Senator Duff Calls for State, Municipal, Some Medical Staffs to Receive Covid-19 Vaccine or Receive Weekly Testing
Also recommends medical offices disclose vaccination among staff
Following announcements this week at the federal level that federal employees will need to complete COVID-19 vaccination or be subject to increased testing and other steps to track and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, especially with the increased infectiousness of the virus’s delta variant, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) this week called for similar standards to be applied to state and municipal employees as well as employees under state funding or contracts as well as medical staff. Specifically, Sen. Duff said, those employees should have standards requiring vaccination, and if they decline the COVID-19 vaccine, they should be tested for the virus twice a week, plus be required to wear masks at all times and physically distance.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced that all federal employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to strict protocols. Employees who have not been vaccinated will always be required to wear masks on the job, physically distance from other employees and visitors, comply with weekly or twice-weekly COVID-19 testing screenings, and be subject to restrictions on official travel. The requirement is not a mandate, and employees who do not get vaccinated will not lose their jobs.
Additionally, on Thursday, the Department of Defense announced all military and civilian personnel will be asked to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, with those who do not subject to the same additional guidelines federal employees would be subject to. New York State has also said employees must be vaccinated or tested weekly.
“The concerning trend of COVID-19 infections rising across the country, including, to a thankfully lower extent at this time, in Connecticut, is a reminder that this disease remains infectious and dangerous, especially to the unvaccinated,” said Sen. Duff. “With federal and military employees subject to these restrictions announced by the President and Defense Department, it would make sense to apply a similar framework to Connecticut’s state and local employees. This would not be a mandate. It’s a common-sense way to restrict the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines work, and data continues to prove that COVID-19 vaccination lowers one’s risk of hospitalization or death many times over. We should encourage vaccination among as many individuals in our state as possible, and this is another way to achieve that goal.”
Sen. Duff also recommended that medical offices, including doctors, dentists and other patient-facing professionals, disclose if their office staff, as a group, is fully vaccinated. Such a move would allow patients access to important information, allowing them more freedom to make choices aligning with their beliefs.
“Many medical offices routinely experience patients who could be at higher risk of serious complication from COVID-19,” said Sen. Duff, “and those patients should be able to make choices based on information made available to them. By informing individuals if an office is fully vaccinated, medical offices can improve the confidence and security of their patients.”
Eastern Connecticut Delegation Disappointed After Housing Finance Authority Tax Decision Hurts Eastern Connecticut
Eastern Connecticut Delegation Disappointed After Housing Finance Authority Tax Decision Hurts Eastern Connecticut
Today, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators responded to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s new rules governing the state’s distribution of tax credits for affordable housing development, a change that is disconnected with eastern Connecticut. A month after winning a brief delay of the new tax credit rules, the legislators were disappointed that the CHFA voted to change a key metric in how state tax credits are levied.
The CHFA has long focused on “opportunity score” when deciding affordable housing projects to receive state tax credits, which lower the cost for builders. Cities and towns are graded according to the levels of “opportunity” in the surrounding community, including school rating, poverty rate, proximity to community colleges and jobs-to-population ratio, among others. A high score is important and a low one makes receiving state grants an arduous challenge; with the new scoring system, just 1% of Tolland, Windham and New London counties qualify as “high” opportunity areas, compared to 20% statewide.
In a letter to CHFA, signed by legislators including State Senators Osten, Paul Formica, Mae Flexer, Norm Needleman and Heather Somers, State Representatives Emmett Riley, Christine Conley, Brian Smith, Joe de la Cruz, Anthony Nolan, Kathleen McCarty, Holly Cheeseman, Greg Howard, Susan Johnson and Kevin Ryan, legislators recognized they recently met with CHFA officials to discuss the matter.
Despite the meeting, “we still believe that the proposed changes would continue to have an adverse effect on housing projects in any Eastern Connecticut counties rendering it nearly impossible for them to get funding,” the legislators wrote. “While you purport that the modifications to the plan do not represent any significant change, we do. Therefore, we fail to see a reason to modify the QAP in this way.”
“With this change, Eastern Connecticut will find itself in an extreme struggle to compete with the rest of the state for these key grants,” said State Senator Cathy Osten. “My colleagues and I agree that Connecticut needs affordable housing and the resultant job growth that comes with these projects. We disagree with CHFA’s decision to reassess how grant funding will be assigned, especially as it will predominantly harm one part of the state above others. Everywhere in Connecticut needs affordable housing, Eastern Connecticut included.”
