Sen. Cabrera Applauds Labor Committee’s Passage of Legislation That Will Protect Workers Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) applauded fellow members of the Labor and Public Employees Committee that voted for the passage of legislation addressing issues workers face amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is an extremely important and timely piece of legislation to help workers across the state,” said Sen. Cabrera, who is Vice Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “In one way or another, we have all been impacted by COVID-19. From residents who have been laid off, lost their business, contracted the virus or lost a loved one to COVID-19, each and every worker needs help at this moment and going forward. I am confident this bill will address the many needs of our state’s frontline workers, gain passage in both chambers of the General Assembly and arrive at the governor’s desk.”
House Bill 6595 “An Act Concerning Labor Matters Related to COVID-19, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Other Staffing Issues,” contains a number of provisions that address workers’ compensation, COVID-19 sick leave, requirements for PPE stockpiles and COVID-19-related layoffs. The bill passed by a 9-4 vote tally.
About Sen. Cabrera: The senator was the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in Political Science from Quinnipiac University. The senator is a business representative with UFCW Local 919 and has devoted the last 25 years fighting for working families across the 17th District and country. Sen. Cabrera is Senate Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Labor Committee.
State Senator Pat Billie Miller Proud of Bill That Supports Equal Pay Between Men and Women
State Senator Pat Billie Miller Proud of Bill That Supports Equal Pay Between Men and Women
Today, Equal Pay Day, State Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) is showing her support for HB 6380, An Act Concerning the Disclosure of Salary Range for a Vacant Position. Senator Miller originally introduced this concept as HB 6270 this session to the Labor and Public Employees Committee which was changed to Committee bill, HB 6380.
HB 6380 focuses on bringing more transparency into the workplace. It would require employers to disclose salary ranges for vacant positions and to provide comparable pay for comparable work.
“The discrimination against women in the workforce needs to end,” said Sen. Miller. “Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to obtain a comparable salary as their peers. A person’s gender should have nothing to do with the salary they receive. With certain regulations in place, women will be able to have more of a transparent overview of where they align in their positions against their co-workers who have the exact same responsibilities as they do.”
As our state continues to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Connecticut remain a leader in gender equity and pass legislation that actively works to close the gender wage gap. Today’s date, March 24, symbolizes how far into the year women on average must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Women, especially women of color, continue to earn significantly less than men. On average, women in Connecticut earn approximately $0.84 cents to every dollar paid to men. This legislation builds upon existing laws and is a key step towards pay transparency
Secrecy around salary ranges harms all workers, especially women and people of color. Research shows that women often ask for less when they negotiate than men, even when they are equally qualified and applying for similar jobs as their male counterparts. Since women and people of color are paid less than white, non-Hispanic men, they would need to ask for a substantial percentage increase to reduce the wages gaps making salaries more equitable. Providing applicants with a salary range that the employer is willing to pay helps level the negotiating playing field, which can reduce gender wage gaps. Most importantly, salary range transparency builds trust amongst employers, employees, and potential candidates.
If HB 6380 is enacted into law, this legislation will put Connecticut on the trajectory to closing our gender wage gap and contribute to a more inclusive work environment.
Sen. Needleman Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Billions of Dollars in Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
Sen. Needleman Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Billions of Dollars in Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
HARTFORD – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined his Democratic colleagues in the state Senate in voting for a bill that will give the legislative branch of government a voice in how Connecticut will invest $2.6 billion in federal COVID-19 aid and also require Governor Ned Lamont to provide lawmakers with the details of how he has spent similar federal aid to date.
House Bill 6555, “AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS,” passed the Senate today unanimously and now heads to Gov. Lamont for his signature.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was proposed by President Joe Biden and passed only with the votes of Democrats in Congress, brings a total of $6 billion in federal aid to Connecticut to be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- $2.6 billion for state government
- $1.56 billion for cities, towns, and regional organizations
- $1.1 billion for local school districts
- $370 million for higher education
- $300 million for childcare services
- $240 million for rental assistance
- $140 million for capital projects and workforce development
- $90 million for heating and energy assistance
- $50 million for mental health grants
- $11 million for home-delivered meals
The Act prohibits states, cities and towns from using the money to reduce taxes or apply it toward pension debt.
“This aid is vital and much needed to support the countless Connecticut residents negatively impacted by the many restrictions forced by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Needleman. “Making sure we have continued oversight on how the state will invest and distribute this aid is just as important. We need to make sure these funds go where they’re most needed.”
HB 6555 requires Gov. Lamont to give lawmakers a plan for investing the state portion of the new federal funds by April 26; the legislature’s Appropriations Committee then has until May 16 to create its own plan for the federal funding. The two plans will then be subject to final negotiations between legislative leaders and the executive branch.
