Month: November 2019

Senator Needleman Releases Statement on Passing of Rep. Orange

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Senator Needleman Releases Statement on Passing of Rep. Orange

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) issued the following statement after it was announced that State Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester) passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, November 20.

“The death of Representative Orange is a loss for her colleagues, her constituents and the state of Connecticut,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m heartbroken that we’ve lost a friend, mentor and legislator who never stopped fighting for what she believed in. I hope every legislator can be inspired by her legacy and her tireless efforts to support her community. She and Senator Eileen Daley were inseparable; I know they’re reunited, sipping drinks and watching over us.”

Sen. Cohen, Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Hurlburt Tour Madison Family-Owned Garden Center and Landscaping Service

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Sen. Cohen, Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Hurlburt
Tour Madison Family-Owned Garden Center and Landscaping Service

MADISON, CT –Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) visited a local garden center to discuss small business concerns with the owners and employees. She was joined by state Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt. Sen. Cohen toured Madison Earth Care, a family-owned garden center & landscaping service, located on Durham Road in Madison.

Madison Earth Care was started by Bob Blundon, who has retired and turned the operations over to his daughters Rachel and Abby. Rachel, the president of Madison Earth Care, hosted the tour and discussion of economic development issues along with Abby. Sen. Cohen praised the company for reducing their carbon footprint. Madison Earth Care uses mowing equipment that runs on batteries powered by solar panels.

“The Blundon family care deeply about the quality of life here in Connecticut, and I appreciate everything they do to protect our environment while beautifying it with plants and flowers,” Sen. Cohen said.

Sen. Cohen’s visit of Madison Earth Care comes after she was named an Environmental Champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV). The Senator received a score 96 on a 0-to-100 scale on the CTLCV’s environmental scorecard which tracks how legislators vote on pro-environment policies. Rachel commended Sen. Cohen for her leadership and effectiveness on environmental issues.

“Senator Cohen has been a leader on environmental issues, and we very much appreciate that she visited our company today,” Rachel Blundon said.

Senator Needleman Announces Safety Improvements in Deep River and Essex to Impact Traffic in December

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Senator Needleman Announces Safety Improvements in Deep River and Essex to Impact Traffic in December

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced today that the Department of Transportation plans to conduct a safety improvement project on State Route 602, Warsaw Street and Main Street, in Deep River and Essex in December. New guiderails will be installed on those streets beginning Monday, December 2 running through Monday, December 23.

Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 602 from Route 154 in Deep River to Route 80 in Essex during the planned work. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will assist motorists through the work zone, which has a regular schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists should be aware the work schedule could be modified or extended due to weather delays or other conditions. Drivers should maintain safe speeds while driving in the area.

Senator Anwar to Hold Informational Session on Diabetes Awareness, Treatment and “Diabetes Undone” Sunday in East Hartford

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Senator Anwar to Hold Informational Session on Diabetes Awareness, Treatment and “Diabetes Undone” Sunday in East Hartford

EAST HARTFORD – During Diabetes Awareness Month this November, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) plans to hold an informational session regarding the disease, proper treatments and “Diabetes Undone.” By addressing the causes of type 2 diabetes through treatment and lifestyle changes, Diabetes Undone is an organization dedicated to helping millions of Americans become healthier. On Sunday, November 24 from 1-3 p.m at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, located at 50 Chapman Place 1st floor-room 103, Sen. Anwar will discuss with experts and the public ways of improving health and reducing the risk of diabetes.

“Diabetes Awareness Month is the perfect time to hold an event all about cessation of negative lifestyle elements that can contribute to the development of diabetes,” said Sen. Anwar. “I look forward to speaking with members of the public about how we can best prevent and undo type 2 diabetes through smart, healthy choices.”

Currently, 26 million Americans have diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes. These conditions are not only themselves medically harmful, but raise the risk of an individual developing other diseases. What’s worse is that modern treatments focus on the disease’s symptoms without the cause. Through Diabetes Undone, a research-tested intervention program that includes information on forming new habits and making better nutritional and exercise choices, can help individuals not only alleviate diabetes symptoms but reverse the disease, also helping combat heart disease, obesity, cancer and autoimmune disease, among other health conditions.

