Month: October 2019
Duff Condemns Hateful Comments From Republican Mayoral Candidate & Board of Education Member
Duff Condemns Hateful Comments From Republican Mayoral Candidate & Board of Education Member
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) condemned recent hateful, anti-immigrant comments by Republican Mayoral candidate Lisa Brinton and Republican Board of Education member Bryan Meek.
“Yesterday’s hateful comments from Board of Education member Bryan Meek coupled with other recent anti-immigrant tirades from Republican Mayoral candidate Lisa Brinton prove that the takeover of the Norwalk Republican Party by Donald Trump is complete,” said Senator Duff. “Mr. Meek and Ms. Brinton will publicly avoid mentioning President Trump but they are using the same kind of fear and racist policies to appeal to certain groups. Ms. Brinton is taking the Republican banner and understanding her only path to City Hall is to scare voters and conjure up fear. Mr. Meek’s question and implication that these children are violent gang members is baseless, irresponsible, and xenophobic. Using these anti-immigrant tactics to incite their extremist base to vote is shameful. The people of Norwalk are seeing Trump’s rhetoric and policies coming to the local level here in Norwalk. Norwalk has a long and proud history of welcoming immigrant communities and this fear-based politics has no place here.”
COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER BRYAN MEEK
On October 10, 2019 during a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Norwalk Board of Education, Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski presented additional information on a recent influx of Central American immigrant children in Norwalk schools.
In the course of that meeting, Bryan Meek, a Republican Board of Education member and chair of the board’s Finance Committee, was quoted in an October 11, 2019 article on local online website NancyOnNorwalk[1] as saying:
“Are we mindful that any of these children could still actively be part of those gangs or recruited locally?”
COMMENTS FROM REPUBLICAN MAYORAL CANDIDATE LISA BRINTON
On September 23, 2019 Republican Mayoral candidate Lisa Brinton commented on a NancyOnNorwalk article[2] arguing for the immediate end of allowing immigrant children in Norwalk schools.
“Even the politics are complicated, especially when a former police chief mayor has been bragging about Norwalk ‘growing’ and his challenger, myself, a retired corporate executive and former 15 year school fundraiser, PTA President, educational activist and seven year member of the District Data Mgmt. Team claims, ‘we need a time out!’”
“However, these sorts of enrollment numbers are unsustainable. The state’s sanctuary policy is out of step with its education cost share funding to aid municipalities like Norwalk.”
SOURCES
[1] “Adamowski: NPS needs $1.2M to deal with immigrant influx” https://www.nancyonnorwalk.com/2019/10/adamowski-nps-needs-1-2m-to-deal-with-immigrant-influx/
2 “Numbers tell tale of expected ‘retooling’” https://www.nancyonnorwalk.com/2019/09/numbers-tell-tale-of-expected-retooling/
Senator Abrams, Rep. Linehan, Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon Hold Forum on Vaping in Cheshire Thursday
Senator Abrams, Rep. Linehan, Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon Hold Forum on Vaping in Cheshire Thursday
CHESHIRE – On Thursday, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, was joined by State Representative Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire), Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon and Cheshire High School Principal Mary Gadd at Cheshire’s Town Hall Council Chambers for a public forum on vaping. This forum comes as an increasing number of illnesses and deaths have been reported nationwide as a result of using vaping products and trends indicate vaping use is high in middle and high schools. Thursday’s forum saw officials and professionals discuss the rise of vaping and vaping products, health concerns from youth and public use and ways to combat the rising number of individuals using vapes.
Additional participants in Thursday’s forum included American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director Bryte Johnson, Department of Public Health Tobacco Control Program Supervisor Barbara Walsh, American Lung Association Director of Advocacy Ruth Canovi, Alliance for Prevention and Wellness Director Pamela Mautte and Callie Fritz, a Cheshire High School student and member of the Cheshire Young Democrats.
“Recent stories continue to confirm vaping is not the low-risk, healthy alternative to smoking it was initially sold as,” said Sen. Abrams. “This forum doesn’t just represent an opportunity for us to spread information and awareness about vaping products– it also presents an opportunity for state officials to learn more about vaping products from members of the public, especially students who see them used in schools. As Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, I plan on putting forward legislation to protect young people who have been insidiously targeted by this industry from the dangers of vaping, and I will use what I learned tonight and in future forums throughout my district to better guide that legislation. We must protect our children and provide them with the best opportunity to lead healthy lives.”
“Youth vaping is a concern in our community, and I appreciate the work Senator Abrams is doing to combat the problem. Together we raised the age to buy tobacco products to 21, and together we’re spearheading legislation to curb online sales to minors. This forum starts the process of educating parents to the risks associated with vaping, as well as giving practical information to keep kids from using these products, and helping our kids who may have fallen victim to vaping addiction. Parental education is as important as passing legislation, and I’m thrilled to work with Senator Abrams and members of our community to tackle this health issue,” said Rep. Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire), co-chair of Committee on Children.
