Senator Anwar, Quarries Working Group Release Final Report
Today, the Quarries Working Group, of which State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was a member, released its final report after studying issues surrounding the ongoing crisis of crumbling foundations in dozens of Connecticut towns. The working group, which operated from September 2019 to January 2020 as a result of legislation passed during the 2019 legislative session, was tasked with developing a quality control plan for quarries and studying the workforce of contractors repairing and replacing concrete foundations. A suspected cause of the concrete failures is the presence of “pyrrhotite,” an iron sulfide mineral, found in many homes’ concrete foundations.
“This report helps give guidelines and direction to the numerous individuals working to assist those impacted by concrete foundations,” said Sen. Anwar. “It is the culmination of months of hard work from a variety of individuals and works to create new standards for quality control testing. It also determines that the current workforce of contractors assisting with repairs is adequate for current demand, as well as a potential future increase in demand. I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and tireless efforts to complete this report and assist those struggling with this issue.”
The Model Quality Control Plan included two major components. It first recommended a quarry operators producing aggregates for use on concrete provide Geological Source Reports to the Connecticut State Geologist. This report, prepared by a certified geologist, would include an operations plan to document the mining, processing, storage and quality control methods used by a producer of materials. The Operations Plan must be updated annually, while the GSR would need updating every four years.
The Model Quality Control Plan would also require aggregate testing to be performed to measure sulfur content in a quarry and determine the existence of pyrrhotite. The sulfur test would monitor materials and determine the material’s sulfurous percent-by-mass. If the amount would be under 0.1 percent, the aggregate would be approved for use for four years; if greater than 1 percent, the aggregate would not be permitted for concrete use; if less than 1 percent but greater than 0.1 percent, further testing would be required.
That further testing, if necessary, would scan for the existence of pyrrhotite in the material. Its potential presence would determine whether it would be viable for use; if present, the sulfur content in the material would need to be under 0.1 percent to be viable.
Additionally, the study found that the current workforce of contractors assisting with foundation replacements is adequate, there is no shortage of labor and a potential increase in demand would still be achieved by the current workforce. It did find that affected homeowners should be educated in how to obtain state funds, choose a contractor and what to expect during the remediation process. Inspection options should also be enhanced to mitigate any delays, especially in municipalities with part-time inspectors, it found.
Quarries Working Group members included Chairman Kenneth Boynton, the president of Boynton Construction, Inc.; Sen. Anwar; State Representative Tim Ackert (R-Coventry); James Mahoney, Connecticut Transportation Institute Program Director; Henry Suzio, principal of L. Suzio York Hill Companies, Inc.; William Stanley, O&G Industries, Inc. Materials Division VP; Lyle Wray, director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments; and homeowner Debra MacCoy
Sen. Anwar Appointed Senate Vice Chair of Children’s Committee
Sen. Anwar Appointed Senate Vice Chair of Children’s Committee
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced his appointment as Senate Vice Chair of the Children’s Committee in the Connecticut General Assembly by Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). Sen. Anwar’s appointment to this committee is in addition to his existing roles as Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, Senate Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, and membership in the Insurance & Real Estate and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
“It is a privilege to take on this important role in protecting and improving the lives of children throughout Connecticut, and I would like to thank Senator Looney for appointing me to this committee,” said Sen. Anwar. “Our children are the next generation of Connecticut’s workers and residents, and I believe we must do all we can to support them. I am excited to get to work.”
Sen. Lesser, Rep. Phipps Present Donation to MLK, Jr. Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown
Sen. Lesser, Rep. Phipps Present Donation to MLK, Jr. Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown
MIDDLETOWN, CT – Today, from Allbritton Hall at Wesleyan University, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and state Representative Quentin Phipps (D-Middletown) presented the Martin Luther King Jr., Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown with a donation. The state lawmakers applauded the work of the committee.
“Working with the legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus we were able to raise funds for scholarships for Middletown-area students,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m pleased to support the MLK, Jr. Scholarship Committee and the good work they do in our community.”
“I am thrilled to see a Middletown student chosen to receive the MLK Education Scholarship,” said Rep. Phipps. “Empowering our children through education is the best tool we have to help them succeed and become productive members of our communities. This scholarship is a way of helping them get closer to achieving their academic goals and letting them know we are supporting their dreams.”