 

Statement of Senate President Martin Looney on Today’s Proposal by House Democrat Leaders to Toll Trucks Only in Connecticut

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Statement of Senate President Martin Looney on Today’s Proposal by House Democrat Leaders to Toll Trucks Only in Connecticut

“We look forward to reviewing the House Democrats’ proposal in-depth,” said Sen. Looney (D-New Haven). “Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are reviewing several different options, and we look forward to discussing all ideas with the governor and leaders from both parties. Also, since our caucus meeting with Governor Lamont last week, we have been awaiting his recommendations for additional alternatives.”

Sen. Slap Receives a Perfect 100 Score From the CT League of Conservation Voters

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Sen. Slap Receives a Perfect 100 Score From the CT League of Conservation Voters

State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) has scored a perfect 100 on the 2019 Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) annual Environmental Scorecard, reflecting his effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation affecting Connecticut and its 3.57 million citizens – including his support of a statewide water plan that defines Connecticut’s waters as a ‘public trust.’

“One of the reasons why Connecticut is ranked as one of the best states to live in America, and one of the best states to raise a family in America, is because of our superb environment – and that’s the result of a lot of protection of our soil, air and water. It’s not by accident,” Sen. Slap said. “I work very closely with the environmental community in Connecticut to prioritize legislative action that is going to make a positive difference in our quality of life, like confirming that our state water plan views our water resources as a public trust – not just as some natural resource that can be exploited for private gain. That’s huge. Democrats will continue working hard to protect our quality of life here in Connecticut; next session I’d like to see the legislature take up bills concerning PFAS and teaching climate science in school.”

The CTLCV notes in the introduction to its annual scorecard that Democratic majorities in the House and Senate had a major impact on passing pro-environment legislation this year, and also on killing anti-environment bills like bear hunting and modifying environmental protection consent orders.

“The 2019 Legislative Session delivered many wins for the environment, including significant investment in offshore wind, the electrification of the state fleet, the passage of the State Water Plan, and much more,” the CTLCV report states. “Because of our work during the last elections, we… sent a new pro-environment majority into Hartford. These new and returning champions were largely able to kill bad environmental bills like rollbacks to the Environmental Protection Act, automatic permits from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection after 90 days, and the revocation of DEEP’s enforcement tools. Many of these anti-environment proposals never even saw a vote. As a result, the vast majority of bills we scored were pro-environment proposals. This led to higher scores overall, evidence for the strong support for the environment within our legislature.”

The CTLCV grading scale ranges from 0-to-100 percent, and is based on how legislators vote on key environmental bills during the committee period of session and on the House and Senate floor. The final score is an average of their votes on specific pro-environment bills the CTLCV has picked. Absences and abstentions are not factored into the CTLCV’s grading system.

The legislative priorities included in the CTLCV’s scorecard cover a wide, diverse range of environmental concerns; 2019 victories include:

  • State Water Plan – the plan enshrines Connecticut’s water as a public trust resource, and it provides guidelines for balancing the needs of development, conservation, recreation and the environment.
  • Invasive Species – a small fee on boat owners will help DEEP pay for programs to eradicate aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms, educate the public with outreach programs, and make grants to municipal agencies and nonprofits to conduct research
  • Plastic Bag Ban – creates a 10-cent fee on single-use plastic bags until June 30, 2021, then bans them beginning July 1, 2021
  • Fracking Waste Ban – permanently bans accepting, receiving, collecting, storing, treating, transferring, selling, acquiring, handling, applying, processing, and disposing of hydraulic fracking waste, natural gas waste, or oil waste in Connecticut.
  • Offshore Wind – Establishes a process for DEEP to solicit proposals from developers of offshore wind power facilities and to enter into long-term contracts.
  • Solar Net-Metering — Extends some of Connecticut’s existing renewable energy programs to include the Green Bank’s Residential Solar Investment Program

A full copy of the 2019 Scorecard is available here.

Sen. Flexer Named “Environmental Champion” by the CT League of Conservation Voters for Her Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation, Earns 100% Score

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Sen. Flexer Named “Environmental Champion” by the CT League of Conservation Voters for Her Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation, Earns 100% Score

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Windham) has scored a 100 on the 2019 Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) annual Environmental Scorecard, reflecting the senator’s effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation affecting Connecticut and its 3.5 million citizens. Sen. Flexer was additionally named one of the CTLCV’s “Environmental Champions.”