“The Department of Public Health continues to educate the public on the health concerns associated with nicotine, which is very addictive for our young people,” said Commissioner Coleman-Mitchell. “The recent death of a Connecticut resident with vaping-related lung disease reinforces the importance of my public health recommendation that Connecticut residents consider not using e-cigarettes and vaping products. This recommendation includes not buying vaping products off the street, from another person, or modifying or adding other unregulated substances to these products.”
“The most effective way to combat vaping and its impacts is by preventing use before it begins,” said Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon. “Prevention is key in reducing the number of individuals who vape and ultimately improving overall wellness. We know that use of these products at a young age can lead to long-term use and nicotine dependence. One component of DMHAS’ prevention efforts entails limiting access to tobacco and vaping products to individuals under the age of 21. By educating retailers and conducting compliance checks to ensure the responsible sale of these products, we help to reduce access to teens and young adults during a time that their brains are still developing and they are vulnerable to nicotine and other addictive substances.”
This forum comes as at least 18 deaths have been linked to lung illness and injury caused by vaping products, including a 17-year-old in New York City who died on October 4 and a man between the ages of 30 and 39 in Connecticut whose death was reported October 3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,000 illnesses in 48 states connected to vaping. Reports indicate toxic fumes created by the vaping process and counterfeit vaping products containing THC are largely responsible for the reported deaths, though researchers continue to study the illnesses.
Senator Anwar, Hartford Bags of Love to Hold South Windsor ‘Sleep Out,’ Conversation to Raise Awareness of Local Homelessness November 2
Senator Anwar, Hartford Bags of Love to Hold South Windsor ‘Sleep Out,’ Conversation to Raise Awareness of Local Homelessness November 2
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, announced he will hold a “Sleep Out” event in South Windsor’s Nevers Road Park on November 2 in an effort to raise awareness of homelessness in local communities. Sen. Anwar and Hartford Bags of Love, a local nonprofit charity started by 12-year-old Tiernan Cabot that provides food and basic essentials to homeless individuals in Hartford County, will hold the overnight event. People of all ages will be asked to leave the warmth of their beds and sleep outside for the night to experience what homeless individuals undergo every night.
“For those of us accustomed to our warm beds, a night outside in Nevers Road Park will pose challenges. We will face the cold, we could face poor weather, we may be unable to sleep,” said Sen. Anwar. “While those are temporary challenges for us, only for one night, homeless individuals face them every night. By having this Sleep Out event, we can put ourselves in others’ shoes and share their experience, even for that one night. Far too many individuals across our state face this reality every day. I hope that this event helps people think about homelessness and how we can better seek an end to this plight.”
On November 2, at 6 p.m. in Nevers Road Park, Sen. Anwar will host a conversation with members of the community, homeless individuals and a number of people dedicated to helping them. After this, members of the public are welcome to stay for the whole night or just for a few hours, sleeping outside in the park to gain a better understanding of the plight of homelessness.
Other participants invited to speak that evening include Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, homeless prevention advocates and individuals who have experienced homelessness who can share their stories. Participants are requested to bring sleeping bags for donations and canned healthy food items for giving to local food banks.
The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. on November 2 to 6 a.m. on November 3.
Senator Abrams, Rep. Linehan, Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioners to Hold Vaping Forum in Cheshire Oct. 10
Senator Abrams, Rep. Linehan, Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioners to Hold Vaping Forum in Cheshire Oct. 10
State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, announced today that she will host a forum for legislators and the public to discuss and learn more about the dangers of vaping with Representative Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire), Department of Public Health Commissioner Renee Coleman-Mitchell and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. The forum is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 10 in Cheshire Town Hall’s Council Chambers.
“This forum is an opportunity to talk directly to both parents and students witnessing the rise in vaping first hand and public health professionals like Commissioners Coleman-Mitchell and Delphin-Rittmon, who can provide updated information about the health risks associated with these products,” Sen. Abrams said. “The vaping epidemic poses a threat to young people in the state of Connecticut, and I am glad to be able to raise awareness of this issue in order to protect our children and help provide them with the best opportunities for a healthy future. “
This forum will provide legislators and state commissioners with an opportunity to speak directly to the public about vaping in hopes that they can both spread awareness of its health risks and learn more about usage trends from teens and adults who see vaping usage. Officials seek to gain as much information as they can to prepare for the 2020 legislative session.