Sen. Hartley Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
Sen. Hartley Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, today voted in support of a bill that will give the legislative branch of government a voice in how Connecticut will invest $2.6 billion in federal COVID-19 aid and also require Governor Ned Lamont to provide lawmakers with the details of how he has spent similar federal aid to date.
House Bill 6555, “AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS,” passed the Senate today unanimously and now heads to Gov. Lamont for his signature.
“The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every part of our communities. This federal aid is an opportunity for our state to provide relief and investment in the recovery of Connecticut’s economy and well-being of families,” said Sen. Hartley. “We need to have a plan for how this funding is directed to ensure it provides the greatest support to residents, businesses, and community organizations. Further, this bill ensures the concerns and voices of the constituents we represent are part of determining how this funding is appropriated.”
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was proposed by President Joe Biden brings a total of $6 billion in federal aid to Connecticut to be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- $140 million for capital projects and workforce development
- $1.1 billion for local school districts
- $370 million for higher education
- $1.56 billion for cities, towns, and regional organizations
- $2.6 billion for state government
- $300 million for childcare services
- $240 million for rental assistance
- $90 million for heating and energy assistance
- $50 million for mental health grants
- $11 million for home-delivered meals
The Act prohibits states, cities and towns from using the money to reduce taxes or apply it toward pension debt.
HB 6555 requires Gov. Lamont to give lawmakers a plan for investing the state portion of the new federal funds by April 26; the legislature’s Appropriations Committee then has until May 16 to create its own plan for the federal funding. The two plans will then be subject to final negotiations between legislative leaders and the executive branch.
Statement of Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) on the Committee Passage of Several Gaming-Related Bills
Statement of Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) on the Committee Passage of Several Gaming-Related Bills
HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who is Vice-Chair of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, today praised the committee’s passage of four gaming-related bills and issued the following statement:
“Today was a big day for gaming legislation in Connecticut, and I want to thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Democrats and Republicans, for their work in ensuring the success of these bills. These bills are about more than just jobs and businesses and revenue and the economy – they are also about Connecticut’s history and who we are as a people. I look forward to seeing these bills successfully pass the House and Senate and be signed into law this year,” Sen. Osten said.
The bills passed today by the Public Safety and Security Committee and sent to the floor of the House or Senate for further action include:
- Senate Bill 146, AN ACT AUTHORIZING SPORTS WAGERING, ONLINE CASINO GAMING, ONLINE LOTTERY AND ONLINE KENO
- Senate Bill 570, AN ACT AUTHORIZING A TRIBAL RESORT-CASINO IN BRIDGEPORT, SPORTS WAGERING, ONLINE CASINO GAMING AND ONLINE LOTTERY
- House Bill 6451, AN ACT CONCERNING GAMING AGREEMENTS WITH THE MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBE AND THE MOHEGAN TRIBE OF INDIANS OF CONNECTICUT
- House Bill 6512, AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR SPORTS WAGERING
In Bipartisan Vote, Transportation Committee Sends Electric Vehicle Sales Legislation to Senate Floor
In Bipartisan Vote, Transportation Committee Sends Electric Vehicle Sales Legislation to Senate Floor
Today, the Transportation Committee voted 26-10 to send legislation allowing direct sales of electric vehicles between manufacturers and consumers to the Senate floor. This legislation would increase access to electric vehicles in Connecticut and provide consumers with the opportunity to purchase these vehicles directly from certain manufacturers. State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, thanked his colleagues for supporting the legislation.
“Today’s vote leaves me optimistic that we’ll finally change course in Connecticut, modernizing our laws and making it easier for our constituents to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle,” said Sen. Haskell. “Without passing this bill, it will be nearly impossible to meet Connecticut’s goal of putting half a million electric vehicles on the road by the end of the decade. Rather than sending drivers across state lines to make this purchase, this bill allows companies to invest in Connecticut, provide green job opportunities in our community and chip away at the 38% of carbon emissions in that stem from the transportation sector. I look forward to fighting for this bill on the Senate floor and I’m confident we’ll see Governor Lamont’s pen sign it into law later this year.”
“Today’s vote is the result of significant, meaningful work by the people of Connecticut fighting for their rights, as environmentalists and consumer advocates alike,” said State Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven), House Chair of the Transportation Committee. “This legislation will simply increase consumer choice and allow shoppers to buy the vehicles they want how they want and where they want. I look forward to continuing discussions and look forward to introducing this bill on the House floor.”