“To receive this score and to be named for an ‘Environmental Champion’ for the fourth time is a true honor,” said Sen. Flexer. “I’m thankful to the CTLCV for the close attention it pays toward major environmental issues in our state. I appreciate being recognized for my work opposing the proposed gas power plant in Killingly, and fighting against undermining of the Environmental Protection Act. This recognition only gives me further courage and inspiration to continue fighting for clean air, water and environments for everyone living in Connecticut.”

The CTLCV notes in the introduction to its report that democratic majorities in the House and Senate had a major impact on passing pro-environment legislation and on killing anti-environmental bills.

“The 2019 Legislative Session delivered many wins for the environment, including significant investment in offshore wind, the electrification of the state fleet, the passage of the State Water Plan, and much more,” the report says. “Because of our work during the last elections, we broke the split in the State Senate and sent a new pro-environment majority into Hartford. These new and returning champions were largely able to kill bad environmental bills like rollbacks to the Environmental Protection Act, automatic permits from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) after 90 days, and the revocation of DEEP’s enforcement tools. Many of these anti-environment proposals never even saw a vote. As a result, the vast majority of bills we scored were pro-environment proposals. This led to higher scores overall, evidence for the strong support for the environment within our legislature.”

The CTLCV grading scale ranges from 0-to-100 percent, and is based on how legislators vote on key environmental bills during the committee period of session and on the House and Senate floor.

The final score is an average of their votes on specific pro-environment bills the CTLCV has picked. Absences and abstentions are not factored into the CTLCV’s grading system.

The average Senate Democrat score this year was 97.5; the average Senate Republican score was 78.4. In the House, 40 percent of House Republican members scored a 50 or below. Several Republican lawmakers scored as low as 17 despite representing largely rural districts in eastern Connecticut.

The legislative priorities included in CTLCV’s scorecard covers a wide, diverse range of environmental concerns. The CTLCV seeks the counsel of other environmental groups, advocates and stakeholders to determine their priorities. CTLCV’s legislative victories this session includes:

  • Offshore Wind legislation (PA 19-71)
  • Plastic Bag Ban (PA 19-117)
  • State Water Plan (HJR 171)
  • Fracking Waste Ban (PA 19-112)
  • Solar Net-Metering (PA 19-35)

A full copy of the 2019 Scorecard is available here.

 

Sen. Needleman Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation

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Sen. Needleman Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) has scored a 100 on the 2019 Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) annual Environmental Scorecard, reflecting the senator’s effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation affecting Connecticut and its 3.5 million citizens.

“We have so many beautiful and important natural resources around this state, from our gorgeous state parks to the vital Long Island Sound, that I find it vital to protect them however I can,” said Sen. Needleman. “With legislation that strengthened use of wind energy and developed solar net-metering, among other advances, I am proud to have that work recognized by the CTLCV. To receive this perfect score is inspiration for me to keep going and find even more opportunities to emphasize the importance of Connecticut’s environment in my work at the State Capitol.”

The CTLCV notes in the introduction to its report that democratic majorities in the House and Senate had a major impact on passing pro-environment legislation and on killing anti-environmental bills.

“The 2019 Legislative Session delivered many wins for the environment, including significant investment in offshore wind, the electrification of the state fleet, the passage of the State Water Plan, and much more,” the report says. “Because of our work during the last elections, we broke the split in the State Senate and sent a new pro-environment majority into Hartford. These new and returning champions were largely able to kill bad environmental bills like rollbacks to the Environmental Protection Act, automatic permits from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) after 90 days, and the revocation of DEEP’s enforcement tools. Many of these anti-environment proposals never even saw a vote. As a result, the vast majority of bills we scored were pro-environment proposals. This led to higher scores overall, evidence for the strong support for the environment within our legislature.”

The CTLCV grading scale ranges from 0-to-100 percent, and is based on how legislators vote on key environmental bills during the committee period of session and on the House and Senate floor.

The final score is an average of their votes on specific pro-environment bills the CTLCV has picked. Absences and abstentions are not factored into the CTLCV’s grading system.

The average Senate Democrat score this year was 97.5; the average Senate Republican score was 78.4. In the House, 40% of House Republican members scored a 50 or below.