Senator Anwar Issues Statement as Crumbling Foundations Working Group Meets for First Time Tuesday
Senator Anwar Issues Statement as Crumbling Foundations Working Group Meets for First Time Tuesday
HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement Tuesday as the Working Group to Develop a Model Quality Control Plan for Quarries and to Study the Workforce of Contractors Engaged in the Repair and Replacement of Concrete Foundations that Have Deteriorated due to the Presence of Pyrrhotite held its first meeting:
“I am excited and honored today to serve on this Working Group and take the next steps toward addressing the crumbling foundations disaster in Connecticut,” said Sen. Anwar. “We must develop a plan to make sure this disaster never happens again, as well as to provide other states with a roadmap in case they face a similar problem in the future. We need to make sure everyone harmed by this crisis gets the solution they deserve.”
Senator Needleman Announces Resurfacing Along Route 82 in East Haddam and Lyme
Senator Needleman Announces Resurfacing Along Route 82 in East Haddam and Lyme
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced today that the Department of Transportation will perform resurfacing and milling along a roughly four mile section of East Haddam and Lyme through Thursday, October 17.
This work is planned for a 3.82-mile section of Route 82, otherwise known as Town Street, in East Haddam and Lyme. Motorists can expect lane closures to occur on Town Street from Route 151 in East Haddam to Route 148 in Lyme while the work continues.
Traffic control and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone, and the project has a regular schedule of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists should maintain a safe speed while driving and should be aware the schedule may be modified due to weather or other possible delays.
Duff Appoints Darien BOE Chair Ochman to Administrator Advisory Council
Duff Appoints Darien BOE Chair Ochman to Administrator Advisory Council
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced that he has appointed Darien Board of Education Chairperson Tara Ochman to the Connecticut Advisory Council for School Administrator Professional Standards.
“Tara has done a tremendous job leading the Darien Board of Education,” said Senator Duff. “She has spearheaded a number of school safety initiatives, strengthened teaching best practices, and oversaw the effort to add more solar to make Darien greener and save taxpayer dollars. Tara will bring great experience and know-how to this advisory council which will benefit students across the state.”
“I am honored to join this advisory council and thank to Senator Duff for the opportunity to serve,” said Chairperson Ochman. “From the parents to the teachers to the administrators in our educational system, we must all strive to provide our students with an academically rigorous education and the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in today’s world. Working together with education partners from every corner of Connecticut I know we can make our state’s education system even better.”
Chairperson Ochman was elected to the Darien Board of Education in 2017 and was elected chairperson later that month. Ochman and her husband moved to Darien in 2007 with their three children. Ochman has been involved in a number of community groups including the Darien Arts Center, St. Thomas More Church, the Management Board for St Luke’s Parish School, the Ox Ridge PTO, the Council of Darien School Parents, and the Darien Library Board of Trustees.
Prior to moving to Darien, Ochman served on a number of political campaigns in New York City and New York state. Following her political work, Ochman was the Executive Director of the New Democracy Project, a public policy institute. She is a graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in Government and Law.
The Connecticut Advisory Council for School Administrator Professional Standards consists of 17 members and reports to the State Board of Education, the Governor, and the Education committee. All member are appointed to four year terms.
Sen. Slap Supports Product Endorsement Rights For CT College Athletes
Sen. Slap Supports Product Endorsement Rights for CT College Athletes
HARTFORD – Coming on the heels of a new law signed last week by California Governor Gavin Newsom that gives college athletes in California the right to engage in product endorsements deals beginning in 2023, state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) said today that he will begin discussions with his fellow legislators to seek similar legislation in Connecticut.
“With California and other states moving ahead on this issue, Connecticut also needs to look at this if for no other reason than to remain competitive for recruitment,” said Sen. Slap, who is a member of the legislature’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “Of course this is also about fairness. Anyone else on campus can be paid for endorsing a product, but athletes who in many cases are generating revenue for a school aren’t allowed to. Connecticut is also a state where women stand just as good a chance as men to earn endorsement money and receive financial compensation for their likeness being used commercially. It’s just one more way that way we as a state can help promote pay equity between men and women.”
The California law, Senate Bill 206 (“Fair Pay to Play Act”), makes it illegal beginning January 1, 2023 for California universities to revoke an athlete’s scholarship or eligibility for taking money. Under the new law, schools won’t pay athletes, but athletes can hire agents to seek out business deals for them. The bill essentially prohibits the NCAA from barring a university from competition if its athletes are compensated for the use of their name, image, or likeness.
Gov. Newsom said he signed the bill – which passed the California legislature on a bipartisan and unanimous basis – to address what he sees as the racial, gender, and economic injustices ingrained in college athletics.
Sen. Maroney Tours the West Haven Bottle and Can Redemption Center
Sen. Maroney Tours the West Haven Bottle and Can Redemption Center
This week, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) toured the West Haven Redemption Center with owner Rick Ross. The Senator met with Ross to discuss the ways in which the legislature can improve and modernize the bottle and can redemption process.