State Senator Marilyn Moore Requests Investigation Into What Caused Bridgeport-Based People’s Bank To Lay Off 747 Employees
State Senator Marilyn Moore Requests Investigation Into What Caused Bridgeport-Based People’s Bank To Lay Off 747 Employees
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) is requesting the Banking committee to perform an investigation into what is causing Bridgeport-based People’s United Bank to lay off 747 employees following the merger with M&T Bank. Senator Moore is also requesting a hearing to be held revealing the possible causes as well as potential remedies of the action by People’s United Bank and M&T Bank.
Yesterday evening, Senator Moore sent a letter to the Vice Chair of the Banking Committee, Senator Doug McCrory and House Chair Representative Jason Doucette making these requests. The letter sent is below:
Dear Senator McCrory and Representative Doucette,
As you probably know, People’s United Bank formed a merger with M&T Bank. M&T Bank has announced the layoff of 747 employees with the greatest number impacting Bridgeport. I’m writing you both today to request the Banking committee perform an investigation into what caused M&T Bank to lay off 747 employees from People’s United Bank beginning October 1. I am also requesting a hearing to be held revealing the possible causes as well as potential remedies of the action by People’s United Bank and M&T Bank.
People’s United Bank served our community as a partner supporting non-profits, and local businesses. The impact of these layoffs will have a great economic impact on families, and local small businesses who many of the employees frequent. We expect no less from M&T, and these layoffs signal a different relationship and culture with the city and the community. The layoffs are being spread across 16 locations, however, the largest number of layoffs, 661, will be in Bridgeport where People’s United is headquartered. This instills fear amongst thousands of employees in our state. It causes families to worry if they will have a way to put food on the table and pay their bills.
Bridgeport has been a community that suffered from not only health issues from COVID-19 but also health disparities raised by the coronavirus pandemic in relation to Black and brown people. I have worked hard to bring justice to those in Bridgeport. With the news of almost 700 people losing their jobs in Bridgeport, something must be done.
I am requesting a hearing and investigation as soon as possible in order to produce a solution to those who will be affected by the merger.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Marilyn
M. Moore
State Senator, 22nd
Senate District
Senator Slap Joins Governor Lamont for Signing of Anti-Age Discrimination Bill into Law
Senator Slap Joins Governor Lamont for Signing of Anti-Age Discrimination Bill into Law
Today, Governor Lamont signed into law a bill introduced and championed by state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) over the past three years that would make Connecticut a national leader in protecting older workers from age discrimination. The law was passed unanimously through the Senate and in a near-unanimous vote in the House during the 2021 legislative session.
The law prohibits employers from asking for an applicants’ date of birth or school graduation and/or attendance dates on job applications. Connecticut joins only a few states in America that explicitly bans this type of information on job applications.
“Today, Connecticut closed a loophole in state law that will protect our older workers. Connecticut has one of the oldest workforces in the country and we are in the midst of a labor shortage. We lose too much experience, skills, and opportunity when people are prevented from even getting their foot in the door for a job because they are older,” said Sen. Slap. “While this new law will not eliminate age discrimination, it will make it more likely that older applicants are able to get to the interview stage and be vetted based on their professional experience, not their age.”
“I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate and House, the Connecticut AARP, the numerous advocates and especially Governor Lamont for taking this final step in making Connecticut a national leader in preventing age-based discrimination in the workplace.” Sen. Slap continued.
Senate Bill 56, “AN ACT DETERRING AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION,” is the same bill that received widespread support last year – including from the Connecticut AARP, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, and a group of West Hartford seniors – before the coronavirus pandemic ended the 2020 legislative session.
About 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, according to a 2018 AARP study. The study also found 76% of them view age discrimination as a hurdle to finding new employment.
Further, these new age-discrimination protections will benefit residents across Connecticut, which has the 6th-oldest workforce in the U.S., with a median age of 41 as of 2017 and 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s.
Nearly a third of U.S. households headed by a person 55 years old or above have no retirement savings or pension, meaning they will have to remain employed or rely on Social Security in order to survive financially.