“By enabling direct sales of EVs, we are following the majority of states which recognize that this consumer alternative will not cause broad job losses or end the dealership model,” said State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), a co-sponsor of the bill. “Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in our state will be good for car buyers, good for the economy, and good for the environment. It’s taken many years, but I believe we’re finally on the cusp of preparing Connecticut to fully participate in the post-Ice Age.“
“Rivian applauds the bold leadership of Transportation Committee Chairs Haskell and State Representative Roland Lemar in advancing SB 127, a bill that was begun by the grassroots efforts of Connecticut citizens wanting to be able to choose for themselves how to purchase an electric vehicle in their home state,” said James Chen, vice president of public policy and chief regulatory counsel for electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. “We have seen that in state after state, allowing manufacturer investment into communities through direct sales serves consumers well, coexists alongside other businesses and accelerates the transition to electric vehicles. We look forward to continuing to work with the bill sponsors and the broad coalition of supporters in the state to pass SB 127 in this Assembly session and ultimately enable Rivian to invest in Connecticut.”
“The EV Club of Connecticut is pleased that the Transportation Committee has voted to move Senate Bill 127 to the full chamber,” said Barry Kresch, President of the Electric Vehicle Club of Connecticut. “We thank the bill sponsors for their support. This bill is a win for consumers, the environment and for bringing green jobs to Connecticut. We look forward to further interaction with our legislators as the process continues.”
“The auto industry is in the midst of the biggest transformation in a century with innovation producing safer, electric vehicles with zero-emissions,” said Dr. Leon A. Pintsov, board member of the Connecticut Technology Council. “The CT Technology Council supports Senate Bill 127, because it’s time to overturn decades-old laws that prohibit car manufacturers with no franchised dealers in the state from opening their own stores and service centers and selling directly to consumers. Our current policy is limiting consumer choice, holding back EV adoption and keeping us from achieving emissions reduction goals. Connecticut is providing incentives for consumers to buy Electric Vehicles like Teslas – it’s time that its sales laws evolve to be more consistent with this forward-thinking policy.”
Senate Bill 127, “An Act Concerning The Sale of Electric Vehicles In The State,” would amend state statutes to allow electric vehicle manufacturers with sustainable business models and electric-only production to be granted new or used car dealer’s licenses. Currently, only automobile dealerships can sell electric vehicles, while consumers hoping to purchase a vehicle from electric-focused makers like Tesla Motors, Lucid Motors and Rivian must travel out-of-state to complete the transaction.
This vote comes two days after a rally by supporters of the legislation, including the Electric Vehicle Club CT, representatives from Tesla Motors, Lucid Motors and electric vehicle company Rivian, the League of Conservation Voters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union 488, saw dozens gather to advocate for expanded electric vehicle sales in Westport. Supporters cited environmental, consumer choice and economic benefits for Connecticut should such language be made law.
Insurance Committee Approves Sen. Slap’s Bill RE: Travel Insurance Covering Suicide
Insurance Committee Approves Sen. Slap’s Bill RE: Travel Insurance Covering Suicide
HARTFORD – The legislature’s Insurance Committee has unanimously approved a bill by state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) that would prohibit insurance companies in Connecticut that offer travel insurance from denying an insurance claim because an insured’s family member or friend died by suicide, thereby cancelling the vacation and losing any deposits the family may have already made.
The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Sen. Slap introduced the bill after hearing from a constituent whose family vacation was cancelled after a family member died by suicide before the trip; they had travel insurance, but their claim was denied by the insurance company because the insurance company did not consider that family death a coverable event.
“These circumstances may be few and far between, but when they occur, they are emotionally devastating to individuals. The economic impact is a distant second concern, but it should still be addressed,” Sen. Slap said.
“After suffering the devastating loss of our son to suicide and then being denied travel insurance coverage because of it, I’m so grateful to our legislators for recognizing the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illness and the need to make changes to policies that don’t support those that are suffering and their families,” said Robin Brennan, who asked Sen. Slap to raise the bill.
Sen. Slap’s bill, Senate Bill 89, “AN ACT CONCERNING TRAVEL INSURANCE AND SUICIDE,” seeks to amend Title 38a of the Connecticut General Statutes, which pertains to insurance policies offered and sold in Connecticut.
State Senator James Maroney Votes to Give Police More Time for Use of Deadly Force Training
State Senator James Maroney Votes to Give Police More Time for Use of Deadly Force Training
HARTFORD – State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined his Democratic colleagues in the state Senate today in voting for a bill that will give local police departments an additional nine months to train their officers in new standards regarding the use of deadly force against state citizens.
The new standards – which were part of the wide-ranging Police Accountability Act that was signed into law in July 2020 – limits the circumstances under which a police officer’s use of deadly physical force is justified, and establishes new criteria to consider in evaluating whether an officer’s use of deadly force (including the use of chokeholds) was reasonable.
