Senator Lesser Leads Passage of Telehealth and Insulin Bills
Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) led passage of two health care reform bills that were discussed at length on the floor of the State Senate during Tuesday’s special session. The bills that aim to cap the monthly cost of diabetes treatment and expand Telehealth services now head to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed.
Today during the special session, Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Senator Matt Lesser, led passage of HB 6001, An Act Concerning Telehealth, and HB 6003, An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans.
The insulin bill caps a person’s out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $25 per month, caps non-insulin drugs like glucagon at $25 per month, and caps diabetic equipment and supplies (such as blood glucose test strips, glucometers, lancets, and syringes) at $100 per month. The bill also authorizes pharmacists to prescribe and dispense up to a 30-day supply of ’emergency’ insulin if a person has less than a seven-day supply and would otherwise not be able to obtain any lifesaving insulin.
“Passing HB 6003 bill puts Connecticut ahead of the country with the nation’s strongest law promoting access to insulin,” said Sen. Lesser. “We know that 25% of diabetics are rationing their insulin because they can’t afford it, a life threatening problem. That ends with this bill. At the beginning of the year – before the pandemic hit – I made addressing the cost and affordability of insulin my top legislative priority for the year, and while a lot has happened since, we are delivering on that promise.”
Both bills were authored and introduced by Lesser and seek to improve health care for Connecticut residents as the state grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has completely transformed the way we access health care in Connecticut,” said Sen. Lesser. “It’s important that patients and doctors have the certainty to know that telehealth is here to stay for the medium term, and likely long after the pandemic. This legislation codifies basic rules of the road and ensures stability as we move through this uncertain time.”
During the coronavirus crisis in the state, many changes were implemented to keep residents of Connecticut safe including a virtual practice of medicine. The Department of Public Health waived several requirements in order to provide audio and visual communication between providers and patients. Telehealth has played a huge role beginning in the middle of March following the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Providers have been able to perform under federal privacy requirements while providing reliable treatment through these platforms. Teleheath has been proven to be an essential tool during the coronavirus crisis and it will continue to be a tool for doctors and providers to use in the future if needed. If telehealth wasn’t available through the duration of the pandemic, many doctors and health care professionals would have suffered greater financial hardship.
Sens. Kushner and Lesser Celebrate New Executive Order Strengthening Workers’ Compensation Claims
Sens. Kushner and Lesser Celebrate New Executive Order Strengthening Workers’ Compensation Claims
This morning, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) are celebrating Governor Lamont’s newest executive order strengthening worker’s compensation claims for essential workers impacted by COVID-19. This follows the call Senator Lesser and Senator Kushner made to Governor Lamont last Friday, July 17, to work on legislation that ensures Connecticut’s essential workers to qualify for workers’ compensation insurance coverage should they contract COVID-19 while on the job and suffer health or financial consequences as a result of that infection.
“Essential workers had our backs through the worst of the pandemic, now we have their backs,” said Sen. Lesser. “Governor Lamont is doing the right thing, making sure that workers who got COVID-19 between March 10 and May 20th get access to the worker’s compensation they deserve. While white-collar workers could stay home and telework, essential workers risked their health and safety and went to work every single day. This is a huge victory for working people.”
“Workers in hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, service plazas, bus drivers, first responders and all those that went to work while most of us sheltered at home, risked their lives and the lives of their families to keep our state healthy and safe,” said Sen. Kushner. “Many workers got sick, and too many died from the Coronavirus. The Governor’s Executive Order is an important first step to make sure that we are taking care of the essential workers who are taking care of all of us. With the Governor’s action, we’re not just thanking them, we’re saying we have your backs!”
Senator Lesser and Senator Kushner who are the Senate chairs of the Insurance and the Labor and Public Employees committees helped draft language that became the core foundation of the executive order along with Representative Porter and Representative Scanlon.
Senator Haskell Encouraged By Strong Early Response to Tuition-Free Community College Program
Senator Haskell Encouraged By Strong Early Response to Tuition-Free Community College Program
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) remarked on the strong early response to the Pledge to Advance Connecticut, the state’s new tuition and fee-free community college program. In a letter to legislators this week a, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian said more than 2,200 students have received $2.5 million in grant awards following the program’s initial July 15 priority application deadline.
