Month: October 2019

Amid EEE Risk, Senator Hartley Shares Safety Tips

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Amid EEE Risk, Senator Hartley Shares Safety Tips

As news of the virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis continues to spread, with three deaths in Connecticut blamed on infections, State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) today shared safety tips. While the virus is rare in humans, the increase in activity seen this year reiterates the importance of taking precautions and staying safe.

While normally considered rare, with an average of seven cases reported per year, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, can be seriously life-threatening, according to the Department of Public Health. However, there are many ways to lower risk of contracting EEE, with the most prominent being preventing mosquito bites. The DPH recommends taking the following precautions to reduce risk of EEE:

  • Use insect repellent. This product, when used as directed, can protect all individuals from insect bites.
  • Cover up when outside, wearing long sleeves and long pants.
  • Prevent insects from entering your home using air conditioning, window screens or door screens.
  • Limit the amount of time children and toddlers spend outside.
  • Avoid standing water, forests and other areas where mosquitos naturally are found. If there is standing water on your property, work to get rid of it.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control advises that mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening. If possible, limit time outdoors during those periods of time.

The EEE threat will remain active until nightly temperatures drop low enough for frost, which generally occurs in early-to-mid October. Media reports early Friday suggested frost is possible as soon as this weekend. Authorities said this week that the risk of infection will decline among the public as the weather forecast indicates colder weather is coming.

Senator Anwar Joins State, Business Officials to Recognize Sexual Harassment Awareness Recognition Day, New ‘Time’s Up’ Laws

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Senator Anwar Joins State, Business Officials to Recognize Sexual Harassment Awareness Recognition Day, New ‘Time’s Up’ Laws

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined a gathering of officials and organizations to recognize annual Sexual Harassment Awareness Recognition Day. The event had special significance, as on October 1, laws approved in the “Time’s Up” Act earlier this year went into effect, extending statutes of limitation for sexual misconduct and assault and statewide sexual harassment training.

“I’m one of the proud sponsors of the Time’s Up bill, and today makes us recognize that bill’s importance,” said Sen. Anwar. “I would like to recognize the courage of the women who stood up, shared their stories and helped us realize the impact sexual harassment had on their lives. They are why we need to make improvements like those in this bill. I would like to thank every group and organization that came together to recognize Sexual Harassment Day in Connecticut and thank the organizers for their leadership, as well as those who came to train and better understand how to prevent sexual harassment in the future.”

Sen. Anwar joined representatives from the offices of Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Congressman John Larson (1st District) as well as The National Association of Women in Construction Hartford Chapter 165, The Connecticut Environmental and Utilities Contractors Association, The University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center and Women’s Business Center, The US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Center, The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, The Spanish American Merchants Association and The Metropolitan District Commission in recognition of Sexual Harassment Awareness Recognition Day.

This week also represents the enactment of new laws approved by legislators in the “Time’s Up” Act passed earlier this year. As of Tuesday, sexual harassment training becomes mandatory for new employees of businesses with more than three employees, with the State Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities developing free online training resources. Additionally, statutes of limitations for several types of sexual assault were extended to support victims of those crimes.

 

Senator Flexer Stands With Victims of Sexual Harassment to Highlight New “Time’s Up” Laws to Protect Victims

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Senator Flexer Stands With Victims of Sexual Harassment to Highlight New “Time’s Up” Laws to Protect Victims

HARTFORD, CT – Today, Senator Mae Flexer stood alongside attorney Josh Goodbaum, and Gianna Aconfora and Maizzy Douchette, two victims of workplace sexual harassment, to highlight the Time’s Up Act, Public Act 19-16: An Act Combatting Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment. Senator Flexer was instrumental in the passage of this legislation, which went into effect on October 1, 2019.

Gianna Aconfora and Maizzy Douchette were employed as servers at Maggie McFly’s restaurant in Manchester when they allege that they were sexually harassed and assaulted by the restaurant manager. The women claim they were both terminated from their positions after complaining to management about the harassment and have filed a discrimination suit against the company.