Many aspects of the 36-section Act have already taken effect; the new deadly force standard, which was scheduled to take effect on April 1, will now take effect on January 1, 2022.
“I applaud Senator Winfield for working with advocates to give our police more time to ensure that they are properly trained with the new use of force policy,” said Sen. Maroney. “This training will be beneficial to all. Officers will have an extended period of time to thoroughly understand this new policy and the community can rest assured knowing officers in our state will receive proper training.”
Sen. Anwar Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Billions of Dollars in Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
Sen. Anwar Votes to Give Legislature a Voice in How to Invest Billions of Dollars in Federal COVID-19 Aid for Connecticut
HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined his Democratic colleagues in the state Senate today in voting for a bill that will give the legislative branch of government a voice in how Connecticut will invest $2.6 billion in federal COVID-19 aid and also require Governor Ned Lamont to provide lawmakers with the details of how he has spent similar federal aid to date.
House Bill 6555, “AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND APPROVAL OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS,” passed the Senate today unanimously and now heads to Gov. Lamont for his signature.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was proposed by President Joe Biden and passed only with the votes of Democrats in Congress, brings a total of $6 billion in federal aid to Connecticut to be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- $2.6 billion for state government
- $1.56 billion for cities, towns, and regional organizations
- $1.1 billion for local school districts
- $370 million for higher education
- $300 million for childcare services
- $240 million for rental assistance
- $140 million for capital projects and workforce development
- $90 million for heating and energy assistance
- $50 million for mental health grants
- $11 million for home-delivered meals
The Act prohibits states, cities and towns from using the money to reduce taxes or apply it toward pension debt.
“A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to make sure the funding received by the state is put toward the best possible uses to assist our citizens,” said Sen. Anwar. “This legislation does just that, ensuring the legislature can use new federal funds to help the public. It also puts safeguards in place to make sure these funds are not misused or put toward wasteful causes.”
HB 6555 requires Gov. Lamont to give lawmakers a plan for investing the state portion of the new federal funds by April 26; the legislature’s Appropriations Committee then has until May 16 to create its own plan for the federal funding. The two plans will then be subject to final negotiations between legislative leaders and the executive branch.
As Another Mass Shooting Roils Nation, Senator Needleman Pleads for Stronger Protections to Stop the Violence
As Another Mass Shooting Roils Nation, Senator Needleman Pleads for Stronger Protections to Stop the Violence
Today, after the second mass shooting in a week saw a gunman take 10 lives in a Boulder, Colorado grocery store – just six days after a gunman killed 8, many of them Asian-American women, in an attack on Atlanta spas – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) called for action. In 2019, there were 417 mass shootings, including 31 mass murders, across the United States. Facing such dire statistics, Sen. Needleman said federal legislators must act in the interests of the American people.
“In just the last week, 18 people have died in these two mass shooting incidents – and that’s on top of firearm deaths that continue to occur every day,” said Sen. Needleman. “Our federal government must do something about this problem, or it will continue to fester like an untreated wound, more innocent people caught in the crossfire in our schools, our houses of worship, our entertainment venues, our restaurants and the stores we visit every day. The time is far past for universal background checks to be adopted. Waiting periods to acquire firearms can save lives. As we saw in Georgia, tragically, a man can purchase a firearm immediately before using it to harm others. That’s not a world we should accept, and we shouldn’t have to. Our federal leaders have waited long enough and dragged their feet on this issue. Every day they continue to delay puts more men, women and children at risk.”Today, after the second mass shooting in a week saw a gunman take 10 lives in a Boulder, Colorado grocery store – just six days after a gunman killed 8, many of them Asian-American women, in an attack on Atlanta spas – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) called for action. In 2019, there were 417 mass shootings, including 31 mass murders, across the United States. Facing such dire statistics, Sen. Needleman said federal legislators must act in the interests of the American people.
“In just the last week, 18 people have died in these two mass shooting incidents – and that’s on top of firearm deaths that continue to occur every day,” said Sen. Needleman. “Our federal government must do something about this problem, or it will continue to fester like an untreated wound, more innocent people caught in the crossfire in our schools, our houses of worship, our entertainment venues, our restaurants and the stores we visit every day. The time is far past for universal background checks to be adopted. Waiting periods to acquire firearms can save lives. As we saw in Georgia, tragically, a man can purchase a firearm immediately before using it to harm others. That’s not a world we should accept, and we shouldn’t have to. Our federal leaders have waited long enough and dragged their feet on this issue. Every day they continue to delay puts more men, women and children at risk.”