“This Fall, Connecticut will see at least 2,200 young people will decide that they too can afford to pursue a degree. I don’t care what politics are — that’s good news for the development of our workforce pipeline,” said Sen. Haskell. “This program is already making a difference in people’s lives. But here’s the coolest part; more than half of those who signed up for PACT discovered that their tuition is already covered by federal aid. So this program isn’t just inspiring more students to pursue higher education — it’s bringing more dollars from Washington, DC back to Connecticut. It’s also continuing to accept applications first-come, first-served, so I encourage any interested and eligible students to apply.”
PACT, funded earlier this year with a one-time grant, will provide tuition and fee-free access to two years of community college for students who apply, seeking to cover their educational costs. Ojakian said those applicants who already had tuition and fees covered by existing funding and will receive a grant of $250.
“While it might not sound like a lot, that $250 grant will make a real difference to our poorer students,” Ojakian said in the letter, who noted many are students of color and face incredible challenges in obtaining degrees.
Importantly, community colleges will continue to accept applications for PACT for the fall semester with students receiving priority in the order their applications are received; at least $1 million remains for eligible students.
To be eligible, students must be graduates of Connecticut high schools, be first-time college students (not including students who took college courses in high school), fill out the FAFSA and accept all awards, take 12 or more credits per semester, enroll in classes as soon as possible, participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program, and remain in good academic standing once enrolled.
Those who are interested and are seeking more information should visit ct.edu/PACT.
Sens. Lesser and Kushner Celebrate New Executive Order Strengthening Workers’ Compensation Claims
Sens. Lesser and Kushner Celebrate New Executive Order Strengthening Workers’ Compensation Claims
This morning, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) are celebrating Governor Lamont’s newest executive order strengthening worker’s compensation claims for essential workers impacted by COVID-19. This follows the call Senator Lesser and Senator Kushner made to Governor Lamont last Friday, July 17, to work on legislation that ensures Connecticut’s essential workers to qualify for workers’ compensation insurance coverage should they contract COVID-19 while on the job and suffer health or financial consequences as a result of that infection.
“Essential workers had our backs through the worst of the pandemic, now we have their backs,” said Sen. Lesser. “Governor Lamont is doing the right thing, making sure that workers who got COVID-19 between March 10 and May 20th get access to the worker’s compensation they deserve. While white-collar workers could stay home and telework, essential workers risked their health and safety and went to work every single day. This is a huge victory for working people.”
“Workers in hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, service plazas, bus drivers, first responders and all those that went to work while most of us sheltered at home, risked their lives and the lives of their families to keep our state healthy and safe,” said Sen. Kushner. “Many workers got sick, and too many died from the Coronavirus. The Governor’s Executive Order is an important first step to make sure that we are taking care of the essential workers who are taking care of all of us. With the Governor’s action, we’re not just thanking them, we’re saying we have your backs!”
Senator Lesser and Senator Kushner who are the Senate chairs of the Insurance and the Labor and Public Employees committees helped draft language that became the core foundation of the executive order along with Representative Porter and Representative Scanlon.
Senator Haskell Asks Governor Lamont, Education Commissioner Cardona To Allow School Districts to Develop Hybrid Plans, Count All Class Days Toward School Year
Senator Haskell Asks Governor Lamont, Education Commissioner Cardona To Allow School Districts to Develop Hybrid Plans, Count All Class Days Toward School Year
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) addressed a letter to Governor Ned Lamont and Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, urging them to permit local school districts to develop hybrid education plans and models for the upcoming school year, additionally asking for both in-person and virtual class days to count toward the state’s legally mandated 177-day school year. While Connecticut has made significant strides in containing COVID-19, a failed school reopening strategy could cause a setback, and Sen. Haskell advocated for flexibility.
“In order to continue [success in containing COVID-19], I believe it is essential that the Department of Education grant school districts with the flexibility they need to plan for a safe reopening in the fall,” said Sen. Haskell. “It is clear to me and many of my constituents that social distancing in secondary schools while at full capacity presents unique challenges, including crowded hallways, students moving between classes, lunch scheduling and more. In that light, I ask that you give local school districts full latitude to make decisions that will keep students and teachers safe.”
Sen. Haskell cited a recent memo from the State Board of Education stating any days without students physically on-site would not count as school days, even as teachers continue to teach remotely.
The full letter is included below.
July 23, 2020
Dear Governor Lamont and Commissioner Cardona,
Thank you for your hard work over the last few months to contain the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. I am writing to urge you to permit local school districts to develop hybrid education plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Most importantly, I urge the state of Connecticut to count both in-person and virtual class days towards the legally required 177-day school year. Not doing so will make any hybrid school option effectively moot.
