Month: October 2019

Over 400 Investors and Developers Meet to Learn More About Opportunity Zone Legislation Sen. Maroney Introduced and Championed

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Over 400 Investors and Developers Meet to Learn More About
Opportunity Zone Legislation Sen. Maroney Introduced and Championed

HARTFORD, CT – This week over 400 investors, developers, and municipal leaders, met at a conference in New Haven to learn more about the state’s new approach to enhance existing Opportunity Zones (OZ), thanks to legislation state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) introduced and championed during the 2019 legislative session.

At the conference, a brand new website was unveiled which will enable investors and developers to search available projects with updated information provided by cities, towns, and property owners. The newly created www.ctopportunityzones.com will include shovel-ready projects, transit-oriented development, and pertinent facts about local geography in our state. In an effort to provide recent, up-to-date information to investors and developers, municipalities with OZs will be able to post and promote projects as they become available. Sen. Maroney said these recent developments are incredibly exciting and OZs have the potential to be advantageous to our state’s economy and job market.

“Our state has the opportunity to unlock an estimated $6 trillion in unrealized capital gains through OZs,” said Sen. Maroney. “This is great news for businesses in our state, and specifically West Haven which has OZs. Through the work of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and thanks to the ease of this newly created website, we are positioning our state to reap the benefits of OZs, further strengthen our economy and create jobs for Connecticut families.”

OZs are a recently established federal designation created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that incentivizes long-term investment typically in lower-income areas through certain advantages such as payment deferment. They are defined as a “challenged but promising” area. Connecticut has 72 OZs that are located in 27 municipalities.

Under Public Act 19-54, state incentives are layered on top of the federal incentives, making investing in our state’s OZs more attractive and drawing investments from out of Connecticut as well. Additionally, the commissioner of the DECD will conduct a study to ensure our utilization of OZs only improves as time progresses. The Commissioner will also be tasked with hosting at least five events advertising the state’s OZs. DECD Deputy Commissioner David Kooris said the DECD is hard at work attracting investors and developers to our state’s OZs.

​“With support from the Governor and state legislature, we have made Connecticut’s Opportunity Zones even more attractive to investors,” said DECD deputy commissioner Kooris. “Our goal is to unlock the full economic development potential of the zones because of the benefits they can provide our communities, residents and economy as a whole.”

According to The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), OZs are anticipated to generate $100 billion in private capital investment nationwide. HUD also reported nearly 35 million Americans live in the more than 8,700 OZs across the country. Twenty eight legislators co-sponsored Sen. Maroney’s pro-business OZ bill during the legislative session.

Senator Needleman Announces Safety Improvement Project on Old Saybrook Route 9 to Impact Traffic

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Senator Needleman Announces Safety Improvement Project on Old Saybrook Route 9 to Impact Traffic

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced today that the Department of Transportation plans to conduct a safety improvement project on Route 9 southbound in Old Saybrook on Wednesday and Thursday, November 6 and 7. The project involves installing a guide rail and impact resistance system at Exit 2.

Motorists in the area should expect the road’s shoulder to be closed at this location on those days while work continues. Two crash attenuator vehicles and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The project is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

Inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions can impact this schedule. Motorists are asked to maintain safe speed when driving in the area.

Sen. Lesser Presented with Legislative Leadership Award from the Keep the Promise Coalition for Leadership in Passage of the Mental Health Parity Act

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Sen. Lesser Presented with Legislative Leadership Award from the Keep
the Promise Coalition for Leadership in Passage of the Mental Health Parity Act

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Today from the Crystal Ballroom at the Middletown Elks Club, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) was honored by the Keep the Promise (KTP) Coalition with the prestigious Legislative Leadership Award for leading passage of the Mental Health Parity Act and for his continued commitment to protecting the rights of people living with mental health conditions.

“Every family has a story. That’s why I’ve been so committed to erasing the stigma of mental health and substance abuse,” said Sen. Lesser, who is also the Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee. “That’s why we fought so hard to pass mental health parity – to ensure that insurance covers diseases of the brain just like anything else. I’m incredibly grateful to the work of advocates who made this possible and shared their stories – I know without a doubt that this law will save lives.”

At the KTP Coalition’s 20th anniversary awards luncheon, the senator received the award with the House chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee state Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford). State Representative Brenda Kupchick (R-Fairfield) also received the honor for her work regarding the Mental Health Parity Act as well. In a joint statement, the chairs of the KTP Coalition applauded Sen. Lesser for his leadership.