Senators Anwar, Slap Joins Governor Lamont, Other Elected Officials To Welcome Security Grants For Houses Of Worship
Senators Anwar, Slap Joins Governor Lamont, Other Elected Officials To Welcome Security Grants For Houses Of Worship
Today, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined Governor Lamont, State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella, faith leaders and advocates at B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom synagogue in Bloomfield to announce the first round of grants awarded through the Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
The Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) was approved by Public Act 20-01; on Wednesday, the state announced $3.8 million in grants to 97 eligible non-profits in the first round of grant funding, including houses of worship, to help fortify themselves against hate crimes and other violent acts. Groups eligible for the grants are organizations at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime or violent act. The program has $5 million in total potential funding that can be awarded to cover expenses associated with installing security infrastructure improvements.
According to FBI statistics, Connecticut saw 76 hate crimes reported in 2019, the most recent year in which data has been compiled. Of those hate crimes, 48 were directed against an individual’s race, ethnicity or ancestry, and 16 involved a person’s religion.
The Anti-Defamation League reported 128 hate crimes statewide in 2020, a sharp increase from 65 in 2019. In 2020, there were 106 reported instances of white supremacist propaganda, 21 anti-Semitic incidents, an extremist murder and a white supremacist event, according to the ADL.
“It is unfortunate, but understandable, that many people do not feel safe when they go to their synagogue, mosque or church. This program will help not only make people feel safer, it will make them safer,” said Sen. Slap. I’m heartened that this initiative has been bipartisan and when we first proposed it the governor’s office was immediately supportive. Since then, they have displayed great leadership in processing the applications and getting the program moving. The need is great, so we included additional money in the bond bill we just passed. The bottom line: no one should have to be fearful when they worship.”
“No one should ever have to be in a state of fear when they are part of a religious community or in their place of worship,” said Sen. Anwar. “We have seen a steady rise in bigotry and hate within our society and the entire country as well as Connecticut. I am thankful for the Governor and his team, and my fellow legislators, for their uniting to ensure appropriate protections will be provided in places of worship for all communities who have felt vulnerable and threatened by voices of hate at this time. I hope as a society that we will come to a point where we do not need these investments, but until then, let’s make sure we protect each and every place.”
After an act of arson at a mosque in New Haven and a threat to burn down an Islamic center in Greater Hartford, with surge in anti-Semitic attacks across America coinciding in spring 2019, Sen. Slap and Sen. Anwar proposed and have continually pressed for additional state funding for security improvements at houses of worship. The legislators will continue to seek additional funding for further protection through programs like this.
The grant program allows eligible non-profit organizations to increase protection of facilities, staff, and visitors, while receiving assistance in covering expenses incurred between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2023 to improve security. Non-profits selected will receive a grant up to $50,000.
Under NSGP, eligible security infrastructure improvements include:
- Installing surveillance cameras
- Solid core doors
- Computer-controlled electronic locks entry door buzzer systems
- Panic alarms
- Real time interoperable communications and multimedia sharing infrastructure
- Ballistic glass
- Double door access
- Scan card systems
- Penetration-restraint vestibules
- Metal detectors
Non-profits applying for the grant program were required to provide a security assessment of their property and the organizations selected were based on a displayed need for security improvements.
Senators Anwar, Slap Joins Governor Lamont, Other Elected Officials To Welcome Security Grants For Houses Of Worship
Senators Anwar, Slap Joins Governor Lamont, Other Elected Officials To Welcome Security Grants For Houses Of Worship
Today, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined Governor Lamont, State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella, faith leaders and advocates at B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom synagogue in Bloomfield to announce the first round of grants awarded through the Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
The Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) was approved by Public Act 20-01; on Wednesday, the state announced $3.8 million in grants to 97 eligible non-profits in the first round of grant funding, including houses of worship, to help fortify themselves against hate crimes and other violent acts. Groups eligible for the grants are organizations at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime or violent act. The program has $5 million in total potential funding that can be awarded to cover expenses associated with installing security infrastructure improvements.
According to FBI statistics, Connecticut saw 76 hate crimes reported in 2019, the most recent year in which data has been compiled. Of those hate crimes, 48 were directed against an individual’s race, ethnicity or ancestry, and 16 involved a person’s religion.
The Anti-Defamation League reported 128 hate crimes statewide in 2020, a sharp increase from 65 in 2019. In 2020, there were 106 reported instances of white supremacist propaganda, 21 anti-Semitic incidents, an extremist murder and a white supremacist event, according to the ADL.
