Senator Kasser, 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 to recognize the movement and this important holiday.
“Racism is a crisis in this country that causes any number of adverse outcomes, including compromised health, education and job opportunities,” said state Senator Alex Kasser (D-Greenwich). “The COVID-19 pandemic has made those inequities profoundly clear, and it’s time to make real change.”
“The point of today was to talk about us coming back in July in special session to create legislation to address some of the ills that we face based on racism and systemic racism, and which are taking place across America,” said state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport).
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
Senator McCrory Joins Senate Democrats To Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Senator McCrory Joins Senate Democrats To 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
Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined the Connecticut Senate Democratic Caucus to announce a series of wide-ranging policy proposals to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities during the 2020 special session.
“This is the time for the state of Connecticut to step up to the plate and be bold for all the residents of the state. If we don’t do it now, we will never get it done,” said Sen. McCrory.
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.
“We must listen to the people across Connecticut calling on us to enact significant reform in policing, while closing persistent inequities in systems from health care to housing,” said Sen. McCrory. “The gaps across our state when it comes to education opportunity, access to health care, and investment in our neighborhoods must be addressed by providing more equitable funding and fixing policies that allow this inequality to continue. This is our moment as a state to pass laws and policies that will create long-term change.”
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 Osten, Senate Democrats Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Senator Osten, 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 Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) 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.
“It’s vital that we publicize the policies that we believe will directly address the issues of racial injustice that we see in Connecticut and across America – including the injustices that have historically been imposed on Native Americans,” said Sen. Osten, who joined her colleagues in front of the State Capitol to unveil their agenda.
“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
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats to Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
WHO:
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)
Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven)
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport)
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford)
Other members of the Senate Democratic caucus
WHAT:
The Senate Democratic caucus will announce their Juneteenth Agenda for the upcoming special session. The wide-ranging policy proposals will seek to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities.
WHEN:
TOMORROW, Friday, June 19th, at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE:
Southwest corner outside the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats to Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
WHO:
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)
Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven)
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport)
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford)
Other members of the Senate Democratic caucus
WHAT:
The Senate Democratic caucus will announce their Juneteenth Agenda for the upcoming special session. The wide-ranging policy proposals will seek to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities.
WHEN:
TOMORROW, Friday, June 19th, at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE:
Southwest corner outside the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats to Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
WHO:
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)
Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven)
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport)
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford)
Other members of the Senate Democratic caucus
WHAT:
The Senate Democratic caucus will announce their Juneteenth Agenda for the upcoming special session. The wide-ranging policy proposals will seek to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities.
WHEN:
TOMORROW, Friday, June 19th, at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE:
Southwest corner outside the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats to Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
WHO:
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)
Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven)
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport)
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford)
Other members of the Senate Democratic caucus
WHAT:
The Senate Democratic caucus will announce their Juneteenth Agenda for the upcoming special session. The wide-ranging policy proposals will seek to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities.
WHEN:
TOMORROW, Friday, June 19th, at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE:
Southwest corner outside the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
TOMORROW @ 10:30 AM: Senate Democrats to Announce Juneteenth Agenda for Special Session
Hearing the Calls from Demonstrations, Senate Democrats to Unveil Wide-Ranging Policy Proposals to Address Police Accountability and Systemic Racial Inequities
WHO:
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)
Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven)
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport)
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford)
Other members of the Senate Democratic caucus
WHAT:
The Senate Democratic caucus will announce their Juneteenth Agenda for the upcoming special session. The wide-ranging policy proposals will seek to address police accountability and systemic racial inequities.
WHEN:
TOMORROW, Friday, June 19th, at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE:
Southwest corner outside the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford
Senator Haskell Celebrates Announcement of Free Community College Tuition in Fall 2020 Semester
Senator Haskell Celebrates Announcement of Free Community College Tuition in Fall 2020 Semester
After more than a year of hard work to support and launch the program, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today celebrated the Board of Regents for Higher Education’s approval of a one-time $3 million payment that will allow eligible students to access free community college tuition for the fall 2020 semester. With State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield), Sen. Haskell has worked tirelessly to support the development of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut and cheered today’s announcement.
“It’s hard to put into words how important and historic this news is. The rising cost of college will no longer prevent students from pursuing higher education in Connecticut. At a time of economic crisis for so many families, I’m proud to live in a state that’s investing in a 21st century workforce,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’ve visited community colleges across Connecticut, and I’ve seen first-hand the exceptional opportunities that they provide. Now, those opportunities will be available to all. I look forward to continuing this work and securing funding to keep this important program available to generations to come.”
Under the PAC program, students from all financial backgrounds are eligible, as long as they are first-time college students and have graduated from public or private high schools in Connecticut. Applications for the program are due on July 15.
This funding is expected to cover all applicants in the community college system. Currently, while 60 percent of students receive enough financial aid to attend schools for free, a year’s tuition at a Connecticut community college costs about $5,000.