“Sexual assault and harassment can never be tolerated,” said Senator Flexer. “Women in the workplace should not have to fear retaliation for being brave enough to come forward and share their stories. Justice for women like Gianna and Maizzy can only occur when our laws are updated to reflect changes in society. In the era of ‘Time’s Up’ and ‘Me Too,’ society’s view on the issue of sexual assault and harassment is finally changing and we cannot have antiquated laws that won’t adequately address claims such as these. This year, by passing the ‘Time’s Up’ bill, Connecticut finally took concrete steps to change these outdated laws as well as the status quo about what is considered acceptable behavior. This new legislation sends a message to victims that we believe you and hear you and I’m hopeful that more victims of sexual assault and harassment will feel empowered to come forward and seek justice.”

The case was filed on October 2, 2019 and is now pending in Hartford Superior Court. These women have chosen to come forward as advocates for other individuals who may experience or have experienced this kind of violence. Their case is receiving legal and public relations support from the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, which helps defray legal and public relations costs in select cases for those who have experienced sexual harassment or related retaliation in the workplace.

The Fund is housed at and administered by the National Women’s Law Center Fund, an established, national women’s rights legal organization. A network of lawyers and public relations professionals across the country work to provide assistance to those who have experienced harassment or retaliation.

Background on the “Time’s Up” Act & Sexual Harassment

In FY 2018, 84% of the sexual harassment complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were filed by women, which is fairly consistent with data kept since 1998.[1] 70% to 80% of people who experience workplace harassment do not report it.[2] Sadly, sometimes this is the reasonable course of action because those who do report general mistreatment at work experience retaliation 75% of the time.[3] Victims of harassment have rights, and the fact they suffer more when these rights are exercised is unacceptable. Harassment undercuts hardworking individuals who deserve the same opportunities as others, and it generates real mental and economic hardship. Further, it hurts a company’s bottom line because it diminishes worker productivity and leads to staff turnover.

New Training Requirements

Under previous law, employers with 50 or more employees are required to provide at least two hours of training on sexual harassment to its supervisory employees within six months of her or his employment. Public Act 19-16 requires employers with 3 or more employees to provide training, and extends the requirement to all employees.

New employees – For employees hired after October 1, 2019, training must be provided within six months (i.e. April 1, 2020).

Current employees – Those employed prior to October 1, 2019 have until October 1, 2020 to be trained.

Training requirements will not take effect until CHRO makes available an online video or other interactive material, which can be accessed to satisfy the requirement.

Protections for Employees Who Come Forward

Employers attempt to resolve allegations of sexual harassment by suspending the accuser, changing the accuser’s responsibilities, or imposing other modifications to separate the accuser and alleged offender. Such action can disrupt the accuser’s job performance and career prospects. Public Acts 19-16 requires an employer to obtain the accuser’s written consent before taking “corrective action,” i.e. action in response to an allegation, that modifies the accuser’s employment conditions. Public Act 19-93[4] includes a safe harbor provision for an employer that does not obtain written consent if the corrective action was reasonable and not of detriment to the victim.

[1] EEOC Release, Preliminary FY2018 Sexual Harassment Data (Oct. 4, 2018) available at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/10-4-18.cfm; EEOC, Charges Alleging Sex-Based Harassment (FY 2010-FY2018), available at https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/enforcement/sexual_harassment_new.cfm.
2 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace, p 16 (June 2016); see also Huffington Post, Poll of 1,000 Adults in United States on Workplace Sexual Harassment (Aug. 2013).
3 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace, p 16 (June 2016); Lilia M. Cortina & Vicki J. Magley, Raising Voice, Risking Retaliation: Events Following Interpersonal Mistreatment in the Workplace, 8:4 J. Occupational Health Psychol. 247, 255 (2003).
4 PA 19-93 (S.B. 1111) was passed by the Senate subsequent to PA 19-16 (S.B. 3) in order to ensure House action on S.B. 3.