“The members of the Keep The Promise Coalition have been advocating for passage of a mental health parity bill so that the promise of equality in coverage for mental and physical health conditions would be made real,” said KTP Coalition co-chairs Kathy Flaherty and Paul Acker. “The leadership of Senator Lesser, along with Representatives Scanlon and Kupchick, on the Insurance & Real Estate Committee was instrumental to the passage of this bill. We are grateful for his support and for being a champion of this important bill.”

The law prohibits insurance companies from enforcing more inflexible limits on mental health and substance use disorder benefits than they would for medical and surgical benefits. Additionally, it requires insurance coverage of substance abuse services if required by a court and requires insurance companies to file annual reports with the state certifying that they are complying with the Mental Health Parity Act. The legislation was signed into law on July 8.

This law was necessary as Connecticut had the dubious distinction of having the largest disparities for cost in regards to mental health care in comparison to other forms of care. According to a December 2017 study by independent actuarial firm Milliman, Connecticut had some of the nation’s worst disparities for access to affordable mental health care services. Furthermore, the Milliman study discovered that patients were actually forced to use expensive, out-of-network coverage far more often for mental health and substance use disorder care than for other types of medical care due to inadequate coverage and a shortage of mental health providers.

The Keep the Promise Coalition has been dedicated to advocating for individuals living with mental health conditions since 1999. The KTP coalition was first organized 20 years ago when the state’s Legal Rights Project convened a meeting of mental health advocates discussing the United State Supreme Court decision in L.C. v Olmstead, which banned the unjustified institutionalization of individuals with disabilities, per the KTP Coalition’s website. According to KTP Coalition’s site, the coalition became the state’s leading voice on mental health issues with over 40 agencies and organizations participating in KTP Coalition.

Sen. Slap Reacts to NCAA Bylaw Change Regarding College Athletes and Their Right to Engage in Endorsement Deals

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Sen. Slap Reacts to NCAA Bylaw Change Regarding College Athletes and Their Right to Engage in Endorsement Deals

State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), who three weeks proposed that the Connecticut legislature should consider a state law allowing Connecticut college athletes to engage in product endorsement deals, today welcomed a statement by the NCAA’s Board of Governors that it is directing all colleges and universities in America to begin updating their bylaws to allow college athletes “the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.”

But Sen. Slap also said that “the devil is in the details” of the NCAA directive and that he will follow the matter closely.

“It’s encouraging that because of the pressure applied by elected legislators in California and other states, including Connecticut and elsewhere, that the NCAA is now reversing course on a policy that just a few shorts weeks ago it was vehemently opposed to. So it seems like the NCAA is moving in the right direction. I just want to hear more specifics and reaction about how their policies will actually play out for college athletes across America,” Sen. Slap said. “There’s no denying that, historically, there have been some racial and gender economic injustices when it comes to college athletes in America. I’ve always believed that female athletes in Connecticut may be especially likely to take advantage of any product endorsement deals, so I’m happy to see the NCAA Board of Governors notes in its own statement that allowing college athletes to engage in product endorsement deals would enhance the principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity in college sports. But, again, this is a move that bears close attention as it develops over the next year.”

“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” Michael V. Drake, chair of NCAA Board of Governors and president of The Ohio State University, said in the NCAA statement issued early this afternoon. “Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”

According to the statement, the NCAA’s Board of Governors’ action directs each of the NCAA’s three divisions to immediately consider updates to relevant bylaws and policies for the 21st century.

Specifically, the Board said modernization should occur within the following principles and guidelines:

  • Assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate.
  • Maintain the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.
  • Ensure rules are transparent, focused and enforceable and facilitate fair and balanced competition.
  • Make clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities.
  • Make clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible.
  • Reaffirm that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university.
  • Enhance principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
  • Protect the recruiting environment and prohibit inducements to select, remain at, or transfer to a specific institution.

The Board’s action was based on comprehensive recommendations from the NCAA Board of Governors Federal and State Legislation Working Group, which includes presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, administrators and student-athletes. The group gathered input over the past several months from numerous stakeholders, including current and former student-athletes, coaches, presidents, faculty and commissioners across all three divisions. The Board also directed continued and productive engagement with legislators.

The NCAA said the working group will continue to gather feedback through April on how best to respond to the state and federal legislative environment and to refine its recommendations on the principles and regulatory framework. The Board asked each division to create any new rules beginning immediately, but no later than January 2021.