Connecticut has made great strides in containing the COVID-19 virus, and we currently have one of the lowest infection rates in the country. In order to continue that success, I believe it is essential that the Department of Education grant school districts with the flexibility they need to plan for a safe reopening in the fall. It is clear to me and to many of my constituents that social distancing in secondary schools while at full capacity presents unique challenges, including crowded hallways, students moving between classes, lunch scheduling, and more. In that light, I ask that you give local school districts full latitude to make decisions that will keep students and teachers safe.
Connecticut’s Board of Education has asked local school districts to each develop three distinct plans for the 2020-2021 school year:
- Full re-opening of schools at 100% in-person capacity with remote learning options available for all students
- Full closing of schools with 100% virtual, remote learning
- A hybrid model that combines aspects of remote learning and socially-distant, in-person learning
However, in a recent memo to superintendents, the State Board of Education stated that—under a hybrid model—any days that students are not physically on-site would not count as school days, even with teachers continuing remote instruction. This policy jeopardizes the careful, hybrid plans that school districts in Connecticut have been putting together over the past month. It would also offer a perverse incentive to favor in-person learning over remote learning as COVID-19 data changes over time.
Superintendents, teachers, parents, and Boards of Education have put careful thought and consideration into how schools can safely continue educating this fall. I urge you to give them the flexibility that they need to make the best decisions for their respective districts. Thank you again for your dedication to all Connecticut students.
Sincerely,
Will Haskell
State Senator, 26th District
Senator Anwar To Hold Mask, Hand Sanitizer Giveaway with Milan Cultural Association in East Hartford Saturday, July 25
Senator Anwar To Hold Mask, Hand Sanitizer Giveaway with Milan Cultural Association in East Hartford Saturday, July 25
On Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. Isaac Jogues Church at 1 Community Street in East Hartford, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and the Milan Cultural Association will sponsor a mask and hand sanitizer distribution event to support the local community and promote mask usage and good hygiene as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the state.
“While Connecticut has flattened the curve, the threat of COVID-19 is not likely to go away any time soon,” said Sen. Anwar. “Many of the advantages our state has held in reducing the disease’s spread come from proper use of face masks, social distancing and practicing good hygiene; by distributing these resources with my friends from the Milan Cultural Association, we will help make sure Connecticut stays safe and healthy.”
Sen. Cohen, Rep. Scanlon Welcome State Investment in Guilford Clean Water Project
Sen. Cohen, Rep. Scanlon Welcome State Investment in Guilford Clean Water Project
GUILFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford) celebrated the State Bond Commission’s approval today of $700,000 in state funding for the Mulberry Point, Tuttles Point and Long Cove clean water project in Guilford.
Once completed, the project will bring clean water to 145 homes in the three neighborhoods.
“One of the most captivating aspects of living in Guilford is our access to the shoreline, and the views that provides. Bu there are drawbacks, too, as the scope and history of this water main project clearly shows,” Sen. Cohen said. “Thankfully, this state investment is going to provide a better quality of life for these residents, and it will protect and improve their home values , all at a cost of pennies on the dollar to local taxpayers, It’s a great use of limited state bonding, and I’m thankful that the governor and the State Bond Commission members saw the necessity and the environmental value of this project.”
“Everyone deserves access to clean water, and I’m proud to have worked hard with Senator Cohen to deliver additional funding,” said Rep. Scanlon who had previously secured $450,000 in bond funds for the neighborhoods in 2018. “I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the state for their continued support for this important public health project.”
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the legislative leaders for recognizing the significant financial burden our residents are facing to access safe and abundant water,” Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey said. “It has been a years-long struggle, but the taps are beginning to flow and our residents are thrilled.”
Sen. Looney, Rep. Paolillo, Mayor Elicker Welcome State Investment in New Haven Bioscience Tower & Jobs
Sen. Looney, Rep. Paolillo, Mayor Elicker Welcome State Investment in New Haven Bioscience Tower & Jobs
NEW HAVEN – Senate President Martin Looney and state Representative Al Paolillo, both Democrats from New Haven, today announced that the State Bond Commission has approved a $3 million grant for the City of New Haven to help build a new bioscience lab and office tower at 101 College Street that could create as many as 1,000 new jobs.
The state grant will help New Haven design and construct tunnels, driveways and city sidewalk improvements associated with the proposed development of 101 College Street by Winstanley Enterprises, which plans to spend $100 million on a 350,000 to 550,000 square foot building that will include a privately-owned public plaza and about 175 on-site parking spaces. The project is part of the Downtown Crossing project connecting downtown New Haven with the Hill Neighborhood.
