Sen. Osten, Rep. Conley Advocate for People With PKU and Their Dietary Needs

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Sen. Osten, Rep. Conley Advocate for People With PKU and Their Dietary Needs

After hearing from a Norwich mother who detailed her regular fights to have her insurance company pay for the special formula needed to keep her children healthy, insurance companies in Connecticut would have to pay more of the cost of the expensive, special food needed by people diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) under a bill proposed by state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and state Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton).

Senate Bill 319, “AN ACT REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MEDICAL FOODS FOR INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH PHENYLKETONURIA,” is currently before the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, PKU is a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body. Without the enzyme necessary to process phenylalanine, a dangerous buildup can develop when a person with PKU eats food that contains protein or aspartame. This can eventually lead to serious health problems. For the rest of their lives, people with PKU — babies, children, and adults — have to follow a diet that limits phenylalanine, which is found mostly in foods that contain protein.

There are roughly 16,500 people living with PKU in the United States today, according to the National PKU Alliance.

“The legislature is very aware of the problems that families face with the cost of medical drugs and supplies, and in recent years we’ve passed laws requiring insurance coverage for a variety of medical conditions, from insulin and hearing aids to ultrasounds and prosthetic devices. I don’t see where a PKU diet is any different,” Sen. Osten said. “And we’re not talking about a minor inconvenience here. We’re literally talking life and death.”

“PKU is a devastating disease, and a proper diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of someone afflicted by it,” Rep. Conley said. “Families should not have to sacrifice the health of their loved one because of an overwhelming financial burden.”

Sen. Osten and Rep. Conley submitted the proposed legislation after hearing last year from Candice Flewharty of Norwich, who detailed her family’s struggles with their insurance company only covering half the cost of the low-protein formula for their two children with PKU, ages 15 and 12 – costs that average about $36,000 per child per year, leaving the Flewhartys to pay the other $36,000 out of their own pockets.

“At least once a year, and recently about every three months, Anthem refuses to cover our formula. It has happened with both of our kids’ prescriptions,” Flewharty wrote. “We will figure out how to pay for their formula and food, or we will need to move to a state that has a better mandate.”

Sen. Osten is scheduled to speak on this issue when she addresses the Connecticut Rare Disease Action Network and National Organization of Rare Diseases virtual Zoom meeting on Rare Disease Day, February 26, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Rep. Robyn Porter, Sen. Julie Kushner and YWCA Advocate for C.R.O.W.N. Act

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Rep. Robyn Porter, Sen. Julie Kushner and YWCA Advocate for C.R.O.W.N. Act

Just before the legislation was raised in a public hearing this morning, the co-chairs of the Labor Committee, Rep. Robyn Porter (D- Hamden) and Sen. Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) advocated for the passage of the C.R.O.W.N. Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on the adoption of ethnic hairstyles. They were joined by community leaders including Adrienne Cochrane and Melinda Johnson of the YWCA Greater Hartford Region, Christina Jackson of the YWCA’s Young Women’s Leadership Corps, Adioa B. Asamoah, developer of the C.R.O.W.N. Act’s legislative strategy and Timothy Fraylon, Workforce Development Coordinator of the Urban League Greater Hartford.

The C.R.O.W.N. Act, House Bill 6376, if passed would prohibit discrimination on the basis of ethnic hairstyles historically associated with race. Specifically, it would add two additional qualifiers to current legislation preventing discrimination, noting that “race” is inclusive of traits historically associated with race like hair texture and protective hairstyles and those hairstyles can include braids, locs and twists. This bill was introduced by co-chairs of the Labor Committee, Rep. Porter and Sen. Kushner.

Currently, 80 percent of Black women feel that they have to change their natural hair to fit in at the workplace. H.B. 6376 will ensure that women are able to express themselves and that Black culture is both respected and valued within the workplace. This legislation explicitly dictates that discrimination based on hair textures or hairstyles will not be tolerated in Connecticut. Studies show Black women’s hair is 3.4 times as likely to be called “unprofessional” compared to white women’s hair; Black women are also 50 percent more likely to have been sent home from the workforce due to their hair.

“The way Black women, men, and children choose to wear their hair is culturally consequential and has no bearing on our ability to perform professionally, academically or otherwise,” said Rep. Porter. “Nonetheless, we have been and continue to be subjected to discrimination based on our ethnic hairstyles and textures. For this reason, we are again introducing this legislation to eliminate the ability for discrimination based on these grounds. After listening to 13-year-old Christina Jackson speak truth to power at this morning’s press conference, I am reminded that we are also doing this to send a message to our precious children that they are phenomenally and uniquely made, from the sacred C.R.O.W.N. of their heads to the soles of their feet, and that they are beautiful just the way they are!”