Sen. Cohen’s Bipartisan Coastal Caucus Holds First Meeting

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Sen. Cohen’s Bipartisan Coastal Caucus Holds First Meeting

HARTFORD, CT – Today at the Legislative Office Building, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) led the first meeting of the bipartisan Coastal Caucus. Sen. Cohen is the creator and co-chair of the caucus and said it was formed to address the unique needs of Connecticut’s waterways.

“The creation of the Coastal Caucus was born of the idea that in order to effectively drive sustainable, resiliency solutions, we all need to learn from one another and collaborate,” said Sen. Cohen, who is also co-chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee. “We are coming together from both sides of the aisle, representing municipalities across Connecticut, to recognize that we can take meaningful action on matters impacting our communities. From our commercial and recreational activities, to waste and contamination, to the impacts of sea-level rise, there is no denying the significance of waterways in our state. I look forward to advancing meaningful legislation during a productive session!”

The 40-member Coastal Caucus listened to testimony on sustainability for vulnerable communities throughout the state from the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA). Coastal Caucus co-chair, state Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield), said the Coastal Caucus is ready to get to work.

“Today’s presentation from the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation reflects the importance of local, state and federal policies that deal with the realities of climate change,” said Rep. McCarthy Vahey. “I think the members of the bipartisan Coastal Caucus are committed to working toward comprehensive solutions where all levels of government work together.”

The Coastal Caucus was formed to tackle the state’s various needs regarding our proximity to the Long Island Sound and other waterways. The Coastal Caucus intends to delve into issues such as coastal resilience, offshore energy, waste contamination, supporting aquaculture, fisheries and marine wildlife and other pertinent issues related to the health and wellness of our state’s coastal environment.

Sen. Cohen began forming the caucus in September, sending invitations to Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The caucus plans to hold subsequent meetings with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and other environmental agencies. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 1 PM in the Legislative Office Building.

Senator Haskell Joins Bipartisan Coastal Caucus Monday, First Meeting Focuses on Resilience and Climate Change

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Senator Haskell Joins Bipartisan Coastal Caucus Monday, First Meeting Focuses on Resilience and Climate Change

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) joined the first meeting of the Coastal Caucus, a bipartisan group co-chaired by State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield). The caucus, announced shortly after Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order strengthening Connecticut’s response to climate change, is designed to help lawmakers and stakeholders better understand the issues impacting coastal towns and cities and state waterways. Its first meeting Monday focused on resilience in the face of climate change.

“Our rapidly changing environment, and the coastline it threatens, isn’t a Democratic problem or a Republican problem. It’s a Connecticut problem. That’s why I’m honored to join the Coastal Caucus, as I know the issues impacting Connecticut’s coastline will have a direct effect on my constituents,” said Sen. Haskell. “Today’s inaugural meeting made clear that it’s not too late for us to take action. I learned from the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation about how we can begin to address flooding and other issues facing homeowners and businesses located near the Long Island Sound. I look forward to our next meeting.”

The 40-member Coastal Caucus was formed to tackle state needs regarding Connecticut’s proximity to the Long Island Sound and other waterways. Expected issues to be discussed in future meetings include coastal resilience, ending offshore contamination from energy and waste, and supporting aquaculture, fisheries and marine wildlife. Further pertinent issues related to coastal health and wellness will also receive attention in future meetings. The next meeting will be December 3, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the Legislative Office Building.

Duff Statement on 4th Case of Measles

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Duff Statement on 4th Case of Measles

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s confirmation of a fourth case of measles in 2019.

“News of the fourth outbreak this year is very troubling. My thoughts are with the child and the family from Fairfield County, right in our own backyard, during this difficult time. The health of our residents is at stake from a completely preventable disease. It is imperative we remove non-medical exemptions to increase vaccination rates statewide.”

Sen. McCrory Praises Express Kitchens in Hartford

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Sen. McCrory Praises Express Kitchens in Hartford

HARTFORD – On the day that Express Kitchens announced it is expanding from Connecticut into Massachusetts with eight new showrooms, and is now powering its entire Weston Street facility with a 626 kilivolt solar power plant on its rooftop, state Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined a group of state and local officials to offer high praise for Express Kitchens founder and CEO Max Kothari.

“Max has been around for years. He believes in hiring people from the community and giving back. He’s an excellent role model and a smart businessman,” Sen. McCrory said.

Express Kitchens is headquartered in a 130,000-square-foot warehouse on Weston Street and employs nearly 150 people in Connecticut; its expansion into Massachusetts next year will double the size of the business. The company is also looking for another half-million square feet of space in Hartford to expand even further.
“We look at our growth beyond simply physical store expansion,” Kothari said regarding his business expansion plans. “We’re elevating every aspect of how we serve our customers, including reimagining our stores, opening new digitally-enabled stores, introducing new range of kitchens, pursuing an aggressive growth strategy and transforming the way we replenish our stores and get products to our customers. The steps we continue to take are with a focus on better positioning Express Kitchens as an iconic brand on the national stage.”

