Sen. Anwar Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) 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.
“This is a proud honor for me to receive, as I believe strongly we need to support and protect the environment,” said Sen. Anwar. “This past legislative session, I was proud to support several pieces of legislation that put increased focus on decreasing use of pollutants and working toward a more eco-friendly future. Receiving this score only strengthens my resolve to receive similar ones in the future.”
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. Haskell Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
Sen. Haskell Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) 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.
“Our very best days in Hartford are the ones we spend protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Though I’m proud of my efforts to ensure the next generation will have an opportunity to enjoy open space, the Long Island Sound, and clean air, I know there’s much more work that lies ahead. This score from the CTLCV reminds us that our constituents are watching how we vote and what we’re doing to preserve Connecticut’s natural resources,” said Sen. Haskell.
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.
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)
Sen. Lesser Recognized by the CT League of Conservation Voters for His Exemplary Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
Sen. Lesser 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 Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) 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 it’s 3.5 million citizens.
“I’m committed to doing whatever I can to protect open space and the environment. I am grateful to the League of Conservation Voters for this vote of confidence and a recognition that some of the most important environmental battles happen in the State Senate,” said Sen. Lesser. “The Connecticut River flows through the heart of the 9th Senate District and I look forward to continuing to steward our water, our air and our other natural resources.”
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. Cohen Recognized as Environmental Champion by the CT League of Conservation Voters for Her Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
Sen. Cohen Recognized as Environmental Champion by the CT League
of Conservation Voters for Her Voting Record on Pro-Environment Legislation
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) was honored as an Environmental Champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) on their annual Environmental Scorecard. This distinction is determined based on lawmakers’ effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation. The Senator finished with a score of 96 percent. Sen. Cohen, who is also the Senate Chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, said she is honored to be named a champion by the CTLCV.
“I am thrilled to receive this honor by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters,” said Sen. Cohen. “The CTLCV has been instrumental in uplifting the voices of all those concerned with environmental issues. They have been consistently effective in collaborating to accomplish meaningful agendas related to a sustainable future. I am pleased to receive such a high distinction from this terrific organization and I am committed to advocating for and protecting our environment.”
CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown said the Senator’s commitment, courage and guidance was admirable and necessary throughout the 2019 legislative session. She added that Sen. Cohen doing so in merely her initial year was impressive.
“Sen. Cohen was a champion in her first year,” said Brown. “She led the charge on plastic bag legislation, which was not an easy battle, but thanks to her leadership, an important piece of legislation passed. We are already seeing the results of this success across the state. We need champions like Sen. Cohen to continue this momentum into the upcoming legislative session.”
Per the CTLCV’s report: “Sen. Cohen worked diligently with advocates and leadership in both chambers to pass a strong plastic bag ban as part of the state budget (HB 7424). Additionally, she also helped pass the State Water Plan (HJ 171) and introduced numerous pro-environment bills in Committee.”
The CTLCV grading scale goes from 0-to-100 percent. It 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 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.
The CTLCV has been helping to elect environmental champions and holding legislators accountable for almost 20 years.
Senator Duff Named Finalist in National Ideas Challenge
Senator Duff Named Finalist in National Ideas Challenge
Work supporting first responders recognized as one of most innovative/impactful state or local policy proposals
Washington, DC – The NewDEAL announced today that Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff’s (D-Norwalk) efforts to serve first responders experiencing PTSD have made him a finalist in the 2019 New Ideas Challenge – a competition among rising and innovative state and local policymakers to propose the most effective solutions to an array of challenges. Policy experts vote for the proposals that best improve Americans’ economic well-being and overall quality of life, and that make government work more effectively to meet communities’ needs. A full list of finalists is below.
Of fifty proposals evaluated by an esteemed and diverse panel of judges (see list below), Duff’s PTSD Coverage for First Responders idea is a finalist in the “Adapting to the Future of Work” category, which includes ideas that ensure that everyone, including traditionally underserved populations, has opportunities to earn good jobs and pursue entrepreneurial ventures, while having access to a safety net that provides security and stability. His bill covers police officers, parole officers and firefighters with certain workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by experiences they encounter in the “line of duty.”
“In a world being rapidly transformed by the forces like globalization and technological innovation, and where Americans have lost faith in national government to solve pressing issues, the New Ideas Challenge shows how a group of innovative state and local officials are rising to the occasion,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “Senator Duff and his fellow finalists have made proposals that, together, set an important governing agenda for the country to follow and for making the economy and government work better for the American people.”
