Senator Duff Calls on Republican Registrar to Resign
NORWALK, CT – Today, Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement calling on Norwalk Republican Registrar of Voters Karen Doyle Lyons to resign:
“Republican Registrar of Voters Karen Doyle Lyons must immediately resign and remove her name from the 2020 ballot. Her comments on Facebook are racist, lack moral leadership and are extremely concerning in the context of her current position as an election administrator. I’ve long been concerned about her ability to conduct fair elections because of her improper views of voter identification laws. Norwalk voters would be rightly concerned about the August 11 primary and November 3 elections if Mrs. Doyle Lyons has a role. Turnout for the general election is expected to be very high this year and voters need to have confidence about the execution of a free and fair election. Mrs. Doyle Lyons has shown what’s in her heart and voters surely will not want her to use the power of her office to turn that into reality.”
Senator Anwar Releases Statement Lauding More Than $30 Million in Assistance to Renters, Homeowners and Landlords
Senator Anwar Releases Statement Lauding More Than $30 Million in Assistance to Renters, Homeowners and Landlords
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), the Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the state will commit more than $33 million toward providing assistance to renters, homeowners and landlords impacted by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic:
“I am ecstatic to hear that Governor Lamont and his administration have dedicated more than $30 million to this vitally important cause,” Sen. Anwar said. “With July 1 representing a truly significant deadline on the calendar for tens of thousands, the $10 million to rental assistance, $5 million for eviction prevention, $10 million in mortgage relief and more than $8 million toward rapid rehousing, additional rental assistance and reentry for those leaving incarceration dedicated today will go a long way in assisting the public. While these funds are significant, more can and must be done. The Housing Committee in fact held a hearing this morning to discuss how best to further assist the many who will still need help even after the current allotment is spent. I thank the Governor for his willingness to listen and look forward to continuing to work with him and his administration on this vital issue.”
Senators Cassano, Anwar, and Osten Praise Addition of $10 Million in Healthy Homes Funds to CFSIC
Senators Cassano, Anwar, and Osten Praise Addition of $10 Million in Healthy Homes Funds to CFSIC
HARTFORD – The Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC) has announced it has received $10.6 million in Healthy Homes funds, $2.1 million more than it was budgeted to receive.
State Senators Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), whose districts and constituents have been significantly impacted by pyrrhotite-affected home foundations, today praised the funding, which they voted to create.
In 2017, the bipartisan budget approved $100 million in bonding for grants to homes affected by pyrrhotite. It also created the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, which will oversee and administer the grant program.
During the 2018 legislative session, Democrats in the legislature passed House Bill 5209, “An Act Imposing a Surcharge on Certain Insurance Policies and Establishing the Healthy Homes Fund,” which put a $12 surcharge on a homeowner’s insurance policy, beginning on January 1, 2019. 85% of the funds generated goes to the CFSIC and is used to fix homes with crumbling foundations. $10.2 million will be raised every year for 11 years through the surcharge.
“Time and again we’ve seen the devastating impact that crumbling foundations has on people’s homes and livelihood,” said Senator Cassano. “Over the years as co-chair of the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee, I’m proud to have worked alongside my Democratic colleagues toward addressing this issue. The creation of the Healthy Homes Fund is a product of that work and I’m thrilled that these funds raised will go toward helping homeowners affected by this crisis.”
“In recent years, we have seen the extreme impacts of crumbling foundations on thousands of homeowners across the state,” said Senator Anwar. “These funds will go a long way to help these individuals recover from the extensive damage they’ve experienced as part of this problem, which occurred through no fault of their own. I look forward to finding additional strategies that can further counter this awful trend.”
“Banks, insurance companies, private-sector contractors and the federal government all refused to help homeowners whose biggest investment of their lifetime – their home – was literally crumbling beneath their feet, through no fault of their own,” said Senator Osten “But the residents that I represent in Hebron, Marlborough, Columbia and Franklin who are faced with this crisis can be assured that the State of Connecticut has stepped in and will assist them in rebuilding their homes and their investment. It is absolutely the right thing to do and I am proud to have voted for the legislation that created and funded this indemnity company that is helping so many Connecticut residents save their homes.”