 

Sen. Slap to Push for New Net Neutrality Bill

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Sen. Slap to Push for New Net Neutrality Bill

HARTFORD — State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), a longtime champion of an open internet, today welcomed Tuesday’s federal appeals court ruling that leaves the door open for state and local governments to write their own regulations guaranteeing net neutrality.

On Tuesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a 200-page decision that largely sided with the Federal Communications Commission on its controversial decision to roll back several Obama-era net neutrality protections.
But the court also ruled that states could enact their own protections.

“This is something worth fighting for,” said Sen. Slap. “There is nothing more important than an open internet. Businesses and consumers need to compete on a level playing field, not one that has been artificially manipulated by an internet service provider looking for new ways to make even more profit. We can’t allow ISPs to randomly set consumer internet speeds, block certain websites in preference over others, or force businesses to pay more to put their content online. Net neutrality is good for consumers and for business, and it should be the law of the land in Connecticut.”

Sen. Slap said in light of Tuesday’s court decision, he will seek to work with legislative colleagues next session on a new net neutrality bill for Connecticut. In 2018, Connecticut Republicans killed a net neutrality bill that would have benefitted consumers and businesses and would have fined any company seeking to reduce internet speeds or block access to certain websites. At the time, Sen. Slap was a state representative and co-chair of the committee that introduced the legislation.

Montana, New York, Washington, Oregon and New Jersey have already passed laws to preserve an open internet.

State and Local Leaders Announce Productive Meeting on Norwalk River Valley Trail

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State and Local Leaders Announce Productive Meeting on Norwalk River Valley Trail

NORWALK, CT – Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Representative Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton), Mayor Harry Rilling (D-Norwalk), First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice (Wilton), and representatives from the office of Governor Ned Lamont recently met to discuss accomplishing additional progress on the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT). Following a productive meeting between state and local officials, the following joint statement was released:

“Since 2012, Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail and local and state officials have worked to complete the trail’s vision of connecting the communities of Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding and Danbury with a scenic route for the public.

“Coordinating local and state efforts on a long-term vision like the Norwalk River Valley Trail has many built in historical challenges, but we believe our recent productive meeting could result in a way forward to map out a plan to finish this project. Numerous municipalities, Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail, generous citizen and business donors, as well as the state and federal governments have strived toward one goal, which is to finish the Trail. Our conversations will continue.”

NRVT is an approximately 30 mile wheelchair accessible recreation trail that will connect Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach with Danbury’s Rogers Park. Approximately 8 miles of the NRVT has been completed in Norwalk and Wilton. When finished it will allow the public to bicycle, walk or jog through the scenic natural areas of Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding and Danbury. In addition to providing access to natural features, including lakes, streams, meadows and woodlands, the NRVT will offer a healthy transportation alternative to rail stations, schools and businesses. The NRVT will connect the urban centers of Norwalk and Danbury with the surrounding towns of Wilton, Ridgefield and Redding.

Local Defense Subcontractor Asks Sen. Osten for Help in Growing Its Workforce

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Local Defense Subcontractor Asks Sen. Osten for Help in Growing Its Workforce

NORWICH – American Systems, the defense subcontractor located at 40 Wisconsin Avenue in Norwich, hosted state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) for a two-hour tour this morning to make an announcement and to ask a question.

The announcement? American Systems has just been selected to work on two new U.S. Department of Defense submarine-related contracts. The question? Can you help us grow our workforce as we look to hire 15 more people as soon as possible?

The new work will also require American Systems to expand: they will be moving their existing HQ and 110 employees to a larger headquarters just down the street in Norwich.
“Of course I started making phone calls as soon as I left the building,” Sen. Osten said today. “I called Congressman Joe Courtney’s office, John Beauregard at the Eastern Workforce Investment Board, and David Lehman at the state Department of Economic and Community Development. We’ll get them the people they need and anything else they ask for. When jobs are on the line, when a local company is looking to expand and increase its profile, when our Defense Department is counting on a Connecticut subcontractor to get the job done, we’ll come through.”

Sen. Osten toured the facility with John H. Leckie, Vice President and Director of the Engineering Services Division, and Technical Director John Ketcham.