“As legislators, it is our responsibility to bring justice to those who have experienced discrimination,” said Sen. Kushner. “No one wearing a natural hairstyle should face obstacles at work — we heard testimony today from CHRO officials that the C.R.O.W.N. Act is absolutely necessary to ensure that these workers have legal protections to address this issue. Black women being told their natural hair, their natural bodies, are not ‘good enough.’ The fact that there are no federal protections against discrimination based on hairstyles makes our work to address systemic discrimination all that more urgent. That’s precisely why I support the C.R.O.W.N. Act.”

In testimony submitted to the Labor and Public Employees Committee, Johnson advocated for the C.R.O.W.N. Act, which “not only puts an end to discrimination of people of color based on their hair texture or ethnic hairstyle but affirms that the identity of Black and Brown people must be accepted in mainstream culture, not just tolerated as an alternative.”

This bill was raised in the Labor Committee Public Hearing immediately after legislators advocated in favor of it.

Senator Matt Lesser, Senator Martin Looney, Representative Sean Scanlon, and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo Unveil Health Care Reform Legislation

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Matt Lesser, Senator Martin Looney, Representative Sean Scanlon, and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo Unveil Health Care Reform Legislation

This morning, Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford), and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo held a virtual press conference to unveil health care reform legislation: SB 842, An Act Concerning Health Insurance And Health Care In Connecticut.

SB 842 is a comprehensive proposal to make health insurance more affordable for families and small businesses and expand coverage. It would drive down premiums and deductibles for individuals purchasing health insurance on AccessHealth CT, the state’s health insurance exchange, and create new affordable options for small businesses with 1 to 50 employees, non-profits, and labor unions.

“In the middle of a pandemic, Connecticut is facing a health insurance crisis and the time to deliver on reform is now,” said Sen. Lesser. “Our plan will lower costs for every single family purchasing private health insurance, close the health equity gap, and provide small businesses with affordable alternatives.”

“Creating a public option would allow our state to provide another health care option for families and small businesses,” said Senator Looney. “At a time when so many are struggling economically, physically and mentally, we owe it to the people of Connecticut to deliver more accessible and more affordable health care. Strengthening health care is a priority for Senate Democrats and we will continue to push for the public option and other measures to improve access to quality, affordable health care.”

“There is ongoing health care emergency in Connecticut,” said Comptroller Kevin Lembo. “The pandemic has made matters worse but, make no mistake, issues of health care affordability, access and equity have existed for years. Contrary to the talking points of our well-funded opposition, a public option is both good for business and a necessary component of the fair, and robust, post-pandemic economy we need to build in our state. The legislature must listen to the needs of its small businesses, nonprofits and those who need help affording health care they can actually use to stay healthy. If not now, when? It’s time to act.”

“Health care matters to every person, family and business in this state and access to quality and affordable health care is literally a matter of life and death,” said Rep. Sean Scanlon. “COVID has changed our state forever and we can’t simply ‘go back to normal’ when it comes to health care because normal didn’t work before and it certainly won’t work now. It’s past time to deliver on the promise of lowering health care costs for Connecticut and we can start by passing SB 842.”

In today’s press conference, advocates spoke and pushed for this health care reform legislation. Alan Zinser of Woodbury, who is a small business owner, is in favor of a Public Option. He discussed the hardship of negotiation when it comes to health care coverage for employees at his business and he advocated the importance of this health care coverage that would simplify obtaining health care.

Brigeth Rivera, a Hartford residents and advocate for HUSKY4Immigrants discussed that her family has had limited access to health care. She said not a single person in her family has been able to obtain health care insurance and has been discriminated against buying coverage due to being undocumented. Rivera is in favor of equal health care opportunity for everyone.

Pareesa Charmini Goodwin, Executive Director of CT Oral Health Initiative, explained the importance of HUSKY expansion. All patients should receive the same quality care including equal opportunity of affordable health insurance.

Rob Baril with SEIU, strong advocate for affordable health care, discussed the need for leadership to help victims of poverty acquire basic services that are basic rights of every single person in Connecticut.

The bill is specifically designed to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and address the health insurance affordability crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. Even before COVID-19 shown a spotlight on health equity, the uninsured rate for those just above the poverty level was already rising in Connecticut.

Eligibility for HUSKY, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, will also be expanded. Subsidies would be offered to people who purchase coverage on the health care exchange, a policy that has worked in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and other states. The bill will reduce uninsured rates in Connecticut and address the affordability of health care. The bill would also allow immigrants, working people with disabilities including those recovering from COVID-19, and people with chronic medical conditions the ability to purchase affordable coverage. It also coordinates unemployment insurance and health coverage to ensure that individuals who lose their jobs do not experience gaps in coverage.