Senators Needleman, Osten Report Mosquito Activity Does Not Yet Show EEE; Virus Is Not Expected to Be Seen Until Mid-August
Senators Needleman, Osten Report Mosquito Activity Does Not Yet Show EEE; Virus Is Not Expected to Be Seen Until Mid-August
After last year’s significant outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, in which three Connecticut residents tragically passed away from the mosquito-spread illness, Senators Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and Catherine Osten (D-Sprague) maintained regular contact with scientists and researchers from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to monitor any threat of the virus’s spread in 2020. According to recent reports from CAES staff, mosquito trap collections across the state are currently at a rate that’s “normal to below normal” for this time of year, with collection numbers similar to historic figures.
No mosquito samples have tested positive for EEE or West Nile Virus, a second significant mosquito-transmitted illness, at all 108 trapping locations in Connecticut thus far in 2020. Each site is seeing sample collection once every 10 days, with those collections expected to increase in areas where increased EEE or West Nile activity is seen.
“Connecticut’s response to COVID-19 has been strong. In that context, though, we should be more focused than ever on preventing further outbreaks of infectious diseases across our state,” said Sen. Needleman. “These results show that our response to EEE after last year are improving, especially as expanded state funding has allowed new mosquito testing sites to be set up in regions of our state hit hard last year. The threat of EEE remains, especially as summer continues, but at this time we can rest assured we will have a faster, better response in 2020.”
“It is reassuring to have positive news about EEE this year,” said Sen. Osten. “Not only is activity not seen yet, but if or when that activity does come, we will have an earlier warning and more information to protect our residents. I am happy the increased state funding for EEE testing is already showing dividends.”
Senators Needleman, Osten Report Mosquito Activity Does Not Yet Show EEE; Virus Is Not Expected to Be Seen Until Mid-August
Senators Needleman, Osten Report Mosquito Activity Does Not Yet Show EEE; Virus Is Not Expected to Be Seen Until Mid-August
After last year’s significant outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, in which three Connecticut residents tragically passed away from the mosquito-spread illness, Senators Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and Catherine Osten (D-Sprague) maintained regular contact with scientists and researchers from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to monitor any threat of the virus’s spread in 2020. According to recent reports from CAES staff, mosquito trap collections across the state are currently at a rate that’s “normal to below normal” for this time of year, with collection numbers similar to historic figures.
No mosquito samples have tested positive for EEE or West Nile Virus, a second significant mosquito-transmitted illness, at all 108 trapping locations in Connecticut thus far in 2020. Each site is seeing sample collection once every 10 days, with those collections expected to increase in areas where increased EEE or West Nile activity is seen.
“Connecticut’s response to COVID-19 has been strong. In that context, though, we should be more focused than ever on preventing further outbreaks of infectious diseases across our state,” said Sen. Needleman. “These results show that our response to EEE after last year are improving, especially as expanded state funding has allowed new mosquito testing sites to be set up in regions of our state hit hard last year. The threat of EEE remains, especially as summer continues, but at this time we can rest assured we will have a faster, better response in 2020.”
“It is reassuring to have positive news about EEE this year,” said Sen. Osten. “Not only is activity not seen yet, but if or when that activity does come, we will have an earlier warning and more information to protect our residents. I am happy the increased state funding for EEE testing is already showing dividends.”
Senators Cassano, Anwar, and Osten Praise Addition of $10 Million in Healthy Homes Funds to CFSIC
Senators Cassano, Anwar, and Osten Praise Addition of $10 Million in Healthy Homes Funds to CFSIC
HARTFORD – The Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC) has announced it has received $10.6 million in Healthy Homes funds, $2.1 million more than it was budgeted to receive.
State Senators Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), whose districts and constituents have been significantly impacted by pyrrhotite-affected home foundations, today praised the funding, which they voted to create.
In 2017, the bipartisan budget approved $100 million in bonding for grants to homes affected by pyrrhotite. It also created the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, which will oversee and administer the grant program.
During the 2018 legislative session, Democrats in the legislature passed House Bill 5209, “An Act Imposing a Surcharge on Certain Insurance Policies and Establishing the Healthy Homes Fund,” which put a $12 surcharge on a homeowner’s insurance policy, beginning on January 1, 2019. 85% of the funds generated goes to the CFSIC and is used to fix homes with crumbling foundations. $10.2 million will be raised every year for 11 years through the surcharge.
“Time and again we’ve seen the devastating impact that crumbling foundations has on people’s homes and livelihood,” said Senator Cassano. “Over the years as co-chair of the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee, I’m proud to have worked alongside my Democratic colleagues toward addressing this issue. The creation of the Healthy Homes Fund is a product of that work and I’m thrilled that these funds raised will go toward helping homeowners affected by this crisis.”