“High-quality lab space is essential to New Haven’s economic development in the science and technology sectors, and this state investment will further enhance New Haven’s leading position in this increasing important part of our economy,” Sen. Looney said.
“Thank you to the governor for working with the delegation to secure the release of these funds to build the necessary infrastructure that will continue to attract economic development to our city in this education and bio-tech corridor,” Rep. Paolillo said. “It goes hand in hand with city’s economic development plan to grow jobs, our grand list, and to continue to attract business and investment in this area.”
“101 College is a project of statewide economic significance, and with assistance from Governor Lamont’s workforce team, the development will also be closely attached to the Hill neighborhood through a workforce pipeline at Career High School and scholarships for local students interested in careers in the biosciences,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
Winstanley has already developed more than a million square feet of lab and office space in New Haven, including sites at 100 College Street, 300 College Street, 25 Science Park, 275 Winchester Avenue, and 344 Winchester Avenue.
The state’s financial assistance is contingent on a written agreement between the city and the developer; a total of $8 million will be provided in installments.
The State Bond Commission met via teleconference today at 11 a.m. in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol in Hartford.
East Hartford Delegation Welcomes Bond Commission Funding to Support Repair Projects in East Hartford
East Hartford Delegation Welcomes Bond Commission Funding to Support Repair Projects in East Hartford
Today, the East Hartford legislative delegation including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), State Representative Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford), State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) and State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford) welcomed the release of significant bond funding to support extensive repair projects in East Hartford and South Windsor. Some of the funds in question will finance repairs at East Hartford’s Rentschler Field, support resurfacing on Route 2 and fund a back-up generator at the East Hartford Senior Center.
“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for these significant investments in our communities,” said Sen. Anwar. “This work will support vital community resources and improve what our towns have to offer. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to these projects’ success.”
“Investing in our communities will be an essential step in our state’s recovery from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will enhance the quality of life for residents and potentially bring opportunities for economic growth. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the value of these investments to our area and state,” said Rep. Currey. “I’m particularly pleased to see the inclusion of $20 million installment to capitalize the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund which will go directly to homeowners facing significant structural repairs.”
“These allocated funds will help improve the day to day lives of all East Hartford residents. I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of municipal projects in our community,” said Rep. Genga.
“The Governor’s support for the emergency back-up generator at the new senior center comes at a critical time as the project remains on track for an opening later this year,” said Rep. Rojas. “The emergency back-up generator will allow the town to be better prepared to meet the emergency preparation needs of our community. His support for the additional items on the agenda are necessary investments that need to be made in our public infrastructure.”
Among the projects in East Hartford and South Windsor supported by this funding are:
- $725,000 will finance repairs at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, with work including protecting its pre-cast concrete system and addressing mechanical, electrical and plumping repairs throughout the stadium.
- Just under $15 million will finance resurfacing, bridge and safety improvements on Route 2 from the Charter Oak Bridge to the Maple Street Overpass in East Hartford, with work including the removal of the Cambridge Street westbound on-ramp and the Sutton Avenue eastbound off-ramp.
- $500,000 will support the Town of East Hartford’s purchase of an emergency back-up generator at the East Hartford Senior Center.
- Additionally, the Bond Commission will release $20 million to support the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund, helping members of the community who have been impacted by that pervasive problem.
Senator Abrams Welcomes Bond Commission Allocation of Funds for Repairs to Meriden Public Library, Local Safety Improvements
Senator Abrams Welcomes Bond Commission Allocation of Funds for Repairs to Meriden Public Library, Local Safety Improvements
Today, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s allotment of funding to support local roof replacements and repairs. According to the Bond Commission’s agenda for its July 21 meeting, it will provide a grant of $1 million to the Meriden Public Library and an additional $80,000 to Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. in Meriden to support safety improvements and a roof replacement.
“Thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of local organizations,” said Sen. Abrams. “With this bond funding secured, the Meriden Public Library will be able to achieve the growth and expansions necessary to continue serving the growing town population. Additionally, their support of Kuhn Employment Opportunities continues the state’s support of organizations assisting individuals with disabilities and helps provide a better life to many Meriden residents. This funding will play a strong role in supporting the local community.”
According to the Bond Commission agenda, the state will dedicate $1 million to the Meriden Public Library as it plans an extensive renovation and expansion to keep pace with the community’s growing needs. Additionally, $80,000 will be provided to Meriden’s Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc., through a grant-in-aid for a roof replacement and safety improvements.