“It was very nice to meet Senator Osten. She’s very detailed and very knowledgeable. It was a very good visit,” Leckie said. “We’ve been in Norwich since 2008. We are a company that draws on the local workforce in the State of Connecticut that has specific skills. We’re trying to gain a little higher profile in the technical schools because they train the students in the skills that we need. We’re also real big on hiring ex-military people. So we’re looking for any assistance that can help us achieve our hiring goals.”

Headquartered outside of Washington, D.C., American Systems is a government services contractor that has been delivering information technology and engineering solutions to complex national priority programs since 1975. American Systems has 1,400 employees at 25 offices in Connecticut, Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia, California, Maryland, New Mexico, Washington, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.

American Systems’ announcement comes just one week after Beauregard and the Eastern Workforce Investment Board announced that manufacturing jobs in eastern Connecticut have increased 11.3% since 2015, which is four times the state average and twice the national average. Two-thirds of all manufacturing employment growth in Connecticut over that time period occurred in the 41 EWIB towns in eastern Connecticut.

Sen. Cohen, Reps. Scanlon and Comey and Branford Public School Representatives Hold Informational Vaping Forum

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Sen. Cohen, Reps. Scanlon and Comey and
Branford Public School Representatives Hold Informational Vaping Forum

BRANFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), and state Representatives Robin Comey (D-Branford) and Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford) were joined by Yale School of Public Health Assistant Professor Abigail S. Friedman and Branford public school officials as the group held a community information forum on the dangers associated with teenage usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes).

In a room with concerned residents, the lawmakers also discussed the legislative measures they are taking to protect Connecticut’s youth from these harmful products. Connecticut’s Department of Public Health has reported 34 cases of vaping-related lung injuries in our state with 1,479 nationwide.

According to a report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there have been 33 vaping-related deaths in 24 states as of October 15 of this year. Per the CDC’s report, e-cigarette usage is unsafe for all ages and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. As the specific causes of lung injury are not yet known, the CDC is urging the public to “consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.” Sen. Cohen agreed, stating individuals should stay away from vaping and adding that the more individuals know about the health risks of vaping, the better.

“These products are potentially extremely harmful and we do not yet know the extent of the damage one is doing to their body when vaping,” said Sen. Cohen. “It is important as we learn more about the dangerous effects of e-cigarettes, and most importantly, that we ensure young people do not have access to these products. This informational forum provided us with a space to share with the community what we already do know about e-cigarettes and to inform them of what we are doing legislatively to keep Connecticut teens safe. We have the opportunity to collaborate with families, school administrators, health officials and state representatives to combat this issue. I am thankful to those who participated in the forum and I remain committed to working diligently together to keep these products out of the hands of our youth.”

Assisting in that effort to keep vapes away from teens, the legislature passed a law, which went into effect on October 1, which made it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. The law, dubbed Tobacco 21, increases the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21. The law additionally increases penalties for tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes. Businesses found to sell tobacco products to underage patrons will see fines increased from $200 to $300 for first offenses, from $350 to $750 for second offenses, and from $500 to $1,000 for further offenses. They also face a possible revocation of their license to sell tobacco products. Rep. Scanlon said this legislation is an important step to combatting an issue which his constituents are increasingly becoming more and more concerned about.

“The dramatic rise in teen vaping and the recent outbreak of vaping-related illnesses is something we’ve been hearing a lot about from constituents and we wanted to put this forum together to educate the public – and especially parents – on what we have done and what we still need to do in order to address it in a responsible way,” said Rep. Sean Scanlon.

Per the CDC, E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the high. There have been 1,479 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products that have been reported to CDC from 49 states since October 15 of this year. Rep. Comey said education is the key to keeping individuals away from vaping products.

“Vaping has been in the public health news spotlight and there continues to be misinformation about the impact it may have on users,” said Rep. Comey. “As we learn more about its negative effects, including death and addiction, we must make every possible effort to educate and inform everyone, and especially youngsters, on this rapidly growing trend.”