Committee President Brittany Hoggard thanked the state legislators for their continued support of the committee and their generous donation.
“The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Committee extends our sincere gratitude to State Senator Matt Lesser and State Representative Quentin Phipps for their support and efforts,” said President Hoggard. “Your donation will help in the continued works of providing scholarships to our youth pursuing a higher education. Thank you for your generosity.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown, Inc provides scholarships to high school seniors who are planning on attending a two- or four-year college or university, or an accredited technical/vocational institution. The scholarship is based on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, and includes an essay about the work of Dr. King.
In observance of MLK Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, the committee is hosting their 27th Annual Dr. King Jr., Birthday Celebration at the South Congressional Church on Pleasant St. in Middletown. The celebration begins at 12:30 pm.
Senator Slap, CT Legislators Give Bipartisan Support to Bill to Protect Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
Sen. Slap, CT Legislators Give Bipartisan Support to Bill to Protect Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and a bipartisan group of legislators and advocates today announced their support for a bill that prohibits employers from asking the age, date of birth, or graduation dates of job applicants, unless a particular age is a bona fide occupational qualification.
With 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s, Connecticut has the 6th-oldest workforce in the nation, with a median age of 41 (as of 2017.) Just 20% of Connecticut employees were over the age 54 in 2008; today that figure is 26.5%, with the health care, manufacturing, educational services and retail trade industries employing the most workers over age 54.
A 2018 AARP survey found about 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 76% of them see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job. Meanwhile, nearly a third of U.S. households headed by someone age 55 or older have no retirement savings or pension, meaning they’ll have to continue working or rely on Social Security in order to survive financially.
“This bill will help close a very costly loophole for older workers in Connecticut who disproportionately face under-employment and unemployment,” said Sen. Slap. “No one should be vetted for a job based solely on their age. This bill will make our economy fairer and stronger.”
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, older workers will make up the fastest-growing segment of the workforce from 2014 to 2024,” said Nora L. Duncan, State Director for the AARP of Connecticut. “While age discrimination is illegal, we live in a society where age seems to be the last acceptable bias. Whether it’s intentional or not, knowing someone’s age can create bias that keeps a qualified job applicant from getting a fair chance at being considered for a position. This legislation reduces that risk and levels the playing field.”
“Mature workers are the backbone of the modern-day workforce, providing skills, leadership and deep professional networks,” said Tom Long, Senior Vice President of Communications and Development for The WorkPlace in Bridgeport, which seeks to develop a well-educated, well-trained, and self-sufficient workforce to compete in today’s global marketplace. “Age does not define ability, and it is essential for employers to provide an opportunity for job candidates to demonstrate that their experience is an asset.”
“Today, no one walks into a business and asks for a job application. Everything is done online,” said state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), who is Senate chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “Today we’re announcing our intention to make a real difference for older workers in Connecticut. They should be evaluated on the merits of their skills and experience. When an employer does that, Connecticut businesses are going to find a wealth of talent in the pool of older applicants. To rule someone out simply because of their age is not only wrong, it’s also bad for businesses.”
“House Bill 6113 may have run out of time last year, but my support in restricting employers from asking questions about an applicant’s date of birth and date of graduation on an initial employment application hasn’t wavered, especially with Connecticut having one of the nation’s oldest workforces” said state Rep. Robyn Porter (D-New Haven), who is House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “Anything short of that is flirting with age discrimination, which is illegal. I would like to see, and I think it’s only fair, that employers focus on whether or not an applicant is qualified to do the job they’re applying for, rather than unfairly disqualifying them based on their age.”
“Age discrimination is real, and this legislation accomplishes many good things. I’ve been advocating for this for years,” said state Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown). “First, it gets older workers in the door, considered, and interviewed on the strength of their work, not the date on their resume. Second, it’s important to know that it doesn’t mandate employers to do anything they don’t already do when considering their best-fit, new employees. In fact, it may help them meet some of the hardest-working, dedicated employees out there. Third, there’s a lot of current conversation about enriching Connecticut’s talent pool. Fact is, there is a wealth of talent in our state’s older workers, and this simple bill will showcase that.”
“While no legislation can by itself change the way people think, laws can influence what they do. Enacting this bill will remove an obstacle from an early stage of the hiring process,” said Bernie Weiss, vice president of the Seniors Job Bank, a non-profit community organization serving the Greater Hartford region, which has for 40 years connected men and women over 50 seeking work to businesses and households with work to be done.