Online Session

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Webmaster

{gallery}How-to{/gallery}

Senator Marilyn Moore Welcomes Viability Grant to Bridgeport

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Marilyn Moore Welcomes Viability Grant to Bridgeport

Today, Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming a viability grant to Bridgeport from the Department of Agriculture. The viability grant will help to establish the first shipping container urban farm in the city and increase access to healthy green vegetables. The funding will allow for the purchase, installation, and construction of three shipping container urban farming structures to hydroponically grow microgreens and leafy vegetables which will provide year-round access to microgreens to Bridgeport’s residents and the East End NRZ Market.

“Urban communities should have access to locally grown produce and I am thankful to the Department of Agriculture for awarding Bridgeport this funding,” said Sen. Moore. “Not only will this make locally grown vegetables more accessible to people who live in the city, but it magnifies the importance of nutrition, locally grown food, and health equity.”

$49,999 has been awarded to the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport’s FEED Center program to purchase, construct, and install one walk-in combination cooler and freezer to increase Connecticut produce distributed into the Bridgeport area, which will result in:

10-15% increase in the pounds of CT Grown produce in FEED distribution channels.
10% increase in new markets for farmers with seconds and thirds at competitive market rates.
40% increase in FEED’s capacity to purchase, store, process and distribute CT grown produce.
Newly developed print and digital marketing materials distributed to highlight CT farmers and CT Grown produce.

State Senator Dennis Bradley Voices Support for Agreement that Would Include Both Native American Tribes to Partner with Connecticut

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

State Senator Dennis Bradley Voices Support for Agreement that Would Include Both Native American Tribes to Partner with Connecticut

Today, state Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) voiced his support for an agreement that would honor both the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to reach a deal with Connecticut that would allow sports betting and online gaming. In support of the Eastern Connecticut legislative delegation, Senator Bradley wrote a letter to Governor Lamont this morning requesting an agreement be made by March 7 that includes the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Senator Bradley is a strong supporter for the expansion of sports wagering and gaming in Connecticut and with an agreement with both Native American Tribes, the committed partnership would benefit a casino in Bridgeport.

This legislative session, Senator Bradley has introduced a bill that would authorize a tribal-resort casino in Bridgeport that would allow sports wagering, internet gaming, and internet lottery.

State Senator Dennis Bradley Introduces Proposed Bill Authorizing Tribal Resort-Casino in Bridgeport and Sports Wagering

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

State Senator Dennis Bradley Introduces Proposed Bill Authorizing Tribal Resort-Casino in Bridgeport and Sports Wagering

Today, the Public Safety and Security Committee voted to hold a subject matter hearing concerning a bill introduced by state Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport). The bill would authorize a tribal-resort casino in Bridgeport and would allow sports wagering, internet gaming, and internet lottery.

Senator Bradley introduced the bill in hopes it will bring an economic uprising to Bridgeport and thousands of people from the surrounding areas; which would bring in revenue to the city. Under the 2021 bill submission, current and future facilities would all have to be located in Bridgeport, and new online software would have to be installed. The software would include: personal databases, a money processing center, and other collateral functions required to run online sports betting.

“I want Bridgeport to be the new mecca center of online sports gaming,” said Sen. Bradley. “By taking this bet on Bridgeport, we are betting towards a brighter future. With a central location in Bridgeport for sports betting, it is a great economic opportunity that will attract people from Bridgeport and surrounding areas. This is a thriving market and this is the time to take a chance.”

Senator Bradley’s bill, Senate Bill 570, “AN ACT AUTHORIZING A TRIBAL RESORT-CASINO IN BRIDGEPORT, SPORTS WAGERING, INTERNET GAMING AND INTERNET LOTTERY,” also seeks to create a mechanism for proxy betting within Bridgeport that allows people in other states to participate in sports wagering.

Senator Looney Statement on the Passing of Rob Kane

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

Senator Looney Statement on the Passing of Rob Kane

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney released the following statement on the passing of Rob Kane:

“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of former Senator and State Auditor Rob Kane. He was a conscientious public servant in his near decade-long tenure as a legislator who always advocated for what he believed to be in the interests of his constituents and the state. On behalf of the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his children and his entire extended family.”

General Law Committee Holds Public Hearing to Discuss Alcohol Statutes in Connecticut

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

General Law Committee Holds Public Hearing to Discuss Alcohol Statutes in Connecticut

Today, the General Law Committee held a public hearing to discuss the codifying of the Governor’s executive order that allows particular businesses to sell alcohol for ‘to-go’ orders, a bill that would allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, and a self-pour automated system which allows for a consumer directed experience, which is a growing trend.

The proposal also discussed during the public hearing included alcohol and big box stores. The committee is only considering allowing larger stores such as Costco to sell beer in the main store if that store already has a package store permit.