“In recent years, we have seen the extreme impacts of crumbling foundations on thousands of homeowners across the state,” said Senator Anwar. “These funds will go a long way to help these individuals recover from the extensive damage they’ve experienced as part of this problem, which occurred through no fault of their own. I look forward to finding additional strategies that can further counter this awful trend.”
“Banks, insurance companies, private-sector contractors and the federal government all refused to help homeowners whose biggest investment of their lifetime – their home – was literally crumbling beneath their feet, through no fault of their own,” said Senator Osten “But the residents that I represent in Hebron, Marlborough, Columbia and Franklin who are faced with this crisis can be assured that the State of Connecticut has stepped in and will assist them in rebuilding their homes and their investment. It is absolutely the right thing to do and I am proud to have voted for the legislation that created and funded this indemnity company that is helping so many Connecticut residents save their homes.”
Senator McCrory Joins Teachers for Digital Town Hall On Equity In The Education System
Senator McCrory Joins Teachers for Digital Town Hall On Equity In The Education System
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined Connecticut teachers for ‘Voices from the Virtual Classroom: The Need for Equity and a Path Forward,’ a digital town hall discussion hosted by Educators for Excellence – Connecticut. The digital town hall focused on fostering greater equity in the education system in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students, families, and teachers.
“We owe teachers a great deal of gratitude for their tireless efforts to support their students during this stressful time,” said Sen. McCrory. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put in plain sight, and has exacerbated, long-existent disparities in educational opportunity. This was unacceptable before COVID-19, and we owe it to the future of our young people to close the opportunity gap in charting a path forward for Connecticut’s schools.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic – not to mention the unrest that has been prompted by the unconscionable killings of Black people across the country – has highlighted what we already knew: Teachers are the gateways for shaping students’ understanding of the world in which they live,” said Andréa Comer, Executive Director of Educators for Excellence – Connecticut. “Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that learning continues beyond the walls of the classroom, and we are proud to provide a space for their voices to be heard.”
The digital town hall was led by three teachers, including a teacher from Hartford. Each of them presented highlights from several digital conversations with Connecticut teachers discussing a range of topics, including challenges of online learning, mental health of teachers, and disparities across the state between school districts.
Legislators and stakeholders responded to the teachers’ presentations before shifting into the question and answer portion of the town hall.
The Senate Democratic Caucus has made education policy proposals, such as addressing entrenched educational disparities in the state, and minority teacher support and recruitment, part of their ‘Juneteenth Agenda’ to address racial inequities during the 2020 special session.
Senator Kushner, Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Senator Kushner, Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
HARTFORD – Today, state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and the Connecticut Senate Democratic Caucus announced a series of wide-ranging policy proposals to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities during the 2020 special session.
Senate Democrats chose Juneteenth, the day commemorating the abolishment of slavery, to announce this agenda. In addition, the Senate Democrats had a Black Lives Matter flag flown above the State Capitol for the first time ever in order to recognize the movement and the important holiday.
“The entire Senate Democratic Caucus is behind making substantive change and responding to the public outcry that we have heard. The time is now – we have to demonstrate through our legislative powers that words are not enough, that we need to enact public policy that addresses systemic racism,” said Sen. Kushner, who joined her colleagues in front of the State Capitol to unveil their agenda. “This is a far-ranging agenda. While the emphasis is appropriately on police accountability, it’s also about creating racial equity in health care, education and housing. It’s about enacting policies to protect essential workers who have risked their lives and the lives of their families during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s our responsibility to ensure that these essential workers — black and brown workers, low-wage workers, like those working in nursing and group homes, homecare workers, and the people working at highway service plazas — have proper personal protective equipment, adequate staffing, health coverage, and a workers’ compensation presumption. These black and brown workers, their lives matter.”
“Our message to the people of Connecticut is simple: we hear you and we will take action,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There are moments in our history that pass us by and there are moments that turn into movements. We will not let the voices on our town greens and our streets be ignored and we will ensure this movement transforms the laws and policies of Connecticut.”
Senate Democrats aim to reform criminal justice and police accountability policies, provide more economic opportunities, address educational inequality, reform health care, and address housing, the environment, and voting rights.
The legislative proposals outlined today are listed below. More details on the proposals can be found here.