“We cannot tolerate any kind of discrimination on any level, of any sort. Someone’s age on a job application should not be a determining factor on whether they receive an opportunity for employment,” said Rep. Dave Rutigliano (R-Trumbull). “Many seniors who live on fixed incomes look for part-time jobs or additional income due to the ever- rising costs and taxes in Connecticut. They should not be turned away based on their date of birth.”
The bill, which will be formally introduced once session begins in February, will closely the follow the language of a similar bill introduced last year, House Bill 6113. That bill, also introduced by Sen. Slap and co-sponsored by 36 other legislators, noted that, “except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need,” employers are not allowed to “request or require a prospective employee’s age, date of birth or date of graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application.”
Last year’s bill passed the Labor Committee in March but was never raised in the House for a vote.
Sen. Slap encourages anyone who may have been impacted by age discrimination during the hiring process, and who is willing to testify about that at a public hearing on the bill, to contact his legislative office at 860-240-1436.
Sen. Kushner, CT Legislators Give Bipartisan Support to Bill to Protect Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
Sen. Kushner, CT Legislators Give Bipartisan Support to Bill to Protect Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and a bipartisan group of legislators and advocates today announced their support for a bill that prohibits employers from asking the age, date of birth, or graduation dates of job applicants, unless a particular age is a bona fide occupational qualification.
With 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s, Connecticut has the 6th-oldest workforce in the nation, with a median age of 41 (as of 2017.) Just 20% of Connecticut employees were over the age 54 in 2008; today that figure is 26.5%, with the health care, manufacturing, educational services and retail trade industries employing the most workers over age 54.
A 2018 AARP survey found about 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 76% of them see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job. Meanwhile, nearly a third of U.S. households headed by someone age 55 or older have no retirement savings or pension, meaning they’ll have to continue working or rely on Social Security in order to survive financially.
“Today, no one walks into a business and asks for a job application. Everything is done online,” said Senator Kushner, who is Senate chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “Today we’re announcing our intention to make a real difference for older workers in Connecticut. They should be evaluated on the merits of their skills and experience. When an employer does that, Connecticut businesses are going to find a wealth of talent in the pool of older applicants. To rule someone out simply because of their age is not only wrong, it’s also bad for businesses.”
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, older workers will make up the fastest-growing segment of the workforce from 2014 to 2024,” said Nora L. Duncan, State Director for the AARP of Connecticut. “While age discrimination is illegal, we live in a society where age seems to be the last acceptable bias. Whether it’s intentional or not, knowing someone’s age can create bias that keeps a qualified job applicant from getting a fair chance at being considered for a position. This legislation reduces that risk and levels the playing field.”
“Mature workers are the backbone of the modern-day workforce, providing skills, leadership and deep professional networks,” said Tom Long, Senior Vice President of Communications and Development for The WorkPlace in Bridgeport, which seeks to develop a well-educated and well-trained workforce to compete in today’s global marketplace. “Age does not define ability, and it is essential for employers to provide an opportunity for job candidates to demonstrate that their experience is an asset.”
“Age discrimination is real, and this legislation accomplishes many good things. I’ve been advocating for this for years,” said state Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown). “First, it gets older workers in the door, considered, and interviewed on the strength of their work, not the date on their resume. Second, it’s important to know that it doesn’t mandate employers to do anything they don’t already do when considering their best-fit, new employees. In fact, it may help them meet some of the hardest-working, dedicated employees out there. Third, there’s a lot of current conversation about enriching Connecticut’s talent pool. Fact is, there is a wealth of talent in our state’s older workers, and this simple bill will showcase that.”
The bill, which will be formally introduced once session begins in February, will closely the follow the language of a similar bill introduced last year, House Bill 6113. That bill noted that, “except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need,” employers are not allowed to “request or require a prospective employee’s age, date of birth or date of graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application.”
Last year’s bill passed the Labor Committee in March but was never raised in the House for a vote.