The Challenge was open to the 166 members of the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), an organization that supports state and local pro-growth progressive elected officials through the exchange of ideas and engagement with other top public, private, and non-profit sector officials. U.S. Senator Mark Warner (VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the group.
The five winners of the New Ideas Challenge will be announced on Thursday November 21 at the ninth annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington.
In its fourth edition, this year’s competition takes place in the context of a presidential campaign that gives Americans a unique opportunity to debate the direction of the country, the society we want to build for present and future generations, and the policies required to achieve our goals. NewDEALers are at the forefront of efforts to make good on the promise of states and cities as laboratories of democracy. The Ideas Challenge recognizes that these leaders, who represent diverse communities from urban centers to rural towns and in red, blue, and purple districts, have powerful messages, experiences, and proposals that must be heard.
“I am thrilled to be named a finalist and to be included in this group of talented leaders across the country,” said Senator Duff. “Americans can’t wait for theoretical debates and political rhetoric to address the challenges they face. This is an important time to share practical ideas that can remove barriers to opportunity for working families and communities across the country.”
Winners for this year’s Ideas Challenge were selected in the following categories:
- Adapting to the future of work with ideas for ensuring everyone, including traditionally underserved populations, has opportunities to access good jobs and for supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem, while also addressing the health care, housing, and other safety net elements necessary for security and stability;
- Expanding access to education, with opportunities at every level — from early childhood to post-secondary — to prepare students to make the most of their abilities;
- Securing our communities and our planet, with ideas for states, cities, and regions to address climate change;
- Empowering disadvantaged populations with policies that ensure people facing systemic obstacles have a fair shot to contribute and thrive;
- Rebuilding community by effectively and efficiently solving problems, and engaging people in civic society.
Submissions to the New Ideas Challenge were evaluated by eight judges:
Adapting to the Future of Work
PTSD Coverage for First Responders – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Norwalk, CT
Creating Portable Benefits – Senator Eric Lesser, Longmeadow, MA
Accelerated Career Certification for the Unemployed/Underemployed – Senator Troy Singleton, Moorestown, NJ
Expanding Access to Education
City of Columbus ACCESS – Councilmember Elizabeth Brown, Columbus, OH
Library in Every School Plan – House Democratic Whip Darrin Camilleri, Brownstown, MI
Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering – House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Huntsville, AL
Securing our Communities and our Planet
Schools as a Center of Sustainability – School Board Member Laura Capps, Santa Barbara, CA
Sustainable Communities – Mayor Josh Maxwell, Downingtown, PA
Resilient Zoning Code for a Coastal Community – Councilmember Andria McClellan, Norfolk, VA
Empowering Disadvantaged Populations
West Sacramento On-Demand: Mobility for All – Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, West Sacramento, CA
Fair Fees and Fines for Vulnerable Residents – Treasurer José Cisneros, San Francisco, CA
Helping Understand Barriers (HUB) Prosecutor Diversion Program – City Attorney Zach Klein, Columbus, OH
Rebuilding Community
The Law Enforcement Trust and Transparency Act – Councilmember Will Jawando, Montgomery County, MD
Transit Corridor Opportunity Program (TCOP) – Councilmember Nirva LaFortune, Providence, RI
Mobile Mayor – Mayor Libby Schaaf, Oakland, CA
Senator Haskell Visits ASML for Ribbon Cutting
Senator Haskell Visits ASML for Ribbon Cutting
WILTON – State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) last week joined leaders of ASML, a leading supplier for the semiconductor industry, at a ribbon-cutting of a new addition at its Wilton facility. The company, which hosts its largest research and development and manufacturing site in Wilton, focuses on expert knowledge of mechatronics, alignment and sensor technology as well as optical fabrication. Last week, it opened a new expansion of its optical fabrication wing as well as new space in the facility’s 11th floor for ability-based working.
“It was fascinating to learn about ASML’s success and celebrate its newest technological advances,” said Sen. Haskell. “ASML is a testament to manufacturing success in our state, employing more than 1,700 people right here in Wilton. As their operations continue to grow, it’s encouraging to hear they have more than 100 job openings. Now, we need to make sure Connecticut provides a talented workforce pipeline so that ASML can continue to thrive. In addition to commemorating the new expansion, I discussed with leaders how we can work together to expand advanced manufacturing training, as well as ways we can improve the day-to-day lives of ASML’s employees. ASML is committed to Connecticut, and we’re committed to ASML.”