Criminal Justice & Police Accountability
Banning Chokeholds & Other Unnecessary Police Actions
To combat police brutality and end dangerous and unnecessary police actions
Prosecutorial Reform
To empower an Inspector General to investigate cases of police misconduct and use of force
Decertifying Police Officers
To decertify police convicted of misconduct
Banning “No Knock” Warrants
To prevent police from executing “no knock” warrants and entering a property without notification
Duty to Intervene
To require police to intervene if another is engaging in brutality or misconduct
Requiring Body Cameras
To ensure all Connecticut police are equipped with body cameras
“Walking While Black” & Custodial Arrest Reform
To reform arrest policies in order to curb unnecessary detentions and custodial arrests
Increasing the Power of Civilian Review Boards
To provide more power to Civilian Review Boards when reviewing an investigation
Amy Cooper Law
To charge persons who call 9-1-1 making false accusations against someone based on race, gender, or religion
Better Police Training
To provide better and more frequent anti-bias training for police
Economic Opportunity
Renaissance Districts
To create “renaissance” investments in affordable housing, retail, and social services programs that are focused on the education, health, and economic development for of the residents of in that neighborhood
Supporting Minority-Owned Businesses
To provide additional support for minority-owned businesses
Expanding Workforce Development
To get more students involved in job-training programs
Educational Inequality
Minority Teacher Support and Recruitment
To address the racial diversity of our teaching staff
Expanding Access to High-Opportunity School Districts
To break down the historic inequities in our public education system where a child’s zip code too often determines the quality of their education
Addressing Entrenched Educational Disparities in Connecticut
To address the educational disparities highlighted and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
Native American History in School Curriculums
To ensure the history of Native Americans is taught in our public schools
Health Care Reform
Addressing Overall Health Equity Issues
To address major health disparities by race and ethnicity which result in poorer health, premature deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs
Strengthening COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing
To improve Connecticut’s approach to key COVID-19 prevention tools and to ensure a more equitable response
Addressing Disproportionate Cases and Deaths of Minority Populations from COVID-19
To address entrenched health disparities and strengthen state resources in the event of future public health emergencies
Strengthening Telehealth
To expand telehealth services used during the COVID-19 pandemic
Capping Insulin Costs
To cap exorbitant insulin costs and provide patients access to emergency insulin supplies
Supporting Community Health Workers
To fund community health workers who are an essential liaison between the health care and social services systems
Health Care Data Collection and Reporting
To expand data collection and reporting by race, gender, and other guidelines in order to expose health disparities and better guide health policies
Nursing Home Safeguards
To increase protections and strengthen procedures for nursing homes
Curbing Junk Health Insurance
To regulate the practices of so-called “junk” health insurance policies which deliberately target minority communities and people who have lost their jobs
Protecting Workers
To ensure everyone injured on job, especially those impacted by COVID-19, get increased protections, including workers’ compensation
Tackling Insurance Premiums
To examine and regulate expected insurance rate increases during a time of economic distress and record insurance company profits
Housing, the Environment, Voting Rights, and Recognition
Increasing Affordable Housing Opportunities
To increase access to and the availability of affordable housing, especially in areas with disproportionately low amounts of affordable housing
Addressing Unequal Zoning Restrictions
To address the major impact that local zoning laws contribute to housing discrimination
Addressing Environmental Injustice
To tackle the racial inequities exacerbated by pollution and emissions, which disproportionately impact minorities
Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots
To provide increased access to absentee ballots for voters and election workers concerned about their health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic
Juneteenth as a State Holiday
To establish Juneteenth, June 19, as a state holiday
Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
HARTFORD – Today, the Connecticut Senate Democratic Caucus announced a series of wide-ranging policy proposals to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities during the 2020 special session.
Senate Democrats chose Juneteenth, the day commemorating the abolishment of slavery, to announce this agenda. In addition, the Senate Democrats had a Black Lives Matter flag flown above the State Capitol for the first time ever in order to recognize the movement and the important holiday.
“Our message to the people of Connecticut is simple: we hear you and we will take action,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There are moments in our history that pass us by and there are moments that turn into movements. We will not let the voices on our town greens and our streets be ignored and we will ensure this movement transforms the laws and policies of Connecticut.”
Senate Democrats aim to reform criminal justice and police accountability policies, provide more economic opportunities, address educational inequality, reform health care, and address housing, the environment, and voting rights.
“For too long the United States has only been willing to address the symptoms of racial inequity,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “With this bold agenda we are standing up and tackling the underlying causes of inequality and systemic racism. I have joined numerous marches and demonstrations in Darien, Norwalk, and throughout the state and I heard over and over about the need for real change. Today we take the first step of turning those calls into tangible action.”