Sen. Anwar Joins Sen. Slap, Bipartisan Legislators to Support Bill Protecting Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
Sen. Anwar Joins Sen. Slap, Bipartisan Legislators to Support Bill Protecting Older Job Applicants From Age Discrimination
HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and a bipartisan group of legislators and advocates today for the announcement of their support for a bill that prohibits employers from asking the age, date of birth, or graduation dates of job applicants, unless a particular age is a bona fide occupational qualification. Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and fellow Democratic State Senators Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich) and Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) were among gathered officials.
“Older workers are part of the fastest-growing age demographic in our communities,” said Sen. Anwar. “This isn’t just an issue of fairness, it’s an issue that can impact health and livelihood. Studies show that people who work longer live longer. Some need their jobs to afford their lives, while others work to support their health or to interact with people socially. If they are not getting that opportunity due to discrimination, that is unfair. I am glad Senator Slap is taking a leadership role to fight this problem. No community should accept age discrimination.”
“This bill will help close a very costly loophole for older workers in Connecticut who disproportionately face under-employment and unemployment,” said Sen. Slap. “No one should be vetted for a job based solely on their age. This bill will make our economy fairer and stronger.”
With 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s, Connecticut has the 6th-oldest workforce in the nation, with a median age of 41 (as of 2017.) Just 20% of Connecticut employees were over the age 54 in 2008; today that figure is 26.5%, with the health care, manufacturing, educational services and retail trade industries employing the most workers over age 54.
A 2018 AARP survey found about 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 76% of them see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job. Meanwhile, nearly a third of U.S. households headed by someone age 55 or older have no retirement savings or pension, meaning they’ll have to continue working or rely on Social Security in order to survive financially.
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, older workers will make up the fastest-growing segment of the workforce from 2014 to 2024,” said Nora L. Duncan, State Director for the AARP of Connecticut. “While age discrimination is illegal, we live in a society where age seems to be the last acceptable bias. Whether it’s intentional or not, knowing someone’s age can create bias that keeps a qualified job applicant from getting a fair chance at being considered for a position. This legislation reduces that risk and levels the playing field.”
The bill, which will be formally introduced once session begins in February, will closely the follow the language of a similar bill introduced last year, House Bill 6113. That bill, also introduced by Sen. Slap and co-sponsored by 36 other legislators, noted that, “except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need,” employers are not allowed to “request or require a prospective employee’s age, date of birth or date of graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application.”
Last year’s bill passed the Labor Committee in March but was never raised in the House for a vote.
Sen. Slap encourages anyone who may have been impacted by age discrimination during the hiring process, and who is willing to testify about that at a public hearing on the bill, to contact his legislative office at 860-240-1436.
Duff Secures Grant from Vistra Energy to Support the Norwalk International Cultural Exchange
Duff Secures Grant from Vistra Energy to Support the Norwalk International Cultural Exchange
NORWALK, CT – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) presented the Norwalk International Cultural Exchange (NICE) with a $5,000 grant from Vistra Energy. Vistra Energy is an energy company focused on the competitive energy and power generation markets.
“The Norwalk International Cultural Exchange is an organization that promotes and celebrates the diversity of citizens living in Norwalk,” said Senator Bob Duff. “The NICE Festival is one of many community programs that brings people together and encourages individuals to learn more about the traditions and customs of their neighbors. It’s a wonderful event and this generous grant from Vistra will ensure the program remains a vibrant part of the Norwalk community.”
“The Norwalk International Cultural Exchange (NICE) is extremely proud to be the recipient of this generous grant from Vistra,” said Janet Evelyn, Executive Director of NICE. “In order for NICE to continue to provide this important and valued community building program we need the support of our business community. This grant from Vistra will go a long way in our efforts to engage and support the multiple varied traditional art forms that we showcase at the annual NICE Festival. The NICE Festival Series was established to celebrate the rich global heritage and culture so evident in the music, food, art and diverse population of which we in Norwalk, CT are so proud. The program is coordinated by a group of volunteers in collaboration with the City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department and remains free to the public so all can attend.”
“Vistra Energy is proud to support programs and community events, such as NICE, that strengthen the Norwalk area making it an even better place to live, work and grow. As an integrated energy company that owns and operates two natural gas plants in the state at Milford and Lake Road and serves thousands of customers through our retail brands Ambit Energy, CTG&E and Public Power, Vistra is dedicated to powering Connecticut and giving back to the communities we serve,” said Brad Watson, director of community affairs for Vistra Energy.