Sen. Haskell said he discussed several pressing topics with ASML leaders during the tour, including better ways to strengthen the state’s manufacturing employment pipeline. As Senate Chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, Sen. Haskell said he is dedicated to finding solutions in state community colleges to bolster ASML’s workforce, additionally addressing issues employees experience daily including traffic and shipping.
ASML works with chipmakers to ensure they have the latest and greatest innovations in semiconductors, producing state-of-the-art lithography systems.
Looney Statement on Senate GOP Transportation Plan
Looney Statement on Senate GOP Transportation Plan
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) released the following statement in response to the Senate Republican transportation plan:
“We appreciate Senator Fasano’s plan and his continued work to find a bipartisan solution to Connecticut’s transportation crisis. We agree that our Rainy Day Fund is currently at a historically high level and that the bipartisan budget passed in 2017 established policies to promote future fiscal stability.
“We are conferring with the Office of Fiscal Analysis and analyzing the numbers in the Senate Republican plan.
“I look forward to coming to a bipartisan solution on transportation which accomplishes all the critical projects in the CT 2030 transportation plan presented by Governor Lamont. As with the Fiscal Year 18-19 state budget mentioned by Senator Fasano, Connecticut succeeds best when both parties work together.”
Sen. Maroney Hosts Affordable Internet Access Informational Forum at the West Haven Senior Center
Sen. Maroney Hosts Affordable Internet
Access Informational Forum at the West Haven Senior Center
State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) hosted an affordable internet access informational forum at the West Haven Senior Center on Thursday, November 14, 2019. The senator was joined by representatives from Comcast who presented a demonstration on how seniors can use their voice activated television remotes and also informed seniors on how they can sign up for the internet and cable program. They also discussed the Internet Essentials Program, which benefits low-income individuals.
About the Comcast Internet Essentials Program: The low-cost home internet service is eligible for low-income households living in a Comcast footprint who do not have internet service and who receive government services. The program is now available to even more low-income households beyond those participating in the National School Lunch Program and receiving housing assistance, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others. It provides low-cost Internet service (speeds up to 15/2 Mbps) for $9.95 a month plus tax including in-home Wi-Fi at no additional charge and access to 40 hours every 30 days of Wi-Fi outside the home through Xfinity Hotspots; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for $149.99; and access to free digital literacy training available in print, online and in person. There are no activation or equipment rental fees. Certain eligibility restrictions apply.
Senator Anwar to Join Foodshare for Upcoming Turkey Donation Drives in East Windsor, East Hartford
Senator Anwar to Join Foodshare for Upcoming Turkey Donation Drives in East Windsor, East Hartford
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced today he will join Foodshare for several turkey donation drives in coming weeks to support local food pantries in the leadup to the Thanksgiving holiday.
“As we head into the holiday season, let us not forget to help others in our community, especially those in need,” said Sen. Anwar. “Donation events like these turkey drives help us make sure our neighbors can have the same festive holiday celebrations that we do, allowing everyone to enjoy Thanksgiving together.”
Members of the public are asked to donate whole turkeys to Foodshare at the event as well as non-perishable food products. All proceeds will be donated to local food pantries ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Cash donations will also be accepted.
Sen. Anwar will volunteer at the following turkey drives:
- On Thursday, November 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. at East Windsor Town Hall, 11 Rye Street in Broad Brook, Foodshare and Sen. Anwar will join the East Windsor Police Department and East Windsor Recreation and Community Services.
- On Thursday, November 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Goodwin College, 1 Riverside Drive in East Hartford, Foodshare and Sen. Anwar will join State Representative Jeff Currey and Goodwin College representatives.
Senator Abrams, Reps. Abercrombie and Altobello, Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon to Host Meriden Vaping Forum
Senator Abrams, Reps. Abercrombie and Altobello, Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon to Host Meriden Vaping Forum
State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) announced today that she will host a forum in November for legislators and the public to discuss and learn more about vaping with State Representatives Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden) and Buddy Altobello (D-Meriden) and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon. The forum will be held Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Meriden’s Francis T. Maloney High School Library Media Center, located at 121 Gravel Street.
This is the second vaping forum Sen. Abrams has held after an October event in Cheshire. As Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, Sen. Abrams is interested in educating and learning from the public about this growing public health crisis. She plans to hold additional forums to ensure her entire district is involved in these discussions.
In addition to Sen. Abrams, Reps. Abercrombie and Altobello and Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon, additional leaders attending the forum will include Barbara Walsh of the Department of Public Health, Meriden Health and Human Services Director Lea Crown, Meriden Student Supports and Special Education Senior Director Patricia Sullivan-Kowalski and Krystle Blake of the Rushford and Meriden Youth Coalition.