The legislative proposals outlined today are listed below. More details on the proposals can be found here.
Criminal Justice & Police Accountability
Banning Chokeholds & Other Unnecessary Police Actions
To combat police brutality and end dangerous and unnecessary police actions
Prosecutorial Reform
To empower an Inspector General to investigate cases of police misconduct and use of force
Decertifying Police Officers
To decertify police convicted of misconduct
Banning “No Knock” Warrants
To prevent police from executing “no knock” warrants and entering a property without notification
Duty to Intervene
To require police to intervene if another is engaging in brutality or misconduct
Requiring Body Cameras
To ensure all Connecticut police are equipped with body cameras
“Walking While Black” & Custodial Arrest Reform
To reform arrest policies in order to curb unnecessary detentions and custodial arrests
Increasing the Power of Civilian Review Boards
To provide more power to Civilian Review Boards when reviewing an investigation
Amy Cooper Law
To charge persons who call 9-1-1 making false accusations against someone based on race, gender, or religion
Better Police Training
To provide better and more frequent anti-bias training for police
Economic Opportunity
Renaissance Districts
To create “renaissance” investments in affordable housing, retail, and social services programs that are focused on the education, health, and economic development for of the residents of in that neighborhood
Supporting Minority-Owned Businesses
To provide additional support for minority-owned businesses
Expanding Workforce Development
To get more students involved in job-training programs
Educational Inequality
Minority Teacher Support and Recruitment
To address the racial diversity of our teaching staff
Expanding Access to High-Opportunity School Districts
To break down the historic inequities in our public education system where a child’s zip code too often determines the quality of their education
Addressing Entrenched Educational Disparities in Connecticut
To address the educational disparities highlighted and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
Native American History in School Curriculums
To ensure the history of Native Americans is taught in our public schools
Health Care Reform
Addressing Overall Health Equity Issues
To address major health disparities by race and ethnicity which result in poorer health, premature deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs
Strengthening COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing
To improve Connecticut’s approach to key COVID-19 prevention tools and to ensure a more equitable response
Addressing Disproportionate Cases and Deaths of Minority Populations from COVID-19
To address entrenched health disparities and strengthen state resources in the event of future public health emergencies
Strengthening Telehealth
To expand telehealth services used during the COVID-19 pandemic
Capping Insulin Costs
To cap exorbitant insulin costs and provide patients access to emergency insulin supplies
Supporting Community Health Workers
To fund community health workers who are an essential liaison between the health care and social services systems
Health Care Data Collection and Reporting
To expand data collection and reporting by race, gender, and other guidelines in order to expose health disparities and better guide health policies
Nursing Home Safeguards
To increase protections and strengthen procedures for nursing homes
Curbing Junk Health Insurance
To regulate the practices of so-called “junk” health insurance policies which deliberately target minority communities and people who have lost their jobs
Protecting Workers
To ensure everyone injured on job, especially those impacted by COVID-19, get increased protections, including workers’ compensation
Tackling Insurance Premiums
To examine and regulate expected insurance rate increases during a time of economic distress and record insurance company profits
Housing, the Environment, Voting Rights, and Recognition
Increasing Affordable Housing Opportunities
To increase access to and the availability of affordable housing, especially in areas with disproportionately low amounts of affordable housing
Addressing Unequal Zoning Restrictions
To address the major impact that local zoning laws contribute to housing discrimination
Addressing Environmental Injustice
To tackle the racial inequities exacerbated by pollution and emissions, which disproportionately impact minorities
Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots
To provide increased access to absentee ballots for voters and election workers concerned about their health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic
Juneteenth as a State Holiday
To establish Juneteenth, June 19, as a state holiday
Senator Slap, Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Senator Slap, Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
HARTFORD – Today, state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and the Connecticut Senate Democratic Caucus announced a series of wide-ranging policy proposals to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities during the 2020 special session.
Senate Democrats chose Juneteenth, the day commemorating the abolishment of slavery, to announce this agenda. In addition, the Senate Democrats had a Black Lives Matter flag flown above the State Capitol for the first time ever in order to recognize the movement and the important holiday.