NICE is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote and increase awareness of the diversity of people from around the world through arts and culture.
Senator Abrams Visits Midstate Arc Meriden to Discuss Services, Support for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Senator Abrams Visits Midstate Arc Meriden to Discuss Services, Support for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
MERIDEN – Today, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) toured Midstate Arc to discuss services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Connecticut. Midstate Arc is part of The Arc Connecticut, the state’s oldest grassroots family advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities, which protects the rights of individuals with these disabilities and promotes opportunities for their full inclusion and support by their local community. In Connecticut, Arc has 14 service providers employing and supporting an estimated 11,500 people with disabilities and their families.
“I would like to thank The Arc Connecticut for inviting me to visit their operations and showing me the extent of their important work in the local and statewide community,” said Sen. Abrams. “The Arc’s residential services, employment and volunteer programs, and children’s programs help offer individuals with disabilities opportunities for greater independence, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives while preparing for the future. Through the use of innovative new technologies, Arc ensures that individuals with disabilities can develop new skills and relationships. I will remember the people I met today and their stories, and strive to support them through my work at the State Capitol.”
The Arc Connecticut, founded in the early 1950s, works to support the mission and vision of people with disabilities and their families, serving to provide support programs at a time when such programs otherwise didn’t exist. For more than 60 years, the organization has fought to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing family advocacy support, assistance with education and employment, and reinforcing that these individuals are defined by their own selves, not their disabilities.
Sen. Maroney Office to Hold Coffee Hours in Orange on Thursday at Starbucks
Sen. Maroney Office to Hold Coffee Hours in Orange on Thursday at Starbucks
HARTFORD, CT – The office of state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) will be holding a coffee and conversation session in Orange at Starbucks on 300 Boston Post Road on Thursday, January 16 from 8 am to 9 am. The senator’s staff will be present and can answer constituent questions and relay messages directly to the senator.
The 2020 legislative session begins in less than a month, starting on February 5. Sen. Maroney will continue to hold coffee and conversation hours leading up to and throughout session, providing constituents with a chance to share thoughts, ideas and concerns. For those who cannot attend the coffee and conversation session, the senator can also be reached at http://senatedems.ct.gov/maroney-contact.
Senator Anwar Appointed As Co-Chair Of Crumbling Foundations Caucus
Senator Anwar Appointed As Co-Chair Of Crumbling Foundations Caucus
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was appointed Chair of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus with several of his fellow colleagues after State Representative Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester), founder of the bipartisan caucus, announced his stepping down from that position. Sen. Anwar is now Senate co-chair of the caucus alongside State Senator Dan Champagne (R-Vernon); State Representatives Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor) and Pat Wilson Pheanious (D-Tolland) will serve as House co-chairs.
“It is an honor to be named co-chair of this vitally important caucus,” said Sen. Anwar. “Crumbling foundations continue to impact thousands of families and homeowners across our state, and we must work not only to help them but to ensure no one else suffers from this issue in the future. I look forward to working with Senator Champagne and Representatives Delnicki and Wilson Pheanious, as all of us have seen firsthand the damage crumbling foundations caused in our community. That gives us a common bond that will help us work collaboratively to fight this scourge on our region.”
“It has been an honor to help lead the fight for relief for the victims of crumbling concrete since 2013 and to see the progress we have made together on this issue, including a few big victories in 2019,” said Rep. Luxenberg. “But there is so much important work on these issues that will remain for years to come. I was proud to have formed the bipartisan Concrete Caucus and to have Co-Chaired the group throughout 2019 with State Representative Delnicki, but the time has come to pass the baton of leadership to State Senator Saud Anwar. I will remain an active member of our group and am excited that Senator Anwar will take over my position as Co-Chair and lead our efforts in 2020 and beyond. Senator Anwar has been a consistent and exemplary champion for victims of crumbling concrete dating back to his days as Mayor of South Windsor and including his recent time spent with the Quarry Standards working group. A Senate Co-Chair of his caliber will benefit the cause, and working together, we will continue to advocate for our impacted communities.”
The Crumbling Foundations Caucus first formed in February 2019 as a bipartisan effort for legislators to work to battle crumbling concrete foundations caused by the presence of the mineral pyrrhotite. The caucus works in conjunction with the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, an active insurer designed to help rebuild these foundations.