“It is unfortunate, but understandable, that many people do not feel safe when they go to their synagogue, mosque or church. This program will help not only make people feel safer, it will make them safer,” said Sen. Slap. I’m heartened that this initiative has been bipartisan and when we first proposed it the governor’s office was immediately supportive. Since then, they have displayed great leadership in processing the applications and getting the program moving. The need is great, so we included additional money in the bond bill we just passed. The bottom line: no one should have to be fearful when they worship.”
“No one should ever have to be in a state of fear when they are part of a religious community or in their place of worship,” said Sen. Anwar. “We have seen a steady rise in bigotry and hate within our society and the entire country as well as Connecticut. I am thankful for the Governor and his team, and my fellow legislators, for their uniting to ensure appropriate protections will be provided in places of worship for all communities who have felt vulnerable and threatened by voices of hate at this time. I hope as a society that we will come to a point where we do not need these investments, but until then, let’s make sure we protect each and every place.”
After an act of arson at a mosque in New Haven and a threat to burn down an Islamic center in Greater Hartford, with surge in anti-Semitic attacks across America coinciding in spring 2019, Sen. Slap and Sen. Anwar proposed and have continually pressed for additional state funding for security improvements at houses of worship. The legislators will continue to seek additional funding for further protection through programs like this.
The grant program allows eligible non-profit organizations to increase protection of facilities, staff, and visitors, while receiving assistance in covering expenses incurred between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2023 to improve security. Non-profits selected will receive a grant up to $50,000.
Under NSGP, eligible security infrastructure improvements include:
- Installing surveillance cameras
- Solid core doors
- Computer-controlled electronic locks entry door buzzer systems
- Panic alarms
- Real time interoperable communications and multimedia sharing infrastructure
- Ballistic glass
- Double door access
- Scan card systems
- Penetration-restraint vestibules
- Metal detectors
Non-profits applying for the grant program were required to provide a security assessment of their property and the organizations selected were based on a displayed need for security improvements.
Sen. Hartley Welcomes Investment in State’s Manufacturers and Manufacturing Training Programs
Sen. Hartley Welcomes Investment in State’s Manufacturers and Manufacturing Training Programs
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Middlebury and Naugatuck), co-chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Manufacturing Caucus, welcomed the $13 million investment approved by the State Bond Commission for Connecticut’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Advance Manufacturing program’s efforts. This substantial investment will encourage growth in the state’s advanced manufacturing sector, while supporting related workforce training and educational programs.
“Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support for Connecticut’s manufacturers,” said Sen. Hartley. “Connecticut is a state of creators and innovators. Our fast-growing manufacturing sector is an integral part of the state’s economy and it has many good-paying jobs ready to be filled by Connecticut’s workforce. I’m happy the state is furthering its commitment to training programs that will prepare residents to enter these life-long careers.”
The State Bond Commission approved $10 million for the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) to finance grants and loans. The MIF supports numerous initiatives including:
- Encouraging collaboration between businesses and institutions of higher education for research and development efforts
- Job training and educational programs to build up workforce skills
- Providing matching funds to federal grants
- Allocating vouchers to support business development and technical needs
In further support for the needs of the state’s manufacturing sector, the CSCU system was approved to receive $3 million to support the Advance Manufacturing program in acquiring new equipment.
Sen. McCrory Joins Connecticut National Medical Association for Legislative Roundtable on Health in the Black Community and Closing Health Disparities
Sen. McCrory Joins Connecticut National Medical Association for Legislative Roundtable on Health in the Black Community and Closing Health Disparities
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford, Windsor, and Bloomfield) participated in a virtual roundtable discussion hosted by the IMHOTEP Connecticut National Medical Association State Society (CT NMA) and UConn Health. The conversation with members of the CT NMA focused on several health issues relevant to the Black community including closing health disparities, and COVID-19 and vaccinations. Also, attendees received an update on pending federal legislation to improve health in the Black community and a comprehensive health equity law approved by the Connecticut General Assembly this past May.
“Health equity must be a priority for our state to have a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen for months the disproportionate impact this virus has had on communities of color, in addition to exacerbating health disparities that have existed for decades,” said Sen. McCrory. “I appreciate this opportunity to provide an update on legislative efforts to improve quality of health in Connecticut and hear from CT NMA members on how we can support the health needs of the Black community.”
Sen. McCrory was joined for the discussion by State Senator Patricia Billie Miller and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.