The legislative priorities included in CTLCV’s scorecard covers a wide, diverse range of environmental concerns. The CTLCV seeks the counsel of other environmental groups, advocates and stakeholders to determine their priorities. CTLCV’s legislative victories this session includes:

  • Offshore Wind legislation (PA 19-71)
  • Plastic Bag Ban (PA 19-117)
  • State Water Plan (HJR 171)
  • Fracking Waste Ban (PA 19-112)
  • Solar Net-Metering (PA 19-35)

A full copy of the 2019 Scorecard is available here.

Sen. Maroney Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation

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Sen. Maroney Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters
for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation

HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announced state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) has recorded a perfect score of 100 percent on their annual Environmental Scorecard, reflecting the senator’s effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation affecting Connecticut and its 3.5 million citizens.

“The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has long since been a leader in holding legislators accountable to their responsibility to protect our environment,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am appreciative of their recognition of my voting record on pro-environment legislation. As a state senator in a district with beaches and the shoreline, these policies are important to not just the environment, but the health of our residents and our economy.”

The CTLCV notes in the introduction to its report that democratic majorities in the House and Senate had a major impact on passing pro-environment legislation and on killing anti-environmental bills.

Per the report: “The 2019 Legislative Session delivered many wins for the environment, including significant investment in offshore wind, the electrification of the state fleet, the passage of the State Water Plan, and much more. Because of our work during the last elections, we broke the split in the State Senate and sent a new pro-environment majority into Hartford.

These new and returning champions were largely able to kill bad environmental bills like rollbacks to the Environmental Protection Act, automatic permits from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) after 90 days, and the revocation of DEEP’s enforcement tools. Many of these anti-environment proposals never even saw a vote. As a result, the vast majority of bills we scored were pro-environment proposals. This led to higher scores overall, evidence for the strong support for the environment within our legislature.”

The CTLCV grading scale ranges from 0-to-100 percent, and is based on how legislators vote on key environmental bills during the committee period of session and on the House and Senate floor.

The final score is an average of their votes on specific pro-environment bills the CTLCV has picked. Absences and abstentions are not factored into the CTLCV’s grading system.

The average Senate Democrat score this year was 97.5; the average Senate Republican score was 78.4. IN the House, 40% of House Republican members scored a 50 or below

The legislative priorities included in CTLCV’s scorecard covers a wide, diverse range of environmental concerns. The CTLCV seeks the counsel of other environmental groups, advocates and stakeholders to determine their priorities. CTLCV’s legislative victories this session includes:

  • Offshore Wind legislation (PA 19-71)
  • Plastic Bag Ban (PA 19-117)
  • State Water Plan (HJR 171)
  • Fracking Waste Ban (PA 19-112)
  • Solar Net-Metering (PA 19-35)

And much more you can read in the report here.

Sen. Abrams Named “Environmental Champion” by the CT League of Conservation Voters for Her Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation, Earns 100% Score

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Sen. Abrams Named “Environmental Champion” by the CT League of Conservation Voters for Her Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation, Earns 100% Score

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D– Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) has scored a 100 on the 2019 Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) annual Environmental Scorecard, reflecting the senator’s effectiveness in advocating and voting for pro-environment legislation affecting Connecticut and its 3.5 million citizens. Sen. Abrams was additionally named one of the CTLCV’s Environmental Champions for her work in helping pass the State Water Plan.

“I am honored to receive this score from the League of Conservation Voters,” said Sen. Abrams. “Protecting the environment is of paramount importance—we need to do whatever we can to keep our air and water clean, protect our forests and wildlife, and safeguard the future of our planet. We owe this not just to ourselves, but to future generations who will be effected by our environmental choices today.”

The CTLCV grading scale ranges from 0-to-100 percent, and is based on how legislators vote on key environmental bills during the committee period of session and on the House and Senate floor.

The final score is an average of their votes on specific pro-environment bills the CTLCV has picked. Absences and abstentions are not factored into the CTLCV’s grading system.

The legislative priorities included in CTLCV’s scorecard covers a wide, diverse range of environmental concerns. The CTLCV seeks the counsel of other environmental groups, advocates and stakehold

ers to determine their priorities. CTLCV’s legislative victories this session includes:

  • Offshore Wind legislation (PA 19-71)
  • Plastic Bag Ban (PA 19-117)
  • State Water Plan (HJR 171)
  • Fracking Waste Ban (PA 19-112)
  • Solar Net-Metering (PA 19-35)

A full copy of the 2019 Scorecard is available here.