Sen. Osten Named CT Water Works Association Legislator of the Year

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Sen. Osten Named CT Water Works Association Legislator of the Year

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) was recognized today as the 2019 “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Water Works Association in recognition of her work on a variety of bills, including funds to fight invasive aquatic species and state loans to ensure adequate supplies of safe public drinking water in Connecticut.

The award was presented to Sen. Osten in front of nearly 175 people this morning at the CWWA’s Annual Fall Conference at the Aqua Turf in Southington.

“It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of a safe, reliable public water supply in Connecticut,” Sen. Osten said. “The cost of water is pretty cheap when compared to other essentials such as gasoline and electricity. But Connecticut as a state is nearly a quarter-century old, which means our water infrastructure system is pretty old, which means it needs constant updating and maintenance. I think the state has a role to play in that in order to serve and protect its citizens, so I thank the Connecticut Water Works Association for working with me to help achieve that.”

Sen. Osten also took the opportunity this morning to look forward to the 2020 legislative session which begins in February, predicting state legislators will likely debate bills about road salt contaminating private wells, mandatory testing for lead in public school water supplies, and PFAS — a group of man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s that are very persistent in the environment and in the human body and which can lead to adverse human health effects.

In presenting the award, CWWA President Mark Decker of Norwich Public Utilities said, “Senator Osten recognizes the importance of investing in water infrastructure to ensure the availability of safe, high-quality drinking water to meet the public health, safety and economic development needs of residents and businesses. In addition, Senator Osten has worked tirelessly to address water supply issues both in the communities she serves and the state as a whole. Last session, she successfully fought against unnecessary increases in fees on water customer bills, which will help ensure that public water suppliers can continue to provide residents with drinking water at a reasonable cost.”
“Senator Osten’s ability to understand and address the complex issues affecting Connecticut’s public water supplies is much appreciated. Her efforts will help position Connecticut as a leader in protecting water quality by supporting investment in replacing the state’s aging water infrastructure,” Decker said.

Sen. Osten is Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Vice-Chair of the Labor & Public Employees and Public Safety & Security committees, and a member of the Transportation, Veterans’ Affairs, and Regulations Review committees.
The Connecticut Water Works Association is an organization of public water supply utilities that work together to develop meaningful policies to ensure a safe, high-quality supply of water for customers and a regulatory environment in which it can operate effectively.

Senator Anwar Joins Legislators to Celebrate New Ticketnetwork Solar Array

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Senator Anwar Joins Legislators to Celebrate New Ticketnetwork Solar Array

SOUTH WINDSOR – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today joined fellow legislators including House Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford), Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford), Representative Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor) Representative Tim Ackert (R-Coventry), South Windsor Mayor Andrew Paterna, and business leaders at TicketNetwork’s South Windsor location, helping to celebrate the company’s ribbon-cutting for its new rooftop solar panel array. TicketNetwork CFO Chris Hummer told assembled audiences that the solar panel system, nearly 200,000 square feet, includes 4,365 solar panels, one of the largest installations in the state, and will offset roughly 70 percent of the company’s annual electricity output.

“Today is a special day because the efforts of the Connecticut government and legislators have resulted in businesses taking positive steps to protect the environment, at the same time reducing their carbon footprint,” said Sen. Anwar. “Today, TicketNetwork has shown reducing its carbon footprint and using solar energy will help it not only save money but the environment. I also want to thank my fellow legislators, including Representatives Ritter, Currey, Ackert and Delnicki who joined in this event and congratulations to Mayor Paterna for making sure the town of South Windsor makes it easy for businesses to grow and become stronger.”

TicketNetwork CFO Chris Hummer and EnterSolar commercial project manager Rob Miller described the system, developed with work between the two companies. The majority of the company’s South Windsor location’s roof is now covered with thousands of solar panels, with an array of 1.4 Megawatts. The company’s investment in the technology is expected to pay for itself in energy savings within four years. Hummer said the solar panels will reduce greenhouse gas generation of an estimated 1.5 million pounds and saves the equivalent of 78,000 gallons of gas.

Hummer further said TicketNetwork is working to push environmental investments, also noting the company has a community garden, an on-campus animal sanctuary, EV charging stations for employees with electric vehicles, and a renewed focus on recycling in the building.