Senator Anwar Addresses Letter to Governor Lamont Requesting Executive Action, Four-Month Moratorium on Vaping Sales

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Senator Anwar Addresses Letter to Governor Lamont Requesting Executive Action, Four-Month Moratorium on Vaping Sales

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) addressed a letter to Governor Ned Lamont in light of an increase in the number of deaths nationwide related to vaping and vaping products. In the letter, Sen. Anwar requested for the Governor to take executive action to ban the sales of vapes and vaping products for the next four months in light of the immediate public health risk.

“We already knew that vaping posed a health risk to individuals despite its advertising,” Sen. Anwar said. “The news reports that continue to come out almost daily only further prove that point. There are lives on the line. I implore Governor Lamont to consider the prospect of taking action to request a moratorium on vaping sales until we can determine what is causing the illnesses and deaths occurring around the country.”

According to varying reports, at least 16 individuals have died from vaping-related illnesses across the country, with deaths occurring in at least ten. Hundreds of confirmed and probable cases of lung injury have been previously reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in at least 38 states. The CDC additionally reported that it is prioritizing stopping teen use of e-cigarettes.

The full text of the letter is included below:

Dear Governor Lamont,

I am writing this letter to formally ask you through executive action to stop the sale of vaping products for four months. The numbers of deaths across the country are increasing and this has already become a public health crisis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating a multi-state outbreak of lung disease that has been associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges). To date, the CDC has confirmed 530 cases of lung injury across 38 states.

Vaping products are marketed and sold in nearly 8,000 flavors and come in many different sizes, types and colors. Some resemble pens, small electronic devices such as USB sticks and other everyday items. The products are often compact and allow for discreet carrying and use – at home, in school hallways and bathrooms and even in classrooms. Because of this, these potentially dangerous products have become extremely appealing to our youth and have become the most commonly used tobacco products among middle and high school students.

I want to thank you for your leadership and your action to protect the citizens of our beautiful state.

Respectfully,

M. Saud Anwar, M.D.

 

Duff Statement on Net Neutrality Ruling

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Duff Statement on Net Neutrality Ruling

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to today’s decision from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality rules:

“Today’s court decision on net neutrality reaffirms why Connecticut needs to act. States have the right and responsibility to protect small business and consumers and ensure we have an open internet. In the next legislative session I will once again push for net neutrality legislation in Connecticut.”

As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Anwar Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

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As Age of Access for Tobacco Increases to 21, Sen. Anwar Joins Gov. Lamont to Commemorate New Law That Will Protect Youth From Dangers of Smoking

MERIDEN, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined numerous legislators, including Governor Ned Lamont, to commemorate a new state law that raises the age of access for tobacco and smoking products from 18 to 21. The “Tobacco 21” law, which goes into effect today, October 1, is the result of an effort to reduce the harm tobacco can cause among the general public.

“As a physician, I see all too often the damage and pain caused to patients by smoking tobacco,” said Sen. Anwar. “Cigarette and vaping addiction can cause serious lung and heart damage and increase the chance of developing cancers. Any effort we can use to reduce tobacco use, especially among susceptible members of the youth, will play an important role in improving health among our communities. As Senate Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, I support any effort like this that will keep tobacco and nicotine away from our youth.”

House Bill No. 7200, commonly referred to as “Tobacco 21,” raises the legal purchase age of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products and other tobacco products from 18 to 21, effective today. In addition to increasing the age of access, the bill increases penalties for tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 and bans smoking and e-cigarette use on school and child care center grounds, among other changes.

This comes as data shows an increase in youth and underage tobacco use, specifically of vaping products. In recent weeks, states reported seeing increased numbers of lung diseases and lung damage directly related to vaping products. While youth tobacco use is down, just under 5 million middle and high school students used tobacco in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 20 percent of high school students and 5 percent of middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2018, according to the Surgeon General.

The law also closes a significant loophole that will prevent youth access to tobacco products, as it requires online e-cigarette sellers to obtain the signature of someone 21 or older when delivering a package.

Today, Connecticut becomes the 12th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to raise the age of access to 21.