100,000 for a couple (this is an increase over previous years, when the income limits were $50,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a couple.)

This is an important tax break because 90 percent of the estimated 330,000 senior households in Connecticut collect about $20,600 a year in Social Security payments, according to 2015 figures.

“If you receive Social Security income in Connecticut, and you make under $100,000 a year, you will pay fewer income taxes in April 2020, it’s that simple,” Sen. McCrory said.

Also beginning July 1, 2019, Connecticut is phasing-out income taxes on any pension or annuity income you may receive, regardless of your age.

For single people with adjusted gross incomes less than $75,000 and for married people filing jointly with income under $100,000, the phase-out will occur over the next seven years.

This year, Connecticut residents can deduct 14% of this pension and annuity income; in 2020, 28%; in 2021, 42%; in 2022, 56%; in 2023, 70%; in 2024, 84%; and finally, in 2025, 100% of pension and annuity income will be tax-free in Connecticut.

About half of Connecticut’s senior households have an annual retirement income of $27,240, not including Social Security, according to 2015 figures.

Senator Moore Named Co-Chair of National Black Caucus Health Committee

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Senator Moore Named Co-Chair of National Black Caucus Health Committee

HARTFORD, CT – Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) has been appointed as co-Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Health Committee.

Established in 1977, NBCSL is the nation’s premier organization representing and serving the interests of African American state legislators. The primary mission of the organization is to develop, conduct, and promote educational, research and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members. NBCSL has more than 700 members and represents more than 60 million Americans. The organization works to ensure that African American legislators have a strong, effective, and influential voice on Capitol Hill.

“I’m honored to be appointed as co-chair of NBCSL’s Health Committee,” said Senator Marilyn Moore. “Public health, access to healthcare, and disease prevention are some of the most important issues we face as a country. They affect every community, rural or urban, and impact every facet of our lives. It’s crucial that we have discussions and share ideas on best practices and policies in these areas, especially regarding how our policies affect the African American community. NBCSL provides the platform to do just that.”

NBCSL has 15 policy committees that are composed of NBCSL members and legislative staff. The Health Policy Committee addresses issues pertaining to individual and public health, disease prevention, health care, health education, research, and health employment. They seek to promote sound health care policies with a specific focus on the implications for the African American community and other underserved populations. The committee has identified four goals:

  • 1) Develop strategies to address infant mortality and black women’s fatality associated with child birth;
  • 2) Partner with appropriate stakeholders to increase Members awareness of chronic health related issues prevalent in our communities and develop strategies aimed at prevention and treatment;
  • 3) Develop strategies to increase Members awareness of the stigma and challenges associated with mental illness in the black community and create opportunities for effective treatment; and
  • 4) Partner with appropriate stakeholders to maximize opportunities for ensuring access to health care for our constituents.

“I’m eager to collaborate with legislators from across the country towards finding solutions for these important issues,” said Senator Moore.

Moore Applauds Governor for Signing Two-Generational Family Success Cabinet Bill into Law

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Moore Applauds Governor for Signing Two-Generational Family Success Cabinet Bill into Law

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HARTFORD, CT – Yesterday, Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) joined Governor Ned Lamont for the signing of Public Act 19-78, “An Act Concerning a Two-Generational Initiative,” into law. The bill will establish an executive cabinet focused on promoting economic success across generations.

“The 2GEN initiative has been great success in Connecticut and today that progress will continue for families across the state,” said Senator Moore. “I have dedicated tremendous energy as a State Senator towards addressing intergenerational poverty and the social and economic barriers that affect children and families. The 2GEN initiative tackles this economic insecurity head-on through a systematic change in how government resources are accessed and delivered. I would like to thank Governor Lamont for his faith in 2GEN and for signing this bill into law today.”

The “two-generational approach,” or 2GEN, is an approach that seeks to disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty while transforming how government works. 2GEN requires moving away from bureaucratic, isolated thinking and towards innovation – towards collaborating across agencies and sectors, sharing data, leveraging existing resources to drive down costs, and advancing economic self-sufficiency for the whole family. The approach recognizes the role that racial and socioeconomic inequity plays in exacerbating cycles of poverty and authentically engages parents and families as partners in the work.

Public Act 19-78 will establish a first in the nation 2GEN cabinet in the executive branch and a mechanism to encourage legal data sharing within and between agencies. The 2GEN cabinet, named the Two-Generational Family Economic Success Cabinet, would create a space for agency Commissioners to move quickly and collaboratively to develop whole family approaches to economic self-sufficiency, achieve measurable outcomes for families, and promote systems change in government. The Cabinet will be comprised of the thirteen major state agencies that intersect with Connecticut families.

2GEN seeks to weave together support services and offer them at one, centralized location. Often when parents need access to support services, they need to go through multiple channels to receive the help they need. For example, if a parent is searching for child care, transportation, or a job, they may interact with the Office of Early Childhood, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Transportation, all at the same time. Through a 2GEN approach, the parent has a single point of contact to access all of those services at once. Five municipalities in Connecticut currently offer services through a 2GEN approach.

In 2015, Senator Moore sponsored legislation, “An Act Concerning a Two-Generational School Readiness and Workforce Development Pilot Program,” that, when enacted, made Connecticut the first state in the nation to have a comprehensive, statewide 2GEN initiative in law. Connecticut has since served as a national model for how the 2GEN approach can disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty and promote innovation in government. In June 2017, Senator Moore, along with the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children and Seniors, hosted representatives from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s office who visited to learn more about Connecticut’s 2GEN program. Governor Hogan signed an executive order in March 2017 establishing a 2GEN Commission and pilot program in Maryland.