“The importance of understanding health disparities not only improves the physical health of a person but also enhances the treatment a person receives,” said Sen. Miller. “Health inequity is an issue that has existed far too long in the Black community and needs to be addressed. It is through discussions like these that we can work to find a resolution. Sen. McCrory and I have strived to be a voice for the people who are most impacted by health and healthcare inequalities and will continue to focus on flattening the curve toward better outcomes for their communities.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to discuss health concerns in the Black community with the IMHOTEP Connecticut National Medical Association State Society, UConn Health, and other elected officials. I am committed to working with these partners to increase access and affordability to healthcare in marginalized communities. The federal response much be holistic and include wraparound services backed up by federal funding,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
Leadership of CT NMA served as moderators of the discussion, along with providing introductions of panelists and closing remarks. CT NMA is a networking platform and collective voice for Black physicians. Together, the group serves as a leader in pushing for parity in medicine, eliminating health disparities, and the dissemination of health information to the Black community.
Iyanna Liles, MD, FACOG, Membership and Co-Programming Chair of the IMHOTEP Connecticut NMA State Society, and Joseph Walker III, MD served as moderators of the panelist question and answer portions for Congresswoman Hayes and the state legislative panelists.
“Legislative advocacy has always been my passion and I am delighted as the Membership and Co-Programming Chair of the CT NMA State Society to initiate our inaugural legislative roundtable discussion focusing on health topics pertinent to the Black community. I am honored to have a distinguished panel of Black legislative panelists inform Black physicians on federal and statewide initiatives that impact the patients we serve and allow opportunities for Black physicians to relay the issues our patients and clinicians face,” said Iyanna Liles, MD, FACOG, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UConn School of Medicine.
Dr. Walker has completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as a fellowship in Pain Medicine. He is an associate professor and currently works at the University of Connecticut Medical Center within the University Spine Center. He treats patients with a wide range of painful conditions. He has memberships in a number of local and national pain medicine and rehabilitation medicine societies.
Introductions of the public officials and CT NMA panelists was conducted by Dr. Marja M. Hurley, Vice President of the Imhotep Connecticut NMA State Society and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut and Ken Alleyne MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Chair, Community Development for CT NMA.
“As Vice President of the CT NMA State Society, I am very pleased that this legislative forum is being presented at this critical time to address the health care of the Black Community in Connecticut and I thank our federal and state legislators for their incredible support of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Medical Association, the oldest health care organization dedicated to providing and improving health of the Black Community,” said Dr. Hurley.
“We are appreciative of the time and attention provided by the Congresswoman Hayes, State Senators McCrory and Miller. As physicians it is important for us to have this type of access to both gain a deeper knowledge of critical issues and to have an opportunity to advocate on behalf our patients. This event focuses the importance of the sponsoring organization, the Connecticut chapter of the National Medical Association in helping address important concerns of the community,” said Ken Alleyne MD.
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, President of the Imhotep Connecticut NMA State Society and Van Dusen Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut, provided closing remarks of the discussion.
“As President of the CT NMA State Society, I am excited to see this important legislative program presented for the benefit of our members and supporters throughout the state. It is particularly gratifying to highlight these federal and state officials who have championed causes in support of Black people in Connecticut,” said Dr. Laurencin.
During this year’s legislative session, Sen. McCrory was a proud co-sponsor and voted in support of Senate Bill 1, now Public Act No. 21-35, “An Act Equalizing Comprehensive Access To Mental, Behavioral And Physical Health Care In Response To The Pandemic” which contained several provisions to advance health equity in Connecticut and address health disparities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this transformative law the following will occur:
- Declares racism a public health crisis
- Establishes a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to document and make recommendations to decrease the effect of racism on public health. The commission will undertake several initiatives including but not limited to creating a comprehensive strategic plan to eliminate health disparities and inequities across sectors, and support the building of new partnerships to promote health and equity and increase government efficiency
- The state Department of Public Health will study the development and implementation of a recruitment and retention program for health care workers in Connecticut who are people of color
Establish a gun violence intervention and prevention advisory committee to advise the Public Health Committee and Human Services Committee in the Connecticut General Assembly on creating a Commission on Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention to coordinate the funding and implementation of evidence-based, community-centric programs and strategies to reduce street-level gun violence in the state - U.S. H.R. 1400 – COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2021 – referred to the Subcommittee on Health in February 2021
- U.S. Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 – H.R. 959 referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2021 and S.346 referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the U.S. in February 2021
Also, during the legislative portion of the event, an overview was given of proposed federal legislation to tackle health disparities, address the high Black maternal mortality rate, and expanding access to maternal and prenatal care:
Senator Needleman Joins East Hampton Officials to Tour Lake Pocotopaug, Receive Update on Cyanobacteria Blooms
Senator Needleman Joins East Hampton Officials to Tour Lake Pocotopaug, Receive Update on Cyanobacteria Blooms
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined East Hampton officials including Town Manager David Cox, Town Council Chairman Peter Brown and Parks and Recreation Director Jeremy Hall to tour Lake Pocotopaug, which has been the site of recent Cyanobacteria blooms. The presence of the Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in the water required the temporary closure of the public swim area at Sears Park earlier this month. Sen. Needleman received updates on the state of the lake, which last week was reopened for swimming with a warning about the condition of the water. During the bloom, the water remained well below conditions that could cause concern for human health, meaning no members of the public were at risk, but the algae still disrupted local recreation in the heat of July.