State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, is working with fellow legislators to finalize the language for the bills regarding alcohol statutes in Connecticut.

“With these particular proposals, it is my focus to make sure we are protecting consumers and the consumer’s choice,” said Sen. Maroney. “I have seen throughout the coronavirus pandemic, consumers have enjoyed the ability to have breweries deliver as well as be able to purchase alcoholic beverages when placing an order at a restaurant to go. I would like to see what has been working out for consumers and what has been proved to be popular amongst several orders to continue.”

The bill, AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS ISSUES RELATED TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, also known as HB6101, proposes grocery stores that already sell beer to be able to sell wine. Under the same bill, large retail stores with over 6,000 square feet of floor space and at least 20 percent dedication of grocery sales, would be allowed to sell beer in the store, provided they already have a liquor permit. Also, under the bill, there would be a three year extension allowing breweries and restaurants the ability to deliver alcohol in sealed containers for consumption in a take-out order. This adjustment was made during the coronavirus pandemic and has been well received by numerous consumers and the industry.

The bill, AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SYSTEMS, also known as SB 265, would allow a self-pour automated system that once a form of card payment is used, a person who is 21 years of age or older will be able to dispense beer or cider not exceeding six percent of alcohol by volume.

Legislators Advocate Long-Term Support of Debt-Free Community College Program Through Approval of Gaming Legislation

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Webmaster

Legislators Advocate Long-Term Support of Debt-Free Community College Program Through Approval of Gaming Legislation

Today, legislators including Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), State Representative Josh Elliott (D-Hamden) and State Representative Gary Turco (D-Newington) advocated for the passage of Senate Bill 146, which seeks to expand gaming options in the state. Among the bill’s benefits, they said: revenues from internet lottery gaming would allow for continued, consistent funding of PACT CT, the state’s debt-free community college program connecting numerous students with debt-free access to higher education.

“By passing iLottery in the gaming bill we already have in front of us, we will be able to fully fund the PACT program,” said Sen. Osten, Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee. “PACT is for all residents in Connecticut to maintain and improve upon their working conditions through educational and certification classes. This program will help our residents down in Eastern Connecticut. Electric Boat is starving for workers, and this program can provide training in our community colleges and get people into these well-paying, local jobs.”

“This is an investment in Connecticut’s future,” said Sen. Haskell, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “Expanding access to higher education isn’t all that expensive. We’ve modeled our program on our neighbors in Rhode Island, where not only did they see enrollment increase but enrollment among low-income families and students of color. This program isn’t just inspiring more students to get a degree; it’s bringing dollars from Washington, D.C. to Connecticut. PACT is designed to leverage federal aid and cost the state as little as possible through FAFSA applications, which may reveal more funding opportunities and access for them. Debt-free community college can cost as little as $3 million per semester, a tiny fraction of our state budget but a huge difference for our students and our state’s economy.”

“Anyone who thinks education is only K-12 is decades behind,” said Sen. Duff. “Here in the state of Connecticut, we rely on our workforce to propel our economy. Our capital, our resources, are our people. Ensuring we have a well-educated workforce to meet the needs of the jobs of the 21st century and beyond is why PACT is so important. If we’re going to meet the jobs needed in Fairfield County, Eastern Connecticut, Hartford, New Haven and beyond, we need to focus on education.”

“Our stock and trade in Connecticut is the intelligence, education and skill of our people, and that’s why this bill is so critical,” said Sen. Looney. “It is so important to recognize today’s need of access to higher education. A high school diploma is so much more limiting now than it was years and decades ago and post-secondary education is critical. We have to make it possible for lower-income people to navigate the educational system by, at minimum, not going into debt. People who are weighed down with debt sometimes become discouraged, which in some ways can put them in worse positions, especially if they drop out with debt and no degree. We also have to recognize we need to fund this. The Board of Regents forwarded funding out of its reserves; we need to replenish those funds and strengthen this program for the future.”

Students including Izzy Jacobs of Northwestern Community College, Lilia Burdo of Three Rivers Community College and Christopher Rosario of Housatonic Community College joined the legislators to share the importance of the PACT program in their lives. All three can access opportunities through the program allowing them added security for their futures, allowing them to save money for the future to further their educations and give newfound opportunities to better themselves with significant reductions in day-to-day stress, letting them focus on what’s important – their studies. Maureen Chalmers, President of the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges, further delved into the importance PACT has for educational bodies in the state.

Senate Bill 146, “An Act Authorizing Sports Wagering, Internet Gaming, Internet Lottery and Internet Keno,” is currently being drafted by the Public Safety and Security Committee. It seeks to expand availability and forms of gaming in Connecticut including internet gaming, with proceeds from the iLottery program in particular expected to fund PACT.