“Flying the Black Lives Matter flag over the State Capitol is great. It’s a very important symbolic gesture. But, as one speaker today said, symbols are not enough – we need concrete action and meaningful legislation to address systemic racism and racial inequality,” said Sen. Slap, who joined his colleagues in front of the State Capitol to unveil their agenda. “We’ve all seen the rallies happening all across the state. We’ve heard the voice at town halls and on town greens. This isn’t just a moment – it’s a movement. And as elected representatives of the people, we have a duty to act.”
“Our message to the people of Connecticut is simple: we hear you and we will take action,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “There are moments in our history that pass us by and there are moments that turn into movements. We will not let the voices on our town greens and our streets be ignored and we will ensure this movement transforms the laws and policies of Connecticut.”
Senate Democrats aim to reform criminal justice and police accountability policies, provide more economic opportunities, address educational inequality, reform health care, and address housing, the environment, and voting rights.
The legislative proposals outlined today are listed below. More details on the proposals can be found here.
Criminal Justice & Police Accountability
Banning Chokeholds & Other Unnecessary Police Actions
To combat police brutality and end dangerous and unnecessary police actions
Prosecutorial Reform
To empower an Inspector General to investigate cases of police misconduct and use of force
Decertifying Police Officers
To decertify police convicted of misconduct
Banning “No Knock” Warrants
To prevent police from executing “no knock” warrants and entering a property without notification
Duty to Intervene
To require police to intervene if another is engaging in brutality or misconduct
Requiring Body Cameras
To ensure all Connecticut police are equipped with body cameras
“Walking While Black” & Custodial Arrest Reform
To reform arrest policies in order to curb unnecessary detentions and custodial arrests
Increasing the Power of Civilian Review Boards
To provide more power to Civilian Review Boards when reviewing an investigation
Amy Cooper Law
To charge persons who call 9-1-1 making false accusations against someone based on race, gender, or religion
Better Police Training
To provide better and more frequent anti-bias training for police
Economic Opportunity
Renaissance Districts
To create “renaissance” investments in affordable housing, retail, and social services programs that are focused on the education, health, and economic development for of the residents of in that neighborhood
Supporting Minority-Owned Businesses
To provide additional support for minority-owned businesses
Expanding Workforce Development
To get more students involved in job-training programs
Educational Inequality
Minority Teacher Support and Recruitment
To address the racial diversity of our teaching staff
Expanding Access to High-Opportunity School Districts
To break down the historic inequities in our public education system where a child’s zip code too often determines the quality of their education
Addressing Entrenched Educational Disparities in Connecticut
To address the educational disparities highlighted and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
Native American History in School Curriculums
To ensure the history of Native Americans is taught in our public schools
Health Care Reform
Addressing Overall Health Equity Issues
To address major health disparities by race and ethnicity which result in poorer health, premature deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs
Strengthening COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing
To improve Connecticut’s approach to key COVID-19 prevention tools and to ensure a more equitable response
Addressing Disproportionate Cases and Deaths of Minority Populations from COVID-19
To address entrenched health disparities and strengthen state resources in the event of future public health emergencies
Strengthening Telehealth
To expand telehealth services used during the COVID-19 pandemic
Capping Insulin Costs
To cap exorbitant insulin costs and provide patients access to emergency insulin supplies
Supporting Community Health Workers
To fund community health workers who are an essential liaison between the health care and social services systems
Health Care Data Collection and Reporting
To expand data collection and reporting by race, gender, and other guidelines in order to expose health disparities and better guide health policies
Nursing Home Safeguards
To increase protections and strengthen procedures for nursing homes
Curbing Junk Health Insurance
To regulate the practices of so-called “junk” health insurance policies which deliberately target minority communities and people who have lost their jobs
Protecting Workers
To ensure everyone injured on job, especially those impacted by COVID-19, get increased protections, including workers’ compensation
Tackling Insurance Premiums
To examine and regulate expected insurance rate increases during a time of economic distress and record insurance company profits
Housing, the Environment, Voting Rights, and Recognition
Increasing Affordable Housing Opportunities
To increase access to and the availability of affordable housing, especially in areas with disproportionately low amounts of affordable housing
Addressing Unequal Zoning Restrictions
To address the major impact that local zoning laws contribute to housing discrimination
Addressing Environmental Injustice
To tackle the racial inequities exacerbated by pollution and emissions, which disproportionately impact minorities
Expanding Access to Absentee Ballots
To provide increased access to absentee ballots for voters and election workers concerned about their health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic
Juneteenth as a State Holiday
To establish Juneteenth, June 19, as a state holiday