The Chatham Health District has continually monitored conditions to ensure public safety and allow for a safe reopening of the swim area. It also noted that the lake’s current conditions are favorable to further the spread of Cyanobacteria; residents are encouraged to observe water before using the lake, and are recommended to avoid contacting water with a noxious odor, appearing green, or having mats, films or scums accumulating on the surface.
“Our lakes in Middlesex County are one of our greatest natural resources,” said Sen. Needleman, “and today’s tour was very encouraging, as our communities have leaders and volunteers who are eager and ready to take action against Cyanobacteria and other threats that could cause interruptions to summer fun like swimming and boating. The continued hard work put in place to protect Lake Pocotopaug is reassuring and I’m grateful that such dedication is being shown toward our natural resources.”
Cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae, are a form of algae that can have negative health outcomes for both the safety and security of a lake and life nearby. Common in summer, the bacteria can pose a threat to human and animal health, and can quickly grow in a body of water creating blooms on water surfaces and along shorelines.
East Hampton has invested in a three-part plan to preserve the lake. These include a watershed plan focused on reducing or eliminating nutrient-loading into Lake Poctopoaug to limit the potential spread of cyanobacteria, with numerous projects completed and in development to secure the safety of the body of water. Second, the town is also focusing on nutrients already in the lake that can assist a cyanobacteria surge, installing aerating infusers to keep the lake oxidized, and is using a “BioBlast” treatment, an organic product, that spreads beneficial bacteria throughout the lake that can compete with and reduce the frequency of such blooms. Third, the Lake Smart program and several seminars held each year focus on public education on how to better protect natural bodies of water like Lake Pocotopaug. Members of the public can also access information through town websites and resources to learn how they can help fight blue-green algae blooms and keep the lake safe.
Senator Haskell Joins Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, State Leaders to Celebrate Renewed Service on Hartford Line
Senator Haskell Joins Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, State Leaders to Celebrate Renewed Service on Hartford Line
MERIDEN – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Guilietti, State Representative Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden) and State Representative Mike Quinn (D-Meriden) at Meriden Train Station to celebrate the resumption of service on the Hartford Line rail service. The train service has not operated at a full schedule since March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bringing back frequent and convenient public transit is crucial from a workforce standpoint, from an equity standpoint, an environment standpoint,” said Sen. Haskell. “Connecticut businesses rely on public transit to get their employees to and from work. Rail is especially vital for working families who cannot afford a car. And every time someone takes public transit to work, it’s a win for those of us who want the next generation to enjoy clean air and clean water.”
“Today’s a big part of the Connecticut comeback,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, who noted the state had to scale back rail services at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. “Now, we’re able to reopen as train travel arises, and we’re thrilled that seven more times will be added. We’re here because the people of our state have taken COVID-19 seriously and our Governor has put us in a position where Connecticut is the fourth-most vaccinated state in the country. We want to encourage residents to get back on the train.”
“It is so great to see this reopening, and we owe a lot of thanks to the Governor and Lt. Governor for supporting transportation and our highways going all throughout this pandemic,” said Commissioner Giuletti. “Our Congressional delegation also helped us access important funding. As everyone complains about the traffic coming in, it makes me say ‘thank God, it means we’re starting to return to normal,’ and now we’re going to be going back to normal with our rail service, making sure we can meet those riders’ needs.”
Seven round-trip train lines eliminated in March 2020 will return to the train schedule, while four trains on Shoreline East will be extended from Old Saybrook to New London. Also operating on the line, Amtrak recently increased service between Boston and New York City.